The Bean Quarter, Heusteig Quarter, Karlshöhe, Teahouse & Co. – quite apart from the main hotspots, Stuttgart is a real insider's tip.

An inner-city area steeped in charm and history: the Bean Quarter (Bohnenviertel) is full of enticing antique shops, artists' studios, traditional artisans' workshops, cosy cafés and quaint wine taverns. Its little shops, second-hand book stores and galleries are real treasure chests. Whether for shopping or a meal out – a tour of discovery through Stuttgart's Bean Quarter is always worthwhile. In the 16th century this was where Stuttgart's poorest inhabitants lived, and the district takes its name from the beans that were their staple diet. The area – only one street away from the bustling city centre – is an inviting place to go for a stroll or a drink. One of its highlights is the annual Stuttgart Bean Quarter Festival (Bohnenviertelfest): live music, delicious snacks, cool drinks and a great atmosphere.

Slightly to the south you'll find the next creative gem: the Heusteig Quarter (Heusteigviertel). The end of the 19th century saw the start of urban development in this area, when today's present quarter between Hauptstätter, Olga-, Filder- und Wilhelmstraße began to evolve.

Typical of the Heusteig Quarter is its impressive Gründerzeit and Jugendstil architecture. With trendy (espresso) bars, lots of cafés, restaurants and stylish retail stores, the Heusteigviertel is a popular magnet for young and old alike. Origami birds, exotic teas or specialised literature: the shops in the Heusteig Quarter are ensconsed in imposing prewar buildings, and charming artistic gems are found tucked away in rear courtyards. The Heusteig Quarter Festival (Heusteigviertelfest) is held here each year in July: all around Mozartstraße the street festival delights visitors with a multifarious programme, flea market, art, music and international specialities.

Below the Heusteig Quarter lies the Gerberviertel, the former Tanners' Quarter, well known long before the adjacent Gerber shopping centre came into existence. The district cultivates both a long tradition as one of Stuttgart's insider's tips and a love of the neighbourhood. Creative and cultural artists feel very much at home here, alongside advertising agencies, galleries, theatres and an art-house cinema. Between Marien-, Sophien-, Paulinen- and Tübingerstraße a string of chic cafés, exclusive fashion boutiques, tradesmen and owner-operated specialist stores make a tour of discovery well worthwhile.

Marienplatz is absolutely not to be missed. The square is a starting point for lots of recreational activities and is the flagship of the southern part of Stuttgart. This "Wild South" with its Mediterranean flair is where the sophisticated and the "in" scene meet. Casual bars, popular restaurants and the best ice cream in Stuttgart are to be found here. You can enjoy breakfast or supper, coffee and cocktails at long wooden tables and benches. From here the rack railway, affectionately nicknamed "Zacke", takes you up the hill to Degerloch with wonderful views on the way, and Marienplatz is also the starting point for a section of the Stuttgart Wine Trail (City Centre-Degerloch route). In the summer of each year the south of Stuttgart becomes a stage. The Marienplatz Festival offers its guests live music ranging from electro to Indie, street food and a hip atmosphere.

Wonderful panoramas and magnificent views over the valley: Stuttgart boasts countless scenic lookouts – in the middle of a park, with a historical backdrop or catering included. Not far from Killesberg Hill Park, in the middle of a residential area, stands the 20-metre-high Bismarck Tower. The reward for climbing its 92 steps is a fantastic 360° panoramic view.

There's also a lovely view over the Stuttgart valley from Weissenburg Park and Teahouse. Situated on top of a hill in the southeast of the city, it serves coffee, soft drinks, cakes and more substantial fare high above the town in a romantic Jugendstil ambience.

Still unfamiliar to many of Stuttgart's inhabitants: the Santiago de Chile Platz on the Haigst. The terraced area affords views of Palace Square, Charlottenplatz and lots more besides. There's an orientation plaque pointing out the locations of the various places of interest.

For those who seek extensive panoramic views and want to enjoy Stuttgart's valley basin with its vineyards from a height, the Karlshöhe Hill and beer garden are not to be missed. The beer garden on the Karlshöhe is surrounded by a park with vineyards, a children's playground and an English-style garden.

Photo: Bohnenviertel Stuttgart© Stuttgart-Marketing GmbH