7 Awesome Things To Do in Mannheim, Germany
INTERNATIONAL. That’s how the city of Mannheim in Germany is generally described. The label has been proved by the wide eras, depicting respective parts of the city. It might still sound vague for those who have never been to Mannheim; so if you are one of them, stick to this site and start realizing how this city can be your next destination! Here are things to do in Mannheim, Germany.
Just around a ten-minute walk from the Hauptbahnhof (main station), Friedrichsplatz is composed of many notable structures such as the Water Tower, Rose Garden, and Art Gallery.
Popularly tagged as the ‘Quadratestadt’ or ‘City of Squares’, Mannheim seems to prove the well-organized perception of being a German. The City of Mannheim in the region of Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan has its inimitable chess board-like structure, which aims a systematic and easier track location for everyone. Likewise, Mannheim is commonly associated with New York City’s borough, Manhattan, with its square collation. It started around 40 decades ago, when Palatinate Elector Friedrich IV commanded the city construction, following the Rhine and Neckar rivers’ estuaries.
Through numbers and letters, you will never go out of your way in the city of Mannheim. The block squares start with the letter ‘A’ on the left side of Schloss (Palace) and end with ‘K’, heading to the Neckar River. On the right side of the palace, ‘L’ begins, reaching the ‘U’. A Street called Breite Straße links the Palace and the Neckar River, dividing the blocks of ‘A-K’ and ‘L-U’. Conversely, Planken Street connects the Water Tower and the Rhine River, splitting ‘A-D; L-O’ and ‘E-K; P-U’. Each square has its own numbers, commencing with number one and ascends counterclockwise for ‘A-K’ and clockwise for ‘L-U’. Take note that the letter ‘I’ cannot be seen as it is usually represented by ‘J’ or vice versa.
You can visit Tourist Mannheim for a clearer illustration and explanation of the Mannheim Squares.
Guided by its impressive grid arrangement, there’s no reason to just pass by this city as most people do. Unlike its neighboring cities, Frankfurt and Heidelberg, Mannheim might not be one of the top cities to be visited by tourists. It is then time to change that norm because there are piles of things to do in Mannheim, which are fairly encouraging to include the city in your trip.
Check out some of the cool and cheap tours you could do in Frankfurt and Heidelberg.
Let me give you some through these seven awesome things to do in Mannheim, Germany
1. Reminisce the World’s first inventions made in Mannheim
Forbes Magazine listed Mannheim in the world’s top 15 most inventive cities. No doubt about it; major transportations are founded in the city.
Laufmaschine. Photo by: Baerchen (license)
Karl Drais introduced in 1817 the first vehicle without pedals, entailing a balance, called Laufmaschine or Draisienne. The rider is in between the two wheels as he needs to push it by his feet. Drais’ invention led to the creation of today’s bicycle.
Related Article: Looking for affordable accommodation in Manheim? Check out deals Agoda.
The automobile came along with the transport inventions.
stanze CC BY-SA 2.0
Maxine Power CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
It was Carl Benz who conceived the vehicle functioned by a gas engine. This German Mechanical Engineer obtained the first patent for the three-wheeler and gas-fueled car in 1886, which signaled the continuous manufacturing of automobiles. Two years after the official birth of Carl Benz’s car, his wife Bertha, with their two sons (Eugen and Richard), tested the improved version of the car by taking the first long-distance journey. From Mannheim, they traveled to Pforzheim (Bertha’s birthplace), covering about 180 kilometers, including the return trip.
Do you want to ride on to these inventions? Unfortunately, you can’t but your eyes can witness these first vehicles by visiting the Technomuseum.
Location: Museumsstraße 1, 68165
2. Discover the City’s Artistic Collection for free
Kotomi_ CC BY-NC 2.0
If you spotted the city on the first Wednesday of the month, you can go to the Kunsthalle (Art Gallery) for free and explore the various modern and contemporary art collections. Every Wednesday, the art gallery welcomes guests for free as well as from 6-8 in the evening. This 144-year-old building gathers a long range of artworks from paper, woods, and even virtual, which was constructed primarily for the City’s 300th founding anniversary only. The planned demolition of the structure after the International Art Exhibition was canceled and shifted into a town’s art gallery that has been exhibiting until today.
Location: Friedrichsplatz 4, 68165
3. Grab a ‘naturally-made’ ice cream
Photo by: Eismanufakturzeitgeist
After making your eyes full with industrial works, it is time to fill in something to your stomach. Zeitgeist is just perfect for it. The shop has been operating since May this year, offering a daily surprise of ice cream flavors. Targeting vegan ice cream, Zeitgeist is naturally producing this sweet dish to help people let go of the guilt of having desserts.
Location: Eismanufaktur Zeitgeist – Meerfeldstraße 45, 68163 Mannheim-Lindenhof
4. Do Picnic at the Rhine Shore
Just around 350 meters away from Zeitgeist, Die Metzgerei can be traced. Though it specializes in breakfast meals, Die Metzgerei serves different picnic baskets (packages) on the go, with a blanket rental, which fits everyone going to the Rhine Shore for a relaxing meal.
jpellgen (@1179_jp)
CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Location: Rheinparkstrasse, 4, 68163
5. Feel the Unique ‘Academic-Majestic’ mood in Europe’s second biggest Baroque Palace
barnyz CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Following the Château de Versailles in France, Mannheim’s six-hectare Baroque Palace has been residing in the City for nearly 300 years since its transfer from Heidelberg. Consists of five wings, the royal’s place has three-story facades, rupturing four-story pavilions. As one of the many heavily damaged structures during the Second World War, Mannheim’s Baroque Palace has been reconstructed, covering its major parts such as the great events staircase and the Rittersaal (Knight’s Hall). Currently, Barockschloss Mannheim accepts visitors to see every highlight of the historical palace and embrace the royal life.
About 80% of the palace operates as a University, recording impressive academic assets. Standing as the University of Mannheim, it is classified as the most beautiful campus in Germany with over 12,000 students.
6. Appreciate the Beauty of Varied Music
Universidad Internacional de Andalucía CC BY-NC 2.0
The former fire station, now presenting musical performances. Photo by:Mannheim Quadratestadt.
Music is life. That is what most people believed. But music varies and everyone’s ears too. How about jazz and modern music? Then try to enter the Alte Feuerwache in Mannheim. This is a former fire station that is now pleasing the audiences with live world-class music performances, with a very inviting café-bar and beer garden. Imagine sipping your favorite coffee or gulping a liter of beer while feeding your soul with good music.
Location: Brückenstraße 2, 68167
Another option is usually a classified-elite form of music, the classical. It might not be everybody’s sound taste but visit Rosengarten and it might change or add to your music preference.
Rosengarten is a Concert and Congress Hall that offers other sundry cultural events every month, accommodating over 2,000 guests.
Location: Rosengartenplatz 2, 68161
Considered the Music City by UNESCO, you should not miss experiencing at least one genre of Music in Mannheim.
7. Do not forget the City’s ‘not-so-ordinary’ landmark
Okay, this might sound as simple as saying A-B-C, but I want to include in your list of things to do in Mannheim to remember the Wassertrum or the Water tower. Every place has its identity and that makes people easily recall what and how it looks like. Simply, people set a certain landmark. In Mannheim, the renowned Wassertrum takes that sign, standing 60 meters above the highest point of the Friedrichsplatz. Aside from serving as a meeting point for most people, the Water tower was used to be a reservoir for drinking water. This Romanesque tower amazes everyone after sunset as it starts to spark with the moving fountains at its foot. An inspiring conclusion for a day, isn’t it? Hold on, this Baroque sandstone structure can still astonish you with its meticulously designed open staircase, inviting each of us to glance at manifold sculptures, including the Amphitrite (Goddess of Sea).
Location: Friedrichsplatz, 68161
The ‘City of Everything’, I can say. From museums, nature, food, and shopping spots up to endless stuff, Mannheim can give it; just name it. The city where creations of the old times are still kept and where modernization never stops, your list of things to do in Mannheim, Germany will never be bare.
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About the Writer:
Jessica Ayun is a Freelance Writer who writes that 5-10 cups of coffee a day will be served. She used to work as a TV Researcher but her feet are always curious to step into new places so she decided to work in the communities of Visayas and Mindanao as a Documenter for almost two years, through a non-government organization (NGO). She tries to see the “real happiness” in every person she meets and every place she goes to. She will always choose mountains over beaches.
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Although I was in the military at the the time, but it was great. I was there from 86 to 93 and I loved every moment of it. Now that I’m retired I hope to retrace some of my tracks and see what and whom has changed.
Did you know, in Mannheim the (at least in Germany) famous spaghetti ice cream was invented?
The adress: O4 5, Eis Fontanella
Have fun & enjoy!
Thanks for the tip about free art Wednesdays at the Kunsthalle. And, of course, also for Zeitgeist!
Hehe! Try those whenever you are in Mannheim, Germany.
I also dream of going to Germany. It has always been one of those countries that I dreamed of visiting when I was a kid. I think I would have fun sampling those ice cream. I am weak when it comes to ice cream.
Go for it, Marge! That’s one of the awesome things to do in Mannheim, Germany you should not missed!
Argh. Everything looks so amazing. I don’t have time in my schedule for all these great places lol. expatproblems right here
Haha. where are you now? Make some time to check these awesome things to do in Mannheim, Germany.
Lived in Mannheim Waldhof while spouse stationed in BFV. The people were kind and helpful the transportation is simply awesome and yes I stood on the steps of the Wassertrum. Missed so much and wished I could have stayed. Loved Heidelberg too. If you get the chance to go see Germany GO!
ooh that cheese and wine spread looked delightful. germany is so quaint!
taste them for real and try the rest of the list of awesome things to do in Mannheim, Germany! 🙂
You had me at vegan ice cream! Awesome photos and great suggestions! Thank you for sharing:)
My pleasure, Teodora! The ice cream is a personal choice to include for the awesome things to do in Mannheim, Germany. Glad you like it.
Great post! Mannheim certainly sounds like a place worth visiting.
It is! These awesome things to do in Mannheim, Germany make it more worth for a visit.
Thanks for sharing another great location!
You are welcome! Hope you will have time to check these awesome things to do in Mannheim, Germany yourself. 😉
Looks like a vey cool place to go. I can’t wait to check out Germany! 🙂
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I am excited for your visit! Make sure to check these awesome things to do in Mannheim, Germany too.
What a wonderful places to go, i’m just wondering how it feels when i’ve visited all of those places
Would be amazing to try these awesome things to do in Mannheim, Germany yourself.
I love how much you guys travel. I would love to visit this place one day.
Love,
Ivelisse | CarnationDreams.com
Hi, Ivelisse! You can also have time to travel. Go for it! Don’t missed to try these awesome things to do in Mannheim, Germany if you do.
I always wanted to visit Germany, everything looks breathtaking. One day x
One day, you will try these awesome things to do in Mannheim, Germany yourself.
This is very nice idea for posting! I live in Germany and here is a lot of breathtaking views or places to take beautiful photos and to have great memories!
Where in Germany do you live? Would love to see other awesome things to do in some cities too.
The ice cream looks like a good enough reason to visit Mannheim, not to mention the amazing architecture. Thanks for the great inspiration and adding a new place to my bucket-list :))
You got the best picks from these awesome things to do in Mannheim, Germany! 🙂
I didn’t know Mannheim is one of the world’s top inventive cities, these transports inventions are simply cool! I’d love to go there one day! Pinned your post!
Thank you for pinning, Eugenia! Check the museum when you are in Mannheim, Germany.
I would love to go to Germany, Its a dream of mine.. It looks so fun!!
Dreams do come true, Bella. Come and try these awesome things to do in Mannheim, Germany!
Wow! There are so many things to do in Mannheim I didn’t realise that the first automobile was invented in Mannheim. The cities Artistic and Musical offerings have me seriously thinking of visiting. Thanks!
So much to explore here and these awesome things to do in Mannheim, Germany are just some of those.
I’d never thought of visiting Mannheim, to be honest, but the architecture looks amazing. The Baroque Palace is stunning!
It is rarely included as a tourist spot as it just easily passed by people coming from Frankfurt to Heidelberg. Baroque Palace is a legend, accommodating both tourists and students. 😉
I love Germany so much it is such a beautiful and friendly place xx
I love it too! when did you visit the country?
Oh my goodness – so much culture here! I’d love to do the art galleries and the museum, I’d love to go to Germany full stop though, it’s on the wishlist! X
Great to know it’s part of your wishlist. Include Mannheim whenever you plan to visit Germany. I totally love this humble city. 🙂
That Water Tower-so lovely. Gorgeous photos!
That’s the legendary landmark. It looks more gorgeous at night!
I have never been to Germany before but looks like a wonderful place
You should try to make a visit.
I have never been to Germany but it is on my to do list. My husband loves it
You must go and see it. Make sure to go with your husband.
The architecture alone looks just amazing too, Germany is definitely somewhere I should visit x
Definitely! Be amazed with the rest of the innovations in the city.
I love city breaks and this sounds like a really enjoyable one.
Try in a weekend, Nayna.
I am 100% convinced. I want to see and do everything you mentioned here. Germany just recently hit my must-see list, and this solidifies it.
Great! I will be waiting for your visit then. 🙂
Sounds like a great place to explore, I love Germany, but haven’t explored nearly as much of it as I would like. 🙂 x
I wish you can continue exploring soon. Mannheim is really worth a visit.
That is one hell of an amazing looking picnic! Looks like a lovely place to visit x
That’s perfect for an afternoon relaxation, viewing the river.
wow what an interesting place to visit. I would love a ride on the balancing bike! The ice-creams and picnics sound delicious
I wish that bike still exists. Hehe. Having some vegan Ice cream is a great choice.
Ooh a big selection of things to do! Looks like a beautiful place x
Make a choice, Rebecca! Or just add some in the list.
Wow – what a great variety of things to see and do. I love the looks of the early bicycle.
Yes, very fascinating. 🙂
I have never visited but it sure looks amazing
I have never visited Germany but Mannheim looks amazing, I’ll definitely keep it in mind if I ever go x
I want to visit Germany again. Hope to visit Berlin this time.
I have to say the more I read about Germany the more I want to visit it just seems like the perfect cultural hotspot to go to and trust me I am obsessed with learning about new cultures.
I have never been to Germany before, but I used to have a German penpal when I was little who used to send me leaflets about great places to visit
Looks amazing, we want to visit one day, I will be sharing your post with my parents as they are going in June x
Oh. Thanks for that! Safe travels for your parents. 🙂
Aww, I want to visit it after reading your post. I love Germany and Mannheim looks like a wonderful and interesting city. x
Thank you, Anca. You will love it more when you come here.
This is such a great post! I am looking to book a surprise trip and didn’t know where, this is a great help!
That’s exciting. Jenny. I hope Mannheim is one of those surprises.
Germany really is a beautiful country. I’ve never been to Mannheim before but I like the sound of it. That ice cream in particular sounds amazing!
It is. Perfect for summer time!
I didn’t realise how beautiful Germany is. Lovely review and very helpful!
Thanks, Leandra. Little things are worth to try and can give you surprises.
Nice article. Been living here for many years and know these places. The Waldpark, Strandbad, The market, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and the HauptbH is also interesting.
PS. The ice cream is truly delicious and very different!
Thanks, Normakobel. Glad you love Mannheim. 🙂 The City has been taking litte steps in the world of tourism so hopefully it will continue.
P.S. Now craving for that ice cream 😀
Nice article. Been living here for many years and and know all of these places. Of course the Waldpark and Strandbad should be visited and how about the HauptbH, the Tech Museum also interesting. ps. the ice cream is truly delicious!!.
Wow! Lots of things to do. Maybe I should do a part 2 for this article? hehe. Thank you, Normakobel.
Germany is very beautiful. I really want to try that vegan ice cream!! 😀 Well, thank you for this post. I have bookmarked this for my reference when we come to Europe. 🙂
Mona, sure, try it. Perfect for walking during summer. Hehe. Thanks for bookmarking it. 😉 Let me know if you are in EU. 🙂
Schön, aber das Theater dürfte eigentlich bei einem solchen Bericht nicht fehlen. Im Schauspiel wurden Schillers “Die Räuber” im Jahre 1782 uraufgeführt und die Oper hat einen Spielplan wie z.B. in München oder Wien!
Vielen Dank für den Hinweis. Ich weiss, es gibt noch viele schöne und wichtige Orte und Sehenswürdigkeiten in Mannheim. Ich musste mich leider auf 7 beschränken, aber vllt. wird es ja eine Fortsetzung geben. 😀
Ich liebe dich ???
Das ist süss, Horst Waldemar. Danke, dass du meinen Artikel magst.
You forgot the SAP Arena and the famous Luisenpark! :0 aber de Rest ist super! Ein weiterer Mannheimer
Ja, Felix! Those two are also must do/visit. 🙂 Danke. 😉
Der Bericht über mannheim ist sehr gut ein Mannheimer
Ich freue mich, dass einem “Monemmer” der Artikel gefält. 🙂