Palace Square (Schlossplatz Stuttgart)

The basics

Many travelers come to the centrally located Palace Square during guided city tours. Along with visiting this photogenic square, tours typically also showcase other nearby historical sites, such as the Market Hall, Stuttgart Town Hall, and Hans im Glück Fountain. Another way to go—independently but with a twist—is to opt for a self-guided exploration game.

Things to know before you go

• The square is wide and flat, so easily accessible for visitors using wheelchairs and strollers.

• There are plenty of restaurants in the area.

• If it’s raining, the nearby Königsbau Passagen is an indoor shopping mall with a food court.

• Public restrooms are available at the Schlossplatz station.

How to get there

To reach Palace Square, head to the Schlossplatz U-Bahn station via the U5, U6, U7, U12, or U15 line. Another option is taking bus #42 or #44, or walking there; the square is around a 7-minute walk from Stuttgart Central Station.

When to get there

The square is a fun spot to visit year-round, but it’s particularly vibrant in December during the annual Christmas market, when you can shop and skate on the outdoor ice rink. It’s also buzzing in the summer, when it hosts outdoor concerts and screenings.

Places to eat near Palace Square

There’s a number of excellent dining options near Palace Square. For Italian, try Senzanome Cucina Italiana, and for fine dining, 5 Gourmet Restaurant & Bar is a great choice, with a tasting menu and sushi. If you’d like an extensive wine list and small bites, there’s San’s Bistro and Weinbar, while Alte Kanzlei offers hearty Swabian dishes in a 16th-century building.