Charmingly situated in the heart of one of Germany's largest wine-growing regions, this vibrant metropolis fascinates visitors from all over the world. The state capital of Baden-Württemberg delights tourists not only by virtue of its magnificent panorama, its impressive gardens and parks, its fine squares, splendid palaces and buildings in a wide range of architectural styles, but also by its cultural diversity.

Another big draw for visitors to Stuttgart is the sensational Mercedes-Benz World, which opened in May 2006. On a total area of approx. 17.000 sq.m. spread over 9 levels, the New Mercedes-Benz Museum shows around 160 vehicles on permanent display, including not only the earliest models – such as the Gottlieb Daimler Motor Carriage and the Karl Benz patent Motor Car, both dating from the year 1886 – but also the latest series production vehicles. One particularly impressive exhibit is the fully armour-plated luxury limousine formerly used by the Japanese emperor Hirohito. December 2008 will also see the opening of another spectacular museum by Porsche, showing more than 80 serial vehicles, prototypes and racing cars.

Stuttgart's traditional festivals also enjoy world-wide popularity: the great Stuttgart Spring Festival, the elegant Summer Festival whose white pavilions, countless fairy lights and lanterns make it one of Germany's most delightful city festivals, and the Stuttgart Wine Village around the Old Palace, with some 120 lovingly decorated wine arbours. And at the end of September things really heat up during the 17 days of the Stuttgart Beer Festival (Canstatter Volksfest), which originated as a harvest thanksgiving festival in 1818. Its numerous fairground attractions and the vast beer tents holding up to 5.000 visitors make it one of the world's biggest and best beer festivals. During the weeks of Advent, the Stuttgart Christmas Market opens its doors to visitors. First officially mentioned in 1692, it today enjoys a reputation as one of the largest and most attractive of its kind in Europe. Approx. 250 lovingly trimmed wooden stalls with their artistically decorated roofs tempt visitors to wander round in the nostalgic Christmas atmosphere. With its exclusive arcades, its elegant shops and attractive department stores, Stuttgart is also a shopper's paradise. And gourmets appreciate its excellent regional delicacies and exquisite, award-winning haute cuisine.