Mannheim is unlike most typical German cities in that its layout is a grid pattern, giving it the name “chessboard city.” Getting around is easy, with most popular sights and attractions within walking distance from Mannheim’s center.
The main route through the squares on the grid pattern leads to a massive 18th-century Baroque palace, one of the largest in Europe, the Mannheim Palace. Tour its magnificent interiors and walk the same halls Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart once strolled.
Elsewhere you’ll find a wealth of fascinating sights and cultural attractions along with many art and culinary delights. Enjoy a play, opera or ballet at the National Theater or head into the Neckarstadt district for some classical, jazz, pop or rock.
Mannheim is one of the most popular shopping cities in the region. Head to the main shopping street, Planken, where you’ll find nearly all of the shops from department stores to exclusive designer outlets and eclectic boutiques. The Turkish Quarter is the place to go for the best bargains including glamorous wedding gowns at discount prices as well as bakeries offering fabulous Turkish breads, delectable cakes and cookies.
There is much to see indoors among the city’s museums. Explore the Technoseum and journey back through time from the process of industrialization in the mid-18th century to present day through interactive exhibits or browse the Kunsthalle art gallery, one of the most important art museums in Germany, featuring seven centuries of art history.
Outdoors you’ll find one of the most beautiful parks in the world, Luisenpark. This picturesque park features a greenhouse filled with lush, tropical plants as well as reptiles and other animals. Enjoy tranquil boat rides across the lake in “gondolettas” with the opportunity to view pelicans, flamingos and swans.
Enjoy a picnic at Mannheim’s famous landmark, the Wasserturm or water tower. It is one of the most well-known icons in Germany. Built between 1886 and 1889 in art nouveau style, it is adorned with bronze figures of Triton and his sirens as well as two groups of stone centaurs and a statue of Amphitrite on its copper roof.
As a hotspot for immigration, Mannheim is filled with a lively, colorful mix of cultures and nationalities, resulting in a diverse array of experiences day or night. Dine on everything from Pad Thai to Asian fusion dishes, healthy vegan, authentic Italian, gourmet Greek and lamb curry.
