Stuttgart to Geneva train

Though less recognizable than other German cities like Munich or Berlin, Stuttgart is no less fascinating to visit. Plus, since it's less famous than other destinations, you might find more authentic culture and less touristy prices.

Your first stop should be Schlossplatz. This palace square is located right at the city centre, in the shadow of the Baroque New Palace and the 10th-Century Old Palace. The square is a lively area, with events hosted year-round, most notably Stuttgart's Christmas market; check out our itinerary of 10 famous Christmas markets in Germany for more.

Got a car fan in your travel party? The famed Mercedes-Benz Museum celebrates the beloved German vehicle, and the Porsche Museum showcases legendary racing cars.

The Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Garden will entice you with acres and acres of open spaces for everyone to enjoy, plus several thousands of different animal and plant species. It's on the grounds of another castle if you haven't seen enough German castles yet. Next, stop at the Markthalle to embrace your inner foodie and try a spread of international and local delicacies. The huge public market has over 33 stalls that offer all kinds of delicious goodies.

Deutsche Bahn, DB Intercity, and Railjet trains make it easy to reach Stuttgart from cities like Strasbourg, Zurich, and Frankfurt. Coach options abound, too, with FlixBus, Sindbad, Union Ivkoni and more providing routes in the area. Stuttgart Airport is only about 20 minutes outside of the city, so flying is definitely an option, too.

On the banks of Lake Geneva at the foot of the Alps, discover the polished and cosmopolitan city of Geneva. As the headquarters of many of the world's biggest organizations, including the World Health Organisation and World Trade Organisation, Geneva can look a little businesslike on the exterior. Still, once you scratch the surface, you'll find there's a lot more to this city than it seems.

Start in the Old Town, often regarded as the most scenic part of the city. The Old Town encompasses the area around the Cathedrale Saint-Pierre, and it's filled with many local boutiques and cafes. Then, to see just how old Geneva is, visit the archaeological remains of a 4th-century basilica beneath the cathedral. Next, walk along the Rue du Rhone or the Rue du Marche to see the expensive side of Geneva, home to many high-end shops and watchmakers; just remember, the price tags are not for the faint of heart!

As Lake Geneva is one of the largest bodies of water in Western Europe, it has naturally attracted the attention of watersports enthusiasts. Water skiing and sailing are some of the more popular activities, but you can also swim in the crystal clear waters of the lake. If traditional skiing is more your style, take a bus across the French border to Chamonix, where you can take a cable car up Mont-Blanc.

Coach service connects Geneva to more than the Alps, though. Carriers like FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus offer routes to Geneva from cities like Paris and Milan. Plus, Geneva is well-connected by its large international airport and train station, so you really have no reason to skip a visit to this gem.