Germany: City of Mannheim

The Rhine and Neckar rivers meet at Southwest Germany’s second largest city, where tradition is matched with innovation. The grid like street pattern dates back four centuries, the handsome 250-year old Schloss Manheim (Palace) is one of the country’s largest Baroque complexes, with a Knight’s Hall and Palace Church. As for the invention, the city is home to the first bicycle and in 1886 the first automobile built by Carl Benz.

In this city you will find the famous TECHNOSEUM, a museum of Technology and Work. A real paradise for all engine/car enthousiasts. Among other Intresting pieces in this museum there is a Concorde plane where visitors can have a real look inside, the car, bicycle and tractor were al perfected in Manheim and the stories are told here.

Manheim is also known as one of the region’s best shopping destinations, with stylish boutiques, chain stores and department stores. the wide choise includes individual stores and popular names, good shopping

Germany first pop music academy is here, while the National theatre presents ballet and opera. The multi cultural population along with the university students ensures a lively atmosphere. The city has played a major role in Germany’s cultural history. In the 18th-century, t he city was home to the Manheim school of classical composers that introduced innovative orchestral techniques.

The National Theater, with a history stretching back more than 225 years, is part of that cultural heritage. For example, Schiller’s first major play Die Rauber was first performed here in 1782. Today the program includes opera, concerts, ballet and drama.

In Manheim the Art Gallery is 100year-old and is devoted to modern and contemporary art, ranging from Courbet and Chagall to Henry Moore and Richard Long. The gallery called the Kunsthalle even houses pieces by Van Gogh and Liebermann.

The gallery is a beautiful building with a marble entrance, there are non permanent paintings being exhibited from time to time. Guided tours are usually available with some video material offered, most impressive.

There are many cool places to dine and enjoy a cocktail. One example is a cocktail bar called “Turmcafe”, which offers excellent cocktails and great views of the city and the city of Luwigshafen just across the river.

My latest count was 135 restaurants in Manheim, ranging from cheap eats to mid eats and fine dining available.

A place to relax and have beautiful walks is the Luisenpark , with botanical gardens, zoo and boating lake, so if you fancy a great city with lots to do over the weekend, try Manheim!