Hannover

Introduction

You will find that Hanover serves as the capital of the German state of Lower Saxony. The urban area surrounding the city incorporates the towns of Garbsen, Langenhagen, and Laatzen.

Before you go

Prepare for your visit by understanding that much of the city's historic architecture was lost during World War II. While the Old City area features a collection of older houses preserved from across the region, it is surrounded by buildings from the 1950s and 1960s. You can find more traditional late-19th-century housing with ornate decorations in residential neighborhoods like Oststadt, List, and Linden.

Plan your route through the city's flat landscape, which features large green areas, forests, and the man-made Masch lake. If you are looking for a central meeting point, the large green clock in Kröpcke serves as an ideal landmark. To navigate the main sights of the oldest part of the city, follow the "Red Thread" walking route starting from the Tourism Office.

Getting there

You can reach the city by air via Hannover Airport, where several European network airlines and budget carriers operate. From the airport, you can take an S-Bahn train to the central station or choose a taxi for a quicker trip into the heart of the city.

Rail travel provides extensive connections to major German cities, as well as direct trains to the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Austria. The city serves as a hub for high-speed Inter City Express trains, while regional trains offer various ticket options for traveling across Lower Saxony or throughout Germany. For those arriving by road, the city is accessible via major motorways connecting it to Hamburg, Berlin, and Düsseldorf. You can also reach the city by bus, with international services available for destinations such as Bosnia and Croatia.

Getting around

You can navigate the city using an extensive network of buses, trams, and subways. If you plan to make more than two trips, a day ticket provides unlimited travel until the final connection of the evening. Be mindful that the system operates on an honor system; ensure your ticket is validated at the blue machines if it does not already have a printed timestamp, as inspections occur throughout the day and night. For broader exploration, the Hannover Card offers unlimited travel on all local public transport and regional trains across the entire region, while also providing discounts at various museums, theaters, and restaurants.

If you prefer to explore on your own terms, bike paths are available along nearly every major street. Ensure your bicycle is equipped with functional front and rear lights to comply with local regulations. You can also enjoy a large car-free pedestrian zone extending from the Central Station to Kröpcke. If you choose to bring your bike on public transport, it is permitted for free during off-peak hours on weekdays and all day on weekends and public holidays. While taxis are available for those with heavy luggage or specific timing needs, they can be more economical when traveling in a large group by booking a multi-seat vehicle.

Where to stay

Because Hannover frequently hosts large exhibitions, you should book your accommodations well in advance to ensure availability and manage potential rate increases during these busy periods. Depending on your preference for atmosphere, you can choose between various styles of lodging across the city.

• For a quieter stay near the forest in the Alte Neustadt district, options are available within walking distance of a train station providing easy access to the center.
• If you prefer proximity to the exhibition center, you can find accommodations in the nearby area of Wülfel or choose a guesthouse situated in the surroundings of the Deister Natural Park.
• For those seeking convenience near major transport links, several hotels are located close to the main train station or offer good connections to both the airport and the exhibition grounds.
• In the city center, you can find large chain hotels with standard amenities or boutique options located near the Medical School area.
• For a more luxurious experience, high-end hotels near the central station offer extensive facilities such as saunas, fitness centers, and steam baths.

Food & drink

Explore a wide range of culinary experiences across the city, from traditional German staples like schnitzel and local sausages to international flavors. You can find authentic Italian dishes, Vietnamese cuisine in Linden-Nord, or Middle Eastern specialties such as falafel and kebab. For those seeking specific regional styles, options include Bavarian food, Moroccan-inspired dishes, and Afghan cuisine served on carpeted floors. If you prefer a casual snack, several spots offer French fries with varied sauces or quick bites like burgers and wraps.

The local beverage scene features traditional drinks like the Lüttje Lage—a mix of beer and korn—and local pilsener. You can enjoy these in various settings, from large tree-lined beer gardens that provide a family-friendly atmosphere to quirky pubs serving Thai food. For a more vibrant evening, visit cocktail bars featuring Mediterranean designs or Mexican bars where you can enjoy sarsala music and specialty drinks like the Caipirinha.

• 1 Markthalle: A market hall offering a variety of stalls with everything from Spanish tapas to Mett.
• Lister Meile area: Features several options including Turkish breakfast, various pizzas, and kebab shops.
• Dining etiquette: In most cafés and restaurants, paying individually is accepted; while tips are not compulsory, rounding up to the next full euro in small cafés or adding 10% in larger restaurants is common.

What to see and do

Explore the city's extensive green spaces and historic landmarks. Wander through the world-famous baroque gardens of Herrenhausen, which feature a glimmering cave by Niki de Saint Phalle, or visit the nearby Berggarten botanical garden. For a more natural escape, explore the vast Eilenriede forest or the Tiergarten, where fallow deer roam freely. If you prefer to stay closer to the center, find a quiet spot in the city park to relax with a book, or stroll through the Lister district to browse the shops along the pedestrian-friendly Lister Meile.

Experience local culture and history through various landmarks:

• Visit the New City Hall to view historical models of the city and take an elevator to the dome for panoramic views.
• See "The Nanas," a set of colorful sculptures by Niki de Saint Phalle that mark the start of the Sculpture Mile.
• Explore the university grounds, where the main building served as a former winter palace.
• View the reconstructed 17th-century Renaissance facade at the Leibniz House.

Three days in Hannover

Day one, you can begin your journey in the Old City to experience its historic atmosphere. You might also visit the Kröpke area as you start your exploration of the city.

Day two, you can travel through the Oststadt district or explore the Linden neighborhood. These areas offer different characters as you navigate the local surroundings.

Day three, you can spend time near the Masch river. You can also use this time to plan your next moves or visit the Tourism Office for further information.