Hannover Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

New Town Hall which includes a lake or waterhole and heritage architecture
Hannover which includes outdoor eating as well as a small group of people
Berggarten which includes a garden and interior views
New Town Hall showing heritage elements and interior views
Photo provided by TourismusMarketing Niedersachsen GmbH
The capital of Lower Saxony, one of the areas hardest hit by the Second World War, Hannover is now a major centre in northern Germany.

One of the largest cities in northern Germany, Hannover lies at the heart of modern German culture. As a centre of trade, the city holds a number of major annual commercial fairs, as well as the world’s largest marksmen’s festival and the second largest Oktoberfest in the world.

It is also home to a range of tourist attractions.

Head straight for the Town Hall to gaze upon models of the cityscape from four very different points in the history of Hannover: 1689, 1939, 1945 and 2000. Then take an elevator up to the dome in order to observe a commanding view of the city as it stands today.

Among the many sights you will be able to spot is the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen. These world-renowned Baroque gardens date back to the 17th century and were inspired by the gardens at the Palace of Versailles in France. Captivating at their greenest in summer, they also offer a pleasant stroll in winter. Explore the Cave within the garden grounds, decorated brightly by Niki de Saint Phalle. 

Other garden features include a Gallery Building, an Orangerie, and two Pavilions made by Remy de la Fosse. At the centre of the Nouveau Jardin, meanwhile you will be able to view upon the tallest garden fountain in Europe.

Elsewhere in the city, take a trip to Hannover Zoo to see one of Europe’s most spectacular zoological gardens. The zoo is made up of several themed areas containing rare species from all over the world as well as a tropical house, a jungle house and a show arena. Be one of more than a million visitors that visit each year. The Sea Life aquarium is also a popular attraction, complete with a rainforest.

A little out of town, 19 miles (30 kilometres) south of Hannover, visit Castle Marienburg, one of the most important neo-Gothic historical structures to be found in Germany, evoking still today the traditional life of the Hannoverian court. Tours of the castle and its halls and state rooms are on offer too.

Where to stay in Hannover

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Mitte

4/5(53 area reviews)

Noted for its shopping and museums, there's plenty to explore in Mitte. Top attractions like Hanover Christmas Market and Old Town Hall are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Waterloo U-Bahn or Markthall-Landtag U-Bahn to see more of the city.

Mitte
Lower Saxony State Museum showing interior views, a statue or sculpture and heritage elements

Suedstadt

5/5(1 area review)

Suedstadt is a destination travellers like for its bars, and you might hop aboard the metro at Geibelstrasse U-Bahn or Altenbekener Damm U-Bahn to explore sights like Maschsee.

Suedstadt
Hannover Zoo which includes boating and a river or creek

Zoo

You'll enjoy the restaurants and parks in Zoo. You might want to make time for a stop at Eilenriede or Hannover Zoo.

Zoo
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Calenberger Neustadt

While you're in Calenberger Neustadt, take in top sights like Schuetzenplatz and jump on the metro at Waterloo U-Bahn to see more of the city.

Calenberger Neustadt
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Ricklingen

Even though there aren't top sights in Ricklingen, you can explore the larger area and take in top sights like Swiss Life Hall. Jump on the metro at Hannover-Bornum S-Bahn to see more of the city.

Ricklingen
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Döhren-Wülfel

2.5/5(2 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the bars and live music in Döhren-Wülfel. You might want to make time for a stop at Hannover Fairground or ZAG Arena.

Döhren-Wülfel

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Hannover

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
21
5 - Excellent 43%
4 - Good
20
4 - Good 41%
3 - Okay
7
3 - Okay 14%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 2%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lovely place to visit. shopping, eating out and riverside walk were the main highlights

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

I only go because I have relatives who live there, it is not worth going as a tourist. but if you are passing through with children, I would recommend the zoo. this zoo is one of the nicest in the world.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Christmas market was Absolutely Outstanding.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Smart city centre with good shops and restaurants

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Hannover is awesome...…. visit if you can.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A visit to the Neues Rathaus is a definite must. Also a walk along the cafe culture of the Lister Meile

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