tourist office hannover

• 1.1 History
• 1.2 Kröpcke
• 1.3 Tourist information
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By train
• 3.1 By public transportation
• 3.2 By bicycle or on foot
• 3.3 By taxi
• 4.1 Museums
• 4.2 Fireworks
• 5.1 In Spring
• 5.2 In Summer
• 5.3 In Autumn
• 5.4 In Winter
• 8.1 Souvenirs
• 8.2 Shopping
• 8.3 Flea market
• 9.1 Food Markets
• 9.2.1 City centre
• 9.2.2 Around the Lister Meile
• 9.2.3 Along the Limmerstraße
• 9.3 Mid-range
• 9.4 Splurge
• 10.1 Beer gardens
• 10.2 Cocktail bars
• 10.3 Hot drinks
• 10.4 Nightlife
• 11.1 Budget
• 11.2 Mid-range
• 11.3 Splurge
• 12.1 Wi-Fi connections
• 12.2 Internet access
• 12.3 Mobile phone
• 13.1 Important telephone numbers
• 14 Stay healthy
• 15.1 Laundromat
• 15.2 Using English

Hanover ( German : Hannover , Low Saxon : Hannober ) is the capital of Lower Saxony in Germany . Hanover built a huge exhibition complex for the World Expo in 2000 and has been host to several of the biggest exhibitions in the world. Consequently, it calls itself the "Expo City" or "Exhibition City" ( Expo Stadt / Messestadt ). Hanover also played host to the 2006 Association Football World Cup. The major language spoken is German. English is not common, except during major international events. Nevertheless most people understand English and will be able to help you find your way around.

Understand [ edit ]

Hanover was one of the hardest-hit cities during World War II , leaving it with only a few historical landmarks. Don't expect to see beautiful centuries-old buildings; even the Old City ( Altstadt ) area is "new", as all the old houses left standing after the war (around 40) were taken from throughout the city and collected in one place. This area is surrounded by some 1950s and 1960s buildings that give a somewhat heavy atmosphere to the streets. However, there are still several residential neighborhoods consisting of late-19th-century housing stock with often elaborate historicist (Victorian) and Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) decorations just outside the downtown area, such as Oststadt , List and Linden .

Hanover has large green areas, with forests and big parks. The landscape is mostly flat, with the river Leine going through the city. The lake Masch ( Maschsee ) is rather spectacular, considering its size as a man-made object.

The city had a special relationship to the late French artist Niki de Saint-Phalle. She had several of her works in public spots in Hanover ( i.e. , "the Nanas", "the Cave" in the Great Garden) and also in the Sprengel Museum. To honor her contribution to Hanover, she was granted an honorary citizenship from the city government. Moreover, the renovated "underground" shopping passageway from the central station to Kröpcke was named "The Niki de Saint-Phalle Promenade".

Hanover's public services are excellent, due to major reconstruction for the World Expo 2000. The shopping area under the train station was renovated in 2005-2006 in preparation for the World Cup.

History [ edit ]

Hanover was founded in medieval times on the bank of the river Leine and became a comparatively large town in the 13th century. Its original name Honovere may mean "high (river)bank". There was a time of personal union of the crowns of the United Kingdom and Hanover (1714–1837). Soldiers from Hanover emigrated to Great Britain, leading to the formation of the King's German Legion, which was the only German army to fight throughout the entire Napoleonic Wars against the French. They later played an important role in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. After World War II, Hanover became the capital of Lower Saxony, a state created from several disparate elements and the most sparsely populated of the old Federal Republic but also the second biggest by area of all 16 states of reunited Germany. Hanover profited from its new status as capital and is the northern endpoint of Germany's first (opened 1991) – and still longest – high speed rail line, linking Würzburg and Hanover along a North-South spine that was totally overwhelmed with traffic during the era of German partition and still carries significant amounts of traffic to this day.

Hanover has arguably become Germany's trade fair capital in a highly competitive market, hosting Germany's only world exhibition after the war in Expo 2000 (with some buildings from the event still extant) and also CeBit, considered the premier computer-related event in the world. The trade fair area of Hanover is the largest in the world by most measures.

Kröpcke [ edit ]

Kröpcke is a large pedestrian area in the heart of Hanover. It is Hanover's major shopping spot, home to the Opera house and has lots of places to eat. The main station in the Hanover Stadtbahn network is also located here. All Stadtbahn lines except the 10 and 17, call at the station and it is the main interchange point for the network. It has six platforms in total on three lines that cross each other in independent tunnels. There is a big green clock in Kröpcke - the 52.374427 9.738857 1 Kröpcke-Uhr - which makes an ideal meeting point.

Tourist information [ edit ]

• 52.37536 9.74136 2 The Tourism Office , Ernst-August-Platz 8 ( nearby Central Station ), ☏ +49 511 12345111 , [email protected] . Offers self-guiding maps. Follow the red line ( Roter Faden , literally Red Thread ) which starts from the exit of the Tourism Office. The red line will pass the most significant attractions in the oldest part of Hanover and can be completed on foot in 1½ hours. Refer to the map for explanation every time a number on the red line is encountered.  

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

The airport offers the option to check in the day before your departure (18:00-21:00) for some airlines (Condor, Croatia Airlines, Sky Airlines, and TUI).

By train [ edit ]

Due to its location, Hanover has good connections from all major cities in Germany through Deutsche Bahn (DB) , the German rail service. There are also direct trains to the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Austria several times a day, including a few sleeper trains operated by ( Nightjet ).

Hanover is also reachable by regional trains, making it possible to use the cheap and popular “weekend tickets” [dead link] ( German: Schönes-Wochenende-Ticket ) on weekends, the “travel throughout Germany tickets” [dead link] for the rest of the week. Both are applicable for the whole republic and cost €40 or €44 (2016) for a single person. It gets even cheaper if you travel in a little group of up to five people. If you are already in lower saxony, you can use the “Lower-Saxony-Ticket” [dead link] ( German: Niedersachsen-Ticket ) for €23 (2016).

The high speed Inter City Express trains (ICE trains) can take you all over Germany to places such as: Frankfurt, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Munich, Cologne, and Berlin. The trip to Hanover from Berlin takes 1 hr 30 min, from Hamburg 1 hr 20 min, from Frankfurt 2 hr 20 min, and from Munich 4 hr 30 min. Prices vary depending on time of travel and the ticket type such as an economy, freedom or comfort ticket, but a freedom ticket from Berlin to Hanover will cost you from €75.

Flixtrain serves the city. DB tickets are not valid here.

By bus [ edit ]

• 52.378601 9.741019 2 Intercity bus station .  

Hanover is linked to the rest of Germany and parts of Europe by frequent bus services. Bus rides tend to be fairly quick avoiding unnecessary hold ups but they are not the most comfortable way to travel especially for long distances. The Central Bus Station ( Zentraler Omnibus Bahnhof or "ZOB") is behind (to the north-west of) the Central Station ( Hauptbahnhof ). The biggest company by far is Flixbus with Berlinbus a clear second and all others accounting for pocket change by comparison.

International buses still serve Hannover, for example:

• Buses to Bosnia are run by Globtour
• Buses to Croatia are run by Čazmatrans
• Buses to Czech Republic : Student Agency

By car [ edit ]

Hanover is served by the excellent German road system, being on both the Hamburg to Kassel (Autobahn A7) running north and south and the Berlin to Düsseldorf (A2) running east and west. The city is easily reached after leaving these two motorways. In Germany they drive on the right, and while the autobahns have no speed limits unless individual speed limits are clearly indicated, they do have a recommended speed limit of 130 km/h. Note that at minimum drivers may be held partially responsible when travelling in excess of that recommended speed limit at the time of any accident. While the limits on the B-roads are quite high (usually 100 km/h, even more on motorway-style B-roads), they can drop to as low as 50 km/h in built up areas. From Hamburg the drive is around an hour and a half. From Berlin and Düsseldorf, the drive is around 3 hours, but heavy (truck-)traffic on the A2 can play havoc to plans.

Much of Hanover (= more or less the rectangle formed by motorway A2 in the north and the three freeways west, south, and east of the city centre) has been declared a low emission zone ( Umweltzone ). All motor vehicles need a badge ( Feinstaubplakette ) indicating their pollution category; this also applies for foreign-registered cars. In Hanover the most stringent category indicated by a green badge is required. Entering without a badge will cost you a fine if you are caught.

Get around [ edit ]

By public transportation [ edit ]

Hanover has a fantastic network of public transportation [dead link] , so it's best to park your car and ride. If you plan to make more than two trips by tram, bus, or subway, a day ticket is your best bet, buying you unlimited travel on the public transport system. Day tickets are valid until the last connection of the day (which normally ends sometime after midnight). The public transportation adopts an honor system for tickets, but they do have ticket inspections once in a while (also late at nights and early mornings). The fine is quite high, so make sure you have a ticket all the time. Be aware that some tickets will need to be validated (stamped on the 'blue box'), and some not, depending on the machine.

• Hannover Card 2013 . Hannover Card is issued by the Tourism Office. It includes free use of public transportation and discounts for some local attractions (e.g. museums, opera, the Great Garden), tours, and restaurants. Price: Single ticket: 1 day €9.50, 2 days €14.50, 3 days €17.50; Group ticket (2-5 persons): 1 day €19.50, 3 days €33.50.
• Ticket and Cards Regions . It may be confusing to understand the zones of Hanover public transportation. The key is to know that there are "tickets" and "cards". The term "tickets" applies to the ones bought at the machine or elsewhere, while "cards" are the ones with (monthly) subscription. Inside the city area, you only need a 1-zone ticket as it already covers a good part of the city. However, for the airport you will need a 2-zone ticket, as it is located outside Zone 1. Tickets are valid on bus, tram, fast tram ( S-Bahn ), and regional train.
• Ticket Price (2016) [dead link]
• Day ticket: €5.00 (1 zone), €6.60, (2 zones), €8.20 (3 zones)
• Group day ticket (up to 5 persons): €9.80 (1 zone), €12.60 (2 zones), €15.50 (3 zones)
• Single-trip ticket: €2.60 (1 zone), €3.40 (2 zones), €4.30 (3 zones)
• Short-trip ticket (up to 3 stops for tram and 5 stops for bus): €1.50
• Reduced ticket (children 6-14y, big dogs): €1.30 (all zone)
• Special price for a carnet of 6 single-trip tickets ( SammelTicket ): €14.30 (1 zone) and €17.90 (2 zones) resp. 4 single-trip tickets €15.30 (3 zones)

If you are a returning visitor and have any carnets or day tickets left, bring them along! Tickets purchased in euros have unlimited validity.

By bicycle or on foot [ edit ]

It is possible to take your bike on the tram or bus for free on M-F 08:30-15:00 and after 21:00. There are no time restrictions on weekends.

By taxi [ edit ]

Unless you have limited time, lots of heavy baggage, or are travelling after public transport stops at night, you might want to think twice about using taxi, as it is very expensive. However, it could be cheaper if travelling in a big group: You can order a 7- or 9-seat taxi by phone and get more people in at the same price.

• MOIA . Ridesharing service ( updated Mar 2020 )

See [ edit ]

• 52.38836 9.69659 1 Great Garden of Herrenhausen ( Herrenhäuser Gärten / Großer Garten ) ( by tram, go to stop named "Herrenhäuser Garten"; by car, "Herrenhäuser Str. 4" ). The world-famous baroque gardens of Herrenhausen were created in the 17th century to copy the Versailles Garden in France. A must see! Even in the winter one can still see its beauty, but it reaches its best at the end of spring until end of summer. There is also a glimmering cave decorated by Niki de Saint Phalle. The Berggarten, a botanical garden, is also very beautiful.  
• 52.38131 9.77075 2 Hanover Zoo ( Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover ). A very modern zoo, supposed to be one of the best in Europe. About 2,000 animals from all over the world live in six impressive zoo worlds. The ticket is pricey but should is worth it for a whole day's fun. Day tickets cost €25 for adults, for children 3–5 years: €13.50 and children 6-17 yr: €17. Open year-round. In wintertime, visit the WinterZoo - a charming Christmas market with ice show, ice skating, slides, food & drink, etc.  
• 52.39252 9.69913 3 Sea Life , Herrenhäuser Straße 4A ( Tram 4 or 5, stop: Herrenhäuser Gärten ), ☏ +49 511 123300 , [email protected] . Hanover Aquarium, has an array of fish and also a rain forest inside. It is open from 10:00 daily. Tickets adult or child: €15.95, one adult and one child: €26.50 .  

• 52.3674 9.73734 4 New City Hall ( Neues Rathaus ), Trammplatz 2 . See the models of Hanover at four different points in history: 1689, 1939, 1945, and 2000, and then take a sloped elevator ( €4 ) to the dome for a beautiful view of the city.  
• 52.36989 9.73241 5 The Nanas ( at the Leibnizufer ). Giant sculptures made by Niki de Saint Phalle.  
• 52.38232 9.71785 6 University of Hanover ( Leibniz Universität Hannover ), Welfengarten 1 . The main building was the winter palace of the Kings of Hanover. The summer palace was in the Great Garden complex. However, it was destroyed during the World War II. Now only one wall remains.  
• 52.37134 9.73227 7 Leibniz House , Holzmarkt 4-6 ( Holzmarkt near the Historical Museum ). The house where Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz lived during the later part of his life.  
• 52.37421 9.77116 8 City park ( Stadtpark ), Theodor-Heuss-Platz 1-3 ( Tram 11, direction Zoo, stop: Congress Centrum/Stadthalle ). This is worth visiting on a nice sunny day. Good place to relax with a good book and a perfect place to escape the city centre.  
• 52.36656 9.83637 9 Tiergarten , Tiergartenstraße 149 . 112 hectares of recreational forest with free ranging fallow deer.  
• 52.38815 9.77161 10 Eilenriede . 650 hectares of city forest. Very unique considering its size and location in the middle of the city.  
• 52.38675 9.74859 11 List . A residential area not so far from the Central Station. This area is popular among students. It has a nice pedestrian area "Lister Meile" with some small and interesting shops.  

Museums [ edit ]

Many museums (including the Landesmuseum, the Historical Museum, and the Kestner Museum) can be visited for free on Friday.

• 52.36549 9.740089 12 Niedersächsisches Landesmuseum ( Lower Saxon State Museum ). Tu W F-Su 10:00-17:00, Th 10:00-19:00 . A mish-mash of exhibitions. There is a prehistorical section focusing on the past of Lower Saxony including tools and weapons. You will also find coins of the Kingdom of Hanover, Prussia and the German empire and to top it all off, what every German museum needs, a Japanese tea room. Adult €4-8, reduced €3-6, family €9-16 .  
• 52.371702 9.732402 13 Historisches Museum am Hohen Ufer , Pferdestraße 6 , ☏ +49 511 168-43945 , fax : +49 511 168-45003 . Tu 10:00-19:00, W-F 10:00-17:00, Sa Su 10:00-18:00 . – The Historical Museum in Hanover traces the history of the city right from the time of its foundation in 1100 to the present day. The museum showcases the history of the town as well as the individual regions. You will also get to know a lot about the folk culture and folk traditions of Hanover. Located towards the west of Balhof in Hanover and is on the Hohes Ufer where you find the largest flea market held on Saturdays. €5 (adults) .  
• 52.362954 9.740103 14 Sprengel Museum , Kurt-Schwitters-Platz ( any tram to Aegidientorplatz then walk 10 min to the direction of the lake, or Bus 131 from Kröpcke to stop Maschsee/Sprengel Museum ), ☏ +49 511-16843875 , fax : +49 511-16845093 . Tu 10:00-20:00, W-Su 10:00-18:00 . Should not be missed by modern art lovers. Hosts a great number of art objects from the 20th century. Objects include works from Picasso, Paul Klee, Niki de Saint-Phalle. €7 (adults), €4 (students, seniors, unemployed) .  
• 52.38425 9.707733 15 Wilhelm-Busch Museum , in Georgengarten, within the Great Garden ( Tram 4 or 5 (Direction Garbsen/Stöcken) to stop Wilhelm-Busch Museum ). Tu-F 11:00–17:00, Sa Su holiday 11:00–18:00 . This museum hosts the unique collection of Busch’s work and others satirical and humorous art. It is respected as the German Museum of Caricature and Critical Graphic Arts. €4.50, €10 family, €2.50 reduced.  
• 52.364342 9.805562 16 Blindenmuseum Hannover ( Landesbildungszentrum für Blinde ), Bleekstraße 22 , ☏ +49 511-52470 . The museum hosts objects showing how blind people have been educated between 1843 and today. Free admission, but open only by appointment.  

• 52.3681 9.736257 17 Museum August-Kestner ( Kestner Museum ), Trammplatz 3 ( Bus 131/132 stop: Aegidientorplatz, Bus 120 stop: Friedrichswall/Culemannstraße, Bus 250 stop: Bleichenstraße ), ☏ +49 511-16842120 , fax : +49 511 168-46530 , [email protected] . Tu Th-Su 11:00-18:00, W 11:00-20:00 . Objects include ones from ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece, the Middle Ages and modern times. €3 .  
• 52.291405 9.932682 18 Hannover Tramway Museum ( Straßenbahn-Museum ), ☏ +49 511 646 3312 , [email protected] . In Wehmingen near Sehnde – The Museum comprises the only nationwide collection of tramcars in Germany, located on the site of a former potash mine in Sehnde-Wehmingen, southeast of Hannover. Open from April - October only Sundays and public holidays 11:00-17:00. . Admission: €8, child 6–15 years: €4.50, family: €19 .  

Fireworks [ edit ]

Hanover's people enjoy a lot of fireworks during the year. In addition to the world competition held every summer, there are fireworks every night of the Kleines Fest, every weekend during the Spring Festival ( Frühlingsfest ) and Oktoberfest, and on the weekend of the Lake Masch Festival. For the first two, the best spot to see is inside or outside the Great Garden, while the latter ones can be seen from any point around Lake Masch. Fireworks usually start at 22:00.

Hanover is also place of the annual fireworks world contest (or at least one of the many world contests happening during the year around the world) in the Herrenhäuser Gärten. Six nations participate on six Saturdays, three of them around May - Jun, three in Aug - Sep.

Do [ edit ]

• Hanover Opera ( Opernhaus ). Kröpcke – Hosts a number of operas played by international singers, as well as ballets and classical music. Operas by German composers are performed in German; Italian operas are performed with German subtitles (no English). Tickets normally sell out for the popular Mozart's "Die Zauberfloete" ("Magic Flute") and Strauss' "Die Fledermaus" ("The Bat"). €14-55, €8 students (sold 30 minutes before curtain, ID required).  
• N.D.R. Symphoniker , Rudolf Benigsen Ufer 22, +49 511-9880. The venue for poetry readings, jazz and rock&roll concerts, as well as chamber orchestras. €15-35.
• Theater am Aegi , Aegidientorplatz 2, +49 511-989330.
• Cinemaxx . This multiplex movie theater right behind the main train station (Raschplatz) shows some films in original English version. Tickets: €6-7, student €5. Tuesday is the cheap ticket day (€3.50-4.50). Seats are numbered and there is an extra fee (€1) for the "better seats" ( Loge , the ones upper than the first few rows). For extra long movie, another extra fee (€0.50-1).  
• Hannover 96 , Niedersachsenstadion, Arthur-Menge-Ufer , ☏ +49 511 9690 0450 . Die Roten (The Reds) play soccer in 2. Bundesliga, Germany's second tier. The stadium (capacity 49,000) is close to city centre at the north end of Machtsee. ( updated Oct 2023 )
• Hannover Scorpions . Hanover's professional ice hockey club in Germany's premier division (DEL).  

In Spring [ edit ]

• Hannover Messe ( Hanover Fairground, southeast of downtown ). A well-known industrial expo in mid or late April, showcasing engineering products and components from motors to microcontrollers. Running since 1947, it usually receives about quarter of a million visitors.  
• Spring Festival ( Frühlingfest ). Schützenplatz. Annual event in spring, everyday from 2PM. Practically a knock-down amusement park. Lots of fun.  
• Masala World-beat Festival . Musicians from around the world play in several spots throughout the city. An annual event in spring/summer.

In Summer [ edit ]

• The Small Festival in the Great Garden ( Kleines Fest im großen Garten ) ( Tram 4, from Kröpcke direction Garbsen ). – Around 30-40 performers from around the world perform in this summer festival, including clowns, acrobatic performance, comedy theatre and many more. Every festival day lasted around 4 hours (18:00-22:30), so normally only maximum 7 stage performances can be seen in 1 festival day. At the end of the day (or night), fireworks are lighted, bringing the excitement from the day to a fabulous ending. Tickets can be bought directly on the day, but be prepared for a very long queue. Coming as early as 2 hours before the festival starts is recommended.  
• Still in Herrenhäuser Gärten , there is an International Firework Competition every year (between May and September). Tickets are sold to see the firework from inside the garden. However, the fireworks can also be enjoyed from the outside of the garden. Be prepared to have a stiff neck by the end of the show as each session lasts 20–30 minutes and during this time you will have your head continuously tilted upwards.
• Schützenfest , Schützenplatz. The largest of its kind of festivals.
• Lake Maschsee Festival , around the lake. Annual event in the summer with food & beverage outlets, and open air cinema.
• Walk or jog around the Maschsee , especially in the summer. In a (rare) very cold winter, the surface of the lake will be frozen and thick enough for ice skating. If you are lucky enough to encounter this rare opportunity, be sure to join in the fun along with all the other people making the most of it.
• Rubber Duck Race ( Entenrennen ). ( Tram 10, 17 stop: Clevertor); Tram 3, 7, 9 stop: Markthalle ). Date for 2007 was July 7. A fun one day event, especially for the children. Hundreds of rubber duckies "racing" through the river Leine. Numbered rubber duckies can be bought for €3 (incl. €2 start fee) in üstra Service Center City in Kröpcke a few weeks before the event or directly on the spot before the "qualification race". Race starts at the Lower Saxon State Parliament ( Landtag Niedersachsen , Leineschloss, Hinrich-Wilhelm-Kopf-Platz 1) and finishes at the bridge Marstallbrücke.

In Autumn [ edit ]

• Oktoberfest , Schützenplatz. second biggest oktoberfest in the world.

In Winter [ edit ]

• Christmas Markets ( Weihnachtsmarkt ) can be found in front of Central Station, in Kröpcke, in Old City ( Altstadt ), and in List (street name "Lister Meile"), and it last from end of November until a couple of days before Christmas. The best stalls to visit are the Finnish stands in the Old City. They serve very good smoked salmon, herring, and reindeer meat. The hot wine ( Glühwein ) is probably the best in the whole Christmas Market. Another alternative is the charming Winter Zoo at Hanover Zoo. From the end of November until the middle of January you can enjoy ice shows, ice skating, slides as well as hearty food and drink to keep you warm.

Learn [ edit ]

• Leibniz University of Hanover ( Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover or LUH ), Welfengarten 1 , ☏ +49 511 7620 , fax : +49 511 7623456 . Having more than 60 interdisciplinary studies and 24,000 students, this university is one of the major institutions offering higher degree of education in Hanover. Besides the regular German degrees (Diplom, Doktoral), international Bachelor's and Master's degrees are also available.  
• Hanover Medical School ( Medizinische Hochschule Hannover or MHH ) ( Tram 4: “Medizinische Hochschule” ). Medizinische Hochschule Hannover (MHH) is a one of the leading university medical centres in Germany. Besides the regular medical courses, MHH offers a Master degree in Biomedicine (program in both English and German), and doctoral degrees as part of the Hanover Biomedical Research School (HBRS) (see below).  
• Hanover Biomedical Research School ( HBRS ). Offers 2 PhD programs: “Molecular Medicine” and “Infection Biology”. Both are conducted in English with students coming from all over the world.  
• University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover , Bünteweg 2 , ☏ +49 511 9536 , fax : +49 511 9538050 .  
• School of Music and Theater , Emmichplatz 1 , ☏ +49 511-3100281 , fax : +49 511-3100361 .  
• [dead link] University of Applied Sciences and Arts , Ricklinger Stadtweg 118 , ☏ +49 511-92960 , fax : +49 511-92961010 .  

Work [ edit ]

As Hanover regularly hosts a number of big exhibitions ( eg. CeBIT, Biotechnica), temporary jobs are always available. However, these are very popular side jobs for students and recruitment may be restricted to local residents.

Buy [ edit ]

Souvenirs [ edit ].

• Souvenirs of the city Hanover can be easily bought at the Tourism Office.
• Official merchandise for World Cup 2006 or Hanover 96 soccer team is sold in Karstadt Sport in Kröpcke.

Shopping [ edit ]

• Left next to the Central Station there is a huge mall called Ernst August Gallerie.
• There is a supermarket (Lidl) in the Central Station. It is the only one open on Sundays. A larger supermarket open M-Sa 24 hours (Kaufland) is left next to the Central Station - behind the Central Bus Station (at the other side of the Station if you are walking from the city centre).
• Big department stores such as Galeria Kaufhof and Karstadt can be found in Kröpcke.
• Check Hugendubel in Kröpcke for popular English books. Another large bookstore is Lehmanns in Georg Straße near Steintor.
• For sports equipments go to SportScheck or Karstadt Sport .
• Rossmann and Douglas provide most body care products. Rossmann also offers a good and cheap photo printing service. There is a Rossmann shop right in the Central Station.
• Horstman & Sander in Kröpcke ( Georgstr., direction to Steintor ) is a great shop for leather goods and good quality bags ranging from coin purses to backpacks to extra large suitcases.
• For elegant boutiques, Galerie Luise ( Luisenstr. ) is the best option.

Flea market [ edit ]

A flea market located along the Leine river takes place every Saturday, 07:00-16:00. However, it's dominated by electronic goods and overpriced "antiques". Watch out for pickpockets.

Eat [ edit ]

In most cafés and small restaurants, paying individually is accepted, as Germans like this system. Tips are not compulsory but most people do. In smaller cafés, if paying separately, rounding up to the next full euro is common; in bigger restaurants, 10% is best.

Food Markets [ edit ]

• 52.370203 9.735953 1 Markthalle ( market hall ). Check out the variety of food stalls. You will find almost everything from Spanish tapas to Mett (raw minced meat). $$ . ( updated May 2022 )

Budget [ edit ]

At a nearby butcher shop you can get German sausages.

City centre [ edit ]

• 52.37501 9.739209 2 Pommesglück , Niki-de-Saint-Phalle-Promenade 22 . Tasty french fries. Gluten free options are available. The sauce selection is very varied. The vegan mayo is awesome. The line can get long, especially on weekends. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 52.37343 9.744427 3 Restaurant "Alexander" , Prinzenstraße 10 . Great schnitzel. Authentic German food. There's a large menu to choose from, and an English one is available if needed. The beer is good, with a decent selection. There's also a broader drink menu as well as desserts. Great hospitality, very pleasant attitude from the host and staff. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 52.377346 9.732498 4 Riccardo Berardino Pizzeria , Goseriede 4-6 . It has a history of over 40 years. The pizza is well filled, a little fried and therefore very juicy. The stuffed pizza is always worth a detour. Crispy, fluffy dough, aromatic cheese. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 52.375113 9.739318 5 Hey Ferry , Niki-de-Saint-Phalle-Promenade 28 . Fresh ingredients and sauces and freshly fried falafels, really crispy and tasty. Also offers döner kabab. If you're vegan they will take care not to use any dairy products. The staff is friendly and helpful and you can even try before you buy. You can sit in or take away. ( updated Jan 2023 )

Around the Lister Meile [ edit ]

• 52.386268 9.748215 6 Bistro Tomate , Drostestraße 9 . Small bistro. There are indoor and outdoor spaces. The equipment is not the newest but it is tidy and gives the shop a certain charm. Customers are warmly welcomed. You have a direct view of the kitchen and can see what is being done. After you have ordered the food at the counter, you can take it with you or it will be brought to your seat. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 52.387211 9.748841 7 La Perla Restaurant , Bürgerstraße 1 . Completely Italian. The service is friendly and helpful. Short waiting times. Selection is large. Special requests are accepted and fulfilled in a friendly manner. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 52.382923 9.74582 8 Urfa Class , Lister Meile 32 . Turkish breakfast is fantastic here, vegetarian option with Menemen (scrambled eggs with tomatoes) are also available. Great döner kebab. Rare restaurant that cooks with charcoal. The staff is very attentive. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 52.382736 9.745369 9 Pizzeria La Lanterna , Lister Meile 31 . Good place for pizzas whether round or square. The vegetarian pizza is really delicious. High quality and somehow a piece of Italy in the middle of the city. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 52.380024 9.744128 10 Kebap 63 , Lister Meile 7 . Great kebab with large portions. The vegetarian option is also great. Many different ingredients, including grilled vegetables. They customize your food according to your wish. Free tea is always available. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 52.38089 9.745643 11 Café Mezzo , ☏ +49 511-314966 , fax : +49 511-3884677 . Lister Meile 4. Normally crowded with students during lunch and dinner time. Reservations should be considered if planning to come during this time. Service can be slow sometime, but they offer a wide range of student menus with reasonable prices. ( updated Jan 2023 )

Along the Limmerstraße [ edit ]

• 52.372739 9.709762 12 Street Kitchen - Viet Cuisine , Limmerstr. 26 , ☏ +49 511 98 63 88 34 . 12-22, or 12-23 Friday/Saturday . Fast and good Vietnamese cuisine in Linden-Nord, with outdoor seating during the summer. ( updated Jan 2023 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 52.3724 9.70744 13 Das kleine Museum , Grotestraße 10 , ☏ +49 511 2153979 . A corner restaurant-pub with large portions of excellent German, French, and Moroccan inspired food. Run by the owner, the staff are warm and welcoming. The decorations are true to its name, replete with stuffed crocodiles on the roof. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 52.388487 9.71646 14 Gaststätte Kaiser , Schaufelder Str. 27 , ☏ +49 511 164900 . Traditional German cuisine of Lower Saxony in an atmospheric restaurant; comprehensive whiskey list. Located near the university, this is a favourite of visiting professors and researchers. The owner also rents rooms upstairs. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 52.371516 9.739978 15 Masa , Georgstr. 50b , [email protected] . Afghan food. You may want to opt for the carpeted floor than the tables. Located next door to the cocktail bar "Loft". ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 52.372031 9.739527 16 Bavarium , Near Kröpcke, Windmühlenstraße 3 , ☏ +49 511-323600 , [email protected] . Bavarian restaurant. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• Café Konrad , Knochenhauerstraße 34 , ☏ +49 511-323666 . Gay-friendly restaurant in the Old City. The food is good, but the preparation is quite often slow. The atmosphere is great, even for straight diners. They have an English menu and are always happy to help you with it. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 52.374132 9.739297 17 Mövenpick , In Kröpcke, Georgstr. 35 , ☏ +49 511-3262840 , fax : +49 511-3632539 . The best place to come for the all-you-can-eat-and-drink breakfast. But not for late sleepers as the breakfast ends at 11:30. Try the ice cream, a bit expensive but definitely worth the price. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 52.37058 9.71339 18 11A , Am Küchengarten 11A, Linden , ☏ +49 511 5901111 . 10:00-23:00 . A smaller cosy restaurant and wine bar in same building. Pretty large portions with decent price of fusion food (seafood, meat, vegetarian etc). Some seats inside, but most tables outside. Good menu and daily specials. Please book a table in advance on warm evenings, because it is popular among locals. You can also wait for a table in the wine bar, next to green park. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• Extrablatt , in various locations . This is a franchised restaurant easily found in several cities in Germany. They serve burgers, pizza, and wraps. Reasonable prices. For the one in List (Friesenstraße), reservations are not necessary except for large groups. ( updated Sep 2022 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 52.3943 9.7379 19 Basil , Dragonerstr. 30 , ☏ +49 511 622636 . M-Sa 18:30-02:00 . Dining in a high ceiling, brick domed room creating an medieval appearance whilst at the same time being contemporary and modern. The menu is fresh and changes every 3 weeks to keep it that way. International meals.  
• 52.3541 9.7457 20 Pier 51 , Rudolf-von-Bennigsen-Ufer 51 , ☏ +49 511 8071800 , fax : +49 511 80718019 . 12:00-01:00 (kitchen 12:00-15:00, 18:30-22:30) . Fantastic sun deck where you can eat whilst taking in the views of the lake. Mediterranean meals. Reservations are more than likely a must especially in the summer season.  

Drink [ edit ]

• Try the local beer, Herrenhäuser Premium Pilsener
• Lüttje Lage is a typical alcoholic drink made of beer and korn (Schnapps) drank simultaneously from two separate glasses.

Beer gardens [ edit ]

• Biercafé Pindopp , Altenbekener Damm 9 , ☏ +49 511-806523 . Open daily from 08:30-01:00. (closed since summer 2016) . Smaller beer garden compared to others Hanover has to offer. Previews the football games so if you are looking for a place to come and watch a match this is the venue. It also has a pool table, darts and pin ball machines.  
• Waterloo Biergarten , Waterloo Straße 1 , ☏ +49 511-5643 . Open daily from 11:00 . Gets its name from being close to Waterloo square and on Waterloo road. Huge beer garden surrounded by trees, very busy during the summer.  
• Uni-Biergarten , Wilhelm-Busch-Str. 2 , ☏ +49 511-1698191 . 11:00-24:00 . Calm and relaxing beer garden in the midst of the city. Quite often a place where students and professors meet or go to have a sneaky drink. Food is available.  
• Lister Turm Biergarten , Walderseestr. 100 , ☏ +49 511-7242617 . Surrounded by trees this is one of the largest beer gardens in Hanover. With the Lister building, in the backdrop as well as all the trees, makes this an idyllic drinking spot. It is family friendly and business savvy as there is a playground for children and WiFI for laptops. The pub also serves food if you're hungry or need a break from drinking.  
• Und der Böse Wolf , Heesestr. 1 , ☏ +49 511-453834 . From 17:00 daily . Quirky pub that attracts a lot of football fans as the owner is a Hannover 96 supporter. Serves Thai food!  
• Restaurant Café Steintormasch , ☏ +49 511-7000717 . In der Steintormasch, adjacent to the mansions gardens. – Serves food and hot meals which can be enjoyed in their beer garden. Open every day except Monday.  

Cocktail bars [ edit ]

• Lunablu , ☏ +49 511 13 1001 . Schaufelderstraße 11. Interior designed by Jorge La Guardia and the flamenco musician gave it a desintct Mediterranean and international feel which has proved to be very popular. Whilst sipping on your cocktail try some of the very reasonably priced, exotic dishes. Open daily from 10:00-01:00.  
• Pepe's , ☏ +49 511124 6086 . Mexican Bar, Friesenstraße 52. A small exotic bar serving delicious food. The cocktail of choice here is the 'Caipi', more often known as, 'Caipirinha', made with sugar cane spirit and limes or the Castro Cooler with rum and calvados. The salsa music will have you up on your feet in no time, especially after a few 'Caipi'. Daily from 18:30-01:00.  
• Bolero Bar , Nikolai Str. 3 ( in front of Cinemaxx ) – Bolero Bar offers a great variety of cocktails at a reasonable price. The place seems to be always full, including weeknights, so reservations are recommended. The place is rather large and not as smoky as other cocktail bars. Happy hour daily 17:00-19:00: half-price for most cocktails; caipi hour daily 23:00-01:00: all caipi variations €4.50, jumbo caipi €6.90; jumbo hour daily after 19:00: cheaper jumbo cocktails.
• Sausalitos , ☏ +49 511-3530919 . Osterstraße 38, – Mexican restaurant that has a great variety of cocktails. Usually full during happy hour which last until 20:00.  
• Loft Georgstraße. 50b (you will have to go through an alley to find it) +49 511-3631376 – Serves original and different Afghani dishes. Opens at 12:00, and has a Happy Hour on Monday and Sunday.
• Escenario , Nikolaistr. 12. ( Close to Cinemaxx Nikolaistr. ) Happy hour 16:30-20:00 (Cocktails €3.95). Tuesday is Ladies Night (Prosecco for €1-1.50).
• Oscar's , ☏ +49 511 235-2434 . 54 Georgstraße. The bar has won a host of awards from publications ranging from Playboy to Barführer , Germany's authoritative guide to the best bars in the country. The monthly whisky tasting session attracts connoisseurs from all over Germany, and the bar has the most extensive collection of whiskies available locally. Prices are appropriately steep, but the atmosphere is not at all stuffy or pompous. It actually has a relaxed and communal feel to it.  

Hot drinks [ edit ]

• Tchibo is the best place for a quick sip of coffee. Can be found everywhere. There is usually no chance of getting a seat, but there are tables where you can at least rest your drink. Some shops also offer cakes.
• Balzac Coffee has a great variety of coffee, including cold ones resembling Starbucks' Frappucino. There are several in Hanover, including in front of central station (next to Saturn electronic shop), Steintor, and in old townhall ( Altes Rathaus ).
• World Coffee , inside Central Station. Also has a good coffee variety.
• Holländische Kakao-Stube , Ständehausstr. 2 , ☏ +49 511-304100 . Best place in town for hot chocolate (with and without liquor). They also offer the famous Sacher Chocolate Cake imported from Hotel Sacher in Vienna .  
• Teestübchen , Am Ballhof 10, Old City area ( Altstadt ) , ☏ +49 511-3631682 . Offers good variety of tea. A nice place to visit in the afternoon after shopping in the city.  

Nightlife [ edit ]

• Eve Klub , Reuterstr. 3-4 , [email protected] . Was voted one of the Best 50 Clubs in Germany by the magazine Maxim in 2004. Partygoers come here to enjoy high end DJs or the live performances that happen twice a month.  
• Heartbreak Hotel , Reuterstr, 5 – One of the newer and fresher nightclubs on the scene. Stays open until daybreak if you have the stamina.
• Sansibar , Scholvinstr. 7 . Music spans 3 decades beginning with 1960s soul and travelling through the 1970s and 1980s.  
• Osho Discothek , Raschplatz 7L . One of the oldest clubs in Hanover but has been revamped on several occasions to keep with the times. Most notable feature is the huge 90 meter square dance floor calling people to boogie the night away.  
• Brauhaus Ernst-August , Schmiedestr. 13 . A nightclub which also serves food! Also has freshly brewed beer. Don't be shocked if you see guest dancing on the tables, it is apparently a common sight.  

Sleep [ edit ]

As Hanover frequently hosts big exhibitions, booking your room well in advance is highly recommended as hotels can easily get full and/or raise their rates during these times.

• 52.35435 9.73053 1 Youth Hostel Hanover , Ferdinand-Wilhelm-Fricke-Weg 1 , ☏ +49 511 131 76 74 , [email protected] . Prices from €24.10, half board from €28.70, full board from €80 (incl. bed linen). Membership of the German or a national Youth Hostel Association is a prerequisite.  
• Krügers Guesthouse , Bantorfer Brink 61, Barsinghausen. Set in the surroundings of the hiking paradise in the Deister Natural Park. This guest house makes a good base for those coming to view the Hannover exhibition centre. They have single, double and triple rooms as well as suits. Rooms are en-suite and breakfast is included.
• Hostel Hannover , Lenaustr. 12. A hostel in a quieter spot of Hanover but close enough to enjoy the cities attractions. Just three tram stops away from the central station. Rooms from €19. A choice of dorms, twin and mixes or female triple room.
• Haus Sparkuhl Hotel Garni Hischestraße 4. All rooms are equipped with shower/lavatory, hairdryer, telephone, modem connection, radio and cable television. Close to the centre of Hanover and good transport links to the airport, the main train station and the exhibition centre. Beds from €24.
• 52.37918 9.7536 2 Hotel Flora Hannover (Garni) , Heinrichstraße 36 ( in Alte Neustadt ), ☏ +49 511 - 38 39-10 , [email protected] . This hostel is found close to the forest in Hanover and would suit those looking for a quieter place to stay. A 10-minute walk will bring you to a train station where you could easily hop on a train to the centre of Hanover if you so wish. Beds from €25 with breakfast thrown in. single room with shared shower and WC as of €42 . ( updated Sep 2017 )
• 52.371 9.73869 3 Bed'nBudget , Osterstraße 37 ( located in Alte Neustadt ), ☏ +49 511 - 36 06-107 , [email protected] . Single rooms €30, dorms €19.50 (6-person mixed room) . ( updated Sep 2017 )
• 52.327984 9.777368 4 Bed'nBudget , Hildesheimer Straße 380 ( located in Wülfel in the city South relatively near the fair grounds ), ☏ +49 511 -86 50 86 , [email protected] . Single rooms Lua error in Module:Exchangerate at line 123: attempt to perform arithmetic on local 'amount' (a string value). , dorms €17.50 (30-person mixed room) . ( updated Sep 2017 )
• Bed & Breakfast Hannover , Gaußstraße 23 , ☏ +49 511-1695550 , fax : +49 511-1695551 . Single rooms €27-46.50, Double €53.50-100, Apartments €35-108 .  
• Etap Hotel Hannover City , Runde Straße 7 , ☏ +49 511-2355570 . In a handy location for the train station. Single €39-44 (plus €8 for 2nd/3rd person) .  
• Hotel Marjani , Charlottenstraße 53 , ☏ +49 511-2152121 , fax : +49 511-2152122 , [email protected] . This hotel is between Hanover and Springe, 15 km distance from Hanover Central Station. Families are welcome and children under the age of 12 stay for free. Breakfast is included in the price. Single €30-55, Double €44-85. Breakfast €7/person .  
• Hotel Reverey Garni , Aegidiendamm 8 , ☏ +49 511-883711 , fax : +49 511-3537909 , [email protected] . Quite location but with easy access to the centre of Hanover. Clean and comfortable rooms and breakfast is included. Prices from: €32.  
• Suite Hotel , Rundestr. 9 , ☏ +49 511-374500 , fax : +49 511-37450333 , [email protected] . This hotel offers private suites which have a small kitchenette built in as well as standard, free WiFi and TV and video. Try to make sure your stay includes a Thursday as guests receive a free massage on Thursdays! Stays lasting over 4 days will be given free rein over a smart car as well. Facilities include a fitness centre. Behind the central station. Prices from a not too extravagant €75.  
• Crowne Plaza Hotel Hannover-Schweizerhof , Hinueberstr. 6 , ☏ +49 511-34950 , fax : +49 511-3495123 , [email protected] . Big chain-like hotel in the centre of Hanover. Good location and includes all expected amenities of a big hotel but nothing special. Rooms are quite spacious and well equipped and furnished however and suites are available. Good breakfast. Standard room from €80. ( updated Feb 2017 )
• Vahrenwalder Hotel , Vahrenwalder St. 181 ( Tram 1/2/8, stop: Buttnerstr. ), ☏ +49 511-3881990 , fax : +49 511-388199400 , [email protected] . Good and clean, standard breakfast. May be loud due to busy street. Economy single room from €102 .  
• Mercure Hotel Hannover Medical Park , Feodor-Lynen-Straße 1 ( Tram 4, direction Roderbruch, stop: Medizinische Hochschule ), ☏ +49 511-95660 , fax : +49 511-9566333 . A boutique hotel close to Medical School Hanover, with good connection to buses and trams.  
• Ibis Hotel Hannover Medical Park ( within the same complex as Mercure above ), ☏ +49 511-95670 , fax : +49 511-9567140 . Big chain hotel found in almost all major cities. No thrills but will be comfortable and convenient. Rooms from €47-56, during a big event however they will increase to €159-179 .  
• Radisson SAS Hotel , Expo-Plaza 5 , ☏ +49 511-383830 . Modern design and close-ish to the city centre (8 km). Business style hotel that includes conference rooms, fitness centre and an on site restaurant. Standard room from €97 .  
• Queens Hotel Hannover , Tiergartenstraße 117 , ☏ +49 511-51030 , fax : +49 511-5103510 , [email protected] . €250-300 .  
• The Kastens Hotel Luisenhof , Luisenstr. 1-3 , ☏ +49 511-30440 , fax : +49 511-3044807 , [email protected] . 5-star hotel, very close to the central station and the Galerie Luise. Available facilities include sauna, fitness centre, massage, cycling, Turkish/steam bath. €153-850 .  

Connect [ edit ]

Wi-fi connections [ edit ].

For those of you with portable computers, WLAN connection is available inside the Central Station. There are also several cafes providing WLAN connection free of charge:

• Art Oase, Egerstorffstr. 12
• Depot Cafe & Bar, Kramerstr. 10
• Viva Gastronomie, Vahrenwalderstr. 92
• Cafe Extrablatt, Friesenstr. 14

When you supply a German mobile number, each McDonald's restaurant in Hanover provides one hour of free Wifi. The phone number is not used for advertising.

Internet access [ edit ]

Café Mezzo provides a public computer with internet access. Internet cafés are easy to find in Steintor area, especially along the Goethe Straße, Lange Laube and Am Marstall. The price varies, but normally is from €1 to €2 per hour.

Mobile phone [ edit ]

It is possible to buy prepaid SIM cards from several operators. However, it is compulsory to register your identity, so make sure to bring your passport with you. And since it is registered, take necessary care of the SIM card when you stop using it.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Hanover is normally very safe. Before and after a soccer match there might be quite a few drunken people around, especially in the central station, but there always are police patrolling.

In Kröpcke you may get asked for money by the homeless. Pickpockets may act in crowded areas such as inside the trams during a big exhibition.

Important telephone numbers [ edit ]

• Police: 110
• Emergency (fire, acute illness): 112
• Pharmacy for emergency: 01189

Stay healthy [ edit ]

• Hanover Medical School ( Medizinische Hochschule Hannover ), Carl-Neuberg Str. 1 ( Tram 4, direction Roderbruch, stop: Medizinische Hochschule ), ☏ +49 511 5320 . Most likely place to find medical doctors who are willing to speak English.  
• Kinderkrankenhaus auf der Built ( Children's Hospital auf der Bult ), Janusz-Korczak-Allee 12 , ☏ +49 511 8115-0 . Specialized in children's disease, but also has an emergency ward.  
• Ärztehaus Hannover , Schiffgraben 22-28 , ☏ +49 511 3 80 380 . 24/7 emergency doctor's services near the Central Station.  

Cope [ edit ]

Laundromat [ edit ].

• One laundromat can be found in Oesterleystr. on Sudstadt.
• There is an unattended laundromat on Engelbosteler Damm 75, near the "Kopernikusstraße" tram stop. One machine is about €3.50 including detergent. Open till 23:00.
• Another laundromat is at Deisterstraße (best walk from the "Schwarzer Baer" tram stop). Same proprietor as the place on Engelbosteler Damm, so same prices&conditions.
• Waschweiber Salon & Bar , Limmerstr.1 , ☏ +49 511-1237696 . M-F WASCHsalon 11:00-21:00, Bar 11:00-01:00, Sa WASCHsalon 09:00-21:00, Bar 11:00-01:00. Last time to start the machines is 21:00. . For a laundromat with a twist.  

Using English [ edit ]

English translation was introduced to some official tourist portals such as the train ticket machines.

• Tourist Office , Prinzenstr. 12 ( close to the central station ), ☏ +49 511-12345-111 . M-F 09:00-18:00, Sa 09:00-14:00 .  

Go next [ edit ]

• Steinhuder Meer - a lakeside nature park located outside Hanover city, but still within Hanover Region . 30 km west of Hanover. Take a regional train (RE) or S1 (direction Minden (Westf)) to Wunstorf and continue by bus (40–50 minutes in total).
• Hildesheim , one of the oldest cities in the region, with Romanesque church and cathedral, 35 km south (25–30 minutes by train)
• Celle , old town on the edge of Luneburg Heath , almost undamaged by war, 45 km northeast (17–25 minutes by train)
• Hamelin , picturesque old town with Renaissance stone and half-timbered houses, setting of the Pied Piper legend, 45 km southwest (45 minutes by suburban train)
• Alfeld - Fagus Factory [dead link] designed by Walter Gropius at the beginning of 20th century. It is one of the most important examples of early modernist architecture, in 2011 inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List . 50 km south (thirty minutes by train).
• Brunswick , 65 km east (30–35 minutes by intercity train)
• Bodenwerder - home of Baron Munchhausen. A village not far from Hanover. Baron Munchhausen was a Hanoverian storyteller who told extraordinary and often far fetched tales about his life as a soldier, hunter, and sportsman. Some of these tales were the basis for the collection The Adventures of Baron Munchausen , 65 km south (about 20 km south-east of Hamelin )
• Göttingen , 115 km south (35–40 minutes by intercity or ICE train)
• Bremen , 125 km northwest (one hour by intercity or ICE train)
• Hamburg 150 km north (1hr 15min by ICE train)

There is a special ticket called the "Niedersachsen Ticket" [dead link] (one to five people, €22/€26/€30/€34/€38) which offers unlimited travel by regional trains within Lower Saxony, Bremen and Hamburg in one day . This ticket is not valid for intercity and high-speed trains (D, EC, IC, ICE) so make sure you board the right trains (RE, RB, S-Bahn, Metronom) when using this ticket. This ticket is also valid on the public transport network in some of the cities (Hanover, Hamburg , Bremen , Brunswick ).

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Locals love Hanover (spelt 'Hannover' in German) for the low cost of living; good public transport; wealth of museums, theatre, live music and other arts and cultural events; and the city's proximity to green spaces. The spectacularly Baroque Herrenhäuser Gärten, the constructed Lake Maschsee and the Eilenriede, Europe's largest urban forest, are all close at hand. That said, most Germans groan at the first mention of Hanover, whose dialect is regarded as the closest tongue to High German. Perhaps it's a complex socio-linguistic thing – or perhaps they're just jealous of the laid-back lifestyle.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Herrenhäuser Gärten

Proof that Hanover is not all buttoned-down business are the grandiose Baroque Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, about 5km north of the city centre, which…

Sprengel Museum

The Sprengel Museum is held in extremely high esteem, both for the design of the building as well as for the art housed inside. Its huge interior spaces…

Neues Rathaus

An excellent way to get your bearings in Hanover is to visit the Neues Rathaus (built 1901–13) and ascend 98m in the curved elevator (the only one of its…

Grosser Garten

The jewel in the crown of the Herrenhäuser Gärten is grand both in format and history, having been laid out as a Baroque garden in 1714 under the tutelage…

Eilenriede Forest

More than 640 hectares (almost twice the size of NYC's Central Park), Europe's largest city forest, Eilenriede, is also known as Hanover's grüne Lunge …

The oldest botanical garden in Germany is redolent with a mind-boggling assortment of global flora – including glasshouses for orchids, cacti and tropical…

Kestner Gesellschaft

It’s always worth checking listings for the Kestner Gesellschaft. Founded in 1916 to bring innovative artworks from international artists to Hanover, the…

Museum Schloss Herrenhäusen

The Schloss Herrenhäusen, an early-19th-century palace destroyed by bombing in 1943, reopened in 2013 after being spectacularly reconstructed to the…

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Things to see in Hanover

Attractions, altes rathaus (old town hall).

Dating in parts from the early 15th century, Hanover's gothic Old Town Hall is a fine example of the ornate red brickwork long associated with Lower Saxony, and one of the highlights of the old marketplace. Built over a lengthy period, with additions made in various architectural styles, it was saved from demolition in the mid 19th century by public demand, and renovated to its 16th century condition. Further renovations were carried out in 1998. It is nowadays used as a restaurant and events venue, offering historic surroundings for either a light snack or a full meal.

Mon-Sat 0900-0000.

The Old Town

The historic city centre is one of Hanover's biggest attractions. Although largely destroyed during the Second World War, its picturesque half-timbered buildings have been restored to create a relaxed and pleasant ambience, offering cafés and restaurants along with shopping.

Sea Life Hannover

Located in the Herrenhäusen Gardens, the aquarium offers a perfect alternative to the royal gardens when it is raining and an interesting aside at other times. A tropical underwater world, it includes life from the shores of the Caribbean to the tropical rainforests of the Amazon, with 30 tanks including piranhas and sharks. The highlight is a deep-water tank with an 8m-long (26ft) glass tunnel running through it.

Mon-Fri 1000-1730, Sat & Sun 1000-1830 (Jan-Mar); daily 1000-1830 (Mar-Oct).

Sprengel Museum

Opened in 1979, the Sprengel Museum combines the endowment of Dr Bernhard Sprengel with the 20th-century art collections of the state of Lower Saxony and the city of Hanover. Offering a comprehensive educational programme, the museum now rates as one of the most important centres of modern art in Germany.

Tues 1000-2000, Wed-Sat 1000-1800.

Niedersächsisches Landesmuseum (Lower Saxony State Museum)

This museum is housed in a neo-Renaissance building opposite the Maschpark. It contains a selection of paintings and sculptures spanning nine centuries, as well as interesting archaeological, ethnological and natural history exhibits. The stars of the archaeological collection are the bodies of prehistoric homo sapiens found in the local peat bogs.

Tue-Fri 1000-1700; Sat-Sun 1000-1800.

Erlebnis Zoo

Close to the city centre, Hannover's Zoo is a popular attraction for locals and visitors alike.

Daily 0900-1800 (Mar-Oct); 1000-1600 (Oct-Mar).

The 68-hectare (168-acre) Maschsee Lake was dug out between 1934 and 1936, providing the city with an artificial but enviable aquatic playground. The Maschsee fleet includes a solar-powered catamaran with a capacity of up to 55 people. The lake is surrounded by parkland and has a number of restaurants, beer gardens, a casino and a beach on its shores.

Marktkirche

The Marktkirche - the church at the market place - is the main Lutheran church in the city but was built in the 14th century. As an example of North German neo-Gothic architectural style, it features impressive interiors which were destroyed during WWII and restored in the 1950s.

Mon-Fri 0900-1900, Sat 0900-1600.

Sprawling over 112 hectares, the Tiergarten was established in the 17th century for hunting fallow deer. Today, this is among a large number of wild animals that reside in the forest, including numerous birds, bats and red deer.

Mon-Thurs 0700-dusk; Fri 1200-dusk.

Kestner-Museum

Based on an 18th-century endowment by Herman Kestner, the Kestner Museum houses a collection of Egyptian, Roman, Cypriot, Etruscan, Italian, Greek and German arts and crafts exhibits covering 6,000 years. The highlight of the Egyptian section is the head of Pharaoh Akhenaton, which is more than 3,000 years old.

Tues and Thurs-Sun 1100-1800, Wed 1100-2000.

Tourist Offices

Hannover tourismus service.

Mon-Fri 0900-1800; Sat 1000-1500: Sun (Apr-Oct) 1000-1500.

Tourist passes

The Hannover Card offers visitors discounts for most major attractions, theatre tickets and public guided tours of the city, as well as free transport on GVH buses and trams in the Hanover ticket zone, and on the airport S-bahn line. The card is valid from the moment it is stamped. The ticket is available in one, two or three day options, from the tourist office, at many local hotels, or online via the website. Group cards are also available.

Additional tourist information counters are available at Hanover Airport in Arrivals, and in the New Town Hall on Trammplatz.

Book Accommodation

Featured hotels, grand hotel mussmann.

Housed in an elegant building immediately opposite the main railway station, the Grand Hotel Mussmann has a deceptively modern interior, offering up-to-date comfort at a competitive price for the level of accommodation.

Crowne Plaza

The 349-room Crowne Plaza benefits from an excellent location opposite the Finnish National Opera on Mannerheimintie, close to most of the attractions in Helsinki. The hotel offers wireless internet access in all areas. Creature comforts include saunas, a spa and pool, and a restaurant and bar.

City Hotel Hannover

This is a three-star hotel in the heart of the city centre pedestrian zone, surrounded by restaurants, bars and other attractions. Single and double rooms are available, as are discounts at the adjacent gym and nearby car park.

Hotel Zentrum

Conveniently located close to both the railway station and the Old Town, this two-star offering is situated in a quiet side street. All rooms are en-suite, and buffet breakfast is provided.

Sheraton Hanover Pelikan Hotel

Situated in a popular area of Hanover, the Sheraton Hanover Pelikan Hotel is housed in a former factory that once produced the famous Pelikan fountain pens. Today, the hotel offers comfortable rooms, a large fitness area, sauna and steam bath facilities, a restaurant and the legendary Harry's New York Bar.

Kastens Hotel Luisenhof

A first-class hotel, family-owned since 1856, individually and elegantly furnished, the Kastens Hotel Luisenhof is situated in the heart of the city near the main station. It offers banquet rooms, a bar and a restaurant serving international and local specialities, and gym facilities.

© Columbus Travel Media Ltd. All rights reserved 2024

Home » Travel Guides » Germany » 25 Best Things to Do in Hanover (Germany)

25 Best Things to Do in Hanover (Germany)

Lower Saxony’s capital is a university city and economic centre that was once the seat of an Imperial Electorate. The royal line, the House of Hanover, gave the United Kingdom three kings, and also gave this city some splendid properties like the Herrenhäuser Gardens. That mosaic of regal parks and palaces is still Hanover’s big historical attraction.

The Eilenriede park in the middle of Hanover is twice the size of New York’s Central Park, while also in the centre is the Maschsee, a man-made lake with green banks where a big festival takes place in August. The Maschseefest is just one of many major events that unfold in Hanover in summer, from the Spring Festival to an International Fireworks Competition.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Hanover :

1. Herrenhäuser Gardens

The pride of Hanover is a chain of gardens from the days of the Imperial Electors and Kings of Hanover.

The show-stopper is the Great Garden, in a Baroque French style laid out by Electress Sophia of Hanover in the 17th century.

The 50-hectare garden is fronted by a palace and enriched with sculptures, fountains, a box-hedge maze, an orangery and dainty broderies.

The orangery is a stately backdrop for classical concerts, and Sophia’s garden theatre also stages plays and music performances in summer.

That palace was almost obliterated in the war and has only been restored in the last few years.

Since 2013 it has hosted three exhibition rooms for the Hanover Historical Museum, recounting the design of the gardens and the distinguished personalities from Hanover’s past like Wilhelm Leibniz.

2. Berggarten

Another of the Herrenhäuser Gardens, the Berggarten (Mountain Garden) warrants a separate entry in the list.

It was started as a herb and kitchen garden for the palace, but Electress Sophia picked the Berggarten as a space to grow exotic plants.

An early greenhouse was built in the park in 1686 supporting crops like tobacco and mulberry trees.

Nowadays the park is one of the world’s leading botanical gardens, growing 20,000 plants from 3,000 species.

There are four greenhouses, for tropical plants, cactuses and the subtropical flora of the Canary Islands.

But the main event is the Orchid House, which has Europe’s largest orchid collection, made up of up to 800 plants from 300 species, blooming against deep tropical foliage.

3. Georgengarten

In the 1810s King George III bought an estate to the east of the Great Garden.

The property’s name was changed from the Wallmodenschloss to the Georgenpalais, and the park was renamed Georgengarten.

On a long, slender plot the gardens are in the English style with rambling lawns and groves of mature trees.

Running straight through the park from end to end is the Herrenhäuser Allee, a regal, two-kilometre lime-flanked avenue.

See if you can track down the temple erected in honour the polymath Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz.

This dates from the end of the 1780s and was originally at Hanover’s parade grounds, now Waterlooplatz, before being relocated to Georgengarten.

And today the beautiful Georgenpalais houses the Wilhelm Busch museum, which we’ll talk about later.

4. Lower Saxony State Museum

With four very different departments exhibiting fine arts, archaeology, natural history and ethnology, you could say that this museum has a bit of everything.

The Renaissance and Baroque galleries are bolstered by names like Albrecht Dürer, Rubens and Rembrandt, but also a fine collection of 19th-century art by Romantics like Caspar David Friedrich and Impressionists such as Max Liebermann.

Don’t neglect the other departments through, where you’ll come across Bronze Age jewellery, and mummified human remains from Lower Saxony’s moorlands in archaeology.

There are models of dinosaurs and an aquarium in the natural history department, and some 20,000 pieces of traditional art collected from Oceania, Africa, America and across Asia in the ethnology department.

5. Sprengel Museum

Displaying a real who’s who of modern art in Germany, the Sprengel Museum is a cultural attraction that needs to be on your agenda.

The museum was founded in 1979 a decade after the chocolate manufacturer Bernhard Sprengel donated his modern art collection to the city.

This has been bolstered by Lower Saxony’s own art collections and subsequent private donations to stand as a world-class survey of 20th-century art.

Both Expressionist groups, Die Brücke and Der Blaue Reiter are here, as well as pieces by Picasso, Paul Klee, Max Ernst, Max Beckmann, Emil Nolde and Fernand Léger.

The museum also traces the major trends in art after 1945 and has works by kinetic sculptor Alexander Calder, Andy Warhol and Capitalist Realist artists like Gerhard Richter and Sigmar Polke.

6. New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus)

Hanover’s resplendent New Town Hall was built at the start of the 20th in a theatrical Historicist style.

With its soaring dome reaching, towers and location in front of the Maschteich pond, the New Town Hall looks more like a palace than a civic building.

Large parts of the interior are open to the public for tours.

Under the dome are four scale models showing Hanover at different stages in its history.

The model that shows the extent of the destruction in the Second World War is an eye-opener.

You’ll be led from hall to hall, and the Hodler Hall is unforgettable for its large mural by the Swiss Symbolist Ferdinand Hodler recording Hanover’s conversion during the Reformation.

A special elevator traces the curve of the dome and carries you to an observation platform almost 100 metres above street level.

7. Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus)

On Marktplatz the Old Town Hall is Hanover’s oldest secular building, first taking shape at the start of the 15th century.

This monument, unmistakeable for its elaborate gables, is also the southernmost example of the Northern German Brick Gothic style.

The earliest section is on the east side, on Schmiedestraße, while the west side, on Köbelinger Straße, where the Town Hall’s pharmacy used to be was updated with a Neo-Romanesque design in the 19th century.

The facade on Schmiedestraße has coats of arms and portraits of Electors and princes, but also a depiction of Luderziehen, an old-fashioned game that is like a tug of war but done by linking little fingers instead of rope.

8. Maschsee

The 78-hectare, man-made lake near New Town Hall was a product of the Great Depression.

Hanover had long suffered from spring floods, and as a means to ease both flooding and the mass unemployment of the period the city began work on a lake in the floodplain of the River Leine in 1934. An interesting piece of trivia about the lake is that it loses up to a centimetre from its water level every day, and needs to be replenished by a pump station and network of ponds on the south shore.

But for you and me, Maschsee is for watersports in summer, and walks along the leafy shore, which is dotted with public art by Alexander Calder, Georg Kolbe and Arno Breker.

9. Marktkirche

Hanover’s silhouette wouldn’t be the same without the 14th-century Marktkirche in the centre of the Altstadt.

The distinguishing feature is the tower and its four pointed gables.

The story goes that the tower was supposed to be taller, but in the 1360s money ran low because of the Black Death and so a steeple was simply added to the what had already been completed.

Although the church was hit by bombs in the Second World War, a lot of its art is still in place.

You have to allow time to marvel at the three eastern stained glass windows in the chancel, dating to 1370, and the winged high altar from 1480 that has sculpted panels of scenes from the Passion, coated with gold leaf.

10. Aegidienkirche

The easternmost of Hanover’s old town churches has a history going back to 1163, but was struck by bombs in the war.

The nave and chancel have been left in their roofless, damaged state as a memorial for victims of wars and violence.

The current layout is from the 14th century in the Gothic style, while the tower, which is completely intact was given a Baroque facade at the start of the 18th century.

Inside it is a peace bell donated by Hanover’s sister city Hiroshima, and every 6 August there’s a ceremony in the church and the bell tolls on the hour throughout the day until 18:00.

11. Historisches Museum

Hanover’s historical museum is on “Am Hohen Ufer”, an embankment on the Leine River on the west side of the Altstadt.

Hanover was founded at this location on the road from Bremen to Hildesheim.

The Beginenturm, the last fully preserved city tower, has been integrated into the museum, as well as the remnants of the 17th-century ducal armoury.

The museum will bring you up to speed on Hanover’s complicated past, leading you from the Middle Ages and Welf Duchy, through the Principality of Calenburg and the royal House of Hanover.

You’ll see how Hanover has evolved from a medieval market town to an urban centre over 750 years, and discover how rural life changed in Lower Saxony from the 1600s to the 1900s.

12. Eilenriede

Twice the size of New York’s Central Park, the Eilenriede is a city forest almost in the centre of Hanover.

The western entrance is only ten minutes or so on foot from the Hauptbahnhof.

It is one of the largest connected city forests in Europe, blessed with big swathes of oak and beech woodland interspersed with lawns, water features and playgrounds.

The park was a managed forest, producing timber for 600 years before it opened to the public in the 19th century.

There’s a handful of cafes in the park and also information posts that inform you about the deer, hares, bats and martens that make a habitat in the park.

13. Luftfahrtmuseum Hanover-Laatzen

A U-Bahn ride away in Laatzen to the south of Hanover there’s a riveting little museum on the history of aviation.

It is based on the collection of the enthusiast and entrepreneur Günter Leonhardt, who went as far as salvaging several Junkers Ju 52s from the bottom of a Norwegian lake in the Arctic Circle.

In total the museum has 36 aircraft, together with 30 piston and jet engines and almost 700 models.

Some of the rarer pieces on show are an intact Junkers Jumo 004 turbjet engine, a Focke-Wulf Fw 190, a Spitfire, Messerschmitt Bf 109 and a section from a Ju 52 that you can walk inside.

And from the post-War period there’s a Lockheed F-104 Starfighter and a MiG-15.

14. Wilhelm Busch Museum

In the Georgenpalais, this museum holds the largest collection in the world for the revered 19th-century humorist and illustrator Wilhelm Busch.

You can browse paintings, drawings and original manuscripts for works like his satirical illustrated story Max and Moritz.

The museum has also gathered thousands of exhibits for artists from the same period or who have shared Busch’s irreverent worldview.

English satirists like William Hogarth and George Cruickshank are here, along with Francisco Goya, J. J. Grandville and Walter Trier, and some 700 period caricatures of Napoleon.

There are also exhibitions for contemporary satirical cartoonists like Steve Bell, Jean-Jacques Sempé and Tomi Ungerer.

15. Leibnizhaus

The philosopher, mathematician, diplomat and historian Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz spent 40 years of his life in Hanover and passed away at this Renaissance townhouse in 1716. Well, in truth it wasn’t this exact building, as the actual Leibnizhaus didn’t survive the war.

What we see now is a reconstruction from the 1980s using the original facade but in a different location.

The reliefs around the mullioned windows on that facade are worth a photo.

The interior is used for events, but there’s also an exhibition space with some artefacts from Leibniz’s life.

Most exciting is his Rechenmaschine (adding machine), which expanded on Pascal’s calculator and uses the binary number system, the basis for all modern computers.

16. Hanover Tiergarten

Just past Hanover’s eastern outskirts is a 112-hectare park that was once a hunting ground for the Electors and Kings of Hanover.

You’ll be in no doubt about the great age of the Tiergarten when you see the 650-year-old oak tree at the entrance and the many 400-500-year-old oaks in the park’s extensive woodland.

The Tiergarten remains a game reserve where up to 150 roe, fallow and red can roam freely, and there are also huge enclosures for wild boars.

Living wild in the park are several bat species, owls, hawks, falcons, foxes, badgers and Egyptian geese.

17. Museum August Kestner

Hanover’s oldest museum was inaugurated in 1889 and has wide-ranging collections comprising ancient artefacts from Egypt, Greece and Rome, and several hundred years of European applied art.

The museum venue is deserves a mention as it’s a Neo-Renaissance building inside a cube-like superstructure broken by 5,000 small windows.

Antiquarians will be in their element inside, browsing Etruscan art, Greek vases, mummies, reliefs, papyri and sculptures from Ancient Egypt.

Also awaiting you are medieval manuscripts, and precious textiles, enamelwork, ivory and bronze decorative items up to the Renaissance.

On top of all this is the largest coin collection in North Germany, composed of 120,000 pieces across 2,500 years.

18. Ernst-August-Denkmal

On Ernst-August-Platz, right in front of the main entrance to the Hauptbahnhof is a memorial for the King of Hanover, Ernest Augustus.

His reign lasted from 1837 to 1851, and if you’re interested in the historic connections between Hanover and the British throne, he was the fifth son of King George III and the uncle of Queen Victoria.

Ernest-Augustus is depicted on horseback dressed in full hussar finery.

The bronze statue was cast in 1861 and stands atop a granite plinth inscribed with the sentence, “Dem Landesvater / Sein treues Volk”, which roughly translates to “Dedicated to the father of the country, by his faithful people”.

19. Kröpcke-Uhr

Like the statue of Ernst-August, this clock is another of Hanover’s traditional meet-up locations.

The clock is in the middle of an eponymous pedestrian zone at the intersection of Georgstraße and Bahnhofstraße.

It’s a rare piece of Classical design in a modern part of the city, going back to 1885 and named after the Café Kröpcke, which sits behind it.

Now the cafe is a big 1970s structure operated by Mövenpick.

Meanwhile the current clock is an exact replica of the first one to stand here, and its glass panels hold posters for the major events or exhibitions taking place in Hanover.

20. Marienburg Castle

If you make one day-trip from Hanover this Neo-Gothic palace about 20 kilometres south of the city would be a good shout.

Resting on the side of the Marienburg Hill, the palace was started in 1857 by King George V of Hanover as a birthday gift for his wife Marie of Saxe-Altenburg.

The reason the Marienburg can’t be missed is that it was uninhabited after the couple were exiled when Hanover was annexed by Prussia in 1860, and so remained perfectly untouched until after the Second World War.

Non-German speakers can take an audio-tour, which guides you up to the top of the 44-metre main tower, and into lavish halls adorned with period furniture from the collection of the Royal House of Hanover.

21. Hannover 96

Hanover was one of the cities selected for the World Cup in 2006, and the HDI Arena (Niedersachsenstadion) was given a refit.

Now it’s a thoroughly modern sporting arena filled with almost 50,000 fans when Hannover 96 play their home games.

As for the team, Hannover 96 have had some difficult years, but as of 2017-18 play at the highest level in the Bundesliga.

Despite not having won the league championship since 1954 full-houses are common and the atmosphere is always electric.

It’s also one of Europe’s few stadiums in walking distance from the city centre, just on the west side of the Maschsee.

The HDI Arena is a cashless stadium, so you’ll have to charge a club card, which you can then use to buy food and drinks during the match.

22. Lüttje Lage

Say you really want to blend in at a bar in Hanover, the best thing to do is to try a Lüttje Lage, if you’re brave enough.

After ordering you’ll be presented with two small glasses, one with old-fashioned top-fermented beer and the other with clear Kornbrand (grain brandy) at a minimum of 37.5% alcohol content.

After that there are a couple of ways to drink your Lüttje Lage.

The old-school method is to pour the liquor on your tongue and rinse it with the beer.

But if you want to show off, you can grip the beer between your thumb and index finger, wedge the Kornbrand between your middle and ring finger, and try to down them both in one go.

23. International Fireworks Competition

If you spend an extended amount of time in Hanover you’ll notice that the city has a love for pyrotechnics.

There are fireworks displays all summer long, from the Frühlingsfest (Spring Festival) beginning in April through to the Oktoberfest in autumn.

And for five nights spread across the summer the city stages the International Fireworks Competition at the Herrenhäuser Gardens in the Great Garden.

Before the countdown to ignition there’s live music, street theatre and all kinds of sideshows.

It all builds up to a world-class pyrotechnics display, combined with music and planned by the best pyrotechnicians in the business.

24. Maschseefest

Over 19 days in August there’s an outdoor festival on the banks of the Maschsee, attended by up to two million party-goers.

The Maschseefest is a celebration of music and gastronomy, with lots of little side events and parties going on for all the family.

Evenings are when things really take off, especially over the weekends, when there are concerts by tribute acts playing the repertoires of bands like U2, ABBA, AC/DC and the Beatles.

All along the north shore of the lake the promenade is overrun by an international array of food and drink stalls, serving up delicacies from Brazil, Spain, Vietnam, Canada, Japan and South Africa, and German staples like Currywurst.

25 Best Things to Do in Hanover (Germany):

• Herrenhäuser Gardens
• Georgengarten
• Lower Saxony State Museum
• Sprengel Museum
• New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus)
• Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus)
• Marktkirche
• Aegidienkirche
• Historisches Museum
• Luftfahrtmuseum Hanover-Laatzen
• Wilhelm Busch Museum
• Leibnizhaus
• Hanover Tiergarten
• Museum August Kestner
• Ernst-August-Denkmal
• Kröpcke-Uhr
• Marienburg Castle
• Hannover 96
• Lüttje Lage
• International Fireworks Competition
• Maschseefest

18 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Hanover

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The historic city of Hanover (Hannover) is situated on the River Leine and is the capital city of the Land of Lower Saxony. An important commercial center with a university and academies of music and drama, it's certainly one of the best places to visit in Germany for those seeking a fun and authentic urban experience.

It's also an important trade fair and festival center, noted for such events as Oktoberfest Hannover , one of the largest such celebrations in the world. Another important event is the Hanover Schützenfest , the world's largest traditional "marksmen" fair and so named for its target-shooting competition.

Hanover has also earned a reputation as an important cultural center and boasts numerous world-class museums, galleries, and theaters.

Its extensive parks and gardens justify Hanover's claim to be "the city in the country," and make it an ideal destination to explore on foot. Stroll along the banks of the Mittelland Canal , the country's most significant man-made waterway, which is connected to the many top tourist attractions in the city's Old Town (Altstadt) and Kröpcke center square areas via numerous footpaths.

Learn more about the best places to visit in the city with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Hanover, Germany.

See also: Where to Stay in Hanover

1. Start Your Hanover Adventure in Herrenhausen Gardens

2. indulge your green thumb at the berggarten botanic gardens, 3. take a stroll through the marktplatz and see the marktkirche, 4. climb the new town hall's tower, 5. take in a performance at the state opera of hanover, 6. get artsy at the sprengel museum, 7. hanover's old town and leine palace, 8. the ballhof and ballhofplatz, 9. explore the region's history at the lower saxony state museum, 10. enjoy a paddle on the maschsee, 11. see napoleon's caricatures at the wilhelm busch museum, 12. take the kids to hanover adventure zoo, 13. eilenriede: hanover's "green lungs", 14. hannover museum of history, 15. see the rare artworks at museum august kestner, 16. visit the ruins of aegidienkirche, 17. take a drive to aviation museum hannover-laatzen, 18. see the marine life at sea life hannover, where to stay in hanover for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in hanover.

Hanover's magnificent royal gardens, Herrenhausen Gardens (Herrenhäuser Gärten) is really a number of great attractions in one. It encompasses both the Welfengarten and Georgengarten, two beautiful English-style parks, and the Berggarten , a botanic garden featuring orchid, palm, and cactus houses.

It's also here that you'll find the Grosser Garten (Great Garden). Dating from 1666, it's considered the best-preserved example of an Early Baroque garden in Germany and features beautiful cascades, fountains, an orangery, and even a garden theater. At the north end of Herrenhausen stands the Mausoleum, which was built in 1846 for King Ernest Augustus and Queen Friederike, and contains the tomb of George I of Britain.

Also of note is the recently rebuilt Herrenhausen Palace . Built in 1640 and once a royal summer home, this impressive mansion was completely destroyed in WW2, only to be completely rebuilt in 2012. Today it houses the Schloss Herrenhausen Museum with its many fascinating displays of original artifacts and documents related to the city's rich Baroque era. There's also a bookshop on-site, along with a café.

One of the top things to do in Hanover at night is to participate in one of Herrenhausen Gardens' "glowing gardens" events. Held throughout the summer, these evening strolls take place against a backdrop of spectacular illuminations that kick off at the famous sundial at sunset. Along the way, you'll be accompanied by classic Baroque music, and have the chance to purchase and release your own paper lantern.

The garden also serves as the backdrop to an annual firework competition. This popular event draws entrants from around the world lighting up the evening sky with spectacular performances May through September.

Address: Herrenhäuser Str. 4, 30419 Hannover, Germany

While located within the grounds of Herrenhausen Gardens, there's enough to see in the beautiful Berggarten (translated as "Mountain Garden") to warrant a visit of its own. Able to trace its roots all the way back to the early 17th century when it was established as a kitchen and herb garden, this popular botanical garden is open year-round and is a must-visit whether you consider yourself a plant lover or not. You'll find a mix of outdoor and indoor plants here.

It's fun to wander in and out of the four large greenhouses used to house the many different species in the Berggarten collection. All told some 20,000 plants representing over 3,000 species can be seen, representing the tropics and subtropical flora from the Canary Islands.

The star of this green attraction, though, is the splendid Orchid House, said to be the largest such collection of orchids in all of Europe . You'll have a chance to see at least some of the 800 plants in bloom here.

Address: Herrenhäuser Str. 4, Hannover, Germany

Hanover's lovely marketplace, the Marktplatz, is located in the center of the historic Old Town (Altstadt), and is a great place to explore once you've seen Herrenhausen Gardens. It's here you'll find many of the city's most important buildings.

One of the most notable of these lovely structures is the 15th-century Late Gothic Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus). This attractive old building is home to a number of interesting small shops and galleries and is where you'll find the graceful Neo-Gothic Market Fountain, built in 1881.

The other important tourist attraction here is the brick-built Marktkirche or Market Church. With its impressive 97-meter-high tower, the church stands testament to the city's former importance as a royal city. Dating from the 14th century, notable interior features include a splendid 15th-century bronze font and a wood-carved altar dating from 1480.

Leading from the Marktplatz is Kramerstrasse , which still preserves something of the atmosphere of old Hanover with its many handsome half-timbered houses.

Address: Hanns-Lilje-Platz 2, 30159 Hannover, Germany

In Hanover's Trammplatz stands the majestic New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus). Built between 1901-13 in the style of the Wilhelmine period, this palace-like structure is sometimes also referred to as the New City Hall. It's one of Hanover's most interesting structures as it's built entirely on a foundation of 6,026 beech piles and crowned with a domed tower, which stands almost 98 meters high and dominates the city's skyline.

Be sure to allow a little extra time to climb the dome. From its viewing platform, which is accessed by a unique elevator that lifts passengers at an angle, you'll be treated to some of the best views over the city.

Also of interest are models of the city that show its growth and development over the centuries, and the Hodler Room has a huge painting called The Oath of Loyalty , dating from 1913. English-language guided tours are available.

Address: Trammplatz 2, 30159 Hannover, Germany

For culture lovers, one of the top things to do in Hanover is to take in a professional operatic performance. For these, you'll want to visit the Neoclassical Hanover Opera House.

Also referred to as the State Opera of Hanover , it's set along the elegant Georgstrasse and is the perfect spot to indulge your artistic leanings. This elegant building was constructed in 1852 and is now home to the city's professional opera company, Staatsoper Hannover.

Thanks to recent renovations, including improved acoustics, this stunning building offers a first-rate experience for opera fans during its season, which runs from September to June. Other notable events such as ballet performances are also scheduled throughout the year.

Address: Opernplatz 1, 30159 Hannover, Germany

Home to one of Germany's most important collections of modern art, the architecturally attractive Sprengel Museum is a must-visit for art lovers. Founded in 1979 and containing both private and state-owned collections, the gallery is known for its numerous works by local artist Kurt Schwitters, as well as from other notable artists such as Max Ernst, Picasso, and Paul Klee, among others.

The museum is also home to a collection donated by well-known artist Niki de Saint Phalle, as well as a fascinating large metal sculpture by Alexander Calder. In addition to its regular roster of visiting art exhibits, educational programs and workshops are also offered. English-language guided tours are also available and can be tailored to your specific interests.

An on-site bookshop offers a variety of related publications, including some in English, while those conducting research or wanting to learn more about the artists whose work is featured can visit the museum library.

And even if art's not your thing, the museum's bell'ARTE restaurant and café is worth a visit for its large riverside terrace. This award-winning eatery has been a leader of Hanover's dining scene for over 20 years (opt for the "year-round" garden seating if available).

Address: Kurt-Schwitters-Platz 1, 30169 Hanover, Germany

Hanover's Old Town (Altstadt) area is pleasant to explore on foot. It's here you'll find the attractive Leine Palace (Leineschloss), the state parliament building. Constructed in the 17th century on the banks of the river after which it's named, this former royal residence of Duke George von Calenberg was later altered in Neoclassical style between 1817 and 1842.

For those interested in exploring more of these charming timber-framed houses, the little town of Celle , about 40 kilometers northeast of Hanover on the banks of the River Aller, boasts more than 400 half-timbered homes in its quaint old town and makes for an easy day trip.

Address: Hannah-Arendt-Platz 1, 30159 Hannover, Germany

Also located in the Old Town, you'll find Hanover's finest half-timbered building, the Ballhof . Built between 1649 and 1665 for the then-fashionable games of battledore and shuttlecock, as well as for musical concerts, it's well worth adding to your list of must-see historic sites in Hanover.

Now home to the Lower Saxony State Theater, it's still a popular venue for music events including pop and jazz concerts, as well as operatic performances.

Just a five-minute walk away across the river is the New Town Church , or Neustädter Kirche. This 17th-century structure houses the tomb of the famous German philosopher GW Leibniz, who was buried here in 1716.

Address: Knochenhauerstraße 28, 30159 Hannover, Germany

The Lower Saxony State Museum (Niedersächsisches Landesmuseum Hannover), located opposite the New Town Hall, houses many important collections of antiquities. The most popular is the State Gallery (Landesgalerie) with its collection of European art from the Middle Ages period right up to the 20th century.

In addition to major works by the likes of Rembrandt and Rubens, there's a sizeable collection of German Old Masters and Impressionist works. Also of note are its archaeological and ethnological collections, among Germany's oldest and boasting more than 20,000 artifacts, as well as numerous species of fish and reptiles.

Be sure to also check out the Fürstenhaus Herrenhausen-Museum . Set in a fine old building dating from the 1700s, it's notable for its collections of period artwork, sculptures, and furniture.

Address: Willy-Brandt-Allee 5, 30169 Hannover, Germany

The Maschsee is an impressive artificial lake situated in the very heart of Hanover that serves as a popular focal point for a variety of activities and leisure pursuits. Completed in 1936, it extends 2.4 kilometers and is up to 530 meters wide in places.

It's the city's largest and busiest sports and recreation area, and is especially popular among boaters, whether the vessel of choice is a sailboat, paddleboat, kayak, or powered vessel. It's also popular with swimmers drawn by the chance to sunbathe on Maschsee Beach. The lake is also circled by many excellent pathways and is the perfect place for a stroll or picnic.

If you're in Hanover during the summer months, be sure to consider visiting the Maschseefes Lake Festival. This huge festival includes music, food, and fireworks and attracts upwards of two million attendees each year. Another fun thing to do is to seek out the many interesting sculptures dotted around the lake, especially at night when they're lit up.

On the west side of the lake is the Niedersachsen-Stadion stadium, built in 1954 on mounds of rubble from buildings destroyed in the war. Another pleasant area for a stroll is Herrenhäuser Allee , laid out in 1726 and including many attractive historic buildings.

The Wilhelm Busch Museum (Deutsches Museum für Karikatur und Zeichenkunst Wilhelm Busch) in Hanover covers the life and times of the famous poet and designer after which it's named. Founded in 1937, the museum is housed in the attractive 18th-century "Georgenpalais" in Herrenhausen Gardens.

Along with permanent displays of caricatures and comic art, the museum is home to the world's largest collection of Busch's work. A particular highlight is a unique collection of more than 700 caricatures of Napoleon, as well as examples of satirical art dating back some four centuries.

In addition to regular visiting exhibits, the museum hosts educational workshops, music concerts, literary and culinary events, as well as programs geared toward children.

Address: Georgengarten, 30167 Hannover, Germany

Established in 1865 on the edge of Eilenriede park, Hanover Adventure Zoo (Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover) is the fifth oldest zoological park in Germany. It is successfully remodeled along the lines of a theme park, and today an estimated 1.5 million people visit the attraction's 3,400-plus animals each year.

Highlights include areas such as the seasonal Winter Zoo with its Christmas themes and activities, as well as the kids' area, Mullewapp, with its popular petting zoo and rides. Other zoo attractions include the fascinating Meyer's Farm, where you can explore authentic, 19th-century Lower Saxony half-timbered structures, and the Disney-like Zambezi River boat ride through the open cages of animals such as rhinos and elephants.

Be sure to check the zoo's website for news of special events and scheduled feeding times.

Address: Adenauerallee 3, 30175 Hanover, Germany

Located on the east side of Hanover, the beautiful municipal forest of Eilenriede is an area of outstanding natural beauty, which covers some 1,600 acres of land. This huge recreation area, one of the largest inner-city forests in all of Europe, contains numerous footpaths and bridle paths just waiting to be explored, along with playing fields and open spaces for relaxation.

Fun things to do here include visiting Hanover Adventure Zoo, hiking and biking its extensive network of trails, enjoying a forest-top trekking experience... or sunbathing. There's also a large playground for the kids, as well as a good cafe with plenty of outdoor seating.

Often referred to as the city's "Grüne Lunge," or "green lung," it's a wonderful place to spend time when visiting Hanover, as is Hermann Löns Park , a beautiful landscaped park with an old windmill. Adjoining it is the Tiergarten , laid out in 1679 as a hunting park, with old trees and an abundance of wildlife, including some 200 red deer, wild horses, and wild pigs.

Address: Niemcy, Hohenzollernstraße 28, 30161 Hannover, Germany

A must-visit for those wanting to learn more about this once-royal city, the Hannover Museum of History (Historisches Museum Hannover) can easily be tackled in a visit of two or three hours.

Set in one of the city's oldest buildings complete with a fortified tower, the museum provides a fascinating insight into some 900-plus years of local history, from its earliest recorded events at the turn of the 12th century right up to today.

Highlights include displays explaining the city's ties to the British Royal Family, as well as exhibits of cultural and religious artifacts. Be sure to check out the four elegant horse-drawn coaches that once belonged to royalty, as well as period outfits and weaponry. Plan your visit for a Friday, and you'll be rewarded with free admission.

Address: Pferdestraße 6, 30159 Hannover, Germany

The modern-looking concrete and glass Kestner Museum (Museum August Kestner) in Hanover is of interest for its rare collection of applied and decorative arts. Some of these artworks date back over 6,000 years and were collected by the museum's namesake during his time as an official in Rome during the mid-19th century.

Highlights of its impressive collections include art-related antiquities from the Greek, Egyptian, and Roman periods. Established in 1889 and the city's oldest museum, it also holds large collections of local antiquities, coins, and handicrafts, many dating back to medieval times.

Other important artworks can be enjoyed at the Kestnergesellschaft , an interesting art gallery noted for its many modern art collections and exhibits.

Address: Trammplatz 3, 30159 Hanover, Germany

One of the few war-damaged buildings in Hanover never to have been restored, and one of three important churches located in the city's Old Town, Aegidienkirche was instead left in ruins as a war memorial. Built in 1347, the ruins reveal enough to show it must have been a beautiful structure to look at in its heyday, and in many ways, it still is.

Destroyed in an Allied air raid in 1943, along with many other landmarks in the Old Town, it has since been the recipient of notable sculptures, which together with some of the surviving Baroque features, make for a very sobering reminder of the destructive nature of war. A bell from another war-ravished city, Hiroshima, was added in 1985.

Address: 1, Aegidienkirchhof, 30159 Hannover, Germany

Take an easy 20-minute drive south of Hanover, and you'll find yourself in the town of Laatzen. This popular destination for tourists is home to Aviation Museum Hannover .

Here, you'll find an impressive collection of 36 fully-restored aircraft, including rare examples of military aircraft from World Wars I and II. You'll want to check out the rival British Spitfire and German Messerschmitt 109 machines from the 1940s.

These static displays are augmented by realistic models, many hanging from the ceiling as part of interesting dioramas. In addition, there are some 30 or so engines on display, including both jet and piston variants, all of which provide a fascinating insight into the workings of these marvelous machines.

The museum also has a rich catalog of related artifacts including clothing, documents, and vehicles. All displays carry English-language information, and English-language guided tours are also available.

Address: Ulmer Str. 2, 30880 Laatzen, Germany

One of the top family attractions in the city, SEA LIFE Hannover is a fun way to spend a few hours with the kids. Covering marine species from as close as the city's own Leine River to faraway tropical destinations such as the Caribbean, the museum offers plenty of opportunities to get close-up views of some of the 3,500 sea creatures that call the attraction home.

In its 37 pools and tanks are such fascinating species as Cuban crocodiles, stingrays, octopuses, and sharks, along with a wide array of tropical fish and turtles. Some of the best viewing experiences can be enjoyed while walking the long glass tunnel under the site's largest pool.

Feeding sessions can be watched, and educational "ranger talks" in the rainforest section are also worth joining.

Address: Herrenhäuser Str. 4A, 30419 Hannover, Germany

Hanover's Old Town, where many of its historic buildings are located, is not crowded with hotels. But there's a good selection within a reasonable walking distance, and others can be found on the city's excellent transit system. The main train station, Hauptbahnhof, is close to the Old Town, as is the park-ringed Maschteich lake, so either is a convenient location. Here are some highly rated hotels in Hanover:

Luxury Hotels :

• Mercure Hotel Hannover City has stylishly decorated rooms, some overlooking the park beside new City Hall, and is within a 10-minute walk of the Hauptbahnhof and Old Town shopping streets.
• Right next to the train station, on a shopping street, Kastens Hotel Luisenhof has a gym on the top floor.
• The nearby Grand Hotel Mussmann , also an easy walk from restaurants, the opera house, and the historical museum, includes free breakfast.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Near the new City Hall, State Museum, and Kestner Museum, the top-ranked DORMERO Hotel Hannover has high-tech rooms, free wireless, and a gym.
• Overlooking the market square in the Old Town, Concorde am Leineschloss Hotel is surprisingly quiet and has a good choice of restaurants close by.
• In the Old Town and close to the City Hall, Arthotel ANA Prestige Hannover offers discounted parking nearby.

Budget Hotels:

• Next door to the bus station, just a few steps from the train station and close to the top Old Town attractions, Ibis Budget Hannover Hauptbahnhof has basic rooms with free Wi-Fi.
• In a quiet neighborhood halfway between the Hauptbahnhof and the zoo, the family-run Hotel Flora has old-fashioned rooms, some with balconies, and all only a 15-minute walk from the Old Town center.
• Some distance north of the Old Town but on a direct tram line, Ibis Hannover City has free Wi-Fi and inexpensive on-site parking.

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Explore Northern Germany : Hanover's location makes it the perfect base from which to explore the northern part of the country. From here, you can hop aboard a train, and two hours later you'll be exploring the huge port of Hamburg , the 'gateway to Germany', and a great choice for its many maritime attractions, such as the International Maritime Museum. The city of Bremen is closer still, just an hour away by train. Here, you should begin your adventure by exploring the city's historic Marktplatz with its old Town Hall and statue of Germany's most famous knight, Roland. And although a little farther than Hamburg, the beautiful town of Schwerin is a must-visit for its magnificent palace and other well-preserved 18th-century buildings.

Something Beginning with "B" : The beautiful town of Baden-Baden is the perfect place for those seeking a romantic getaway. Everywhere you turn, you'll find elegant spas and delightful public baths, all fed by the thermal waters that have for centuries made the town popular with royalty and tourists alike. The old university town of Bamberg is equally pleasant and offers visitors a chance to explore some of Germany's most exquisite old churches. Brandenburg is another romantic small town worth exploring, as popular for its 12th-century cathedral and well-preserved old town walls as it is for its many fine shopping and dining experiences.

Germany Travel Ideas : If you're looking for some outdoor fun when it comes to vacationing in Germany, you're in luck. This large European country features everything from the superb hiking and biking experiences in beautiful Bavaria to the endless water-based activities available on lovely Lake Constance . Real adventurers, though, should explore the multitude of things to do in the mountainous Garmisch-Partenkirchen region , as popular with winter sports enthusiasts as it is with hikers and mountain bikers in the summer.

More on Germany

Things to do in Hannover, Germany: The Magical, Underrated Gem of Lower Saxony

Last Updated: August 12, 2022

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

This post about the Lower Saxony gem of Hannover, Germany was written in collaboration with Visit Hannover.

Today my friends, I want to tell you the tale of a magical, faraway land. 

A land that blessed the world with life-altering revelations like the gramophone, binary (0010101100101) and classic rock crooners,  the Scorpions.

… A land whose royal court gave us Queen “Grandmother of Europe” Victoria, one of THE most important figures in modern history.

It might shock you to know that this magical land I’m talking about is  Hannover.

Yes, Hannover, Germany .

*Germans drop beer in horror*

Save this guide on things to do in Hannover for later!

You’ll be glad you did.

A) It’s likely you’ve never even heard of Hannover before, or B) you know it for its (typically) lacklustre reputation as a travel destination.

While sure, Hannover IS best known for being “trade fair central” and a less popular place to visit compared to Munich or Berlin, that in itself provoked the stubborn donkey-person inside of me.

Skeptical as always about sweeping statements like “Hannover is boring, nobody goes there”, I recently spent a few days in the city with Visit Hannover … and I can at last confirm: Hannover is one of those cities that suffers from a brutally misunderstood reputation.

Don’t worry though, this post will guide you through all the incredible things you (probably) didn’t even know you could do there.

Why Visit Hannover?

Travel snobs (especially of the German variety) are quick to dismiss Hannover as “boring”.

And as I soon learned, Hannoverians (which sounds like a lost breed of dinosaurs, tbh) are far too humble to defend themselves.

So I’ll volunteer as tribute and do it for them.

The appeal of Hannover is multifaceted, but I’ll quickly break down some reasons why you might want to visit.

1. It’s still not “mainstream”

Call me a hipster, but there’s something special about discovering a destination you haven’t seen mapped out on social media time and time again.

With Munich or Berlin, you know the main sights, you’ve seen them through the lens of a million filters, but Hannover?

Every step, every corner is a surprise (but in a fun, adventurous way, not in a sketchy dark alley way). Let’s say my inner Dora the Explorer was  muy  stoked.

2. There’s an abundance of cool events

I have a longer list of events at the bottom of this post, but trust me when I say Hannover really knows how to throw a party.

And whether you’re looking for literal fireworks or just a fun gathering of buzzed Germans, there’s something visit-worthy year round.

3. The history is a nerdgasm waiting to happen

*heavy breathing*

Do yourself a favour and have a quick read on Hannover’s history.

Or maybe come and see for yourself.

From the House of Hannover glory days to utter destruction during WWII, the streets here are like a History Channel documentary come to life.

4. Last but not least: it’s actually really beautiful

It helps that Hannover has some ridiculously good looking royal gardens, a cutesy wutesy Old Town, green oases spread all throughout the city and a pretty okay-looking population too 😉

*steps off soap box*

Anyways, why don’t we chat about some of the unexpectedly cool things you can do in Hannover…

The Best Things to do in Hannover, Germany

So now that I’ve (hopefully) convinced you of Hannover’s many merits, allow me to seal the deal with a sweet list of things to do in Hannover. I promise, they’re cool and delightfully unexpected.

1. Sightsee like an expert by staring at the ground

Hannover’s Red Thread is a genius hack for the easily lost and confused – it’s a long red line painted into the ground that stretches for over 4km and takes you to the city’s most important (and beautiful!) sights.

Once on the Red Thread, it’s impossible to get lost, and you get to see the highlights of the city like a total pro.

BONUS TIP : You can easily purchase a guidebook for 3 euros from the Tourist Information Office to get the inside scoop on each sight’s context and history. No excuses – it even comes in 10 different languages.

I mean, why do more cities not have this?

2. Escape to the royal gardens of Herrenhausen

10 minutes away from Hannover’s city center is one of the most beautiful royal gardens in Europe – the royal gardens of Herrenhausen, a Baroque masterpiece filled with endless stretches of manicured hedges and colourful blooms.

The best part? This place lights up in the summer (literally) with endless festivals, including an International fireworks competition.

Besides that, Herrenhausen is where you’ll also be able to spot the tallest court fountain in the world – reaching 35m high up in the sky.

Due to their limited hours of operation though, they’re super easy to miss, so make sure you arrive when they’re “on”, which, in the summer season, is daily from 10am-12pm and 3-5pm.

Otherwise, they’re on from 10-12am and 2-5pm on weekends and bank holidays.

Don’t be silly like me and miss the fountains the first time around because you were too busy eating cake. (True story, and genuinely not a joke)

On that note…

BONUS TIP: The restaurant right outside of the gardens (Restaurant Schlossküche Herrenhausen) serves amazing cake. Come hungry.

3. Get an incredible view via a super trippy elevator

Hannover’s New Town Hall is one of the city’s starring attractions, not only because it’s purdy , but because its elevator is unique in the world for a curving lift that takes you at a 17 degree angle up to the cupola.

The experience, while disorienting like that “room spinning” feeling after too many beers, is more than worth it because the view from up top is the most glorious view you’ll get in Hannover [no beer goggles necessary].

The catch is of course that it gets really busy. “

Dazzling over 100,000 guests annually” busy. That’s why it’s a smart idea to get here early, especially on weekends because only 5 people are allowed in the lift at any given time…

BUT, pro tip: the lift is also open on Sundays, which many people don’t know about, which means you’re pretty much guaranteed a shorter wait.

PRO TIP: Don’t miss the interior of the Town Hall itself, which is not just beautiful, but houses four town models that depict Hannover’s historical evolution from 1689 to the present day. It’s a harrowing look at just how much WWII affected the city and how much the city has evolved in the decades since.

4. Go Limmering in Linden

Linden, while technically part of Hannover, is a unique neighbourhood that makes a worthy destination all on its own. If you’re craving a bit of cool during your Hannover city break, a stop in Linden is a must.

Packed to the brim with cool restaurants, cafes, bars, independent shops, street art and more, this part of town has become THE gathering place for students, academics and creatives.

… so naturally, one of the top things here to do is booze up 😉

It was here in Linden that I was introduced to a beloved past time of local youths: “Limmering”, drunkedly stumbling from kiosk to kiosk, treating yourself to a new beer at each stop… like a pub crawl but with tiny street kiosks instead.

Granted, I only needed one beer to get the idea (after all guys, I’m a profe$$ional), but it was a great way to experience a neighbourhood once proclaimed by a journalist as “what Berlin was felt like 20 years ago”.

Of course, there are far more things to do in Linden than just drink beers.

Some might say Linden is Hannover’s answer to Berlin’s Kreuzberg, with cool little streets to explore, artsy murals to gawk at, international eats to feast on and independent shops to browse.

We had dinner here one night, enjoying yummy Spanish tapas at O’Atlántico

5. Prance through Old Town

While tiny in size, Hannover’s Old Town is still worth mentioning as one of the top things to do… especially given its cutesy, Disney-esque appeal.

With half-timbered buildings framed by buzzing terraces and a super central location linking Hannover’s hotspots, stopping here is a must… if even just for a quick look and photo.

NOTE: Of course, the Old Town pictured here isn’t actually that “old” in reality. Like much of the city, Hannover’s original old town was completely bombed during World War II, and what remains today is a reconstruction that incorporates some of the few facades that survived.

This explains the “Old Town”‘s more polished look and feel, but hey, you can’t complain when it looks like this, right?

6. Rummage through Germany’s oldest flea market

Along the banks of Hannover’s River Leine is where you’ll discover Germany’s oldest flea market, which takes place on Saturdays.

Here, you can rummage through dozens of stalls peddling antiques, paintings, and all kinds of wonderful junk you never knew you needed.

From hand-painted pendants and antique teacups to candlestick holders and umm… more antique teacups, this is THE best place to pick up a historic and unique souvenir from your time in Hannover.

PS: The cutest thing you might spot here are the famous Nanas statues by Niki de Saint Phalle.

That famous Black Eyed Peas lyric “lovely lady lumps” might have very well been written about these colourful, buxom statues that first angered Hannoverians upon their installation in the 70s, but is now firmly a part of the city’s quirky cultural landscape.

At the very least, they make for a fun, colourful photograph.

7. Enjoy some of the city’s many green oases

As our guide told us, Hannover has a breezy “10 minute rule”, which means you’re essentially 10 minutes away at any given moment from a green space in the city, whether that’s a park, massive artificial lake (Maschsee), or um… a municipal forest.

That’s right, in Hannover is where you’ll find the Eilenriede, Europe’s largest municipal forest, featuring over 640 hectares of woods.

Besides offering a green escape in the city center, on some days, it’s reported you might even spot foxes, deer and bats. Depending on your interests, that piece of information was either cool or terrifying. I hope it was the former.

NOTE: Hannover’s green spaces are best appreciated with a yummy picnic and ice cold beer in hand.

8. Spend all your money

I don’t usually like including “shopping” on things to do lists, mainly because I think there is so much more to offer in most cities, but the shopping in Hannover is especially noteworthy for a few reasons.

Firstly, there’s the Kröpcke , the main central square of Hannover, which is marked by streets upon streets of pedestrian-only shopping, making it especially pleasant since you know you won’t be getting run over 😉

This is where you’ll find many popular chain shops, and a great place to bum around for a few hours. For a more alternative shopping experience, there is also a thriving independent shop scene, especially in neighbourhoods like Linden, where you can grab more unique pieces if you so desire.

Psssst, when you start to feel hungry after making it rain cash money, I’ve heard  great things about Market Hall (AKA the Belly of Hannover) which offers up a huge and delectable diversity of international cuisine.

9. Attend an awesome event or festival

Last but not least, it’s worth mentioning that a trip to Hannover is best enjoyed when in conjunction with one of the city’s many big events.

Here are a few events to keep an eye out for:

• Enercity Swinging Hannover: October
• Marksmen’s Festival: June-July
• Maschsee Lake Festival: August
• Party Weekend at Lake Steinhude: August
• Christmas Market: End of November – December
• International fireworks competition at Herrenhausen: Dates from May – September

BONUS: Visit Marienburg Castle

Okay, almost done, I promise!

A final bonus entry on my list of things to do in Hannover is visiting fairytale Marienburg Castle.

Located 20km south of Hannover, Marienburg is a Gothic revival castle built in the 19th century.

Actually, more accurately, it’s one of the most romantic birthday gifts of all time, built by George V (the last king of Hannover) for his wife Marie.

Yes, indeed – Marienburg Castle was a 39th birthday gift – a castle with 160 rooms and sky high watchtowers… how romantic.

… Meanwhile, I can’t even get a text back.

FINAL TIP: Consider buying a Hannover Card

So, last little tip for ya: if you’re planning to visit Hannover and intend to do a lot of sightseeing, consider getting a Hannover card, which gives you travel on all buses/trains within the city, and a lot of discounts at major attractions like the gardens at Herrenhausen and a few different museums.

There are Hannover cards for 1-3 days for both singles (solo riders) and groups (up to five people). If used wisely, the savings can be huge.

Where to buy the Hannover card: You can get the Hannover card at a variety of locations, including the airport, multiple hotel reception desks and Hannover tourist information centres.

So, in conclusion: go to Hannover

As I was told, often the people of Hannover are too humble to brag about their own city, so I’m here to do it for them.

Guys, Hannover is awesome!

Not only is it lovely to look at and explore, it’s crawling with cool things to do.

Far from its reputation as a boring city to visit, Hannover brings together all the ingredients of a perfect city break, wrapping it up in one cool and beautiful package…

Now, as you can probably tell, when I find an unappreciated city I like: everybody is soon to know.

I do more than shout it from the rooftops, I paint it across the whole building and take out ten billboard ads just in case.

Think of me as an overprotective stage mom that wants the world to know how talented her kid is. In this case, said ‘talented kid’ is Hannover, and my incessant wailings have come to you in the form of this blog post.

I hope you liked it, and take a chance on humble little Hannover.

I hope you enjoyed that thorough guide on things to do in Hannover! Have you ever been to Hannover, or are planning to go? Let me know in the comments! 

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10 thoughts on “Things to do in Hannover, Germany: The Magical, Underrated Gem of Lower Saxony”

I actually never thought of Hannover before. This looks so cool!

We were going to stop in Hannover en route to Berlin this summer, but bad delays on the motorway scuppered that plan, shame. Next time!

I went to Hannover in 2015 and had a blast. Next to no tourists and the old town area is so cute. How smart is the Red Thread idea though? Love that place!! 🙂

*Hanoverian is the correct spelling in English. Hannoveraner ist die richtige Schreibweise auf Deutsch.

I´m a citizen of Hannover and never seen the city as you as a tourist did. 😉

I like my city, but if you look around in germany most people from other cities don´t wanna come to Hannover as they find it ugly and boring as you said, but we are the “greenest” city in Germany and our city park is the biggest in europe and twice the size of the Madison Square Garden. One tip for tourists : Make sure you visit our oldest private brewery “Herrenhäuser”. It costs 12,50€ but after the guide showed you the beer brewing process you will be taken into a tower room and then you have 2!!! hours to drink and test all the beers they produce including snacks. The “cheapest” chance to get boozed by local private brewed beer and a little taste of history from Hannovers oldest still producing brewery founded in 1868. But you have to register a tour in advance as a lot of locals are doing this frequently ^^ The brewery is just a 10 minute ride from the city center away. Here you can sign up for a tour…( sadly it´s all in german, but i think you´ll get through it ).

https://www.herrenhaeuser.de/brauereibesichtigung/

Such a beautiful place! Thanks for sharing!

Well, I do live in Hannover and though most of the world denies it, it‘s not only nice for a visit, it‘s a great town to live in. We born Hannoveranians tend to say it is the best town in the world. Not as big as Berlin or Munic, not to talk about New York or Vienna, but that makes it even better. It‘s more peaceful and mostly safe – even for women. Nevertheless we do have theatres and an opera, an airport with a moderate size, so nobody needs to fear they get lost. And we don‘t have that much tourism, so we have the city mostly for ourselves without it being overcrowded. Well… thinking about that point…. I don’t think I can recommend visiting Hannover anymore… but if you do – have fun. Karin

While in Hannover you must try the “Hannover National Drink”: Luettje Lage. Its a small glass of beer together with an even smaller glass of schnapps / liquor and both glasses held in one hand. Its a lot of fun. Instructions on how to drink it: http://www.luettjelage.com/tutorial

I’m going to Hildesheim (only 25 minutes ride from Hannover) for my erasmus the next semester and I can’t wait to get there! It looks like such a peaceful place yet fun as well! Thanks for this post, it’s a more positive than what you can read on some forums on the internet! (can’t be more dull than where I’m from anyway)

Please don’t overrate Hannover. There are a few highlights (Herrenhauser gardens, Rathaus) but it’s not a great city. People who love green spaces love it — that means you need a bicycle — but the rest agree with the bad reputation. The Altstadt is very nice but very small, and the few interesting buildings are vastly outnumbered by dull ones. Shopping is quite bad, with mostly generic shops. Sure, visit here — but Hamburg is definitely nicer, if not Bremen, Hildesheim, Hameln, Celle, etc. And don’t spend more than one night.

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7 Things to Do in Hannover Germany (2023)

Every one has heard of German cities such as Munich, Berlin, Hamburg, Nuremberg but what about Hannover Germany?

We visited Hannover Germany as more of a “stop over” city on our way from Copenhagen to Heidelberg and we were so glad that we did, there are so many things to do in Hannover that it made for the perfect two night stop over

Hannover is a beautiful city, especially during autumn with the beautiful bright coloured leaves. There are some many gardens around the City of Hannover to wander around and enjoy the autumn colours.

During WWII Hannover Germany was subject to 8 different air raids and many residents were injured and many many lives were lost. Due to the bombings a lot of Hannover’s buildings were destroyed. Many of the buildings and houses you see today around the city have been rebuilt.

Are you planning a trip to Hannover Germany? Check out these posts to help plan your trip

The Ultimate Guide to the Eurail Pass Schloss Marienburg: The best guide to visiting Marienburg Castle

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Table of Contents

Things to do in Hanover

1. the red thread tour.

My number one recommendation when visiting Hannover Germany, is that you head to the tourist information center and pick up “The Red Thread” Guide book.

The tourist information center is located directly opposite the main station or there is one inside the New Town Hall. I recommend the tourists information center opposite the main station as it is easy to find and it is bigger.

“The Red Thread Tour” is based on a guide book that will cost you 3€ and it is yours to keep. The guidebook is available in ten languages!

“The Red Thread” is painted on the pavement and weaves its way around the city of Hannover. On your tour you will cover 4.2km (don’t worry the walk is very easy and the ground is flat) and you will pass 39 of the main attractions within the city.

At each stop, there is a big number painted on the ground, locate the number in your guide book and you will find the information for the stop you are at.

We spent 2 -3 hours walking around Hannover and reading about the history, architecture and stories behind each stop.

You can go as fast as you would like or take your time, it is up to you! The Red Thread Tour has all the perks of a traditional tour, except it is entirely up to you how you go about your tour.

2. Get an amazing view with the most unique elevator

The New Town Hall is one of the prettiest buildings in Hannover Germany and it is also one of the most popular attractions in Hannover. Not only because of it’s beauty but also because of it’s elevator. It is one of the most unique hotels in the world. The lift curves and take you up on a 17 degree angle.

Once you have “survived” this dizzy experience you will be rewarded with some stunning views over Hannover. However, the elevator does get extremely busy, especially on the weekends.

Only 5 people are permitted in the elevator at a time, so it is best to get to the town hall early so you don’t miss out!

The inside of the New Town Hall is just as stunning as the outside so make sure you take the time to wander around the interior of the New Town Hall.

Inside you will also find four models of Hannover Germany, which depict how Hannover has evolved since 1689 including the devastating effects of WWII.

3. Take in the stunning Old Town

Hannover’s Old Town is not as large or as grand as other Old Towns around Europe but it is still a very cute Old Town. The half time houses make you feel s though you are walking through a Disney movie!

The Old Town is very central to the rest of Hannover and makes the perfect stop on your Red Thread Tour. Why not stop and grab a drink at Broyhan Haus , the oldest pub in Hannover. It is super cute inside so be prepared to still be there at dinner time. Lucky the food is as good as their drinks.

Interestingly, Hannover’s Old Town isn’t actually that old. Along with much of Hannover Germany, the old town was bombed and destroyed during World War II. The Old Town that we see today is a reconstruction using facades from around the city that survived during World War II.

4. Grab a snap with Nanas statues by Niki de Saint Phalle

As you walk along the river, you can’t pass by the statues of the “Nana’s. When these statues were first installed in the 1970s the locals were outraged! However, today they are adored and make up part of the eclectic culture in Hannover Germany.

5. Relax in one of the beautiful parks

Lucky for nature lovers, Hannover has a breezy 10 minute rule. The 10 minute rule means that no matter where you are in Hannover, you are never more than 10 minutes away from a park. Whether it Maschsee lake, which by the way is man made, or the largest municipal forest in the world!

No kidding, in the middle of Hannover Germany is is 640 acers of forest for you to explore!

On a beautiful sunny day, you will see locals and tourists mingling in one of the amazing Hannover parks.

6. Check out the museums on a Friday

If you are travelling on a budget, or like me, you just like to save some money when you can, then you need to check out some of the best museums in Hannover on a Friday.

The museums in Hannover are free every Friday. One of the best museums in the city is the Hannover History museum. The museum details medieval Hannover and how the British have influenced their history. As you walk around the museum you will find historic paintings, clothes from the 1800s and King George V’s royal carriage.

In order to get the most out of your visit to the museum you will want to ask for an English audio guide from the front desk.

Another great museum to visit is the Lower Saxony State museum where you will find a collection of art from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century, archaeology, ethnology and natural history.

For the full list of museums in Hannover (and there are more than you would think) check out the tourism’s website .

7. Visit Marienburg Castle

Whilst Marienburg Castle in not in fact in Hannover, it is only an hour away by train, or half an hour if you’re keen to drive.

Marienburg Castle was built by King George the V for his wife as a birthday present!!

Not long after the Castle was completed, the Royal family was sent into exile in Austria and no one returned to the castle until 1945. Because of this, Marienburg Castle is one of the best preserved Castles.

I can’t recommend a day trip to Marienburg Castle enough! If you are interested in visiting Marienburg Castle (or Schloss Marienburg) check out this post

Getting around Hanover

Hannover is a very easy city to navigate. It is a very walkable city, most locations you will want to visit are within walking distance of each other.

However, if you would refer not to walk taxis are available and are safe for tourists to hail on the side of the road, you can hire a bicycle from the main train station and there is also a fantastic bus and tram network.

Getting to Hanover Germany

Flying to Hannover

Flying to Hannover from is a short and painless flight from many European and UK cities. Airlines such as Lufthansa, Flybe, Eurowings and British Airways all have flights to and from Hannover Germany.

If you are flying in from abroad, such as the US or Australia you will have a connection, but there are usually included in your overall flight itinerary.

Driving to Hannover

Hannover is accessible from any European country by car. Germany has a fantastic network of motorways (autobahn) were there are no speed limits.

Driving on the autobahn is normally on tourists lists of things to do when visiting Germany.

In Germany, you will be driving on the right hand side of the road and it is very easy to hire a car if you do not have your own.

By car, Hannover Germany is located 1 hour and 30 minutes from Bremen, 3 hours from Berlin and 6 hours from Munich.

Taking the train to Hannover

Travelling around Europe via train is a great alternative to flying or driving. Germany has a fantastic rail service. Their trains run on time and are efficient.

By train, Hannover is roughly 8 hours from London, 1 hour and 30 minutes from Berlin, 4 hours and 20 minutes from Munich and 2 hours and 20 minutes from Frankfurt.

If you are planning on travelling around Europe on the trains and you don’t have a fixed plane, I recommend checking out the Eurail pass .

Travelling on the Eurail pass is fantastic if you are looking for some flexibility without spending a fortune on train tickets.

Have you been to Hannover Germany? Would you recommend it to others? Let me know in the comments below.

I'm Fiona, the Australian blogger behind Travelling Thirties. Travel has always been my passion since 2007. I created this site to help inspire you to travel the world. In 2010 I moved from Australia to Scotland with $500 and a one way ticket, no one thought I'd last 5 minutes but I lasted 5 years. I share everything from one day itineraries to travel tips and tricks from Australia to Europe that will inspire you to get out and travel. Some of my favourite countries I have been to are France, Finland, Denmark, and England.

Travel Expertise: Europe Travel, France Travel, Christmas Markets, travel planning, itineraries and travel tips

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