A city famed for its invention and innovation, Mannheim has attracted curious creators for decades. Perched at the meeting point of the Rhine and Neckar Rivers, this leafy city has become a hip cultural hub with a burgeoning music scene and great food, too. Whether you’re here for the automobile history, the farmers’ markets or the old churches, our pick of the best places to stay in Mannheim is a brilliant base for exploring the city’s top spots.
Unsually for a German city, Mannheim is laid out in a grid pattern, making it appealingly easy to navigate on foot or by bicycle. Begin at the lively Marktplatz Square, where farmers bring their fresh produce on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and cafés spill out onto the street. The baroque Mannheim Palace with its fascinating historic exhibits and the University of Mannheim buildings, are well worth a guided tour. Wander further afield to step into pretty churches, or to fill your bags with pieces by independent designers on the Planken shopping street.
Soak up the sunshine with a stroll through riverside Luisenpark, or the art nouveau gardens of Freidrichsplatz. Boat trips on the Neckar and the Rhine are wonderful in the summer months, as are open-air gigs and pop-up art installations. A member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, the city is deservedly proud of its reputation for innovation; something you’ll see reflected in the design of the best places to stay in Mannheim, too.