Things To Do
in Hannover

Hannover, Germany, is a vibrant city known for its lush parks, rich history, and impressive architecture. It serves as the capital of Lower Saxony and boasts a mix of modern and traditional elements. The city is also home to several international fairs, making it a hub for business and tourism.

With a lively cultural scene and extensive green spaces, Hannover offers something for everyone.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring the City Center
morning
:

Start your day at the historic old town (Altstadt), exploring the Market Church and the Old Town Hall. Grab a coffee at a local café.

afternoon
:

Visit the Herrenhausen Gardens, a stunning baroque garden complex. Enjoy a leisurely stroll and take photos of the beautiful fountains.

evening
:

Dine at a traditional German restaurant, such as Ratskeller, and then enjoy a performance at the Hannover State Opera.

day 2
Day 2: Culture and Nature
morning
:

Visit the Lower Saxony State Museum to understand the region's art and history. Don't miss the natural history exhibits.

afternoon
:

Take a relaxing walk in Eilenriede, one of Europe's largest urban forests, and have a picnic.

evening
:

Experience the vibrant nightlife in the Old Town, visiting local bars or live music venues.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at a mid-range restaurant$15
Coffee$3
🚌Public transportation ticket$3
🏨Hotel per night$100
🥖Baguette$1

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural heritage and history
  • Beautiful parks and gardens
  • Vibrant nightlife and dining options
  • Less international exposure compared to larger cities
  • Public transportation can be limited late at night
  • Weather can be unpredictable, especially in winter
  • "Guten Morgen" - Good morning
  • "Danke schön" - Thank you very much
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wo ist die Toilette?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Ich hätte gerne..." - I would like...

Places to Visit in Hannover

Visit one of these nice places.

Herrenhausen Gardens

A beautiful baroque garden with stunning fountains and meticulously manicured landscapes.

Old Town (Altstadt)

Offers picturesque streets with half-timbered houses and vibrant market squares.

Maschsee

A large artificial lake surrounded by paths and parks, perfect for sunset photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Hannover

Hannover offers a delightful culinary scene that reflects both traditional German fare and international influences. From hearty local dishes to vibrant food markets, visitors will find plenty to satisfy their taste buds.

Hannover Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Hannoversche Fasanenbrust

A local dish featuring pheasant breast, often served with seasonal vegetables.

Must-Try!

Bregenwurst

A traditional sausage made from pork and served with potatoes or sauerkraut.

Spargel

White asparagus, a seasonal delicacy, often enjoyed with hollandaise sauce.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Markthalle Hannover

An indoor market featuring a variety of local and international foods, perfect for lunch.

Street Food Festivals

Regular events in the city where you can taste diverse street food from various cultures.

Climate Guide

Weather

Hannover experiences a temperate oceanic climate with mild summers and cool winters. Average summer temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), while winter temperatures can drop to around 0°C (32°F). Rain is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, so it's advisable to carry an umbrella. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with pleasant weather and beautiful scenery.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality

Germans value punctuality; always arrive on time for appointments.

Quiet in Public Spaces

Maintain a low volume in public transportation and quiet zones.

Recycling

Follow local recycling rules; waste separation is taken seriously.

Safety Guide

Safety

Hannover is generally considered a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates. However, like any urban area, it's wise to remain vigilant, especially in crowded places. Always keep personal belongings secure and avoid poorly lit areas at night. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 112.

Tipping in Hannover

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

It's customary to round up the bill or leave a tip of around 5-10% in restaurants.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but smaller shops may prefer cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Temperatures begin to warm, with blooming flowers in parks; ideal for outdoor activities.

Summer

Warm weather makes it perfect for festivals and outdoor dining; expect longer daylight hours.

Autumn

Cooler temperatures with beautiful fall foliage, especially in parks like Eilenriede.

Winter

Cold weather with occasional snowfall; enjoy Christmas markets and warm indoor activities.

Nightlife Guide

Hannover at Night

Hannover has a lively nightlife scene, with a mix of bars, clubs, and live music venues. The Old Town is particularly vibrant, offering a range of options from cozy pubs to dance clubs. Many venues host live music events, catering to various tastes from rock to electronic music. The atmosphere is generally friendly and welcoming, making it a great place to socialize.

Hiking in Hannover

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Deister Mountains

Located just south of Hannover, the Deister Mountains offer scenic hiking trails with varied landscapes.

Südheide Nature Park

A short drive from the city, this park features numerous trails through heathlands and forests, ideal for nature lovers.

Airports

How to reach Hannover by plane.

Hannover Airport (HAJ)

Located about 11 km northeast of the city center, Hannover Airport offers both domestic and international flights, making it a convenient entry point for travelers.

Getting Around

Walkability

Hannover is a highly walkable city, particularly in the central areas where many attractions are located within walking distance. The city features well-maintained sidewalks and pedestrian zones, making it easy to explore on foot. Public transport options are also convenient for longer distances, but walking allows for a more immersive experience of the city.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Students

Hannover has a significant student population due to its universities and colleges, contributing to a vibrant, youthful atmosphere.

International Business Community

As a hub for trade fairs and business events, Hannover attracts professionals from various countries.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

Hannover is home to Hannover 96, a professional football club with a passionate fan base.

Handball

Handball is quite popular in Hannover, with local teams competing in national leagues.

Transportation

Traffic

Hannover has a well-organized public transportation system consisting of buses, trams, and trains, making it easy to navigate the city and surrounding areas. Traffic can be moderate, and parking in the city center can be limited and expensive. Bicycles are also a popular mode of transport, with dedicated cycling lanes throughout the city.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Hannover.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian/Vegan Options

Many restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, particularly in international cuisine.

Gluten-Free Options

Gluten-free options are increasingly available, especially in larger restaurants.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Hannover has a well-developed healthcare system with numerous hospitals and clinics. Emergency services are efficient and can be contacted via the universal emergency number 112. Visitors from EU countries can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for access to necessary medical care. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers health services.

Discover Germany

Read more in our Germany 2025 Travel Guide.

Germany Travel Guide