Hannover

Travel Guide

A historic building with a clock tower, reflected in a calm water body surrounded by trees.
A greenhouse with a variety of plants, including cacti and ferns, and a stone pathway.
A grand interior with high ceilings, large arched windows, and a central staircase.
A historic building with a large dome and red roof, surrounded by daffodils.
A cobblestone street lined with historic buildings, parked cars, and a bicycle.

The capital of Lower Saxony, one of the areas hardest hit by the Second World War, Hannover is now a major center in northern Germany.

One of the largest cities in northern Germany, Hannover lies at the heart of modern German culture. As a center 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 center 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 kilometers) 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

Find the best Hannover areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Hannover
Learn more about Hannover
A historic building with intricate architecture and multiple spires, illuminated at night.
Photo by Christian A. Schröder (ChristianSchd)
Open Photo by Christian A. Schröder (ChristianSchd)

Mitte

Noted for its shopping and museums, there's plenty to explore in Mitte. Top attractions like Hanover Christmas Market and New 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.

A giraffe standing near a tree in a zoo enclosure.

Zoo

You'll enjoy the restaurants and parks in Zoo. You might want to make time for a stop at Eilenriede or Hannover Zoo.

A pathway flanked by golden statues and trimmed hedges.

Herrenhausen-Stöcken

If you're spending time in Herrenhausen-Stöcken, check out sights like Herrenhausen Gardens or Sea Life Hannover and hop on the metro to see more the city at Jädekamp U-Bahn or Hannover Leinhausen S-Bahn.

A formal garden with symmetrical flower beds, a glass pavilion, and classical architecture.

Linden-Mitte

You'll enjoy the breweries and gardens in Linden-Mitte. You might want to make time for a stop at Theater am Kuchengarten or Capitol Hanover.

A formal garden with geometrically shaped hedges, a large white building, and statues.

Herrenhausen

You'll enjoy the restaurants and gardens in Herrenhausen. You might want to make time for a stop at Herrenhausen Gardens or Sea Life Hannover.

DORMERO Hotel Hannover

DORMERO Hotel Hannover

Hildesheimer Strasse 34-38 Hannover NI
$58 nightly
The price is $62 total per night from Nov 20 to Nov 21
$62 total
Nov 20 - Nov 21
Total with taxes and 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 ...
DORMERO Hotel Hannover
Maritim Airport Hotel Hannover

Maritim Airport Hotel Hannover

Maritimstrasse 1 Langenhagen NI
$105 nightly
The price is $118 total per night from Nov 7 to Nov 8
$118 total
Nov 7 - Nov 8
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Langenhagen. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"A very professionally managed and maintained hotel. Just wonderful and very enjoyable."

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2026

Maritim Airport Hotel Hannover
Premier Inn Hannover City University

Premier Inn Hannover City University

Hamburger Allee 65 Hannover NI
$56 nightly
The price is $80 total per night from Nov 29 to Nov 30
$80 total
Nov 29 - Nov 30
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Hannover. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Hannover Fairground and ZAG Arena are located ...
Premier Inn Hannover City University
See all 1,210 properties in Hannover
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 business-friendly aparthotel in Hannover. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Popular attractions Hannover Fairground ...
Gästeresidenz PelikanViertel
Aparthotel Lenau

Aparthotel Lenau

Lenausstrasse 11a Hannover
Stay at this apartment in Hannover. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Hannover Fairground and ZAG Arena are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (293 reviews)
"I was outside for 50 minutes try to unlock the loocker and I couldn’t"

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2026

Aparthotel Lenau
The last apartment before the Steinhuder Meer *sea view *WLAN *kitchen *south balcony

The last apartment before the Steinhuder Meer *sea view *WLAN *kitchen *south balcony

Wunstorf NDS
Stay at this apartment in Steinhude. Enjoy a sauna, laundry facilities, and balconies. Popular attractions Promenade Steinhude and Lake Steinhuder are located ...
The last apartment before the Steinhuder Meer *sea view *WLAN *kitchen *south balcony
See all properties in Hannover
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.

Stay near popular Hannover attractions

A modern building with a glass facade and a curved roof, surrounded by a green park with trees and a clear sky.

Hannover Fairground

8.4/10 (317 reviews)
Learn about the events happening at Hannover Fairground during your trip to Hannover. Take in the festivals while you're in the area.
See properties

Things to do

On the trail of crime - Hannover's Crime Tour

On the trail of crime - Hannover's Crime Tour

$21
per adult
On the trail of crime - Hannover's Crime Tour
City walk through Hanover

City walk through Hanover

$17
per adult
City walk through Hanover
inside view

Guided tour of the New Town Hall in Hanover

$12
per adult
Guided tour of the New Town Hall in Hanover
Hanover Center: Outdoor Escape Game

Hanover Center: Outdoor Escape Game

$37
per adult
Hanover Center: Outdoor Escape Game
Hannover: Culinary walking tour district List/Oststadt

Hannover: Culinary walking tour district List/Oststadt

$49
per adult
Hannover: Culinary walking tour district List/Oststadt
Hannover: Crime Walking Tour

Hannover: Crime Walking Tour

$21
per adult
Hannover: Crime Walking Tour
See all activities in Hannover

Frequently asked questions

Is Hannover worth visiting?
Hannover is worth visiting for its standout attractions like Lake Steinhuder and Heinz von Heiden Arena. Travelers can also enjoy a diverse food scene featuring European and Italian cuisine. The city offers practical transit options, including convenient bus and metro services, making it easy to explore.
When is the best time to visit Hannover?
The best time to visit Hannover is from May through September, when the weather is generally mild and pleasant. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of December through March are a good option, offering a different, perhaps cooler, experience.
Where are the best neighborhoods to explore in Hannover?
The best neighborhoods to explore in Hannover depend on what you want to see:

  • Mitte features the Heinz von Heiden Arena, the Opera House, and Schuetzenplatz.
  • Suedstadt offers the Theater am Aegi, Maschsee Beach, and the Lower Saxony State Museum.
  • Herrenhausen-Stöcken is home to the Great Garden, Berggarten, and Herrenhausen Gardens.
  • Nordstadt includes the University of Hannover, Georgengarten, and the Wilhelm Busch Museum.
  • Döhren-Wülfel provides attractions like the Expo Museum, Expo Park, and ZAG Arena.

What is Hannover known for?
Hannover is known for its prominent institutions like Lake Steinhuder and Maschsee, offering travelers places to relax. It's also home to the Heinz von Heiden Arena. This area of Germany, featuring neighborhoods such as Mitte and Suedstadt, also offers a European food culture to explore.
What is a good itinerary length for Hannover?
A good itinerary length for Hannover is two to three days to enjoy highlights like Maschsee, Heinz von Heiden Arena, or a city walk. For an extended stay of four to five days, travelers can explore neighborhoods such as Mitte or Suedstadt, and take a trip to Lake Steinhuder for more relaxation. See Hannover Activities.
How do you get around Hannover?
Hannover offers convenient public transport with buses, metro, and trains. Travelers can easily get around using key stations like Hannover Central Station and Hannover Messe-Laatzen Station, with the Hannover Airport S-Bahn connecting to the airport. Rental cars are also available in neighborhoods such as Mitte and Döhren-Wülfel for more flexibility.
How do I plan a trip to Hannover?
To plan your trip to Hannover, book flights, hotels, and activities like a "Best Intro to Hannover" tour in advance. Explore areas such as Mitte, Suedstadt, and Herrenhausen-Stöcken. For outdoor plans, including Lake Steinhuder or Maschsee, have indoor alternatives ready for weather flexibility. Public transport (bus, metro, train) helps you get around.
What cuisines can you find in Hannover?
In Hannover you can find German cuisine, including classic dishes like Bratwurst, Schnitzel, and Currywurst. Travelers also have options for Italian, Asian, and Middle Eastern specialties such as doner and falafel. Additionally, there are various European choices like Mediterranean, Spanish, and French, alongside Latin American flavors.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Hannover?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Hannover by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Hannover with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Hannover trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Hannover?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Hannover can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Hannover trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Hannover trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Hannover trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Hannover trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Hannover?
If it's your first trip to Hannover, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Hannover hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Hannover hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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