Which neighbourhood in Stuttgart do you like best?

Stuttgart West, where I grew up. There’s a creative subculture there, with some nice little cafés and shops that are not typical of Stuttgart. In the past fewyears, the area around the city centre has changed a lot and some interesting things are developing there.

Tell us your favourite stores in Stuttgart, and why you like them.

Merz & Benzing on Dorotheenstrasse, not only because I worked as a buyer there; everything in it is special, unique, and the market-hall location is awesome. I also like Night Delight, a tiny lingerie shop on Sophienstrasse with an excellent choice of underwear and cosmetics. The best shoe and accessories shop is Sigrun Woehr in Hirschstrasse, with labels such as Balenciaga, Yves Saint Laurent and Alexander McQueen.

What restaurants in Stuttgart do you eat at, and why?

Weinstube Fröhlich in Leonhardstrasse is not that special, but just good – and what Stuttgart is all about. A great place, both conceptually and atmospherically, is Speisemeisterei. It’s housed in an old palace, Schloss Hohenheim, and boasts a Michelin-starred chef, Frank Oehler. The Ganesha, an Indian restaurant in Lembergstrasse, is also great.

Do you have a favourite local café or pub?

My favourite café right now is BitterSweet in Bohnenviertel. It’s wonderfully decorated with vintage furniture, flowers and candles. Delicious cake, coffee and tea.

Any recommendations for local dishes to try?

Try the original Stuttgarter Zwiebelrostbraten: a piece of beef roasted with a lot of onions and served with gravy. Just delicious, but really heavy.

What’s the best city landmark, building or attraction?

Definitely the television tower. It’s the highest building in the city and from the top you will see the best view over Stuttgart.

And Stuttgart’s most impressive museum or art space?

There are a few nice museums, such as the Staatsgalerie or the Museum of Natural History. The Stuttgart Ballet is world renowned and it’s always a great treat to see it in its home at the National Theatre.

Where can visitors find the best bargains?

Once a year there is a charity sale in the city, the Pfennigbasar, organised by the German American Women’s Club. You can find vintage Chanel bags or immaculate dresses from the 60s and pay just a few euros for them.

Can you recommend any good hotels in Stuttgart?

Zauberlehrling – a lovely little house in the historic city centre with individually designed rooms.