Visiting Mannheim in 2 days: my must-see attractions and things to do

I have just returned from my short stay in Baden-Württemberg, discovering the cities of Mannheim and Stuttgart. This region is located in the southwest of Germany, just a few hours from the main French cities with the TGV INOUI and ICE trains.

The destination is mainly known for its famous Black Forest and its small traditional villages that make the region charming. But in this first article I will take you to Mannheim and list my favorites as well as the must-see and must-do things in this young, cultural and cosmopolitan city.

The Multihalle and the Herzogenried Park

My favorite part of the stay! This is a multipurpose hall built in 1975 by the architect Frei Otto and located right in the heart of Herzogneried Park, one of the city’s two green lungs.

It is a true architectural masterpiece, now classified as a historical monument. This giant wooden structure It comes straight from a science fiction film. There are curves, perspectives and that light… As you discover the place, you have the feeling of being in another world. Photography enthusiasts will love it 🙂

The Multihalle in Mannheim will soon be undergoing renovation to accommodate cultural and artistic events.

After visiting the multi-purpose hall, continue your walk in the Herzogenried park, the frame is restful, There are play areas for children, picnic areas, a wide variety of plants and flowers, and animals in freedom. During a visit to the park, you can see: sunny day that’s happiness 🙂

The park is open every day from 9:30 am to 7 pm (the Multihalle closes at 4:30 pm)

Click here to make a Virtual tour of the Multihalle

More information about the Multihalle in Mannheim

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The television tower and Luisenpark

We are changing the park this time to go to Luisenpark Just as lush and verdant as the Herzogneried, with the only difference that this time you can go hiking there. summit of the television tower Located at a height of 200m and offering a 360° view of the entire city of Mannheim.

At the top of the tower there is a visitor area (7€ / person), but there is also a panoramic restaurant (which rotates).

Of course I recommend you go there when it’s nice weather! During my visit the weather wasn’t on my side… I still recommend you go there before the sunset, With clear skies, the panorama should be superb.

Relax in Luisenpark too; it is the largest park in the city. The surroundings are very pleasant and there are many activities to do.

More information about the Luisenpark in Mannheim

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The city center of Mannheim

As you stroll through the city center of Mannheim, you are immediately struck by the architectural contrasts from one street to the next. You encounter old buildings that have stood for centuries. buildings in the Baroque style late 19th century and others very contemporary style It’s inspired by the Bauhaus style. It’s also through strolling through the streets of the city center that you can truly immerse yourself in the history of the city, its atmosphere and its mix of cultures.

Fun fact: To find your way around Mannheim, it’s simple. The city center was laid out in the 17th century as a grid system. chessboard And there are no street names. You can easily find your way around with letters and numbers: 1 to 7 on one side and A to U on the other.

The Baroque castle of Mannheim

The Baroque castle is the largest baroque castle in Germany, It was built in 1760 by Charles Philippe and Charles Théodore.

I just walked around in front of the main courtyard which is huge but I didn’t have time to visit the inside of the castle which looks grand.

The castle is open every day except Mondays from 10:00 to 17:00
Tour price with audio guide: 7€ / adult
More information about the Baroque castle of Mannheim

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The water castle

The « Wasseturm » is one of the main symbols of Mannheim. This former water castle is located right in the heart of the city on Friedrichsplatz. You can stroll through the flower-filled alleys and between the ponds.

Next to the water tower is the Kunsthalle, the museum of modern and contemporary art that reopened in 2018. The building itself is worth a visit. #ArchitectureLovers!

Also in the same neighborhood, I recommend going out in the evening. Ella & Louis, Jazz enthusiasts will love it!

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The market place «Marktplatz»

The city developed around the Marktplatz and it is here that you can see the old Baroque-style town hall, where many lively weddings are celebrated every Saturday

The market is taking place 3 times a week : Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

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The Little Istanbul neighborhood

Right next to the Marktplatz there is Little Istanbul, the Oriental touch from Mannheim. The Turkish community is very present in the city and you can feel it immediately in this must-visit neighborhood.

Here you can find oriental patisseries, apple-based teas, kebabs at every street corner, grocery stores, cafes, jewelry stores, and tons of bridal gown boutiques.
Try the baklavas from chez Paşa Pastanesi 🙂

Street art in Mannheim

Since 2013, the city of Mannheim has been seeking to bring a touch of art to certain neighborhoods by inviting German and international artists to create huge murals on buildings.

The open urban art gallery «Stadt.Wand.Kunst» has 18 murals scattered throughout the city. There are many of them between blocks F6 and J6.

Behind every work there is a message or a symbolism. I have noticed that most of the works symbolize openness to Europe (especially in the current context) and to the world.

The video presenting the project:

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A little shopping on the Planken

It is a great one pedestrian shopping street It extends from the water tower to Paradeplatz. You’ll find international brands there, but it’s also where all the young people from Mannheim gather on Saturdays afternoon to go shopping with their families or friends.

The contemporary architecture of some buildings is worth a visit; go have a look if you happen to be passing by!

In this neighborhood, I recommend going for a drink or dinner at Dachgarten Engelhorn. The cocktails are delicious, the atmosphere is cozy and (a bit «trendy») with very «green» decor and a bit industrial. On the terrace there is a small view of the city’s rooftops. It’s worth a visit! In the same style of bar with good cocktails, cozy atmosphere and a view of the city’s rooftops, there is ROOF Bar, Located on the top floor of the Radisson Blu Mannheim

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The new trendy neighborhood of Jungbusch

Located on the banks of the Neckar in a former industrial port, Jungbusch is Mannheim's new trendy neighborhood, beloved by artists and creative people.

There are many cafes, restaurants and bars where you can go out in the evening and you can stroll along the Neckar while being carried away by an electronic music background (😁)

The music world is very present in the neighborhood. There is, in particular, the Popakademie Baden-Württemberg, The Popakademie is a higher education school specialized in pop music and which trains future artists, technicians and managers. Many concerts are organized at the Popakademie to present the new talents. I attended the Work In Progress evening and it was packed! I recommend you to go there, the atmosphere is superb, especially with the arrival of the beautiful days.

A good address: the restaurant » The kitchen  » located on the top floor of a building with a terrace that offers a view of the Neckar (and the factories)

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For more information on things to see and do, visit the website of the Mannheim tourism office

For more information about the connections with TGV INOUI and ICE to get to Mannheim, go to the website SNCF.com

Reportage produced in collaboration with the German National Tourist Office, DB/SNCF, in cooperation with Visit Mannheim