Mannheim is unusual among German cities in that its central area is laid out in a grid pattern much like many North American cities with the main route through the squares leading to an enormous 18th-century palace.

The Mannheim Residence castle with its ornamental stucco knights' hall was built by Carl Philipp, it is the largest baroque castle in Germany. The palace lies directly beside a baroque Jesuit church with a high altar by Peter Anton Verschaffelt. This is the only church of this style in southwest Germany.

The "Rose Garden" (Congress Center), which is one hundred years old and was built in the Art Nouveau style, forms a part of one of the most beautiful and largest Art Nouveau ensembles in Europe. Mannheim's major landmark, the Water Tower, is also located there, surrounded by magnificent fountains.

The Old Town Hall of the electors is situated on the Market Place (Markplatz), which plays host to the colourful hustle and bustle of the market three times a week. Adjacent to that in the centre of the city is Parade Square (Paradeplatz) with its Grupello Fountain.

Mannheim's reputation as a parkland city is well deserved as it boasts many parks and gardens. Here you will have plenty of opportunity to enjoy the natural greenery around you. The Luisenpark, which is over a hundred years old, is situated immediately next to the Telecommunications Tower (Fernmeldeturm). Having been enlarged for the National Garden Festival in 1975, it is one of the most beautiful parks in Europe.

Of the few streets among the Mannheim squares which have a name, the "Planks" must surely be the best known. In former times, wooden planks were laid on the ground between the Water Tower and Parade Square so as to allow well-to-do ladies to keep their feet dry as they strolled around. Nowadays the Planks are a pedestrian zone and, lined with elegant shops, cafés and shopping arcades, form Mannheim's busy shopping district.