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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.

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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

• Hannover.de

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Tourist highlights.

Whether  town hall ,  Maschsee lake ,  old town  or  Herrenhausen Gardens  - you can discover numerous sights in Hannover!

Here are the highlights of the attractions in Hanover at a glance for you.

Tourist Highlight

Hannover Adventure Zoo

On animal safari around the world with exotic landscapes, over 2000 animals and amazing shows at...

The New Town Hall

Built in 1913, it is the seat of the Mayor and CEO of Hannover.

Tourist highlight

Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen

The Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen are Hannover’s most famous attraction and have been a striking...

The Old Town

Half-timbered buildings, museums and sights in Hanover's old core.

Jogging, pedalo, walking & promenading

A maritime paradise right in the city centre!

The Old Town Hall

A historical building dating back to 1500 a.d.

City Centre

From the Central Station to Kröpcke, via Grosse Packhofstrasse to the Platz der Weltausstellung...

Buxom curves, luminous colours: the three Nanas on the Leibnizufer have become one of Hannover’s...

Opera House

One of the most beautiful neo-classical buildings of its kind.

Hannover Tourist Information

Ernst-August-Platz 8

30159 Hannover

+49 511 12345111

+49 511 12345112

Comprehensive service for your visit to Hannover is available at the Tourist Information, directly opposite the main train station. Just call or visit us!...

30 BEST Things to Do in Hannover

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Hanover: Private Walking tour with A Guide (Private Tour)

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What travellers are saying

• Herrenhäuser Gärten
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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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What to do in Hannover in Germany – Tips and complete travel guide

February 24, 2023 by Edson Amorina Jr Leave a Comment

We included two days in the city of Hannover in our travel through northern Germany and it was really worth it.

Although the main tourist attractions are concentrated in the Altstadt, the historic city of Hanover, we decided to stay there for two nights, mainly to include the park with the Herrenhausen Gardens in one of the periods. It is well worth exploring and taking a leisurely stroll through all its gardens and sculptures, especially if you go on a sunny day.

Another tourist facility in the city is the so-called “red line”, or in German “Roter Faden”. A red strip painted in the center of the city that passes through 36 tourist points in a circuit of 4.2 kilometers.

We write about 8 of the best attractions on the Romantic Road in Germany with up-to-date tips , be sure to check it out.

Table of Contents

How to go to Hannover in Germany

Hanover is the capital and largest city of the German state of Lower Saxony  and is located in northern Germany. It is 151 km from Hamburg, 286 km from Berlin, 292 km from Cologne and 354 km from Frankfurt. Citing only the largest and best known cities.

As a curiosity, it is in Hannover that CeBIT takes place, the largest commercial exhibition world in the field of digital telecommunications and IT services. It takes place at the Deutsche Messe AG Hannover.

To get to the city of Hannover you can go by car, the German roads known as the Autobahn are quite easy to drive. But it is also possible to go by train, a very interesting way to get to know Germany.

You can take a day trip to Hannover from Hamburg, but we chose to visit the city in 2 days and stay at least one night in Hannover.

Where to stay in Hannover in Germany – Hotel and hostel tips

The best place to stay in Hannover is close to the city center, its historic center. Either close to the Hauptbanhof or at any point on the “Red Line”, so you can do the whole tour on foot.

We stayed at the hotel Aspria Hannover , a hotel a little further from the historic tourist center because we wanted to stay on a beach, enjoy the summer more. It is 4 km from the tourist information office next to the Hauptbanhof , Hannover’s central train station. As the public transport system is easy to use, this isn’t exactly a problem.

About the hotel, it was a great choice. Its facilities are very nice, the pool and sauna are very good and the beach is really nice to enjoy. The only problem is that it’s a lake beach, so the ground is very muddy and with roots and leaves. Oh! It is worth mentioning that the hotel’s sauna is FKK, Freikörperkultur , with nudism allowed.

Be sure to look for other options on the Booking.com .

Top sights of Hannover in Germany

As mentioned at the beginning, the main sights of Hannover have been highlighted around a Red Line painted in the historic center of the city.

O Hannover’s official website has a map detailing this path:

The start of the path was defined as the Tourist Office near Hauptbanhof , but you can start the tour at any point. Our tour was from Aegidienkirche in>, the ruins of the church that was bombed during World War II in 1943 and is now a memorial.

And in addition to this tourist circuit in the center of Hannover, another point that you cannot miss on your travel itinerary are the Gardens of Herrenhausen , a park that is a little further from the Red Line, but not much.

The gardens are just 4 km from the Hauptbanhof and can be reached either on foot (50 minutes), by car (17 minutes) or the city’s commuter train service (only 18 minutes). . On the official website you can see the updated price of fares, stations and plan itineraries .

To eat and drink in Hannover, you will find several options with different types of cuisine. We separate three places, the Lindenblatt Grill-Garten , for those who want to eat meats and grilled; the Bavarium for traditional German food and the bona’me , Turkish oriental food.

What to do in Hannover in Germany – Itinerary tip for 2 days trip

As I mentioned, we stayed in a hotel whose main attraction is a small beach on the lake, as well as swimming pools and a sauna. So we reserve for the first afternoon some time to enjoy and burn ourselves a little in the German summer sun.

And it wasn’t until the next morning that we left to follow all the sights along the Red Line path. Among them, I can highlight their main ones.

1st day in Hannover – Red-line tour

We start our tour at the Aegidienkirche , the ruins of the church that was bombed during World War II. Something that caught our attention was its connection with the nuclear bombs that the US dropped on Japan (important to say, the only use of a nuclear bomb in history, resulting in the death of thousands of civilian and innocent people).

We then walked, following the Red Line, to the Neues Rathaus , the new Hannover city hall building. The building, square and fountain in front are beautiful. Inside the city hall, in addition to the beauty of the architecture itself, there are 4 models showing important moments in the city’s history.

Following the banks of the River Leine to the famous Nanas, we had the opportunity to take several pictures of the town hall and the old city wall.

The Nanas are sculptures made in 1974 by the artist Niki de Saint Phalle that use images from the Pop Art school to portray voluminous, colorful and sensual female bodies. One more curiosity: “Nana” is an ambiguous French term for a modern, self-confident, erotic and perverse woman.

In addition to their historical importance (they were pioneers in the discussion about art in public space and representing everyday culture), the “Nanas” are really beautiful and Olivia really enjoyed meeting them.

We left the river bank, crossed the Marstalltor , gate of the old wall and headed towards Marktkirche , passing through several points of the Line Red that were worth the stop, such as Ballhofplatz and the view from Kreuzstraße to Kreuzkirche .

A Marktkirche St. Georgii et Jacobi is Hannover’s main Lutheran church, built in the 14th century and represents the brick Gothic architecture of northern Germany. Also destroyed in World War II and later rebuilt, it has the largest bell in the state of Lower Saxony.

From there, towards the end, we will visit the Altes Rathaus , the old town hall, the Markthalle , a municipal market with fairs and places to eat, and we went to the Altstadt , the old city center. With houses built in the half-timbered style, today it is an important commercial center in Hannover.

We also pass by the Kröpcke clock, a replica built in 1977 of the 1885 clock, dismantled after the Second World War.

And we end our tour in front of the Hauptbahnhof of Hannover, where the Ernst-August-Denkmal is located, a statue from 1861 in honor of the sovereign of the former Kingdom of Hanover, King Ernst August.

2nd day in Hannover – Herrenhausen castle and gardens

For the second day trip in Hanover, we plan to visit the Herrenhäuser Gärten , the Gardens of Herrenhausen , located approximately 4 km from the historic city center. It can be visited either by car, parking is ample and easily accessible, or by public transport, there is a train stop in front of the entrance.

We visited the castle only from the outside, as we concentrated our visit on the Großer Garten , the Great Garden, a large park divided into several open areas and also enclosed by walls of bushes.  The first thing that really catches the eye are the Greco-Roman statues spread around the corners of the gardens and centralized in closed areas. You will spend a lot of time on your visit going from garden to garden, getting to know their differences, characteristics and beauties. Including flowers, plants and statues.

The first highlight is the Grotto , the Grotto by French artist Nik de Saint Phale. It was part of a larger aquatic exhibit in one of the oldest buildings in the park, decorated with shells, bronze pieces and crystal, which were removed more than 250 years ago. Based on that, the artist modernized the grotto in her own style, her great work before her death in 2002. The three rooms that can be visited represent human life, divided into “Spirituality”, “Day and Life” and “Night and Cosmos”.

Another highlight of the park is its Great Fountain built at the end of the 17th century. It is located in the center, between different gardens, with a jet of water that can reach a height of 70 meters and that can be seen from a long distance. Be sure to walk around it, reading the plaques hung on the gates around it that explain its history, how it worked and how its mechanism to reach such heights of water worked and works now.

Another tip is to check the opening hours, when we went, the fountain was taking a 2-hour break, precisely during our visit. We had to wait a long time to see it work.

Due to its size and beauty, the place is often used by newly married couples for their wedding photos. It’s not hard to come across grooms and brides in character with photographers chasing them and guiding them to the best photos.

Lastly, the Herrenhausen Gardens are close to the SEA LIFE Center Hannover , the Hockey Club Hannover and also from other parks, such as the Berggarten and Georgengarten . It is possible for you to plan all these visits for your second day of travel in the city.

Hannover is a city with a lot of history to discover and an important tourist destination for your trip through northern Germany.

Excursions and city tours in Hannover Germany

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Tourism in Hannover

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Hannover – the trade fair and event city in the center of Europe

From ground-breaking architecture and infrastructure, to highly attractive local recreation areas in the surrounding region – the state capital of Niedersachsen boasts many interesting contrasts.

The cluster of around 50 different theatres, the state opera company, and numerous museums and galleries attract thousands of art and culture lovers every year to the many high quality performances and international art exhibitions. One of the most popular shopping streets in Germany – the Georgstraße – draws people from far and wide for stylish shopping, combined with relaxing in any of the numerous cozy cafés in the historic Old Town.

Hannover’s special pride though is its many green spaces and leafy oases. With the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, the treasured Eilenriede forest stretching into the city center, the Leine river, and the maritime flair of the Maschsee lake at the edge of the inner city, Hannover spoils its visitors with shady places to relax and a big variety of leisure and recreation activities. A diverse spectrum of sports events, open-air concerts and major festivals take place throughout the year.

Highlights include the Schützenfest (Marksmen’s Fair), the Maschsee lake festival and the International Fireworks Competition in the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, which have deservedly acquired an international reputation, drawing crowds of visitors from all over the world.

Hannover is surrounded on all sides by local recreation areas such as the Steinhuder Meer lake, the wooded ridge of the Deister, the rolling farmland of the Calenberger Land, and the water meadows of the Leine valley – offering a big range of activities for young and old. Historic half-timbered houses in many towns in the region provide a picturesque olde-worlde backdrop for shopping sprees.

Hannover has a big reputation as a warm-hearted host: as a trade fair and event city, the state capital of Niedersachsen stands in the international spotlight every year. Thousands of trade fair visitors have enjoyed Hannover’s hospitality since 1947. Hannover is the venue for CeBIT, the world’s biggest annual computer show , as well as other major trade exhibitions.

Hannover’s success as a trade show venue is largely attributable to its central location in the middle of Germany and Europe – making the city a particularly attractive business location for domestic and international visitors. Hannover not only boasts a very successful airport, but also lies at the intersection of the most important German and European superhighways. And a region-wide public transport system links up the whole area, and makes all the main tourist attractions quickly and comfortably accessible.

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Royal gardens of herrenhausen.

The Great Garden designed in the 17th century in the French manner is one of the best preserved baroque gardens in Europe. Fully rounded off in 2013 with the complete rebuilding of the original Herrenhausen Palace, plus museum. Just as interesting are the neighbouring Berggarten botanical gardens and the Georgengarten English landscape gardens.

Maschsee / New Town Hall

A maritime paradise in the middle of the city! Modern passenger ships cruise up and down the lake taking passengers on a pleasurable cruise with various stopping points along the way. Just around the corner is the New Town Hall in Loire-castle style. Travelling up to the 97-metrehight Town Hall dome in the unique curving lift is an experience itself. The four town models inside showing the development of the city.

The historic half-timbered buildings in the Old Town form one of the most attractive quarters in the city. The imposing Market Church and the Old Town Hall are the most southerly examples of the redbrick Gothic style. Stroll through picturesque alleys, and discover the trendy boutiques, cafes and restaurants. The river Leine flows gently along just a few metres away, and its river bank offers secluded places to relax.

Hannover’s Georgstraße and the neighbouring Bahnhofstraße are two of the most frequented shopping streets in Germany! And there is more – the Niki-de-Saint-Phalle-Promenade, the charming Old Town, and several shopping malls make shopping sprees in Hannover enjoyable and varied at all times of the year.

Adventure Zoo

Hannover Adventure Zoo lies in the heart of the city – a unique zoological theme park which attracts around 1.5 million enthusiastic visitors every year. Marvel at the exotic worlds and discover more than 3000 animals in seven thrilling zoological theme settings.

of Hannover

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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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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.

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Hannover Tourist Information

Ernst-August-Platz 8

30159 Hannover

+49 511 12345111

+49 511 12345112

Comprehensive service for your visit to Hannover is available at the Tourist Information, directly opposite the main train station. Just call or visit us!...

Top Things to Do in Hannover, Germany - Hannover Must-See Attractions

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• Herrenhäuser Gärten
• The New Town Hall
• Erlebnis Zoo Hannover
• Eilenriede - Park
• Private Transfer From Hannover To Amsterdam, Stop in Munster
• From Hamburg to Hannover - Private One-Day Trip by Car
• Private Transfer From Hannover to Hamburg With Sightseeing Stops

Top Things to Do in Hannover, Germany - Hannover Must-See Attractions

Things to do in hannover, explore popular experiences, tours in and around hannover.

Fritz Haarmann murder tour through Hanover's old town

SEA LIFE Hannover Ticket

Guided tour of the New Town Hall in Hanover

Personal Travel and Vacation Photography Tour in Hannover

Private guided rickshaw city tour in Munster

Goslar City guided tour

Hanover: Private Walking tour with A Guide (Private Tour)

Hanno(ver)nascht Culinary city tour

Culinary bike tour

Private 2 Hour Transfer From Wolfsburg to Hamburg

Historical tours.

Top Attractions in Hannover

Other Top Attractions around Hannover

Walking Tours

Cultural Tours

Private and luxury.

What travellers are saying

• Herrenhäuser Gärten
• The New Town Hall
• Erlebnis Zoo Hannover
• Eilenriede - Park
• Private Transfer From Hannover To Amsterdam, Stop in Munster
• From Hamburg to Hannover - Private One-Day Trip by Car
• Private Transfer From Hannover to Hamburg With Sightseeing Stops

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Hannover

Things to do in hannover.

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• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Calenberger Neustadt
• Linden - Mitte
• Linden - Nord
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
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• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Honeymoon spot
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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. The New Town Hall

2. Erlebnis Zoo Hannover

3. Herrenhäuser Gärten

4. Maschsee

5. Aegidienkirche

6. Sprengel Museum Hannover

7. Eilenriede - Park

8. GOP Variete Theater Hannover

9. Berggarten

10. SEA LIFE Hannover

11. Altes Rathaus

12. Marktkirche

13. Lower Saxony State Museum (Niedersachsisches Landesmuseum Hannover)

14. Tiergarten

15. Luftfahrtmuseum Hannover-Laatzen

16. Altstadt

17. Deutsche Messe AG

18. Heinz-von-Heiden-Arena

19. Park der Sinne

21. Monument to Ernest Augustus

22. Historisches Museum Hannover

23. Maschpark

24. Museum Wilhelm Busch - The German Museum for Caricature and the Art of Drawing

25. Ernst-August-Galerie

26. Kröpcke-Uhr

27. Monument Göttingen Sieben

28. Ballhofplatz

29. TUI Arena

30. Staatsoper Hannover

What travellers are saying.

Top Things to Do in Hannover, Germany - Hannover Must-See Attractions

Things to do in hannover, explore popular experiences, tours in and around hannover.

Fritz Haarmann murder tour through Hanover's old town

SEA LIFE Hannover Ticket

Guided tour of the New Town Hall in Hanover

Personal Travel and Vacation Photography Tour in Hannover

Private guided rickshaw city tour in Munster

Goslar City guided tour

Hanover: Private Walking tour with A Guide (Private Tour)

Hanno(ver)nascht Culinary city tour

Culinary bike tour

Private 2 Hour Transfer From Wolfsburg to Hamburg

Historical tours.

Top Attractions in Hannover

Other Top Attractions around Hannover

Walking Tours

Cultural Tours

Private and luxury.

What travellers are saying

• Herrenhäuser Gärten
• The New Town Hall
• Erlebnis Zoo Hannover
• Eilenriede - Park
• Private Transfer From Hannover To Amsterdam, Stop in Munster
• From Hamburg to Hannover - Private One-Day Trip by Car
• Private Transfer From Hannover to Hamburg With Sightseeing Stops