What are the main attractions in Hanover?

Hanover’s main attractions include historic buildings, famous gardens and iconic locations along the waterfront and in the old town. The Herrenhausen Gardens epitomise Baroque garden design, featuring the Great Garden, the Berggarten and the Gallery Building, whilst the Maschsee is an artificial lake serving as a local recreational area south of the city centre. The New Town Hall with its dome platform and the Marktkirche Hannover, a Gothic brick church, together with the reconstructed old town around Ballhofplatz and Kramerstrasse, characterise the historic cityscape.

Does Hanover have an old town?

Yes, Hanover has an old town, which lies to the west and south of the Marktkirche and forms the historic city centre. It encompasses areas around the Marktkirche, Ballhofplatz and Leineschloss, featuring restored half-timbered houses, squares and cultural institutions. Some of the buildings were reconstructed or rearranged after the Second World War, resulting in the compact and clearly defined historic layout we see today.

Is it worth visiting Hanover?

A visit to Hanover can be characterised by its cultural offerings, urban layout, green spaces and dining scene. The Herrenhausen Gardens and Lake Maschsee dominate the cityscape as a renowned garden complex and a central leisure and events area. This is complemented by the Markthalle as a culinary hub, numerous parks, museums, trade fairs and a compact city centre.

What is there to do in Hanover city centre?

In Hanover city centre, shopping, dining and entertainment options are concentrated in several distinct areas. Georgstraße forms the main shopping thoroughfare, whilst the Ernst-August-Arkaden complement the offering right next to the main railway station. With the Markthalle serving as a culinary hub and the Lister Meile as a shopping and promenade street, the city centre offers a wide range of amenities within a compact area.

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Hanover

Rich history, modern flair, sustainable nature experiences and culinary delights

Royal gardens, relaxation by the Maschsee lake, unique views from the dome of the town hall, fascinating animal worlds, historic buildings in the old town. These are just some of the highlights that Hanover has to offer. The unique Herrenhausen Gardens offer garden art in perfection. The pedestrian zone impresses with its metropolitan flair. In the old town, guests can stroll through medieval alleyways or relax in one of the many cafés.

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Highlights

Hanover is one of the greenest cities in Germany. The Eilenriede city forest is almost twice the size of Central Park in New York, the Herrenhausen Gardens are among the most beautiful parks in Europe, the Maschsee lake and the Ihme and Leine rivers offer green meadows and a beach atmosphere. Idyllic beer gardens and cafés can be found on every corner. With its elaborately designed animal worlds, Hannover Adventure Zoo is one of Germany's most spectacular zoos. You can actively get to know the city and its surroundings on city walks, bike, canoe or paddle tours and discover new places in Hanover as well as classic sights.
Gourmets can experience a culinary world tour in Hanover. Specialties from all over the world as well as regional specialties are served in stylish cafés and bistros, rustic pubs and inns as well as exquisite restaurants. The cuisine is particularly excellent in the city's three restaurants, which have been awarded a total of five stars. Hanover's market hall - the "belly of Hanover" - is home to flavors and international specialties. Beer brewing has a long tradition in Hanover, as does the "hannöversche Lüttje Lage", made famous by the Schützenfest.

Insider Tips

Sparkling anniversary in Hanover

Herrenhausen sparkles in its anniversary year! To mark the 350^th anniversary of the Herrenhausen Gardens in Hanover, the International Fireworks Competition 2025 is inviting visitors to enjoy spectacular fireworks shows in the unique baroque setting of the Great Garden on five dates between May and September.

The theme of next year's spectacular firework shows is ‘Sparkling anniversary: 350 years of Herrenhausen Gardens’. From May to September, five teams will compete against each other. Each show begins with a compulsory piece - this year the classic 'Zadok the Priest' by Handel, known as the UEFA anthem. In the freestyle, the teams create elaborate firework displays in the sky to their own music. All against the stunning backdrop of one of the most important baroque gardens in Europe.

Dates 2025: 17.05. USA, 14.06. Netherlands, 16.08. Canada, 06.09. Italy, 20.09. England

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Impressions

Frequently asked questions

Hanover’s main attractions include historic buildings, famous gardens and iconic locations along the waterfront and in the old town. The Herrenhausen Gardens epitomise Baroque garden design, featuring the Great Garden, the Berggarten and the Gallery Building, whilst the Maschsee is an artificial lake serving as a local recreational area south of the city centre. The New Town Hall with its dome platform and the Marktkirche Hannover, a Gothic brick church, together with the reconstructed old town around Ballhofplatz and Kramerstrasse, characterise the historic cityscape.
Yes, Hanover has an old town, which lies to the west and south of the Marktkirche and forms the historic city centre. It encompasses areas around the Marktkirche, Ballhofplatz and Leineschloss, featuring restored half-timbered houses, squares and cultural institutions. Some of the buildings were reconstructed or rearranged after the Second World War, resulting in the compact and clearly defined historic layout we see today.
A visit to Hanover can be characterised by its cultural offerings, urban layout, green spaces and dining scene. The Herrenhausen Gardens and Lake Maschsee dominate the cityscape as a renowned garden complex and a central leisure and events area. This is complemented by the Markthalle as a culinary hub, numerous parks, museums, trade fairs and a compact city centre.
In Hanover city centre, shopping, dining and entertainment options are concentrated in several distinct areas. Georgstraße forms the main shopping thoroughfare, whilst the Ernst-August-Arkaden complement the offering right next to the main railway station. With the Markthalle serving as a culinary hub and the Lister Meile as a shopping and promenade street, the city centre offers a wide range of amenities within a compact area.