Mannheim

Located at the confluence of the Rhine and the Neckar Rivers, Mannheim is unusual among German cities in that its center is laid out in a grid pattern, much like a lot of US and Australian cities. Its German nickname is die Quadratestadt (the City of the Squares). Visit the splendid baroque Mannheim Palace and stroll through the Luisenpark, one of Europe’s loveliest. Wander along the city's "Culture Mile" and visit attractions such as the National Theatre, the Reiss Museum and the Rosengarten Concert Hall. Also not to be missed is the elegant Water Tower on Friedrichsplatz.