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Discover Hanover’s Royal History, Gardens and Old Town

Hanover Travel Information  At one time the family seat of the Hanoverian Kings of Great Britain and later a kingdom in its own right, Hanover has a long and intricate history. Travel the many sights of Hanover by following the painted red line that runs through the city center’s 32 most important sights across 3 miles. View its extensive royal and botanical gardens, its zoo, one of the largest and most important in Europe, its historic Old Town, including the Liebniz house, and its enormous fairgrounds – the largest exhibition center in the world. Additional Germany travel information including vacation packages and escorted tours. 

Current Weather

46.08 °F - Clouds Min/Max: 44.24 °F / 46.35 °FFeels: 46.08 °F Humidity: 81%5 Day Forecast

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Description

Thanks it its natural surroundings and an abundance of parks, the 'greenest city in Germany' offers an exceptional quality of life with all the benefits of a big city thrown in: while top-ranking events and a formidable range of museums make for a manifold experience of culture and ken, the fantastic selection of shop, restaurants, bars and clubs will guarantee a peep into the local life, and a great night out. While the city's central location and its excellent transport connections allow trips to nearby areas, the main sights – the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, Hannover's adventure zoo or Hannover's State Opera – are well worth seeing. Do also experience the city's rich and versatile music scene, as its history – contributing to the election as an UNESCO world city of music – dates back to the world's first record and the world's first CD, while it today hosts top concerts and other regular events throughout the year. Its outstanding location for business and science attracts both students and employees alike, as internationally acclaimed companies and first-class research institutions work closely together – it is also thanks to this leading status in technology and industry, that Hannover enjoys an international reputation as a trade fair and convention venue.

Useful information

Population:

City: 530,800 Region: 1,150,000

Currency:

1 Euro = 100 Cents

Emergency Info:

European Emergency Number: 110
Fire Brigade / Rescue Coordination Centre: 112

Opening Hours:

Most shops in pedestrian areas and shopping centres are open Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, while supermarkets tend to be open Mon-Sat 8am-10pm. All shops are closed on Sundays, while museums are closed on Mondays, and restaurants and cafes establish individual opening hours.

Do & See

Woods

Deister Hills

South of Hannover, nature and culture abound in and around the largely beech-covered slopes of the Deister reaching up to 405 metres above sea level, and it is filled with birdsong, rustling leaves, a... Read More

Glockenspiel of Hameln, Hannover Germany

Glockenspiel of Hameln

Several times a day, the eerie legend of the Pied Piper of Hamelin plays out on the side of the municipality's wedding house. A little figurine marches ahead, followed by a herd of rats. In addition t... Read More

Audience watching a theatre play

GOP Variety-Theatre

GOP Varieté-Theater stages shows have succeeded in creating a new world of variety that strikes a balance between avantgarde and traditional, and therefore added a new and valuable dimension to the co... Read More

Polar bear in Hannover Zoo

Hannover Adventure Zoo

With its seven fantastic theme worlds, Hannover Adventure Zoo is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Northern Germany, and a perfect spot for observing more than 3,000 animals. As the Canad... Read More

Art museum

Hannover Arts Association

Hannover Arts Association annually stages numerous national and international exhibitions reflecting important developments and schools of contemporary art. Founded in 1832 already, with the aim of sp... Read More

Mother and daughter in a museum

Hannover Museum of History

This museum is a goldmine for all those who are interested in the history of both the state and the city: while the permanent exhibition '750 years of Hannover' display the changes down the centuries,... Read More

Hannover State Opera House

Hannover State Opera

Built between 1845 and 1852, and rebuilt around 1950 after its destruction during World War II, the State Opera schedules great opera performances while the nearby State Theatre houses all theatre pla... Read More

Castle and Gardens of Herrenhausen

Herrenhausen Palace Museum

After being used as a private residence of an heir of the throne, the Herrenhausen Palace Museum reopened in 2013 and, since then, invites visitors to entertainingly explore the facets of the wide-ran... Read More

Dining

Steak with sides at a restaurant

Beef & Reef

This restaurant serves, as the name already reveals, a great variety of fish and meat dishes that – accompanied with tasty sides – prove that the German kitchen is not only about sausages and schnitze... Read More

Pork knuckle at a restaurant

Broyhan House

At one of the oldest half-timbered houses of Hannover, with historic arches and a terrific atmosphere, Broyhan House serves a typical Bourgeois German cuisine that should not be missed out. With subst... Read More

Dinner at a restaurant

Gondel

This restaurant serves a innovative version of the traditional German kitchen, and while the dishes are of high quality as to their fresh ingredients, they also are interpreted in a fully new way by a... Read More

Woman having a dish at a restaurant

Restaurant bell' ARTE

For more than 20 years already, this restaurant serves fresh and innovative dishes with Italian influences within a fancy, yet cosy atmosphere. Head here for also enjoying a fantastic view over Lake M... Read More

Red and white wine with small dish at a restaurant

Weinstube Leonardo

While its classic menu is influenced by Italian flavours, and executed with fresh and aromatic ingredients, the wine tasting allows you to, in addition, try out different dishes and wines expertly pai... Read More

Cafes

Barista making coffee

24 Grad Kaffeerösterei

This small cafe does not only focus on both coffee and service of very high quality but also on fair and sustainable conditions for coffee farmers around the globe. Roasting in their very own venue, t... Read More

Baklava with tea

Efendi Bay

This patisserie serves delicacies from the Middle East that will make your mouth water. While baklava is among the most known, and probably also most popular sweets, go ahead and bravely choose from t... Read More

Quinoa salad with vegetables

Hippo Bio Vegan

This organic-certified cafe serves sweet and savoury dishes, and their menu shows at first sight that an entirely vegan menu does not have to be dreary. The colourful interior and the flavourful treat... Read More

Baumkuchen

Holländische Kakaostube

Since 1895, this cafe serves unique confectionery and pastries that are – all homemade, 'mit Meisterhand' – baked with well-selected ingredients, and quite some time for most pleasant details. One of ... Read More

Tartine at a cafe

Pâtisserie Elysée

This French pâtisserie is a sweet tooth's paradise, as the huge selection of tartes, tortes and pastries will immediately take you in, and up to a candy cottoned heaven. As 'qualité est priorité', the... Read More

Woman pouring tea

Teestübchen

Since 1970, the family Bohnecke serves a selection of more than 40 well-chosen types of tea along with their famous cakes all made according to well-guarded guarded family recipes. Serving their delic... Read More

Bars & Nightlife

Beer taps

Craft Beer Bar

This bar will take a beer lover's admiration to a whole new level, as it offers more than 50 regularly changing bottled beers as well as no less than 24 different craft beers on tap. While this venue ... Read More

Friends toasting with beer

Lister Turm

There is no better place for enjoying the summer in Germany than a traditional beer garden, where beers and local food are served in a great atmosphere that is always welcoming and most rousing. Liste... Read More

Friends toasting

Pier 51

Right next to the lake Maschsee, Pier 51 invites you to enjoy both mild summer evenings on their terrace as well as cosy nights in their interiors by serving Mediterranean dishes and flavourful drinks... Read More

Shopping

Kröpcke in Hannover

City Centre

Hannover is steadily gaining ground as an attractive shopping metropolis, and the pedestrian zone around Kröpcke is one of its landmarks. While featuring both retail chains and independent stores, thi... Read More

Shopping concept

Ernst August Gallery

The Ernst-August-Galerie is a cutting-edge shopping mall, offering all kinds of shops from well or less known fashion brands to design and interior stores. As you can also take a break at various cafe... Read More

Shopping centre

Leine Center

South to Hannover, the Leine Center features more than 100 specialised stores from different industries such as fashion, sports, health care and groceries. The variety of shops will keep you busy all ... Read More

Cafe at a street

List

The List district is, last but not least, a charming and quite family-friendly area of a calm and charming atmosphere, where cafes and restaurants string together next to stores and smaller shops sell... Read More

Nordstadt

Nordstadt

The district Nordstadt is as vibrant as its inhabitants, and so are the shops that you will discover here around the university, along with quite a few bars, cafes, and restaurants: while "Schön Schön... Read More

Shopping street

Südstadt

The Südstadt does not only offer relaxing spots right next to the lake but also great shopping opportunities that are mainly focused onto interior design: while "PorzellanCafé" offers both coffee as w... Read More

Tourist Information

Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit

While Hannover is always worth a visit, the summer months between May and September offer the most when it comes to both wonderful weather and great events such as the Maschsee Lake Festival or a Mark... Read More

Passport / Visa

Passport / Visa

Germany can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If y... Read More

Hannover Airport

Hannover Airport

Hannover Airport, north to Hannover, is one of the leading airports in Northern Germany, and the most important hub within the federal state of Lower Saxony. Taxis are available right outside of all t... Read More

bus icon

Public Transport

The public transport in Hannover is operated by GVH, an union of six transport companies in the Hannover region, that features an expanded transport network of interurban trains, trams and buses. Whil... Read More

Taxi

Taxi

Taxis serve across the whole town, and they can be either met at a taxi stop or called via phone – be aware that the prices always depend on the taximeter. While Hannoversche Funk-Taxi-Zentrale might ... Read More

Electricity

Electricity

230 V, 50 Hz, C/F

Pharmacy

Pharmacy

Pharmacies can be located across the whole town and they are usually marked by a big read "A" – on the entrance door, you will always find a screen with information about which pharmacy is in emergenc... Read More

Post

Post

Post offices across the whole town offer every service from buying envelopes to sending packages, and they can be recognized by their yellow DHL sign. Stamps can be bought at venture machines in front... Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit Hannover is from May to September when the weather is warm and pleasant. During these months, you can enjoy outdoor activities and festivals, such as the Maschsee Lake Festival in August, which features live music, food stalls, and water sports.

A stay of 2 to 3 days is recommended to explore Hannover's main attractions. This allows time to visit the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, the New Town Hall, and the Hannover Zoo, as well as to enjoy the local cuisine and shopping.

Hannover offers several must-see attractions, including: - The Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, known for their baroque style and beautiful landscaping. - The New Town Hall, which offers panoramic views of the city from its dome. - The Hannover Zoo, one of the most popular zoos in Germany. - The Sprengel Museum, which houses modern art collections.

Hannover has an efficient public transportation system, including trams, buses, and trains. The GVH (Greater Hannover Transport Association) provides comprehensive coverage of the city. Consider purchasing a day pass for unlimited travel on public transport. Biking is also a popular and convenient option, with many bike rental stations available.

While in Hannover, try local specialties such as: - Grünkohl mit Pinkel, a kale dish served with a type of sausage. - Welfenspeise, a traditional dessert made of vanilla and wine cream. - Hannover's beer, which is a staple in the region, particularly Herrenhäuser and Gilde.

Hannover hosts several cultural events and festivals throughout the year. The Maschsee Lake Festival in August is a highlight, featuring music, food, and activities around the lake. The International Fireworks Competition, held in the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, showcases spectacular displays from international teams.

Yes, Hannover is a family-friendly destination with attractions suitable for all ages. The Hannover Zoo is a favorite among families, offering themed areas and interactive exhibits. The Sea Life Hannover aquarium and the Adventure Zoo are also popular spots for children. Additionally, the city's parks and gardens provide ample space for outdoor activities and picnics.

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