Germany was never really on my radar. I’ve always preferred beach destinations and warmer weather. The only German cities I’d ever thought about were Berlin, and I’d been to Cologne once for work. Stuttgart? Never even crossed my mind.
How I Ended Up There: A Black Friday Deal
I was browsing flights during Black Friday and found a really good deal. Even better, the flight left from Heathrow Terminal 2, which is only a 45-minute bus ride from my place.
The only downside was the timing. It was late November, and Stuttgart was cold. We’re talking –4°C to –8°C.
I’m not great with cold weather, so I was a bit nervous. But when I got there, it wasn’t as bad as I expected. Sure, it was colder than London, but there wasn’t that harsh wind that usually makes winter uncomfortable. The air was quite still, which made the cold much more bearable.
Getting Into the City: Pretty Straightforward
I got on my EuroWings flight not really knowing what to expect. Everything went smoothly:
- Passport control took about five minutes
- The S-Bahn train from the airport to the city centre takes around 27 minutes
- I got off right by the Stuttgart City Library
Quick tip for weekend trips: always check how far the airport is from the city centre. A short transfer means more time to actually explore.
Walking Around: Quite Pleasant
First stop was the Stuttgart City Library, a striking cube-shaped building with a really minimalist interior. Then I walked into the city centre. It was busy but comfortable, with locals setting up wooden stalls and decorations for the Christmas market, which is apparently one of the oldest in Germany, dating back to the 17th century.
Despite the winter chill, I felt surprisingly relaxed. Benztown is quieter than most major European cities, and it’s very walkable.
The Mercedes-Benz Museum: Worth the Visit
I’m not really a car enthusiast, but it felt like it would be a shame to visit Stuttgart – where the automobile was invented – and skip the Mercedes-Benz Museum. Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler created the first modern cars here in the late 1800s.
The museum was genuinely impressive:
- Over 160 vehicles on display, from the first patented car (from 1886) to modern Formula 1 cars
- The building itself is quite futuristic, with a spiral design that takes you through over 130 years of car history
- I ended up spending several hours there, and even picked up some Mercedes merchandise – which surprised me given I’m not usually interested in cars
Final Thoughts: A Pleasant Surprise
What started as a random Black Friday deal turned into a really enjoyable weekend. Stuttgart was peaceful, easy to navigate, and had interesting history. I made sure to try some classic German dishes before heading back – a Bratwurst and a Schnitzel felt like a fitting way to end the trip.
I’m glad I visited, and I’d recommend Benztown to anyone looking for a quiet, culture-focused European break. Sometimes the best trips are the ones you don’t plan.
