Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.
While everyone has heard of the flourishing gay scene in Berlin, Frankfurt, and Hamburg, Gay Stuttgart – Germany’s sixth-largest city – often flies under the radar.
While Stuttgart might be famous for fast cars, fancy restaurants and hard workers, travel insiders know Stuttgart for its rolling hills, vast vineyards, some of the biggest folk festivals in the world and culture.
Yes, Stuttgart is often ranked as the best city for culture in Germany, employing the highest proportion of people in the culture sector as well as having the largest proportion of people who attend shows, museums, concerts and other cultural events.
Throughout the year, there are over 200 food, dance, art, music and cultural festivals in Stuttgart, and that’s without even counting all the gay parties in Stuttgart!
Stuttgart, the state capital of Baden-Württemberg, is also home to the Swabian people – an ethnic group distinct from their Alemannic and Bavarian neighbors. Basically, the Scots of Germany and Swabians are renowned for their thriftiness (and wealth), an excessive affinity for cleaning, a somewhat unintelligible dialect and being prudish, bourgeois simpletons.
Indeed, immigration Swabians are largely blamed for ruining Berlin’s rough-around-the-edges vibes. While not as quite as open-minded as the rest of Germany – the financial benefit of a family is highly valued here – gay travelers are highly unlikely to experience any issues at all.
The stereotype goes that Swabians are more worried about their checkbook than extraneous issues (for them).
While Germany might have taken a ‘better later than never’ approach to legalizing gay marriage, it is now frequently named one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world. LGBT people are simply embraced as a natural part of society, and no big fuss is generally made outside of the annual Stuttgart Pride.
Today in Gay Stuttgart, there is a well-established queer scene, although with many in the LGBT community no longer feeling the need to segregate themselves, many gay clubs have closed recently.
In their place, many ‘pop up’ gay events or take-overs of otherwise ‘straight clubs’ occur, so there is still plenty of nightlife.
We can’t help but feel like something has been lost in this shift, however, but in this city of business – money talks, and if they were not being used, it only made sense to close and move on to the next thing.
Most of the remaining bars, clubs and saunas of the Stuttgart gay scene are found in the city center, and while the gay nightlife isn’t as wild as the rest of Germany, it still has a lot of energy and heart!
In this article we will cover...
Attractions in Gay Stuttgart
Obviously, being gay does not define which attraction most of us will want to see in each city, and most queer tourists will simply want to check out the top things to see in Stuttgart during the day! Stuttgart is a very safe city, but still, all travelers should take caution with valuables.
Gay people in Stuttgart do not need to take any extra precautions in terms of public displays of affection in this very progressive city and should have no issues exploring Stuttgart’s beauty!
Gay Things To Do In Stuttgart
The main attraction of any trip to Stuttgart, you couldn’t really miss it if you’ve tried. The Palace Square is the vibrant heart of the city, a place to linger and people watch while admiring the view of the New Palace backdrop.
The former residence of the Counts of Württemberg, today this magnificent renaissance structure is home to the Württemberg State Museum with its medieval art, glassworks and Crown Jewels.
Car Museums
Since Stuttgart is basically the car capital of the world, any motoring enthusiasts won’t want to miss either the Mercedes-Benz Museum, the Porsche Museum or Motorworld Region Stuttgart. For true fans, there is also the V8 Hotel…
A beautiful historic castle park now how to a world-class zoo and botanical park.
Nestled in the forests west of Stuttgart, this Rococo masterpiece offers opulent interiors and sweeping views across the surrounding plains.
One of the leading art museums in Europe displays mainly 20th-century art, although exhibitions also include prints, drawings & photographs.
An icon of the new Stuttgart, this glass cube museum resembles an Apple Store but inside is largely modern and contemporary art, including a large collection of Otto Dix’s work.
Lovers of architecture and history have to visit this housing estate built for an international showcase in 1927 of what would later be termed the International style of modern architecture.
Two of its buildings were designed by Le Corbusier and have since been inscribed by UNESCO. Tours are available of the restored cubist houses, and don’t forget to visit the architectural museum.
Fun little museums dedicated to viticulture-related art and wine-making history. The wooden building is beautiful, though we enjoyed the samples at the gift shop the most.
An urban green space just out of the city with an impressive sculptural aberration tower, a small petting zoo, lakes and a small railway. Perfect for exploring on a summer’s day.
A 216 m telecommunications tower built in 1954, it is significant as the first telecommunications tower in the world constructed from reinforced concrete. The Fernsehturm Stuttgart was also the first broadcasting tower to include a public observation space, restaurants and shops, which was then used as the prototype for all the towers worldwide we see today.
Built-in 1962 after the original theatre was destroyed in WW2. You can enjoy world-class opera, ballet and theatre here while tickets can cost as little as 8 euros depending on the event and seating.
A cavernous white wonder that is one of the most talked about architectural feats in the city. Only colored by books and visitors, the grand atrium covering five stories is a modernist work of wonder, being both bright, warm and intimate. One of the world’s most beautiful libraries – and it’s free to visit!
Often named one of the best Christmas markets in German. We loved the almost 300 wooden market stands, over-the-top winter lights, historic builds and delicious food. Better than markets in both Munich and Prague, largely because far-less tourists visit here, so you get a nice local vibe. The Stuttgart Christmas markets generally run for 25 days leading up to Christmas.
A historic monument of the city. This grand art nouveau building holds more foodie specialties and gourmet delights than we could count from all over the world. It’s expansive, with a restaurant and viewing gallery on the 1st floor, but to really get an idea of what’s going on here, you should head out on a food tour.
Another grand palace is often called the “Versailles of Swabia”. It is amongst the largest in Grman and the only palace from the Baroque period to not endure significant damage during the war.
Gay Annual Events In Stuttgart
Also known as ‘Christopher Street Day’, this week-long party celebrates the role of the LGBT community in making Stuttgart what it is today and is totally worth planning a trip around. Held annually in July since 1980, the highlights are the huge street festival, a vibrant parade, and the GayDelight Spring Festival – but there are plenty of other events!
Today Stuttgart Pride is largely about celebrating, but Stuttgart Pride still has a strong focus on its political roots and ensures total equality for all citizens in the future.
Held annually in September/October, this is basically Oktoberfest in Stuttgart. Cheaper, more local and less stressful than the Munich Octoberfest. Many Germans will tell you this beautiful Autumnal/ folk festival is also one the best beer-drinking festival in the world.
There should also be a gay day at Cannstatter Volksfest, like Gay Oktoberfest, but we can’t find any solid information on what should be the biggest Gay Party in Stuttgart (please contact us if you do.)
Gaydelight @ Stuttgart Spring Festival
A large organized gay day at Europe’s biggest Spring Festival where over 1.5 million guests visit the ‘Cannstatter Wasen / Spring Festival’ fairgrounds. Gaydelight also has an after-party and a special lesbian event. Gaydelight also hosts other events throughout the year; just see their Facebook page.
Holds gay film events across Germany, and there is at least one annually in Stuttgart. A fun way to meet people in the Stuttgart gay community without using dating apps or alcohol. Plus, the films are pretty amazing (but you just need to see the sexy yet sad Free Fall / Freier Fall before you go to Gay Germany!)
Gay-Friendly and Gay Hotels in Stuttgart
Being one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world, almost every hotel and hostel in Stuttgart can be considered open and welcoming to LGBT travelers. After all, being gay-friendly is simply providing a non-judgmental and respectful environment in which all people are treated equally.
Elegant design, helpful staff and great value for money also help. Some businesses in Gay Stuttgart have gone above and beyond in recognizing and marketing to the LGBT community, and it seems to have paid off!
There are now quite a few well-known hotels in Stuttgart that are go-to hot spots for gay travelers. And really, doesn’t everyone like to be surrounded by people with common interests?! Sadly there are no gay hotels in Stuttgart, but there are hundreds of other hotel options in Stuttgart if you don’t find what you are looking for.
Gay tourists normally find the most fun place to stay is central in Stuttgart ‘Mitte’ – close to all the attractions by the gay and gay bars by night. However, as long as you are close to a subway or have hired your own car, everything is relatively easy to reach.
We have put a Gay Stuttgart map at the end in case you need some help getting an idea of where everything is. Whether you want a fun and social hostel, a cheap place to crash after a night of partying or a chic designer option to sip cocktails and surround yourself with fabulous people – Gay Stuttgart is something for everyone!
Althoff Hotel am Schlossgarten ☆☆☆☆☆
A modern luxury hotel that gushes culture and class. The most gay-popular hotel in Stuttgart with a wood-paneled Michelin-starred restaurant, castle gardens and homely suites. In the heart of the city, even if you can’t stay, try to stop by for delicious cocktails at the American-style John Cranko Lounge.
A modern glass-and-brick hotel with refined dining, 3 separate bars, and bright, upscale rooms. The suites feature jacuzzis, saunas and fireplaces for a truly romantic gaycation. We also enjoyed access to Le Spa – the largest in downtown Stuttgart – and a 24h fitness center.
On the doorstep of the Stuttgart railway station, this unique hotel has an imposing stone facade dating back to the 1870s, yet inside, it is thoroughly modern. Contemporary rooms, a chic Austrian-Swabian restaurant, a luxurious spa, and a gym.
A gay-popular designer hotel with an intriguing ‘Sorcerer’s Apprentice’ theme in Stuttgart’s sought-after medieval quarter. With seventeen fun and funky rooms, each uniquely designed, including Cooper bathtubs, whirlpools and circular beds.
A modern new hotel set in a high-rise hotel that is quickly becoming an icon of the city. With the laid-back design, funky colors and fabulous views, this new hotel chain has big ambitions to offer redefined rock-star luxury for the younger generation. Already in Gay Amsterdam and will be expanding to Vienna soon!
A new and modern hotel aimed at millennials and tech-savvy travelers who want something a bit different. Right on a metro line and a short walk to the gay bars of Stuttgart, previous travelers enjoyed the W XYZ bar and re: mix lounge, which is perfect if you don’t feel like actually going out! Mix & mingle creative vibes and beautifully designed rooms with everything you could possibly need.
Only a 35 minutes trip away from Stuttgart Mitte via subway, this utterly unique designer hotel is popular with car enthusiasts and those who like a dose of nostalgia. Set in the Art Deco terminal of Stuttgart’s old airport, you can find themed rooms like the Mercedes Suite, a carwash and a mechanic’s room.
Next door is Motorworld, with free entry included if you’re a gay petrolhead, what better place to stay in the car capital of Germany?
15 minutes on the subway to the Stuttgart gay area, this superb hotel is one of the most frequently booked with our viewers. In a less touristy neighborhood, oodles of style and clean/modern rooms. Close to the famous beer festival ground of Canstatter Wasen and with cheaper prices for solo travelers.
A cute and basic hotel offering the lowest prices for a room in the central city of Stuttgart. Everything is walkable from here, with a tranquil outdoor terrace for breakfast and helpful reception staff. Spartan, but at this price, we are not complaining!
Close to the airport, you can stay at this romantic German hotel set across 5 buildings that date back to the 16th century. It’s 40 mins with public transport into the city, but if you’re hiring a car, it is perfect with free parking. Country-style rooms, a large breakfast buffet and a whole lot of character.
The hostel scene in Stuttgart is pretty dire, but if you want the cheapest bed in the city, this is the place to go. Clean, safe, modern and right next to the train station. You can also meet other travelers to head out and party with, which is a nice bonus.
Gay Nightlife in Stuttgart
Stuttgart – like much of Gay Germany – has a wild nightlife that goes until sunrise, or even later! There are lots of gay bars catering to any kind of mood, and gay events which take over otherwise hetero-clubs most weekends.
While laid-back gay bars are common in Stuttgart, if you want an all-night clubbing experience, you will need to look out for these ‘pop-up’ gay club nights – the most popular of which we have separated out.
If you’re not sure where to start, just head to the central “Mitte” district where most of Stuttgart’s gay bars and hang-outs are found. There isn’t really a gay village here, but just use our gay map of Stuttgart at the end. Or just look for the rainbow flags!
Gay Bars In Stuttgart
A popular gay bar in Stuttgart attracts mostly men with a more relaxed atmosphere. Terrace seating, karaoke and conversation are the big drawcards, but later at night, expect crowds with singing, dancing and laughing. The eclectic music reflects the owner.
Goldener Heinrich
One of the oldest gay bars in Stuttgart and in the heart of the old town. Old-school quaint vibes, this is more of a neighbor pub – which is why we love it! People actually talk here without their smartphones glued to their hands. No social media or website, but trust us, the whole Stuttgart gay scene knows this iconic place!
Boots
(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)
A gay bar for fetish daddies, leather lovers, kinks and cowboys. We love rugged, manly bars with exposed wood and a Western saloon theme – oh, and Boots Gay Bar is basically the bear clubhouse of Stuttgart. Serving beer, no-attitude f, n and some food.
Kings Club
(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)
The only true gay club in Stuttgart. These guys have been opened 40 years ago and still going strong – even as gay club takeovers become more popular in Germany. Rustic with bold red plush walls. This is the kind of place you feel immediately at home with a fun dance floor, friendly staff and cute guys who come from miles around. Electro, gay anthems or house music depending on the day.
Sarah Kulturzentrum und Café für Frauen
(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)
The oldest women’s cultural center in Germany, with a women-only cafe that is open Friday nights. Popular with lesbians but open to all women, this is the closest thing to a lesbian bar in Stuttgart. Also, hosting events and a bi-annual brunch.
Gay-Friendly Bars In Stuttgart
A popular dance club that many gays frequent thanks to its gay-friendly policies and popular mix of R&B and Hip-Hop music. Occasionally hosts gay dance parties and women-only events.
It’s not marketed as a gay bar but very gay-popular with friendly service and no attitude. Their Sunday schnitzel buffet is great value, and at night, it never gets too crowded. You can’t enjoy your conversation. An easy way to get some food and start a night in Gay Stuttgart, though you could also try gay-popular Ruben’s Bistro as well.
Only open during summers, this faux-sandy beach on a rooftop with beautiful views over the city is the place to be – homo or otherwise. Nice cocktails and relaxed vibes where day drinking is encouraged rather than frowned upon.
Ciba Mato Bar & Lounge
(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)
A popular upscale cocktail bar with dark and funky vibes. We dare you to try the marshmallow lime vodka or fun pineapple drinks that will have you dreaming of Mykonos beaches in no time.
A multi-purpose live music venue is hosting different events from political discussions, film, gallery exhibitions and crazy dance parties in this epic space. The fundamental idea here is a rejection of totalitarianism and finding culture through music.
A new modern live-music venue is popular with the young and fabulous. Signature drinks, sexy yet talented bartender and plenty of like-minded people who enjoy a carefree life philosophy
Gay Party In Stuttgart
Fabulous queer party event that has run for over 10 years. Oblique dance pleasure is held monthly for gay/ straight / bi / whatever on the 2nd Saturday of every month at Lehmann Club. This popular party for open-minded people also takes place in Augsburg and Hamburg. Music ranges from queer classics to 80’s indie and just plain funky shit.
One of the biggest labels organizing the best blockbuster club events/gay parties in Stuttgart. Extremely popular thanks to their different series: Fame, Diamonds, Therapy, Sugarboyz & Sweat. It works out that something is one almost every second weekend, so check their website for upcoming events.
These dance parties with hot Germans and even hotter go-go boys are not to be missed.
A gay disco party for fans of the old-school classics. Think Diana Ross, Micheal Jackson and Donna Summers. Inspired by a time when people when to gay-friendly parties for the best music and to mix with creative people. Held on the first Friday of the month at Freund & Kupferstecher. As they say, there ain’t no school like no school.
Gay Cruising & Gay Saunas in Stuttgart
Had enough of gay cruising in Stuttgart – either in the bars or elsewhere? For those who want a bit more guaranteed action, the gay saunas in Stuttgart will not disappoint you (unlikely all those faceless accounts on Grindr or the other hookup apps…).
In such a foreign-friendly city, you should have no issues visiting any Stuttgart gay sauna, but you could also consider one of the many gay cruise clubs, bars and adult shops in Stuttgart if you’re more into the cruise & fetish scene.
The best gay sauna in Stuttgart with a dry and steam room, private cabins, bar and porn room. Unlike a lot of similar places, ViVA Sauna, really wants you to relax and enjoy the Sauna experience properly, which is a nice change. It’s practically a guarantee you’re going to have some fun at ViVA Sauna, but why not leave feeling good in as many ways as possible?
The other bathhouse is in Stuttgart. More modern with a sauna, steam booth, adventurous shows and lounge – but the owner has too much attitude for us. It gets busy here, though and feels overcrowded at times, plus it’s quite far away from everything. Check out our Gay Stuttgart map to see if you’re close, but otherwise, just head to ViVA Sauna instead.
Open on weekends with regular themed events announced on their Facebook page, including ganging and naked parties. Large cruising area and play zone at the back with a basic bar up front. One of the most popular cruising locations in Stuttgart.
A gay cruise bar in Stuttgart for leather daddies, fetish/bondage lovers, bears and gay biker enthusiasts. They hold regular parties and events, including Black Leather and SM sessions, for months. They have an extensive Fetish agenda published on their website, so if you have a particular kink, you can plan in advance.
Another popular place for gay cruising in Stuttgart. This gay cinema and erotic shop offer dark rooms, private cabins and the most popular gay, bi and trans films of the day. Spread across 2 floors. Check their Facebook page for different events drawing in specific crowds.
Gay Map Of Stuttgart
Finding it hard to envisage where everything is in Stuttgart? Hopefully, this queer-centric map helps where we have marked all the bars, clubs, parties, hotels, saunas, massages and more will help you stay in the spot best suited to you!