Trendy fashions and tasteful elegance go happily hand in hand in Stuttgart, the state capital of Baden-Württemberg. There are lots of tempting goods on offer, especially in the heart of the city with its smart pedestrian precincts and shopping arcades which invite visitors to stroll around and window-shop. And afterwards the city's restaurants, inns and cafés have something to satisfy even the most critical guest with their excellent selection of food and drink.
The Königstrasse – over a kilometre in length – is a busy shopping boulevard with specialist shops, department stores, cafés, restaurants and relaxation areas. One of Germany's longest and finest shopping thoroughfares, it begins opposite the main railway station and runs right through the heart of the city. Other streets to the right and left of it, such as the Eberhardstrasse, the Stiftstrasse and the stylish Calwer Strasse are equally inviting, with elegant shops and boutiques. If you're looking for way-out fashions and up-and-coming designers, the Gerberviertel, or Tanners' Quarter, is the place to go. The pedestrian zones and shopping arcades serve street artists from all four corners of the globe as an open-air auditorium for concerts and theatre performances. The bustling diversity of the Königstrasse is one of the reasons why visitors like to linger here late in the evening after the shops have closed, especially on the steps of the Kleiner Schlossplatz (Small Palace Square) next to the new Museum of Art, a popular meeting place.
Since May 2006 a visit to the refurbished Königsbaupassagen (Königsbau Arcades) has been a must for all shopping freaks. This modern and spacious shopping complex, with a sales area of some 25.000 sq.m spread over 5 levels, was designed by Hascher & Jehle, the architects of the Museum of Art. The Königsbaupassagen adjoin the classical Königsbau and are now the new haunt of lovers of modern design. Whether in the "Stilwerk" store with its top names from the field of interior design, or in the boutiques of "in" fashion designers – the new Königsbaupassagen have something for every taste. The name of Breuninger, Stuttgart's leading clothing store, has for many decades stood for top quality, a superior and varied selection of goods, and competent staff to advise shoppers. This large store on the Marketplace along with the cafés in the Karlspassage is where to go if you want to see - and be seen in - the latest fashion trends.
A visit to the beautiful Jugendstil Market Hall will bring back memories of holidays in southern climes. Here you will find all kinds of exotic delicacies, fruits and flowers from the four corners of the globe. This speciality market and gourmet's paradise also houses an exceptional kind of store. Merz & Benzing, on the gallery of the Market Hall, sells an enticing and inspiring range of articles for the home and garden.
Shopping tends to work up an appetite, so if you're hungry and thirsty after a successful shopping spree, visit one of Stuttgart's eating places and try some of the delicacies that Swabian cuisine has to offer: "Maultaschen" (filled pasta squares), handmade "Spätzle" (noodles), lentils with "Saitenwürstle" (frankfurters), "Gaisburger Marsch" (a typical Stuttgart speciality with meat, Spätzle and potatoes), Swabian "Rostbraten" (fried steak) and substantial sandwiches. To go with these dishes, try one of Stuttgart's excellent wines, a refreshing beer from one of Stuttgart's breweries or the effervescent mineral water with curative properties which bubbles profusely from the springs in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt.
TIP: The first Stuttgart Shopping Festival has a whole host of highlights in store. From Thursday, 18th September, through Sunday, 21st September you can “shop till you drop”. But that’s not all! On each of these days there will be an attractive programme of supporting events on the large events stage on picturesque Palace Square right in the heart of the city. On the Marketplace, too, there will be a wide range of activities on offer. Competitions, exclusive fashion shows, DJs and a spectacular firework display will thrill audiences. Retail stores, such as Breuninger’s, the internationally renowned, exclusive outfitters on the Marketplace, will present attractive promotion features and special offers. And thanks to the legendary Swabian hospitality there will be plenty to eat and drink to round off an enjoyable shopping spree.
Source: Stuttgart-Marketing GmbH