Hanover (German: Hannover, Low Saxon: Hannober) is the capital of Lower Saxony in Germany, with a population of around 558,000. Hanover built a huge exhibition complex for the World Expo in 2000 and has been host to several of the biggest exhibitions in the world. Consequently, it calls itself the "Expo City" or "Exhibition City" (Expo Stadt/Messestadt). Hanover also played host to the 2006 Association Football World Cup. The major language spoken is German. English is not common, except during major international events.
Hanover was one of the hardest-hit cities during World War II, leaving it with only a few historical landmarks. Don't expect to see beautiful centuries-old buildings; even the Old City (Altstadt) area is "new", as all the old houses left standing after the war (around 40) were taken from throughout the city and collected in one place. This area is surrounded by some 1950s and 1960s buildings that give a somewhat heavy atmosphere to the streets.
Hanover has a fantastic network of public transportation, so it's best to park your car and ride. If you plan to make more than two trips by tram, bus, or subway, a day ticket is your best bet, buying you unlimited travel on the public transport system. Day tickets are valid until the last connection of the day (which normally ends sometime after midnight). The public transportation adopts an honor system for tickets, but they do have ticket inspections once in a while (also late at nights and early mornings). The fine is quite high (€60), so make sure you have a ticket all the time.
1 Great Garden of Herrenhausen (Herrenhäuser Gärten / Großer Garten) (by tram, go to stop named "Herrenhäuser Garten"; by car, "Herrenhäuser Str. 4"). From 09:00, closing times vary on month from 16:00-20:00. The world-famous baroque gardens of Herrenhausen were created in the 17th century to copy the Versailles Garden in France. A must see! Even in the winter one can still see its beauty, but it reaches its best at the end of spring until end of summer. There is also a glimmering cave decorated by Niki de Saint Phalle. The Berggarten, a botanical garden, is also very beautiful. Various rates, Summer Ticket "All-in-one": €10 for adults, €8 reduced.
Hanover Opera (Opernhaus). Kröpcke – Hosts a number of operas played by international singers, as well as ballets and classical music. Operas by German composers are performed in German; Italian operas are performed with German subtitles (no English). Tickets normally sell out for the popular Mozart's "Die Zauberfloete" ("Magic Flute") and Strauss' "Die Fledermaus" ("The Bat"). €14-55, €8 students (sold 30 minutes before curtain, ID required). N.D.R. Symphoniker, Rudolf Benigsen Ufer 22, +49 511-9880. The venue for poetry readings, jazz and rock&roll concerts, as well as chamber orchestras. €15-35. Theater am Aegi, Aegidientorplatz 2, +49 511-989330. Cinemaxx.
In most cafés and small restaurants, paying individually is accepted, as Germans like this system. Tips are not compulsory but most people do. In smaller cafés, if paying separately, rounding up to the next full euro is common; in bigger restaurants, 10% is best. 1 Markthalle (market hall). Check out the variety of food stalls. You will find almost everything from Spanish tapas to Mett (raw minced meat). $$. (updated May 2022) At a nearby butcher shop you can get German sausages. 2 Pommesglück, Niki-de-Saint-Phalle-Promenade 22. Tasty french fries. Gluten free options are available. The sauce selection is very varied. The vegan mayo is awesome.
Try the local beer, Herrenhäuser Premium Pilsener Lüttje Lage is a typical alcoholic drink made of beer and korn (Schnapps) drank simultaneously from two separate glasses. Biercafé Pindopp, Altenbekener Damm 9, ☏ +49 511-806523. Open daily from 08:30-01:00. (closed since summer 2016). Smaller beer garden compared to others Hanover has to offer. Previews the football games so if you are looking for a place to come and watch a match this is the venue. It also has a pool table, darts and pin ball machines. Waterloo Biergarten, Waterloo Straße 1, ☏ +49 511-5643. Open daily from 11:00. Gets its name from being close to Waterloo square and on Waterloo road.
Hanover is normally very safe. Before and after a soccer match there might be quite a few drunken people around, especially in the central station, but there always are police patrolling. In Kröpcke you may get asked for money by the homeless. Pickpockets may act in crowded areas such as inside the trams during a big exhibition. Police: 110 Emergency (fire, acute illness): 112 Pharmacy for emergency: 01189
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Sep, Hannover typically sees ~20°C daytime highs and 12 rainy days.
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