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Capital of Lower Saxony, Germany
Photo: Pedelecs, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Hanover (German: Hannover, Low Saxon: Hannober) is the capital of Lower Saxony in Germany, with a population of around 558,000. 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.
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Herrenhäuser Gärten / Großer Garten
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.
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 €29.20 for adults, for children 3–16 years: €19.20 and "young adults" 17-24 yr: €22.70. Better rates are available when you book onlin: https://www.zoo-hannover.de/english Open year-round. In wintertime, visit the WinterZoo - a charming Christmas market with ice show, ice skating, slides, food & drink, etc.
Hanover Aquarium, has an array of fish and also a rain forest inside. It is open from 10:00 daily. Tickets are usually available at a discount rate online: https://www.visitsealife.com/hannover/en/tickets/
Neues Rathaus
See the models of Hanover at four different points in history: 1689, 1939, 1945, and the present, and then take a sloped elevator (€5 adults, €4 children) to the dome for a beautiful view of the city.
Created by Niki de Saint Phalle in 1974, these three colorful, oversized sculptures on the banks of the Leine represent the beginning of Hanover's Sculpture Mile. While initially controversial, they are now a central landmark of the city and host Germany's oldest flea market every Saturday.
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover
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.
A faithful reconstruction of the 17th-century Renaissance facade of Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz's former residence, which was destroyed in World War II. The building now serves as a university guest house and conference center and can only be viewed from the outside.
Stadtpark
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.
112 hectares of recreational forest with free ranging fallow deer.
650 hectares of city forest. Very unique considering its size and location in the middle of the city.
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.
Lower Saxon State Museum
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.
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.
A museum focusing on 20th-century modern art. It houses an extensive collection of art objects, including works by Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee, and Niki de Saint-Phalle. Admission is free for all visitors on Fridays.
Deutsches Museum für Karikatur und Zeichenkunst
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.
Landesbildungszentrum für Blinde
The museum hosts objects showing how blind people have been educated between 1843 and today. Free admission, but open only by appointment.
Kestner Museum
Objects include ones from ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece, the Middle Ages and modern times.
Straßenbahn-Museum
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. .
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).
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).
Die Roten (The Reds) play soccer in 2. Bundesliga, the second tier. The stadium (capacity 49,000) is close to city centre at the north end of Maschsee.
Hanover's professional ice hockey club play in Germany's premier division (DEL).
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.
Frühlingfest
Schützenplatz. Annual event in spring, everyday from 2PM. Practically a knock-down amusement park. Lots of fun.
Kleines Fest im großen Garten
– 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.
market hall
Check out the variety of food stalls. You will find almost everything from Spanish tapas to Mett (raw minced meat).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Completely Italian. The service is friendly and helpful. Short waiting times. Selection is large. Special requests are accepted and fulfilled in a friendly manner.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fast and good Vietnamese cuisine in Linden-Nord, with outdoor seating during the summer.
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.
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.
Afghan food. You may want to opt for the carpeted floor than the tables. Located next door to the cocktail bar "Loft".
Bavarian restaurant.
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.
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.
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.
Dining in a high ceiling, brick domed room creating a 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.
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.
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.
Gets its name from being close to Waterloo square and on Waterloo road. Huge beer garden surrounded by trees, very busy during the summer.
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.
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.
Quirky pub that attracts a lot of football fans as the owner is a Hannover 96 supporter. Serves Thai food!
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.
Schaufelderstraße 11. Interior designed by Jorge La Guardia and the flamenco musician gave it a distinct 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.
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.
Osterstraße 38, – Mexican restaurant that has a great variety of cocktails. Usually full during happy hour which last until 20:00.
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.
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.
Offers good variety of tea. A nice place to visit in the afternoon after shopping in the city.
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.
Music spans 3 decades beginning with 1960s soul and travelling through the 1970s and 1980s.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In a handy location for the train station.
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.
Quite location but with easy access to the centre of Hanover. Clean and comfortable rooms and breakfast is included. Prices from: €32.
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.
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.
Good and clean, standard breakfast. May be loud due to busy street.
A boutique hotel close to Medical School Hanover, with good connection to buses and trams.
Big chain hotel found in almost all major cities. No thrills but will be comfortable and convenient.
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.
5-star hotel, very close to the central station and the Galerie Luise. Available facilities include sauna, fitness centre, massage, cycling, Turkish/steam bath.
By train
Due to its location, Hanover has good connections from all major cities in Germany through Deutsche Bahn (DB), the German rail service.
By bus
Hanover is linked to the rest of Germany and parts of Europe by frequent bus services.
By car
Hanover is 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.
By bicycle or on foot
By taxi
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.
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