Mannheim Travel Guide
Introduction
Unlike other corners of Germany, Mannheim lacks old-world charm. Historically, it has been an industrial city, a designation that continues to this day. However, it does have hidden gems worth discovering.
From its baroque style palace to its many museums, you’ll find plenty to do during your time in Mannheim.
Top Attractions
Begin your visit to this fine city by dropping by the Mannheim Baroque Palace. Finished in the 17th century, it served as a residence for Prince-electors, who helped to elect Holy Roman emperors. While the University of Mannheim currently uses half the building, you can tour the other part.
Pick up an audio guide at reception and tour this palace at your own leisure. As you walk through this place, take in its many fabulous tapestries, paintings, and pieces of furniture. At the end of your tour, walk over to the university side and relax with a drink at the bar.
Learn about the industries that have made this region prosperous at Technoseum Mannheim. This institution takes you back to the start of the Industrial Revolution and covers advances to the present day. You’ll learn about the history of factories, how Porsche makes their cars, and the latest in robotics.
Before moving on, be sure to take a ride on the steam train. This ride runs through the middle of the museum, and on a route outside the grounds. In all, you could end up spending 3-4 hours here, so budget your time appropriately.
Satisfy your hunger for art with a visit to Kunsthalle Mannheim. Open since 1909, this institution is home to this city’s best collection of contemporary and modern art. In all, this gallery holds over 1,500 works of art, including pieces by Manet and Grosz.
On occasion, this museum will host pieces from ever bigger artists. In recent times, this institution has hosted collections by luminaries like Kiefer and Van Gogh.
If you’re into churches, check out Jesuit Kirche while in Mannheim. Its constructors finished this Baroque/Classical gem in the mid-18th century. Among its highlights are its Baroque paintings, sculptures, and its organ.
Other Attractions
Want to learn about the farthest reaches of the universe? Make time in your schedule to drop by the Planetarium Mannheim. As one of Germany’s oldest, the staff knows how to inspire visitors with the wonders of space.
Here, they’ll demystify topics like the Big Bang, the Milky Way, and other aspects of outer space. While most shows are in German, they give a few shows each week in English. Check their website ahead of time, as timings can change from week-to-week.
This city sits in the Rhine River Valley. As such, its shallow water table means the local supply isn’t of the best quality. As a result, engineers opted to pipe in water from nearby mountain ranges. The end result was the Mannheim Water Tower.
Finished in the late 19th century, this gorgeous landmark is radically different than its utilitarian descendants. Although it suffered bombing in World War II, city officials restored the structure. Today, it serves as a centrepiece for a surrounding city park. During the holiday season, the local Christmas market is also held here.
Want to take in the local sports culture in Mannheim? Take in a contest at the SAP Arena. This facility is home to two teams: Adler Mannheim (ice hockey) and Rhein-Neckar Löwen (handball). At full capacity, this arena can hold up to 15,000 screaming fans.
When these teams aren’t playing, you can also take in a concert. When big acts visit Mannheim, they often play to their fans at this venue.
After a long day of site-seeing, kick back and relax in Luisenpark. Over 41 hectares in central Mannheim, you’ll find attractions like a Chinese garden, boat rides, and a 670-foot high observation tower. Note, though, that officials charge an admission of 8 EUR per adult.
What To Eat
Need a nice lunch to recover your energy? Find a restaurant that serves Dinnete. Resembling pizza, this flatbread dish features a sour cream base, toppings like ham, onions, and cheese, and salt/pepper as seasonings. Pair it with a glass of wine, and you have an amazing mid-day refuel.
At dinner, find a restaurant that serves Linsen mit Spätzle. As an anchor dish of Swabian cuisine, you’ll find this meal in many eateries. At its core, this dish features egg noodles covered by a rich lentil stew. Add some sausages and a beer on the side to complete this classic meal.
If you have room for dessert, order some Ofenschlupfer. This bread pudding combines bread and apples with ingredients like sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Some versions feature raisins and ice cream – try and find these ones.