✓ Find the best offers on your Stays on 🏡 booking.com
✓ Deals on Private xfers, SIM Cards, City tours, Day trips on 🛵 GetYourGuide | on 🛵 Klook
There are great many things to do in Germany, and so are in Hanover.
Hanover is a vibrant city that never fails to delight, with its bustling streets and endless possibilities.
From exploring historic landmarks to indulging in scrumptious cuisines, to taking in the breathtaking landscapes, Hanover has everything to offer.
It is truly a treasure trove of experience waiting for you to discover it.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Hanover:
1. Herrenhausen Gardens
Herrenhausen Gardens is a stunning baroque garden complex in Hanover, Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the beautifully manicured gardens spread across 135 hectares, including the Great Garden, the Museum Schloss Herrenhausen, the Berggarten, and the Palace Herrenhausen.
Don’t miss: Make sure to see the famous Great Garden’s intricate fountain displays, the orangery in the Berggarten, and the Palace Herrenhausen’s grand architecture.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the summer months to catch the beautiful blooming flowers and outdoor events held in the gardens.
2. Hanover Zoo
Hanover Zoo is a spacious and modern zoo located in Hanover, Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the different sections of the zoo, which houses over 3,700 animals of 237 different species from all around the world.
Some of the popular animals at the zoo include elephants, giraffes, polar bears, and tigers. There are also various exhibits and displays showcasing different animal habitats and behaviors.
Don’t miss: The Sambesi boat ride is a unique experience that takes visitors through a mock African jungle, allowing them to observe various animals in their natural habitat.
The zoo’s elephant enclosure is also a highlight, featuring a large pool for the elephants to swim in.
Insider travel tips: The zoo can get quite busy during peak season, so it’s best to arrive early to avoid large crowds. The zoo also offers various feeding and interactive experiences with animals, so check the schedule in advance to plan accordingly.
Visitors can also bring their own food and have a picnic in the zoo’s designated picnic areas.
3. Marienburg Castle
A Gothic revival castle in the city of Hanover, Germany.
What to see or do: Take a guided tour of the castle’s stunning architecture and interior decor. You can explore the Chapel, Throne Room, Great Hall, and Royal Apartments.
Don’t miss: The stunning views of the surrounding forests and countryside from the top of the castle’s tower.
Insider travel tips: Buy your tickets online in advance to avoid waiting in long queues.
The castle can get quite crowded during the peak tourism season, so it’s advisable to visit early in the morning or during off-peak hours.
You can also combine your trip to Marienburg Castle with a visit to nearby attractions like the Herrenhäuser Gardens or the Hanover Zoo.
4. New Town Hall
New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) is a stunning government building located in the city center of Hanover, Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the impressive facade of the building and take a guided tour to explore the beautiful interior, which boasts a grand staircase, marble columns, and stained-glass windows.
The rooftop terrace offers stunning panoramic views of the city.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the New Town Hall is the Glockenspiel. Twice a day, at noon and 3 pm, a display of moving figures and chimes occurs in the tower.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to take advantage of the English-language guided tours, which take place several times a day. It’s also recommended to visit the building in the evening and see it illuminated at night.
Avoid visiting during lunchtime if you want to avoid crowds.
5. Maschsee Lake
Maschsee Lake is the largest body of water in Hanover, Germany. It is located south of the city center and covers an area of 78 hectares.
What to see or do:
Don’t miss:
Insider travel tips:
6. Marktkirche
Marktkirche (Market Church) is a prominent landmark and one of the most significant religious buildings in Hanover, Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the stunning Gothic architecture of the church, including its intricate carvings and detailed stained glass windows.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights is the 97-meter high tower, which can be climbed to enjoy breathtaking views of the city. The church also houses the tomb of Leibniz, the famous philosopher and mathematician.
Insider travel tips: – Check the schedule for organ concerts, which are regularly held in the church.
7. Leine Palace
Leine Palace is a former royal palace located in Hanover, Germany.
What to see or do:
Don’t miss:
Insider travel tips:
8. Lower Saxony State Museum
Lower Saxony State Museum is a comprehensive museum that showcases the cultural and natural history of Lower Saxony.
What to see or do: The museum features a variety of exhibits spanning from prehistoric times to the present day. Visitors can see impressive collections of artifacts, including archaeological finds, art, and costumes from different eras.
Galleries dedicated to natural history showcase diverse flora and fauna from the region. Visitors can also learn about the history of Hanover and Lower Saxony through interactive displays and multimedia exhibits.
Don’t miss: The famous Golden Horse of Brunswick, a remarkable gold statue from the 13th century that weighs 23 kilos and is over 700 years old, is a must-see.
Also, make sure to check out the museum’s collection of medieval art and artifacts.
Insider travel tips: The museum is quite large, so it’s best to plan on spending a few hours there. Audio guides are available in English and many other languages, which can enhance the experience.
The museum frequently hosts special events and temporary exhibits, so be sure to check the schedule to see what’s on during your visit.
9. Berggarten
Berggarten is a beautiful botanical garden situated in Hanover, Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the garden’s numerous themed sections, including medicinal plants, cacti, and a tropical house. The garden is also home to a variety of wildlife, including turtles and butterflies.
Don’t miss: Make sure to check out the giant tropical water lily, Victoria cruziana, which is located in the garden’s pond.
Insider travel tips: If you’re visiting the garden during the summer months, be sure to arrive early in the day to beat the crowds and the heat.
Additionally, the garden often hosts special events, such as concerts and plant sales, so be sure to check the calendar before your visit.
10. Hanover Adventure Zoo
A large zoo located in Hanover, Germany with a focus on adventure and conservation.
What to see or do: There is a wide variety of animals to see, including elephants, lions, tigers, gorillas, and more. Visitors can also experience feeding some of the animals or taking a boat ride through the zoo.
Don’t miss: The zoo’s signature attraction is the “Yukon Bay” exhibit, which immerses visitors in the landscape of the Canadian Yukon, complete with animals like moose, wolves, and polar bears.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early to beat the crowds and take advantage of the cooler morning temperatures. Bring comfortable shoes for walking around the large park.
Consider getting a day pass to take advantage of all the attractions.
11. Sprengel Museum
Sprengel Museum is an art museum in Hanover, Germany.
What to see or do: The museum is home to a collection of modern art and features works by famous artists such as Pablo Picasso, Max Ernst, and Salvador Dalí.
Visitors can explore the galleries and view the works on display, which include paintings, sculptures, and installations.
Don’t miss: One of the most famous works in the museum’s collection is the painting “Nude Descending a Staircase, No. 2” by Marcel Duchamp.
It’s a must-see for any art lover.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is closed on Mondays.
12. Gehry Tower
A 14-story building designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry.
What to see or do: Admire the unique and striking design of the building, which features Gehry’s signature curves and swirls.
Visitors can also take a tour of Hanover from the tower’s observation deck or enjoy a meal at one of the tower’s restaurants.
Don’t miss: Seeing the tower at night when it is illuminated with colorful lights, making it even more visually stunning.
Insider travel tips: Visit the tower during the annual “Luminale” light festival in Hanover, when the building is transformed into a stunning light sculpture.
Also, be sure to explore the surrounding area of the tower, known as the “Zooligische Garten,” which features a zoo, botanical garden, and other cultural attractions.
13. Ernst-August-Galerie
Ernst-August-Galerie is a stylish shopping center located in the heart of Hanover, Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can browse through a variety of stores, from high-end fashion brands like Versace and Prada to more affordable options like H&M and Zara.
The mall also has a cinema and several restaurants offering a range of cuisines.
Don’t miss: The impressive glass ceiling of the mall is a must-see. It provides an abundance of natural light and makes the building feel airy and spacious.
Insider travel tips: If you’re looking for a great view of the city, head to the top floor of the mall where you’ll find a rooftop terrace.
Also, be sure to check out the mall’s website for special offers and events happening during your visit.
14. Aegidienkirche
Aegidienkirche is a former church located in Hanover, Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the ruins of the church, which was destroyed during World War II and left unrestored as a memorial.
Don’t miss: The church’s clock tower, which still stands and is open to visitors for a panoramic view of the city.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the summer months for the annual Aegidienmarkt, a street festival held in the area surrounding the church. Also, be sure to check for scheduled concerts or events that take place within the ruins of the church.
✓ You on Insta? 👍@triplyzer✓ Find the best offers on your Stays on 🏡 booking.com
✓ Deals on Private xfers, SIM Cards, City tours, Day trips on 🛵 GetYourGuide | on 🛵 Klook