Stuttgart is best known as the birthplace of the car. However, the city is home to a multitude of attractions that are bound to captivate all tourists, regardless of their interests.

From its unusual sculptures to its WWII history, you'll find there's plenty to discover in the "Cradle of the Automobile." Free walking tours in Stuttgart enable you to explore the most celebrated spots in the city, learning about their backgrounds from a lively guide.

Here's all you need to know about free walking tours, one of the most engaging sightseeing tours in Stuttgart.

How do free walking tours work?

In recent years, free walking tours in Stuttgart have become very popular, since they provide travelers with a budget-friendly and authentic way of experiencing the German city.

While these walking tours of Stuttgart are completely free to book and participate in, it is encouraged that you tip your tour guide at the end of the tour. The amount you decide to tip is completely up to you.

How much should you tip?

When your free walking tour concludes, you have the option to tip your guide. When deciding the amount you wish to tip, you should take into account the effort that your guide put into the tour, along with how much you enjoyed the tour overall.

Most tour participants tend to tip between €10 and €15 per person, but some people tip as much as €50 for outstanding tours.

What are the best free walking tours in Stuttgart?

Free walking tour in Stuttgart

Discover a wealth of attractions across the city alongside an enthusiastic guide who is passionate about Stuttgart. After meeting your guide, you’ll begin your leisurely stroll through the city, passing by a plethora of interesting attractions and monuments. These include the State Theater, which is formed of three buildings, each of which is dedicated to a different art form — opera, ballet and drama.

You’ll discover the Hans-im-Glück Fountain — often referred to as “Lucky Hans” — featuring a man straddling a golden pig, as well as the charming area that surrounds the statue, which was remodeled in the 20th century but has maintained its old-world charm. Allow your guide to fill you in on Stuttgart’s Town Hall, which features a soaring tower that measures over 60 meters, and was bombed heavily in WWII, resulting in a redesign in the middle of the 20th century.

Another destination you’ll explore on your free walking tour in Stuttgart is Schillerplatz, which is named after the great German poet and philosopher, Friedrich Schiller. The mastermind lived during the 18th century and was known as a friend of the esteemed Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who he encouraged to finish some of his now most beloved works. The square features a statue dedicated to Schiller and is known to house a spectacular local market several times per week.

As your guide leads you to this selection of the most fascinating locations, they’ll provide you with a whirlwind introduction to the city, informing you about the history behind its buildings, as well as any other interesting tidbits of knowledge.

In which languages is it operated?

Free tours in Stuttgart are available in English, as well as in German and Spanish. As the popularity of these types of excursions grows, it is likely that the choice of languages on offer will increase, making them suitable for more travelers.

Where does it start?

There are various meeting points for free walking tours in Stuttgart, all of which are located in the center of the city. You’ll usually be asked to meet at an easy-to-reach landmark, such as a tourist information center. You can see the starting location of each tour before booking so that you can plan your route and arrange any necessary transportation in advance.

How long does last?

Free tours in Stuttgart typically last around 2 hours. While you won’t see the whole city in this time, you will be able to visit some of its most celebrated attractions and get a feel for the destination.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Some free walking tours in Stuttgart are wheelchair-friendly, while others are not. You should consult the booking page of your selected excursion to see whether it’s suitable for your group, and if not, you can instead select from a range of Stuttgart city tours that are more accessible.

When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Stuttgart?

The best time to join a free walking tour in Stuttgart is during the warmer months, namely from May to September, when the weather is pleasant. Tours of the city usually start in the morning, around 10:00 am, so you can take advantage of the cooler temperature and less crowded streets.

Should you book tickets online?

It is advisable to book your free walking tour in Stuttgart online in advance. By doing so, you’ll save yourself precious vacation time that would otherwise be spent roaming the streets, searching for a guide.

You’ll also be able to check out the itinerary and reviews for each excursion to ensure you select one that suits your needs. It takes just a couple of minutes to secure your spot and you won’t need to input your credit card details.

Free Walking Tours in Stuttgart