10 Best Places to See in Hannover

Hannover does not always top the list of tourist destinations in Germany, but it should! The city is surprisingly multifaceted and it’s easy to find interesting things to do in Hannover for both family holidays and weekends with friends.

Numerous parks, historic buildings, unusual museums and cosy corners make the capital of Lower Saxony a place truly worth discovering.

Good to Know Before You Go

• Getting there: Direct trains and buses run from Berlin, Hamburg and Frankfurt. Hannover also has an international airport.
• Getting around: The city is easy to explore on foot or by tram. Renting a bike is ideal for short trips.
• Best time to visit: May to September is the perfect time to visit. The weather is warm with lots of sunlight.

Now, let’s dive into Leonardo’s top 10 places to see in Hannover and why you should visit them.

1. Herrenhäuser Gärten

If you’re looking for a must-see in Hannover, start with the Herrenhausen Gardens. This magnificent ensemble of Baroque gardens and botanical greenhouses was created in the 17th century and is considered the jewel of the city's landscape.

• Stroll along the symmetrical alleys of the Großer Garten
• Visit the Schloss Herrenhausen Museum
• In summer, attend the Fireworks Festival. It’s one of the most spectacular events of the year

2. New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus)

The New Town Hall is not just a city administration building. It’s a true architectural marvel. Built in 1913, the New Town Hall impresses with its castle-like exterior and green dome.

• Climb up to the observation deck beneath the dome. The view of the city from here is stunning
• Check out the interactive exhibitions inside
• Learn more about the city’s history and development

3. The Red Thread (Der Rote Faden)

One of the most original ways to get to know Hannover's sightseeing places is by following the ‘Red Thread’ walking route. Here is all you need to know:

• The 4.2 km route is marked with a red line on the pavements
• It leads to 36 key sights, including the Old Town Hall, Market Church and Opera House
• Pick up a guidebook at the tourist centre to have it handy when you want to learn more about the places on the route

4. Lower Saxony State Museum (Niedersächsisches Landesmuseum)

This museum is a must-visit for those interested in history and art. Here you’ll find:

• Prehistoric artefacts
• Paintings by European masters (including Rembrandt!)
• An ethnographic exhibition and an aquarium with freshwater fish

A great place to see in Hannover with children. They won’t get bored here!

5. Maschsee Lake

Obviously, the list of top places to visit in Hannover would not have been complete without Maschsee Lake. This artificially created lake gets especially busy in summer. Here’s what you can do there:

• Walk or jog along the path around the lake
• Rent a pedal boat
• Watch sunset on the lake shores
• If you are visiting in August, don’t miss the Maschseefest, it’s the biggest event of the year.

6. Old Town

Although Hannover was badly damaged during World War II, part of the Old Town has been restored. In fact, the Old Town is one of the most atmospheric places to visit in Hannover, which brings you closer to the city’s historical past. Here you’ll find:

• Charming half-timbered houses
• Cosy cafés where you can try strudel or local beers
• St Aegidius Church — roofless ruins preserved in memory of the war

7. Markthalle Hannover

If you want to try authentic Hannover cuisine, this is the place to go! Here you’ll find numerous stalls with dishes from all over the world. Be sure to try Bratwurst, Kartoffelsalat, and strudel for a dessert.

8. Sprengel Museum

Contemporary art lovers will find this place especially captivating. The collection includes:

• Works by Picasso, Klee, and Nolde
• Rotating experimental exhibitions and installations
• A striking building by the lake, and a cosy café with a view of the water

9. Urban Forest - Eilenriede

This green oasis is one of the largest urban forests in Europe.

• Ideal for walks, bike rides and picnics
• Squirrels, hares and even foxes are often spotted here
• There are children’s playgrounds and running tracks

Eilenriede is a perfect place to visit in Hannover with your entire family.

10. Erlebnis-Zoo

Another wonderful place to visit in Hannover with kids is the Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover. It is one of the most beautiful zoos in Germany, where animals live in conditions that are as close to natural as possible. Here’s what you’ll find here:

• Themed areas and shows
• Boat safaris
• Interactive exhibitions

Hannover is a city that knows how to surprise. It doesn’t shout for attention, but if you take a closer look, you’ll find art, nature and a cheerful, welcoming vibe. It’s ideal for both an action-packed weekend and a relaxing break. If you visit Hannover, make sure to spend at least two days here to truly feel its rhythm. And yes, the city definitely worth a visit.

Book your stay at Leonardo Hotels in Hannover now and start your journey!