Mannheim
Mannheim is a city in southwestern Germany, located in the state of Baden-Württemberg. With a population of over 300,000 people, it is the third-largest city in the state. Mannheim is known for its unique grid-like layout, which is designed to facilitate trade and commerce. The city is a hub for business and innovation, with a strong focus on industry, technology, and research. Mannheim is home to several universities and research institutions, including the University of Mannheim and the Mannheim Business School. The city is also a cultural hub, with several museums, galleries, and theatres. Mannheim is located at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers, and is a gateway to the nearby natural landscapes of the Odenwald and the Palatinate Forest.
The City of Inventions
The ‘Laufmaschine’ was first demonstrated on the streets of Mannheim in 1817. This two-wheeled pedal-free was the forerunner of the bicycle!
The tractor and automobile were either made or presented here first too!
Old but still going strong...
Settled in Roman times, its name was first recorded in 766. Mannheim was recognised as a city over 400 years ago.
Squared Away: Navigating Quadratestadt's Urban Maze
Mannheim’s city centre streets and avenues are laid out in a grid pattern, leading to the city’s nickname Quadratestadt (Square City). Within a ring of avenues surrounding the city centre, there are squares, numbered from A1 to U6, instead of street names.
Population
As of 2024, the population of Mannheim is 346,000. Of course, this number is constantly changing.
Local Attractions
Mannheim Baroque Palace - Bismarckstraße, 68161 Mannheim | within city centre
Mannheim Palace is full of history and is comprised of 6 wings and hundreds of windows, as well as having a university located within it. Some ceilings within the halls are beautifully painted and adorned with chandeliers.
Fun Fact: Mozart played the piano at the Mannheim Palace!
SAP Arena - An d. Arena 1, 68163 Mannheim | 5km from city centre
The SAP Arena is a multi-purpose arena in Mannheim, Germany, and is primarily used for Ice Hockey and Handball. It is home to the Adler Mannheim Ice Hockey Club and the Rhein-Neckar Löwen Handball Club.
Inaugurated in 2005, the arena has a 15,000 person capacity and hosts more than a hundred concerts and convention events annually.
The SAP Arena is one of the largest in Germany and one of the most high-tech in Europe.
Did you know (we know you do)? The arena is named after its sponsor… SAP!
TECHNOSEUM - Museumsstraße 1, 68165 Mannheim | 3.6 km from city centre
The TECHNOSEUM (formerly: State Museum of Technology & Work) is a technology museum in Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
Stands portraying the technical, social and political changes since the 18th century include those on clocks, paper manufacture and weaving. There are displays of living and working premises as well as machinery from the fields of industry, transport and the office.
Air and Rail Connections
City Airport Mannheim (Flughafen Mannheim)
Mannheim does not operate a large airport and it is mainly used for regional trips.
However, Frankfurt Airport is just 60km away and offers flights to a variety of major cities around the world.
Mannheim Hauptbahnhof - Willy-Brandt-Platz 17, 68161 Mannheim
Mannheim Central Station is said to be the 2nd largest ‘traffic hub’ in southwestern, Germany.
Approximately 650+ trains per day pass through the hub.
Housing and living costs
Monthly average rental costs are calculated based on apartments both inside and out of the city centre.
- 1 bedroom – 1,050 euros
- 2 bedroom – 1,281 euros
- 3 bedroom – 1,696 euros
For further information, click here.
To calculate German tax click here.
For information about the German tax system click here.
International Education
Metropolitan International School
This private school operates using the IGCE curriculum and offers unbridled support to students aged 4-18.
There are many nationalities and cultures at this school, making it a great option if you’re considering relocating to Mannheim.
H.I.S. Heidelberg International School
Admittedly, H.I.S falls under Heidelberg, but it’s a 20 minute drive from Mannheim and that journey could be worth the effort!
H.I.S. is an IB World School, serving the needs of the international community within the Rhine-Neckar region. We provide a respectful and supportive learning environment for students from 4 years old through to the IB Diploma.
Activities
Barockschloss Mannheim - Bismarckstraße, 68161 Mannheim | 1.6km from city centre
Mannheim Baroque Palace was intended to be the second largest Baroque palace complex in Europe, after Versailles. Its grand scale was designed to highlight the important role of the Palatine Prince Electors in the Holy Roman Empire. In 1720, Prince Elector Carl Philipp transferred the palatinate’s seat of power from Heidelberg to Mannheim and initiated the construction of a new palace. Among the illustrious visitors in the 18th-century was none other than Mozart.
Wasserturm Mannheim - Friedrichsplatz, 68165 Mannheim | 1.3km from city centre
The water tower is a well-known landmark. The tower was built between 1886 and 1889 on today’s Friedrichsplatz on the eastern edge of the city centre. The tower is 60 metres high and has a diameter of 19 metres. It was the first municipal water tower in Mannheim and initially had to fulfil all functions of drinking water supply, including maintaining constant water pressure.
Kunsthalle Mannheim - Friedrichsplatz 4, 68165 Mannheim | within city centre
Animal lovers may be slightly hesitant to visit a zoo, but Hamburg’s Zoo places a significant amount of importance on the welfare of its inhabitants. Carl Hagenbeck was the founder of the zoo, and initiated a space known as the ‘Panorama Exhibit’, which aims to recreate the animals’ natural habitats, using moats as natural barriers.
Events, Festivals and Holidays
International Filmfestival
This film festival has operated for almost seven decades and is a magnet for cinephiles and film lovers across the city. You can expect around 60,000 people to attend each year, all of them coming to watch an array of latest independent movie releases.
Christopher Street Day Parade Mannheim (Pride festival)
This annual Festival is in celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. It is one of the largest celebrations of its kind in the city.
Christmas Markets
Located in Wasserturm, this Christmas market includes a plethora of stalls and booths that sell food, drink, and crafts. There are many local specialties to enjoy here, and a small funfair too, consisting of some antique carousels, as well as a child’s train.
Food & Drink Options
Turmcafe Cocktailbar - Stadthaus N1, 68161 Mannheim | within City Centre
Situated within the luxury Fairmont Hotel View Jahreszeiten, this restaurant is known beyond the city walls with two Michelin stars. The menus are based on classic French cuisine, which pairs well with the prestigious interior and perfect service.
Dreh-Restaurant Skyline - Hans-Reschke-Ufer 2, 68165 Mannheim | 2.2km from city centre
With a wide array of seafood and spiced meat dishes on offer, you’re sure to keep returning to this Lebanese restaurant. Samples are a great way to try some of the dishes, before enjoying the extraordinary desserts (so be sure to leave room).
Hagestolz Bar - Hagestolz, Jungbuschstraße 26, 68159, Mannheim | 2.3km from city centre
The Hagestolz Bar is one of the oldest in the Jungbusch district and manages to draw an great crowd every single weekend.
The modern ambience pairs well with a selection of creative cocktails and beers. We highly recommend this bar!
Hotels
SYTE Hotel Mannheim | 5-star hotel within city centre
Address: Tattersallstraße 2, 68165 Mannheim
Phone: +49 621 4 907 670
Leonardo Royal Hotel Mannheim | 4-star hotel within city centre
Address: Ferdinandstraße 15, 20095 Hamburg
Phone: +49 40 22 63 620
Mercure Hotel Mannheim am Rathaus | 3-star hotel 2km from city centre
Address: F7 5-13 68159, Mannheim
Phone:+49 621 336 990
Getting Around The City
Public Transport
Mannheim has an extensive public transport system, comprised of buses, trams and trains.
Click this link for maps, timetables and journey planners.
Taxi Companies
Taxi Mannheim | +49 160 113 2920
Mannheim Taxi | +49 170 959 0100
Shopping Malls
Q6Q7 Shopping Mall - Q7 23, 68161 Mannheim | 1.7km from city centre
The Q6Q7 Shopping Mall is a medium sized mall, and offers a variety of fashion outlets and boutique shops. There are restaurants and cafes inside, most of which are fairly priced. You’ll be sure to find a variety of big brands too!
Kurpfalz Center - Spreewaldallee 44-50, 68309 Mannheim | 8km from city centre
This a lovely shopping mall that offers your day-to-day essentials including groceries, clothing & sporting goods.
Local Football Teams
VfR Mannheim
VfR Mannheim is a German association football club based in Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg formed in 1911 out of the fusion of Mannheimer FG 1896, Mannheimer FG 1897 Union, and FC Viktoria 1897 Mannheim. The club captured the national title in 1949 with a victory over Borussia Dortmund.
Pharmacies
Pelikan Apotheke Michael Keller
Address: F1 1, 68159 Mannheim
Phone: +49 621 2 69 53
Einhorn-Apotheke
Address: R 1, 2-3, 68161 Mannheim
Phone: +49 621 2 65 83
Stephanien-Apotheke
Address: Meerfeldstraße 74, 68163 Mannheim
Phone: +49 621 818 469