Discover Hanover

Leisure tips: sightseeing, trade fairs, events and more in Hanover

Hanover museums: Art for young and old

The Sprengel Museum for Modern Art is home to the largest collection of works by the artist Niki de Saint Phalle. Young and old fans of the writer Wilhelm Busch love the drawings, caricatures and cartoons  showcased at the Wilhelm Busch Museum. Hanover's art scene is innovative and modern: The city boasts around 30 art galleries, e.g. the hannover gallery with artworks by Bruno Bruno and the Faust Cultural Centre. Theatre productions and festivals also play a big part in Hanover's cultural identity.

Festivals in Hanover: from lakes to gardens - music is in the air

The annual Kultursommer (Cultural Summer) music festival offers amazing events: small concerts and big international stars from jazz, pop, hip-hop to klezmer, classical music and lieder recitals. See stunning performances by famous Hanoverian artists like Heinz-Rudolf Kunze and the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest winner Lena Meyer Landrut at the Gartentheater im Großen Garten (Garden Theatre at the Big Garden). Another cultural highlight is the Maschsee Lake Festival: Every year, locals and tourists have a huge 3-week party by the lake, including fireworks, art exhibitions and concerts.

Excursion tips: Hanover for leisure athletes, sightseeing tourists and casual strollers

Hanover counts with a great diversity of attractive sights like Lake Maschsee, the Old Town, the Opera House and the Herrenhausen Gardens, to name a few. Many boat races take place at Lake Maschsee, which is also a popular promenade and local recreation area with many watersport opportunities. The old town centre features two textbook examples of North German brick Gothic: the 14th-century Market Church with the Market Fountain in front and the Old Town Hall. The classicistic Leine Palace is currently the seat of the Landtag (federal state parliament) of Lower Saxony. It was built by the architect Georg Ludwig Friedrich Laves. Other famous buildings of his include the Opera House, the Waterloo Column and Laves House.

Hanover sightseeing highlights

At a height of 65 metres, the Hermes Tower offers a spectacular view across Hanover. The barrier-free touristic circuite Red Thread (Roter Faden) is a 4.2 km long line painted on cobblestones that takes you to 36 popular sights in Hanover, e.g. to the Old Town Hall and the Opera House. The Herrenhouse Gardens are an impressive example of traditional garden art. The Baroque Garden is one of the largest and most beautiful gardens in Germany and invites you to stroll around and marvel: Bubbling fountains, water works, labyrinths, open-air theatre stages and many stone figures are hidden between hedges and trees, special theme gardens and show gardens.

Restaurant tips: Hanover for connoisseurs and gourmets

There is more to Hanover's culinary offer than the legendary "Chancellor's Plate" (currywurst and chips). In spring, it is all about asparagus. The restaurants in Hanover's surroundings are famous for their delicious asparagus creations. Other hearty Hanoverian classics include cale with "Bregewurst" - a sausage traditionally made of pork, pork belly and pig or cattle brain, Hanoverian potato soup and "Sauerfleisch" - meat cooked in vinegar and different spices. Not only German classics, also international cuisine is big in Hanover. Enjoy authentic and creative Italian cuisine in a romantic atmosphere at Ristorante Leonardo. Not exotic enough? The Ruenthai is one of the best Thai restaurants in Hanover and offers authentic cuisine in a pleasant atmosphere.

Hanover market halls and farmers markets

Do not forget to stop at Hanover Market Hall during a shopping spree through hanover. Discover and try high-quality products and international specialties or just stop for a quick cappuccino or a freshly-tapped glass of beer. Thanks to its vast culinary offer, the Market Hall is nicknamed "Hanover's Belly" (der Bauch von Hannover). Also the weekly farmers markets have a splendid regional offer: organic vegetables and mushrooms, meat and flowers are only a few of the available delicacies. A real insider's tip is the weekly market Linden-Mitte. It is one of Hanover's most beautiful farmers markets.

Insider tips for night owls: Hanover for music and cocktail lovers

Dance until the early morning hours, or even until the afternoon at ZaZa nightclub in Hanover. The Brauhaus Ernst August (Ernst August Brewery) does not only offer hearty dishes and craft beer, but also live DJs and bands that rock the night away. Not that much rock'n'roll, but a distinguished classical music programme is on offer at the Opera House. Not a music enthusiast? Enjoy delicous cocktails or relax with a glass of wine at one of the numerous bars in Hanover's old town.