Hannover Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

New Town Hall showing heritage architecture and a lake or waterhole
Hannover showing 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

4.5/5(6 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 which includes heritage elements, a statue or sculpture and interior views

Suedstadt

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
Maschsee featuring a lake or waterhole

Südstadt-Bult

Noted for its museums and bars, there's plenty to explore in Südstadt-Bult. Top attractions like Maschsee and Theater am Aegi are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Altenbekener Damm U-Bahn or Geibelstrasse U-Bahn to see more of the city.

Südstadt-Bult
Hannover Zoo featuring a river or creek and boating

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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Döhren-Wülfel

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
DORMERO Hotel Hannover

DORMERO Hotel Hannover

Hildesheimer Strasse 34-38, Hannover, NI
The price is AU$107 per night from 24 Oct to 25 Oct
AU$107
24 Oct - 25 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Hannover. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,159 reviews)
"Great place for our stay during Hannover Messe!"

Reviewed on 19 Sept 2025

DORMERO Hotel Hannover
Prize by Radisson, Hannover City

Prize by Radisson, Hannover City

Hamburger Allee 50, Hannover
The price is AU$120 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
AU$120
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Hannover. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (449 reviews)
"Very clean room and friendly staff. Free coffee and tea from machines are a plus."

Reviewed on 26 Sept 2025

Prize by Radisson, Hannover City
Leonardo Hotel Hannover Medical Park

Leonardo Hotel Hannover Medical Park

4 out of 5
Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 1, Hannover, NI
The price is AU$143 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
AU$143
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Hannover. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Hannover Zoo and Maschsee ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (787 reviews)
"Nice breakfast facilities, special thanks to Frau Gaza-Kolthoum for helping us with queries about breakfast. Pool is nice though would be nicer if a different outdoor space was used for smoking"

Reviewed on 22 Aug 2025

Leonardo Hotel Hannover Medical Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Gästeresidenz PelikanViertel

Gästeresidenz PelikanViertel

Pelikanstrasse 11, Hannover, NDS
Book a stay at this eco-certified aparthotel in Hannover. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Popular attractions Hannover Zoo and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (127 reviews)
"nice and clean, I will certainly come again and please, do not start with online check in, keep the "human touch" best wishes"

Reviewed on 2 Sept 2025

Gästeresidenz PelikanViertel
Townhome Hotels

Townhome Hotels

Podbielskistraße 200, Hannover, NDS
Stay at this aparthotel in Hannover. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and climate control. Popular attractions Hannover Zoo and Maschsee are located ...
4/10 (2 reviews)
"Keine Bewertung möglich, da Angebot nicht vorhanden und anderes Hotel suchen musste!"

Reviewed on 24 Sept 2025

Townhome Hotels
Ferienwohnung am Steinhuder Meer

Ferienwohnung am Steinhuder Meer

Wunstorf
Book a stay at this family-friendly apartment in Wunstorf. Enjoy free WiFi and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Lake Steinhuder and Promenade Steinhude ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (26 reviews)
"Hübsches, einfaches, kleines Apartement aber alles vorhanden. Nette Vermieterin. Wir haben uns sehr wohl gefühlt. Für uns das einzige Manko, in der Küche sind Tisch und vor allem die Stühle sehr niedrig. Für große Menschen eine Herausforderung. Sonst alles prima."

Reviewed on 30 Sept 2025

Ferienwohnung am Steinhuder Meer
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Hannover

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
3
5 - Excellent 43%
4 - Good
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4 - Good 57%
3 - Okay
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3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
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4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Loved the zoo. If you’re visiting Hannover, you should not miss the zoo. It’s not just for kids! Had a amazing few hours there.

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