Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Hanovre

Accommodation

$15-35 per night

Hostel dormitories, budget guesthouses, shared facilities, basic private rooms in hostels

Food & Dining

$12-28 per day

Supermarket meals, bakeries, döner kebabs, cafeteria-style restaurants, self-catering

Transportation

$5-15 per day

Public buses and trams, walking, occasional regional trains, day passes for city transport

Activities

$8-25 per day

Free walking tours, public parks, some museum entries, occasional paid attractions

Use public transportation day passes instead of individual tickets - typically saves 40-60% on transport costs

Shop at supermarkets and prepare some meals yourself - can reduce food costs by 50-70%

Book accommodation outside the city center - usually 30-50% cheaper with good public transport connections

Take advantage of free museum days and cultural events - many attractions offer free entry on specific days

Eat lunch at restaurants instead of dinner - German lunch menus are typically 40-60% cheaper than dinner prices

Use brewery tours and beer gardens for affordable meals with local atmosphere - often better value than tourist restaurants

Walk or cycle between nearby attractions - Hannover is quite walkable and bike rentals are cost-effective

Eating only in tourist areas near major attractions - typically costs 100-150% more than local neighborhoods

Taking taxis everywhere instead of using excellent public transport system - can increase transport costs by 300-500%

Booking accommodation at the last minute during trade fair periods - can result in 200-400% higher rates

Not checking for city tourist cards that combine transport and attraction discounts - missing potential 20-40% savings

Exchanging money at airport or tourist areas - typically 5-15% worse rates than banks or proper exchange offices