Miniature world Stuttgart

The Railway Station was built in 1920 as a terminus station. The 56-meter-high tower with its rotating and illuminated Mercedes-Benz is one of the most famous city landmarks. On top of the tower there is an exhibition of the most controversial infrastructure project in Germany called S21. The plan is to convert the main line terminus station into an underground through station by turning the tracks with a 90-degree angle to the present station. It's free to climb up and grants awesome views of Königstraße and the city.

Watch and listen to the ballet company of the state theater Stuttgart. It is one of the world's best ensembles founded by legacy of John Cranko. Definitely a top place to go to in the evening. You'll need to reserve tickets in advance.

Pass the New Palace to the left and you find yourself in the beautiful Schlossgarten with the Opernhaus in front of an artificial lake, as part of the Staatstheater Stuttgart. Also the parliament of the state of Baden-Würrtemberg is there.

A fascinating astronomical journey, projected by optical hightech equipment: Carl Zeiss Planetarium. Almost all the shows conducted here are in German. You may have to check with the office for English show timings.

The Königsbau was erected 1856-1860 directly in front of the Neues Schloss as a multi-functional building to host commerce and special events, at the order of King Wilhem I (hence the name, which means "king's building"). Its Schlossplatz facade, with 34 columns over 135 metres, serves as a balance to the equally imposing palace opposite. In the latter half of the 20th century, the rebuilt Königsbau became shortly the seat of Stuttgart's stock exchange, and a part of a large shopping centre called Königsbau Passagen, which extends behind the main building.

The Schlossplatz is the largest square in Stuttgart, right in the middle of the Mitte in front of the Neues Schloss. It was created as parade grounds for the palace, and is now a public green area with lawns, flowerbeds, twin fountains and a decorative bandstand. It immediately adjoins the Koenigstraße, and a number of key buildings can be accessed immediately from it. In warmer months, the Schlossplatz is always full of locals, students and tourists enjoying its relaxing atmosphere. It is also an event location.