Set amidst historical buildings, Mannheim, Germany, offers a wide array of activities for visitors and locals alike. From elegant 18th-century palaces to modern art museums, visitors can experience the essence of Mannheim through a variety of attractions. If you are planning a trip, this list narrows down the must-see attractions this city has to offer.
1. Mannheim Water Tower (Wasserturm)
Built in the late 1800s, guests can marvel at this impressive Baroque structure. The sandstone building is the most recognizable landmark in the city and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists due to its central location. Guests can also view the sculptures depicting different mythical creatures which decorate the grounds surrounding the tower. While partially damaged during WWII, the structure is fully restored and makes the perfect photo-op overlooking the surrounding gardens.
Mannheim Water Tower
Address: Friedrichsplatz, 68161 Mannheim
Website: Mannheim Water Tower
2. Friedrichsplatz
Named after Friedrich I, Grand Duke of Baden, this peaceful park is a popular destination among locals and tourists alike. While the Mannheim Water Tower is the main attraction, the surrounding gardens, known as Friedrichsplatz, are equally spectacular. Winding paths invite visitors to journey through the beautifully crafted gardens populated with a multitude of seasonal flowers. Guests can also lounge in the grass for a picnic or marvel at the impressive water fountain, which hosts a show of multicolored water jets in the evenings.
Friedrichsplatz
Address: Friedrichsplatz, 68161 Mannheim
Website: Friedrichsplatz
3. Mannheim Palace
Completed in the early 18th-century, this expansive, Baroque palace was the center of power of the Prince Electors of the Holy Roman Empire. One of its first residents, Carl Theodor, was a lover of the arts and frequently invited several prominent artists and musicians to the palace, with the most notable guest being composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. During the 19th-century, the palace continued to flourish as a popular destination among the aristocracy when it became the home of Stephanie de Beauharnais, Napoleon Bonaparte’s adopted daughter. The stateliest room in the palace, the Rittersaal, boasts angelic ceiling murals adorned with an impressive chandelier.
The historic building hosts a massive collection of over 800 exhibits with artifacts ranging from tapestries to furniture. The palace is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10am to 5pm, with guided tours on weekends in both German and English. The site is also open on public holidays, excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve. Admissions is 7 EUR (7.68 USD) for adults and 17.50 EUR (19.21 USD) for families. If you are interested in a guided tour, admission is 9 EUR (9.88 USD) for adults and 22.50 EUR (24.79 USD) for families. Audio tours are also available in German, English, and French.
Mannheim Palace
Address: Bismarckstraße, 68161 Mannheim
Website: Mannheim Palace
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4. Mannheim Jesuit Church
Completed in 1760, this ornate Baroque structure offers plenty of intricately designed details for guests to discover. Boasting a collection of fine artwork, guests can wander beneath its towering ceilings and explore this impressive structure. One of the most prominent features is the gold-leaf alter complete with cherub sculptures gazing down from above. This church was a favorite of Mozart’s, who praised its acoustics. Admission is free.
Mannheim Jesuit Church
Address: A4, 2, 68159 Mannheim
Website: Mannheim Jesuit Church
5. Luisenpark Gardens
This gorgeous, expansive park is home to plenty of activities for guests to enjoy. After strolling through the intricately crafted Chinese and rose gardens, guests can enjoy a butterfly house or have a picnic on the scenic lawn overlooking the Kutzerweiher Lake. Gondolas are also available for a relaxing glide around the lake. The park also hosts a number of operas, stage plays, and concerts in its open-air theater. There are also plenty of other sights to explore throughout the grounds, including a greenhouse with exotic plants, aviaries, and aquariums. Admission is 6 EUR (6.65 USD).
Luisenpark Gardens
Address: Theodor-Heuss-Anlage 2, 68165 Mannheim
Website: Luisenpark Gardens
6. Planetarium Mannheim
Guests are invited to explore breathtaking views of the stars and learn about the mysteries of space. The Planetarium Mannheim provides 3D movies, lectures, and a laser system for guests to experience. The site boasts plenty of activities for kids, such as cartoons on various space topics. Shows include the Jules Verne Voyages and the Dark Universe, which explore topics on time travel and the mysteries of space.
Guests can immerse themselves in an exhilarating view of the stars and planets in the 360-display planetarium. The Planetarium also provides an on-site café. Tickets for the star shows range from 4.50 EUR (4.99 USD) to 9 EUR (9.97 USD) with discounts for kids and groups. While some shows are available in English, there are some that are only offered in German. The site is open Monday through Friday from 10am to 5pm.
Planetarium Mannheim
Address: Wilhelm-Varnholt-Allee 1, 68165 Mannheim
Website: Planetarium Mannheim
7. Planken
Leading up to the Mannheim Water Tower is this shop-lined street boasting a variety of stores from H&M to Prada. Commonly known as “die Planken” for the wooden boards used to cover the muddy streets for shoppers centuries past, this street is the main shopping district in Mannheim. After browsing through the multitude of stores, guests can choose from a selection of restaurants or grab ice cream from their highly-rated parlors. From jewelry to shoes and everything in between, guests of all tastes will find what they’re looking for.
Planken
Address: Mannheim, Baden-Wurttemberg
Website: Planken
8. Kunsthalle Mannheim
Art lovers are invited to explore the Kunsthalle Mannheim, which boasts an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. Completed in 1907, the building was originally established to house a temporary art exhibit to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the city. However, the building remained and has been used since to house the city’s art collection and various special exhibits. The collection includes paintings from several famous artists, such as Van Gogh, Manet, and Liebermann. Several masterpieces are included among the paintings, such as “Pope II” by Francis Bacon and other prominent works by French and German artists.
While some works date back to the 19th-century, the museum also houses a collection of modern sculptures and new media works from contemporary artists. The museum is a short walk from the Mannheim Water Tower and is within walking distance of the Central Railway Station. Admission is 9 EUR (9.97 USD) for adults and 15 EUR (16.62 USD) for families. Children ages six and under are free. Special exhibits, workshops, and tours are extra. The museum is open from 11am to 6pm Tuesday through Sunday, and from 11am to 8pm on Wednesday.
Kunsthalle Mannheim
Address: Friedrichspl. 4, 68165 Mannheim
Website: Kunsthalle Mannheim
9. Technoseum
Visitors can journey through the industrial age through a variety of hands-on exhibits at the Technoseum. From 18th-century medical technology to early forms of computers, this museum offers a wide array of exhibits for guests to explore and learn from. Aside from exhibits, the museum also provides an extensive library of over 100,000 books and other media on topics such as industrial and social history. They also operate a photo archive and an ongoing restoration project. The museum is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Admission is 8 EUR (8.87 USD) for adults, 5 EUR (5.54 USD) for students and military, and 16 EUR (17.73 USD) for families. Children ages six and under are free.
Technoseum
Address: Friedrichsplatz 4, D-68165 Mannheim
Website: Technoseum
Explore what Mannheim has to offer
Whether you love history or are fascinated with science, Mannheim offers visitors a wide range of attractions to enjoy. Experience Mannheim this upcoming travel season.
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