Top hotels in Mannheim

The city has been around for thousands of years, but the way we know it today began in the 1950s. The city was rebuilt, and many state-of-the-art residential developments were in the works, creating the celebrated city we see in modern times. Beautiful parks, awe-inspiring architecture, and safe, quiet neighborhoods are just a few of the reasons that almost 300,000 people call this place home. Among the many completed projects are several tourist destinations, drawing in almost as many visitors as residents. In 2007, this German metropolis celebrated its 400th official year as a city with new roads and renovations to the fair grounds and other popular sites.

Location: In the South-Western Part of Germany

The city is located within the north-western corner of Baden-Württemberg. It is at the confluence of the Neckar and the Rhine. In fact, the Rhine actually separates its boundaries from the neighboring municipality of Ludwigshafen. Hesse is just to the north as well. It gets its well-known nickname "City of the Squares" from its grid-style layout, unique among German cities. The climate provides very warm and humid summers and milder winters.

Business: Home to Well-Known Companies

Mannheim is well-known in the business world as an innovative city. In fact, even Forbes has recognized it for exceptional inventive power by ranking it within the top 15 of the most inventive cities in the world. The New Economy Magazine sees the city as taking Germany into the future with its creativity. Major companies call this place home, amongst them John Deere, IBM, and Phoenix Group. SAP Arena also brings in the big bucks as the home of the Adler Mannheim ice hockey team.

Culture: National Theatre, Memorials, and a Water Tower

Among the many great cultural sites in the city, the main attraction is the National Theatre Mannheim, which was founded in 1779, making it the oldest stage in the country. The city is also located on the Bertha Benz Memorial Route, following the tracks of the world's first long distance road trip taken in 1888. The route goes through most of Baden-Württemberg and links up with the European Route of Industrial Heritage. Travel to the Art Nouveau area of town, and see a Romanesque water tower rising 60 meters in the air, built in 1886.

Activities: Shopping, University, and Parks

Residents and visitors alike enjoy taking a stroll through one of the many parks here in Mannheim, including Luisenpark, known for being one of the most beautiful in Europe. Inside, you will find boats, children's facilities, an open-air stage, and even a greenhouse. Next check out the city's castle, which actually contains the well-known University, offering educational and research opportunities. Shopping here has no limit with three major shopping destinations as well as the Marktplatz. This square holds a farmer's market every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, featuring anything from flowers to fresh fruits and vegetables.