12 Best Things to Do in Mannheim, Germany

There are plenty of fun things to do in Mannheim, from enjoying the beautiful sights of old-style structures to museums and parks. If touring the city interests you, read on to see what it offers.

Mannheim is a beautiful city with much to offer both natives and tourists. The city has numerous attractions for all ages, and there are various sites dedicated to arts, crafts, and music. But you have to know where to go and which places are worth visiting when you get there.

That’s why we have compiled this comprehensive list of places to visit to help you learn more about the best things to do in Mannheim. The following information is handy for planning a solo or family trip to Germany. With this travel guide, you’ll be able to plan your trip around Mannheim quite easily.

No need to wonder anymore about what to do in Mannheim. Here is a comprehensive list of tourist attractions, nightlife, points of interest, and museums.

Things to Do in Mannheim, Germany

1. Make Your Way to Mannheim Water Tower (Wasserturm)

Address: Friedrichsplatz, 68165 Mannheim, Germany

The Mannheim Water Tower was constructed in the early 1800s. Visitors can’t help but stare at this charming Baroque structure. The sandstone water tower is the city’s most identifiable landmark and is one of the top Mannheim tourist attractions. Its strategic location makes it a prominent point of interest.

The sculptures depicting mythical creatures that decorate the grounds surrounding the tower are also quite appealing and intriguing.

Though the water tower was partly destroyed during the Second World War, the structure has been renovated to restore its charm. It’s such a beautiful place for a photoshoot. You’ll cherish the peaceful ambiance and the scenery. And if you are looking for a cool place to hang out and picnic with friends or family.

The location is easily accessible and a nice spot to catch some sun and rare views. The flowers are always in full bloom, and there’s impossible calm in the middle of a swarming city.

Wassertum, as the locals fondly call it, is an excellent place to meet up with your friends as you enjoy takeaway lunch or coffee in the city’s center. It’s one of the top things to see in Mannheim, Germany.

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 2. Tour Luisenpark Gardens

Address: Theodor-Heuss-Anlage 2, 68165 Mannheim, Germany

The historic park of Luisenpark Gardens is also among the most visited Mannheim tourist attractions. First, there are numerous activities you can participate in throughout this beautiful, spacious park. On the scenic lawn overlooking Kutzerweiher Lake, you will enjoy a butterfly house or a picnic.

This is after wandering through the elegantly designed rose garden and Chinese gardens. The Chinese Garden in this park has the continent’s largest Chinese tea house.

You can also rent a Gondola for a leisurely ride around the lake. The property has many other exciting things to see, including an extraordinary plant greenhouse, aviaries, and aquariums.

The cost of admission is 6 EUR. People of all ages can visit the park and enjoy some time at the zoo with different animals and a tiny botanic garden. You can stroll around the park with a loved one and have a great afternoon in the middle of Mannheim.

And with only five euros for every ride, you can enjoy a boat ride for a whole hour. For nature enthusiasts, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy feeding the Koi fish, which are in abundance on the lake. Luisenpark, Mannheim offers the most serene environment to sit and relax as you try to figure out your next move in life. 

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3. Kunsthalle Mannheim

Address: Friedrichsplatz 4, 68165 Mannheim, Germany

If art boils in your blood, visiting Kunsthalle Mannheim is among the best things you can see in Mannheim. The building shows off a spectacular collection of modern art and is one of the top attractions in this region of Germany.

Finished in 1907, the building was built to house a temporary art exhibit to commemorate the town’s 300th anniversary. However, the building stayed after the event and has since been utilized to accommodate the town’s art collection and several unique exhibits.

Some distinguished artists whose masterpieces are included in the collection include Monet, Van Gogh, and Liebermann. The museum is a stone’s throw away from the Mannheim water tower. You can also access the museum on foot from the Central Railway Station.

You’ll pay just 9 euros for adults to enter the place, while children below six years of age can access it for free. If you are traveling with your family, it will cost you around 15 euros only to access the museum. 

However, you’ll pay additional cash for workshops, tours, and unique exhibits. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday between 11 AM and 6 PM and Wednesday between 11 AM and 6 PM. It’s one of the top Mannheim attractions that’s worth a visit.

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4. Mannheim Palace

Address: Bismarckstraße, 68161 Mannheim, Germany

Mannheim Palace is the second biggest baroque palace in Europe. It was constructed in the 18th century and initially served as the principal residence of the Prince-Electors of the Palatinate branch. Today, the University of Mannheim utilizes the structure. Still, there’s a beautiful museum with all this baroque palace’s magnificence on display.

The splendidly decorated Knight Hall, with its carpet inlay flooring, is worth gazing at. Also, with their classical furniture presentation, the intricate ceiling paintings by renowned Cosmas Damian Asam and Trabantensaal will be worth your time.

The university and this iconic baroque palace are strategically located as it’s only a 5-10 minute walk from the Jesuitenkirche, close to where you can park your car.

You’ll see unique rooms, listen to awesome music, and even dance to baroque music. Although the interior has been renovated and partly modernized, you’ll have a great sense of what it was once.

Mannheim University shares the grounds with Mannheim Palace. You have to pass through the main entrances to find it. Though it may seem uninteresting to visit, the provided audio guide is handy.

You’ll find a hidden gem on the ground floor of Mannheim Palace: the bonafide rococo library of the original ornate library of Electress Elisabeth Augusta. Though you cannot enter, you will peep through a glass panel.

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5. Tour Reissinsel

Address: 68199 Mannheim, Germany

If your soul yearns for contact with nature in Mannheim, you do not have to travel far. A short walk on the Reißinsel island will refresh your body and soul. The reason is that the enchanting of the Rhine Valley and unpolluted forests invite you to dither and dream.

You’ll breathe deeply and slowly while listening to the ageless songs of over fifty bird species that call this forest their home. It’ll be such a magical and breathtaking experience.

Touring Reissinsel will help you escape your daily life for a moment. It’s not exactly what you would look for in the central city, but it’s correct.

Few Mannheim attractions are as idyllic as Reißinsel and the nearby Waldpark. If you are looking for some relaxing things to do in Mannheim, this would be one of them. Also, remember to pass through the orchard to see different types of apples.

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6. Mannheim TV Tower

Address: Hans-Reschke-Ufer 2, 68165 Mannheim, Germany

If you want to view the entire Luisenpark simultaneously, climbing the Mannheim TV tower is a good idea. It’s near one of the park’s entrances, and you can return later with the same park ticket.

It’s a 205-meter-tall telecommunication tower with a 124-meter-high revolving restaurant and an observation deck at 120 meters.

Arial views of Luisenpark, the city, the Palatinate forest, and Odenvald are spectacular from here. They form part of the most beautiful things to see in Mannheim.

To go to the top of the tower, you’ll pay 7 euros for the elevator. Students and children part with 5 euros. The cafe is the only one that revolves. And you’ll have to book if you need to eat, as it’s ever crowded.

It will be a great experience to view the skyline from the tower as the upper part turns around slowly, allowing you to enjoy Heidelberg, Mannheim, and the nearest cities.

7. Hang Out at Paradeplatz

Address: O1, 68161 Mannheim, Germany

The Paradeplatz (parade square) is the heart of Mannheim, where two shopping streets intersect, Planken and Breite Strasse. A bronze pyramid, Gabriel de Grupello, designed in the 18th century, dominates the center.

It’s a nice place to visit, with numerous shops and restaurants. Pubs around the area serve great beers, like breweries in Cologne. The fountain in the center is also quite appealing.

Hanging out at Paradeplatz is one of Mannheim’s simplest yet fantastic attractions. However, the place can get crowded with locals basking in the sun, eating lunch, or just passing through. But it still feels nice to gaze at the statue from different angles and admire a renovated three-century figure.

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8. Take a Tour of the Jesuit Church

Address: A4 2, 68159 Mannheim, Germany

The Church is a historic and artistically significant Catholic church in Mannheim, Germany. Construction began in 1733 and was finished in 1760. It was dedicated to St. Francis Xavier and St. Ignatius of Loyola. Air attacks severely damaged the church during WWII, but it was restored in its historical style using original pieces after the war.

The exterior and interior of the church have many stunning elements. For instance, the double-towered facade and the four cardinal virtues statues are stunning. Also, the 75-meter-high dome on its exterior adds to the charm.

The interior also showcases marble pilasters and a dome with clips from the order’s founder’s life. The most significant sculpture is the “Crowned Silver Madonna” from 1747.

A tour of this church is certainly worth your time. You’ll like your experience here as you marvel at the central dais with the giant dome. It took almost a lifetime (30 years) to construct.

It was ravaged during the Second World War and took twenty years to restore. So, it’s only fair to stop by and reminisce about the wonder of the Jesuit church.

It is open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 PM, and you’ll find ample parking nearby. Contact the administration or the Dean to arrange to visit the church as a group.

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9. Herzogenriedpark

Address: Max-Joseph-Straße 64, 68169 Mannheim, Germany

If you are traveling with your kids and need a beautiful place to spend time, Herzogenriedpark is the place to go. It’s an excellent place to hang out with everyone, even the senior citizens.

It’s a hidden gem in the city and among the most exciting things to do in Mannheim, Germany. The park features playgrounds for the kids, a small zoo, and picnic grounds. There’s also a lake with boats, just in case you want to take a ride as you view the magnificent park.

You’ll also find restaurants and cafes where you can quench your thirst and sort your belly with some delicious German delicacies. Most restaurants have grills and seating should you desire to bring and grill your food. A massive climbing frame, a rosarium, a trampoline (at an affordable fee), and a giant paddling pool stand out in the park.

In addition, the park hosts superb medieval markets, sports, and a St. Martins procession for the little ones. Check on their website to know when they’ll take place. The park allows you to enjoy healthy, fun activities. For instance, there is a tennis court where you can play tennis if you make a reservation. 

Kids and toddlers are also included in this fun. There are many swings, slides, flowers, water features, and playgrounds where they can run around carefree.

Bring snacks with you, as the kiosks are not always open. Herzogenriedpark is a suitable location to spend your warm summer day.

10. Planetarium Mannheim

Address: Wilhelm-Varnholt-Allee 1, 68165 Mannheim, Germany

The Planetarium Mannheim is an excellent place for people of all ages. It has multiple exhibits that will educate and entertain visitors. Some of the exhibits include “Our Solar System,” “The Sky Tonight,” “Exoplanets,” and “Black Holes.”

The Planetarium also offers shows that are sure to amaze visitors. Some of the shows include “Stars of the Pharaohs,” “Journey to the Centre of the Milky Way,” and “Back to the Moon.”

To get to the Planetarium Mannheim, visitors can take public transportation or drive. Is there a better way to spend an afternoon or evening than learning about the universe? Put this planetarium on your itinerary for visiting Mannheim, especially if you have kids.

11. Spend a night out on Fressgass

Address: Fressgass, 68161 Mannheim, Germany

There are many things to do in Mannheim at night, no matter your taste or preference. You will have a lot of bars, dance clubs, and pubs to choose from, particularly along Fressgass in the heart of the city. You can dance your night away in one of the clubs or drown your sorrows with top-of-range liquor or wine available in the unassuming bars.

The city is a dream for anyone who loves music and nightlife. There are also plenty of locally owned music venues, such as Das Zimmer Mannheim, where you can catch live concerts on most nights to soothe your tired ears. For a more low-key night, check out the excellent craft beer bars and breweries such as Taproom Jungbusch.

12. Take a day trip to Heidelberg Castle

Address: Schlosshof 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany

Few European castles offer as much to see as Heidelberg Castle. Located just a 28-minute drive or 50-minute train from Mannheim, Germany, this is an excellent opportunity to see one of the most historic castles in Germany.

One of our favorite recommended ways to see this historical sight is taking a Heidelberg Castle tour. This Heidelberg Castle tour includes a boat cruise on the Neckar River, and you’ll get some iconic views of old town Heidelberg along the way. Read our complete guide on Heidelberg to make the most of your visit.

Tours in Mannheim

1. Mannheim: Guided Street Art Walking Tour Top Recommendation

This guided walking tour will expose you to urban artwork from national and international artists throughout the city. You will enjoy paintings, murals, sculptures and interactive art in public spaces across the city center. The tour includes a stop at the open gallery 'Stadt.Wand.Kunst', which houses over 50 artworks by renowned street artists from all around the world. The tour is ideal for both locals and tourist who want to explore Mannheim's artistic side!

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2. Mannheim: Segway Tour along the Neckar River

See Mannheim from a new perspective - on a Segway! Ride along the Neckar and hear about its history and sights. Your guide will take you to the Museum Ship, Neckar bridge and Rheinpark boardwalk. The tour starts at the office of 'Mannheim Tourismus.'

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3. Experience the Local Food around Mannheim

This unique food tour will take you through the diverse food spots of Mannheim's local area, We will be stopping by one of the oldest Turkish Restaurants in town as well as one of the best bakeries to get some freshly baked breads.

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