Things to Do in Hanovre

About Hanovre

Hannover rebuilt its medieval center from rubble—and did it right. This Lower Saxony capital doesn't shout for attention, but it deserves yours. Baroque gardens sit next to glass-and-steel towers. Nobody makes a fuss about it. The Herrenhäuser Gardens show what Hanoverian royalty could do with money and land. The Altstadt is reconstructed. Every timber-framed house you see was carefully rebuilt after the war, creating a medieval quarter that feels genuine despite its recent construction. Cobblestone paths wind through, leading to the Maschsee—a man-made lake that reflects the city's mixed skyline. You won't find the city's character in guidebook highlights. It comes through during a long dinner at a neighborhood gasthaus, eating Himmel und Erde while locals argue at the next table. The English Garden works better for evening walks than the crowded parks in Munich or Berlin. Art installations pop up in unexpected corners throughout the center. Hannover gives you German history and culture without the tour buses. The crowds went to Frankfurt and Hamburg instead. Their loss.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Purchase a Hannover Card for unlimited public transport and museum discounts. The efficient S-Bahn, U-Bahn, and bus network covers the entire region. Rent a bicycle from Stadtrad stations throughout the city for eco-friendly exploration of parks and neighborhoods.

Money: Germany uses the Euro. While cards are widely accepted, carry cash for traditional markets, small cafes, and tips. Most ATMs charge €2-5 for international cards. Budget restaurants expect 5-10% tips, upscale dining 10-15%.

Cultural Respect: Germans value punctuality and directness—arrive on time for reservations and tours. Keep voices low on public transport. Sunday is quiet day; most shops close and noise should be minimized. Remove shoes when entering homes.

Food Safety: Tap water is excellent and safe to drink. Try local specialties like Calenberger Pfannenschlag and regional beers. Most restaurants display menus outside with prices. Lunch is typically served 11:30-14:00, dinner from 18:00 onwards.

When to Visit

Spring (April-May) brings mild temperatures of 10-18°C with moderate rainfall (45-50mm monthly), making it ideal for garden visits when Herrenhäuser blooms spectacularly. Expect 15-20% lower accommodation rates than summer. Summer (June-August) offers the warmest weather (15-24°C) but also peak crowds and prices up 30-40% higher. July averages 65mm rainfall. The Maschsee Festival (July-August) and Feuerwerkswettbewerb fireworks competition (May-September) draw visitors worldwide. Autumn (September-November) delivers crisp temperatures (5-16°C) perfect for cultural attractions, with dramatically reduced crowds and 20-25% savings on hotels. October's Oktoberfest celebrations and Christmas markets (late November) add festive appeal. Winter (December-March) sees temperatures drop to -2 to 8°C with occasional snow, offering the lowest prices (30-35% below summer) and authentic German winter experiences. Business travelers appreciate fewer crowds during trade fair off-seasons, while culture ensoiasts enjoy excellent museum access. Families should target late spring or early fall for optimal weather and moderate pricing, while budget travelers will find exceptional value in winter months despite shorter daylight hours.