WORLD CUP COMPANION EVENTS

Culture minus the football

The Swabians, who inhabit the southwestern corner of the country, claim they can do everything but speak High German. While their distinctive accent testifies to the truth of this statement, Stuttgart's multi-faceted supporting programs reflect their many other skills. Aside from the fan festival on the downtown Schlossplatz Square, where up to 80,000 spectators can follow the games on several video walls, the capital of Baden-Württemberg entertains with regional flair. The traditional wine "village" will be situated at Schillerplatz during the World Cup, and the home of the luxury limousine is showcasing "High-Tech and Haute Cuisine" on Karlsplatz Square. Visitors eager to delve even deeper into the horsepower-driven universe should visit the new Mercedes-Benz World near Gottlieb Daimler Stadium. Market Square has been transformed into an "action area," where fans can try their hand at various sports. Elsewhere, culture lovers can choose from a number of events far from the madding crowds of football fever: The Staatsgalerie hosts a special exhibit on Monet (May 20 to Sept. 24), while "Leuchtende Bauten - Architektur der Nacht" (Illuminated Buildings - Architecture of the Night) appears from June 9 to Oct. 1 at the Kunstmuseum. Stuttgart's ballet stages Romeo and Juliet (June 14 to July 24). In the Kunstgebäude, top works from 11 state museums are on display (May 25 to Sept. 24) as part of "Kunst lebt! Die Welt mit anderen Augen sehen" (Art Lives! Seeing the World through Different Eyes). The UNESCO World Youth Festival (July 2 to July 10) lends international flavor. Young guests from around the world can experience the World Cup spirit live. Like all other sport fans, they won't have to make do with football alone. Stuttgart, the "European Sports Capital 2007," offers a host of handson activities to warm up visitors for next year's top sporting events. In 2007 the city will host the World Athletics Final, as well as the world championships in handball, gymnastics and cycling.

SIGHTS

BOHNENVIERTEL

Between Pfarrstrasse and Charlottenstrasse

Elegant upper-class neighborhood dating back to the 15th century. Attractive wine bars, art galleries and shops are tucked away here.

MERCEDES-BENZ WELT

Mercedesstrasse 100

Visitors from around the world have been flocking to this fascinating automobile exhibit near the stadium since 1923. Recently reopened with spectacular multimedia features.

RESTAURANTS

SPEISEMEISTEREI

Schloss Hohenheim, Phone 0711/456 00 37

The former residence of Duke Karl Eugen is a worthy venue for the star-ranked cuisine of maitre Martin Öxle. Exquisite food, reasonable prices.

ASIAN KITCHEN

Torstrasse 27, Phone 0711/238 47 55

Purism in black, red and gold, designed by actor Wilhelm Schneck. The in-crowd and over-forties enjoy Euro-Asian cuisine at large tables.

PUBS

MOS EISLEY

Fritz-Elsas-Strasse 20, Phone 0711/284 29 57

The place to go for good drinks, good music and good food in a hip but relaxed setting.

BRAVO CHARLIE

Lautenschlagerstrasse 14, Phone 0711/620 29 66

Designer bar in a former Lufthansa base with an airport ambience. Modern drinks; laid-back soul and jazz soundtrack.

SHOPPING

FEINKOST OST

Elsässer Strasse 27, Phone 0711/882 02 39

Discover the real world of former East Germany in a wealth of recreated party-line food products to try and buy.

SMART SHOPPING CITY

Metzingen, Kanalstrasse/Reutlinger Strasse

Some 30 minutes south of Stuttgart by car, Metzingen is an outlet Mecca. The "Smart Shopping City" lures bargain hunters with top brands like Hugo Boss and deep discounts.