21 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Stuttgart

You don't need to be a skier or a hiker to enjoy Zermatt, but if you are, everything you could ever want is right here at your doorstep. And of course, you can't help but be stunned by the majesty of the Matterhorn towering above it all.

Few places in the world are as charming as the Swiss Alps. The snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and mountain-side chalets provide the stunning backdrop to many towns in the country but Zermatt stands out as one of the most impressive for several reasons.

Despite being home to some of Tuscany's most fabulous medieval churches, as well as towers, and priceless art treasures, Lucca's biggest attraction to tourists is that it's just fun to be here.

These form a magical backdrop for one of Germany's most atmospheric Christmas markets, when 200 tradesmen gather, dressed in medieval costumes, to sell authentic crafts from the Middle Ages: pewterware, blown glass, wool, wrought iron, wood carving, and leather work are traded amid entertainment by period minstrels and jugglers.

For a well-preserved, walkable, authentic German town, it's hard to beat Esslingen.

Address: Porscheplatz 1, Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen

A look at the inner workings of a vehicle at the Porsche Museum | Photo Copyright: Michael Law

Author Michael Law in a car at the Porsche Museum

The most popular part of the museum, even for those with little interest in automobiles and racing, is the interactive 12-meter Porsche Touchwall, where you can use touch frames to browse through more than 3,000 drawings, photos, posters, and advertisements from the vast historical archive.

Porsche's vehicles, with their sexy lines and powerful engines, have been aspirational cars for generations.

Address: Mercedesstraße 100, Stuttgart

One thing to note about a visit here is that the museum is located a fair distance from the train station.