Under $100: Stuttgart

Stuttgart, the capital and largest city in the German state of Baden-Württemberg, is a major economic, industrial, tourism and publishing hub. It’s home to Porsche, Bosch and Mercedes-Benz headquarters, and also boasts a cityscape laid out across a variety of hills and vineyards, valleys and parks.

At the center lies its main square, Schlossplatz, a meeting point between the city’s shopping area, Schlossgarten park, two castles and major museums.

Despite significant damage during World War II, many historic buildings were reconstructed. A walk around town, which costs nothing, reveals the Stiftskirche, a collegiate church dating to the 12th century; Altes Schloss, or Old Castle, dating to the late 15th century with some parts dating to 1320; Neues Schloss, the New Castle, completed in 1807 in Baroque style; The Großes Haus of Stuttgart National Theatre; and the unique Hauptbahnhof, designed in 1920 in the artistic Neue Sachlichkeit trend.

Next, stroll the series of gardens known as the Green U in the center of the city, home to Old Castle, the State Theater and Parliament Building, and Stuttgart Planetarium (€5).

While simply seeing the sights may be enough, a StuttCard (€15) offers entrance into many of these cultural institutions, as well as discounts on tours, shows, retail outlets and restaurants. It also grants you free travel on all public transportation.

Museums to visit include the Old State Gallery (free on Wednesdays if you use a StuttCard), home to 14^th­–19^th-century works by Rubens, Rembrandt, Monet, Renoir and Cézanne; New State Gallery boasting controversial modern architecture; the State Museum of Württemberg; and The History Museum. Note: Most museums are closed Mondays.

For some cheap local eats in Stuttgart, try Onkel Otto or Gaststatte Post for famous schnitzel; Beykebab for great Turkish food; Mokuska Caffe for delicious espresso; and for a beer around €2–3, visit Calwer Eck – Bräu, Sophie’s Brauhaus, Nil Café am See or Brauerei-Gaststätte Dinkelacker.