Things to Do in Hannover: Hannover Hotels travel guide on the best things to do in Hannover. Have a look below for more details on Hannover Attractions, restaurants, nightlife, bars, clubs, events and shopping.
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Top things to do and Attractions in Hannover:
In spite of suffering extensive damage during the WWII, Hannover still boasts many interesting structures dating back to medieval times, such as the Old Town Hall. Hannover also has some interesting and more recent buildings like the Sprengel Museum of Modern Art as well as some pleasant gardens in which to relax and enjoy summer activities.
Sprengel Museum of Modern Art
This modern gallery was opened in 1979 and subsequently extended. In line with its modernity, the theme of the gallery is the dialogue between opening and closing, between people and the atmosphere of art. This openness of the museum has made it a place of meeting and communication. Phone: +49 511 1684 3875.
The Old Town Hall
The origins of this building on Schmiedestrasse date back to 1410, although the whole building took over a century to complete. It encompasses several different architectural styles. Inside the building, among the many portraits of princes, the popular medieval game of ‘Luderziehen’ is featured. This involves a version of a tug-of-war, using the little finger.
The New Town Hall
Inside this impressive building are complete detailed models of the four phases of the development of Hannover. There is also an inclined lift, from which a viewing platform is reached, allowing wonderful elevated views over the expanse of the city of Hannover below.
Kropcke and the Opera House
The very popular Kropcke is a huge pedestrianised area in the centre of Hannover. It is not only the main shopping spot, but is also packed with cafés and restaurants. A large green clock features prominently and is used as a meeting point. The popular Christmas Market, held from late November until Christmas, takes place by Central Station in Kropcke. The Opera House is also here. Operas, ballets and classical music are all performed by local performers in both German and Italian.
Kestner Gesellschaft
This centrally located gallery for 20th century art was actually shut down by the Nazis, but then re-opened in 1948. It now boasts five galleries, a library and a popular restaurant.
Herrenhuser Grten and Zoo
The Royal Gardens of Herrenhauser date back to 1666, and feature gardens in the Baroque French style, based on the Gardens of Versailles; English landscaped gardens as well as botanical and savannah gardens. During the summer, a number of events take place here. The International Firework Competition, from May to September, features many nations competing against each other to the sound of background music. Also during the summer, the Small Festival is hosted in the Great Garden. This features clowns, acrobats and other entertainers from around the world. Phone: +49 511 1684 7743.
City Sightseeing Tour
Hannover has a 4,200 metre red line painted on the pavement of its downtown area. This leads to 36 different attractions and can be easily followed by those even moderately fit. An alternative is to take a sightseeing tour in a modern coach.
Museums
Hannover has many varied museums scattered around the city to suit the interests of a varied audience. The Wilhelm Busch Museum in Georgengarten Park exhibits 19th century cartoons of Busch. The Oriental Carpet Museum on Georgstrasse covers five centuries of carpets.
The Veterinary Museum may interest some, with its displays covering over 200 years of veterinary science. while the Bleekstrasse located Museum of the Blind demonstrates how blind people have been educated over the last 170 years. The Tram Museum, which is about 20kms outside Hannover, remains popular with both locals and visitors. The Kestner Museum covers art and craft from the classical era to the modern day, while the Historical Museum am Hohen Ufer displays the 750-year-old history of Hannover.
Now here’s as voted by our customers, their top 2o of things to do in Hannover:
The Opera is an extremely worthwhile visit in Hannover. The Opera as well as the Theater in Hannover offer a rich variety of programs, from the sublime to the shocking. Here are the links to the Opera and the Theater.
- Opera House
- Theater
Opposite the Opera House you will find the GOP – Hannovers best variety Theater. Here you will encounter world-class artists as well as comedians. There is a terrific Buffet inside the Restaurant Gondel located just under the GOP Theater.
- GOP Theater
Not far from the GOP and also directly across from the Opera is located Henry’s American Bar & Restaurant. The bar has an very good reputation, a comfortable ambience, and delicious Cocktails to slurp!
- Henry’s
In addition, tucked away in an alley, just for those who enjoy Asian/Afghanistani cooking is Masa.
“This Alleyway on the Georgstrasse resembles an Oasis: colorful flowers and wild growing vines cover the wall. Here resides the Restaurant Masa. Inside on cold winter days are comfortable wood furniture and asian carpeting. The kitchen offers a delightfully new taste experience for such standard fare as potatoes, rice or meat. These are served with a spicy and delicious crème sauce. The special of the house is “Kabili”, lamb rice with raisens, almonds and fresh vegetables. Offered from 12-16:00 is an inexpensive midday meal.”
Georgstr. 50b, Hannover
Tel. 0511/353 07 93
For movie-goers is a special tip: Whoever enjoys a large screen show, should go to the Dome room of the multistoried dome house.
- Hochhaus-Lichtspiele
For the young ones, we recommend the Hannover Zoo. There is a boat ride along with 5 adventure worlds in which to have a very unique Zoo experience.
- Hannover Zoo
And for those who would rather be out in Nature, Eilenriede provides that experience. With approximately 640 hectares Hannover can boast the largest forest in Europe in the heart of the city –Hydepark in London and the Paris Bois de Bologne can’t compare. Like a green lung, it wanders through the eastern part of the city. With comfortable walking paths and hundreds of peaceful banks, ponds, lawns, childrens playgrounds, the forest restaurants, the Eilenriede fills the needs of anyone out in nature. For over 600 years the forest has been in the possession and overseen by the city.
- Wälder in Hannover
In addition there is an animal garden, a forest park in which very old, beautiful trees grow, deer run free and wild boars can be observed from a safe area. This place was created around 350 years ago for hunting.
- Tiergarten
Further along is the Machsee (Lake Mach) and the Ricklinger ponds. From swimming to boat riding, sailing and a large wellness oasis, everything is there. One can also take pleasant walks in the woods. Cozy cafes invite relaxation as well as a 6 km inline stretch around the lake, which is allowed, if one wishes.
- Maschsee
Another pretty area is the Hinuebersche Gardens. These Gardens in Marienwerder rank among the earliest landscape parks in Germany. In the context of the EXPO project or a city as garden, the park, which was never transformed contrary to other parks, could be designated as a historical model. The 40 hectare park on the monastery Marienwerder was modeled after a 1766 English park.
- Hinüberscher Garten
The Herrenhaeuser Gardens together with the Berggarden and the Sealife are likewise worth a visit. The noble Garden of Herrenhausen belong to the most beautiful Parks in Europe. The most important garden architecture is system of: baroque Park architecture in the French style and the English landscape and botanical gardens.
The baroque Large Garden was created in 1666 and arranged in its current form by Princess Sophie between 1696 – 1714. It ranks among the few baroque systems in Europe to retain its essential structure. The large fountain with its 80 meters water jet points the way to the historical baroque system.
All year round the large garden invites visits to the Grotto from Niki de Saint and the international fireworks competition as well as concerts and theatre performances. The children will enjoy the challenge of the Labyrinth.
The Berg Garden stands alongside the Large Garden and is one of the oldest Botanical Gardens in Germany. Visitors are invited to visit the 11,000 varieties of plants from various climate zones.
- The Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen
A real value to see, the buildings and churches. The old city hall is directly beside the Market church in Hannover’s old part of town adding to the exciting list of things to do and see; strolling, eating, drinking, vacationing, dancing etc.
And if a person finds themselves lost in the Cross church area, the original Cranach Alter can be found.
Also worth a visit is the new City hall, where an amazing view over the city from the dome can be seen.
- Kreuzkirche
- Christlich-jüdische Gespräche
- Neues Rathaus (Hannover) – Wikipedia
For Sushi lovers, there are diverse and great Sushibars and Japanese Restaurants all over Hannover. The Tokio Sushi, situated under the Train station is highly recommended, not because the other Sushi bars aren’t also good, but the Tokio Sushi is simply better, and their Udon Soup is simply terrific. The Sushi bar in the train station is not the Tokio Sushi.
- Tokio Sushi
Wellness: from therapeutic massage to whirlpools and sauna…find them here…
- Relax Express
- Aqualaatzium
Those who come from a far can try the typical German food which Hannover offers. Even from Bavaria, which is on the other end of the country, has its Paulaner as a Bavarian offering in Hannover. Here one can have anything from Bavarian specialities to simple everyday fare.
- Paulaner – Hannover
For the Italian lovers is the Rotonda recommended. In this mix of Café, Bar and Restorante is a great pianist to often times be found, if not an entire Jazz band!!
- Rotonda Restaurant
For the value one can find great breakfasts, Pizza, Pasta and Salada at the Café Net(t). This link will show you the way.
- Map to Café Net(t)
For nice weather, have a Beach party! High above the roofs you find Palms and sand chairs in a relaxed, vacation atmosphere. The deck of the Park garage on Hannovereraner Mehlstrasse is over 1500 sq meters large. There is room for everyone to feel the sand between the toes. On nice days, the Sausalito Sky beach is open daily from 11 to 1.
- Sausalitos
Whoever is interested in Hannovers history can experience it in the Historical Museum of this historical area. Directly beside the Museum is the old Tower as well as the founding place of the area.
- Historical Museum
The Sprengel Museum offers a rich collection of Contemporary Art and its various exhibitions makes it one of the most important Museums of Art for the 20th and 21th century.
- Sprengel Museum
Unique in Hannover is the Wilhelm-Busch-Museum. Next to the main exhibition of Max and Moritz, is interesting caricature exhibits, where one is sure to grin and smile in this cute Georgen Garden next to the Museum.
- Wilhelm-Busch-Museum
With a-turn into this pub goes one in the crude Middle Ages and submits to the customs of this time.
- Excalibur – Medieval Restaurant
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