Stuttgart sits in a fertile valley known as the Stuttgarter Kessel, spread across hills, vineyards and parks rather than laid out on a flat grid. That terrain shapes everything about a visit here, including where it makes sense to sleep: some neighbourhoods are a short walk from the centre, others sit uphill or out in the districts and are best reached by S-Bahn, Stadtbahn or bus.
For a visitor, the practical geography is fairly simple. The city centre, Mitte, clusters around the Königstraße and the Hauptbahnhof, with the districts of West and Süd within walking distance of it. Further out lie Nord, Cannstatt, Feuerbach and Vaihingen, all reachable by public transport, plus the airport area to the south. This guide covers which of these areas to base yourself in, and what each is like for different kinds of travellers.
Best areas to stay in Stuttgart
1. Mitte
Mitte is the city centre, centred on the Königstraße and within easy reach of the Hauptbahnhof. It is the most convenient base for a first visit, since the main shopping street, the station and the Schlossgarten are all here, and it is described as probably the nicest option as well as the most expensive one.
You will find the widest range of accommodation here, from budget hostels and simple city hotels to the city's top-ranking luxury properties, several of which face the Schlossgarten or sit just north of the Hauptbahnhof. It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to walk to the sights rather than commute. Note that some addresses on Heilbronner Straße carry a Mitte name but are actually uphill and around a kilometre and a half north of the Hauptbahnhof, so check the exact position before booking.
2. West
West is one of the districts still within walking distance of the city centre, and it is described as beautiful. It gives you a quieter, more residential feel while keeping the centre accessible on foot.
This area suits travellers who want to be close to Mitte without paying centre prices, and it has at least one budget-friendly dorm-style option. If you are basing yourself here, plan on walking into the centre rather than relying on a short hop by transport.
3. Süd
Süd lies to the south of the centre and is also within walking distance of it. Marienplatz is the local anchor, with a Stadtbahn stop of the same name and a hotel directly on the square.
It works well for visitors who want a slightly removed base with good connections, and it has both mid-range and budget-friendly places. From Marienplatz you are a short ride or a longer walk from the centre, and the district is well served by public transport.
4. Cannstatt
Cannstatt, including Bad Cannstatt, is an outer district on the Neckar with its own centre and a quiet, suburban character. It is served by the Stadtbahn, with the U2 running through it, so the city centre remains easy to reach.
This area suits visitors coming for events at the stadium or the arenas, and anyone who prefers a calmer base with reliable transport over a central location. Accommodation here includes mid-range hotels and the city's only campsite, which sits between the Neckar, the Cannstatter Wasen and the stadium. Be aware that rates in the area can rise sharply when major events are on, and that some hotels near the arenas are a fair distance from the centre with limited transport options.
5. Nord
Nord covers the area north of the Hauptbahnhof, including the Nordbahnhof quarter. It is an outer district rather than a central one, despite what some hotel names suggest, and parts of it lie uphill from the station.
It suits travellers who want straightforward public transport access and lower rates than Mitte, and it has mid-range chain hotels. Expect a walk or a short ride to reach the centre, and note that some addresses here are around a kilometre and a half uphill from the Hauptbahnhof.
6. Feuerbach
Feuerbach is an industry and office district north of the city, with Stadtbahn stops including Sieglestraße and Maybachstraße, and it sits near Pragsattel. It is a practical rather than picturesque base.
It suits budget-conscious travellers and those arriving by car who want easy access and lower prices, and it has budget and mid-range chain hotels. The trade-off is distance: you will depend on the Stadtbahn to reach the centre and the main sights.
7. Vaihingen
Vaihingen is an outer district to the south, sitting roughly equidistant between the airport and the Hauptbahnhof and directly opposite a major S-Bahn and U-Bahn stop.
It suits travellers who want a quieter, well-connected base with easy access both to the city and to the airport, and it has mid-range and upscale options. Because it is served by both S-Bahn and U-Bahn, getting around is straightforward despite the distance from the centre.
8. Airport and Messe area
The area around Stuttgart Airport, in Leinfelden-Echterdingen, is also next to the fairgrounds. It is a business-oriented zone rather than a place to base yourself for sightseeing.
It suits travellers with an early flight, business visitors to the Messe, and anyone passing through. Accommodation here is mid-range to upscale and aimed largely at business travellers. If you have a very early departure, note that the airport's check-in areas stay open at night, so spending the night there is possible.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: dorm beds and shared rooms in central hostels, simple chain budget rooms, and the city's single campsite in Cannstatt. Some hostels charge separately for extras such as internet, breakfast, towels or shampoo, and a youth hostel card may or may not be required depending on the property.
- Mid-range: chain hotels in Mitte, Süd, Nord, Feuerbach, Cannstatt and Vaihingen, plus larger hotels in the outer districts and near the airport. Rooms are typically straightforward, with breakfast and WiFi sometimes included and sometimes not.
- Splurge: the top-ranking hotels in Mitte, several of them facing the Schlossgarten or close to the Hauptbahnhof, with larger room categories, wellness facilities and on-site restaurants. Upscale airport hotels serve business travellers and Messe visitors.
Best area for a first visit
Mitte is the best base for a first visit. It puts you around the Königstraße and within walking distance of the Hauptbahnhof, the Schlossgarten and the districts of West and Süd, so you can cover the centre on foot. It is the most expensive option, but it removes the need to plan every trip around public transport.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car to get around Stuttgart's districts?
No. Nord, Cannstatt, Feuerbach and Vaihingen are all reachable by public transport, and Vaihingen sits directly opposite a major S-Bahn and U-Bahn stop. If you do arrive by car, check parking possibilities with your accommodation in advance.
Which areas are within walking distance of the city centre?
Mitte itself, plus the districts of West and Süd, are all within walking distance of the centre. Everything further out is best reached by S-Bahn, Stadtbahn or bus.
Where should I stay if I have an early morning flight?
The area around the airport in Leinfelden-Echterdingen has mid-range and upscale hotels next to the terminal and the fairgrounds. Alternatively, the airport's check-in areas stay open at night, so it is possible to spend the night there.
When are prices likely to be higher?
Rates rise around major events. Hotels near the Porsche and Mercedes-Benz arenas tend to see prices climb during big events, and the Cannstatt campsite charges more when large events are held nearby.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.