What to do in Hanover

Advice on what to do in Hanover, including culture, relaxation, nightlife, sport and food.

Cultural attractions in Hanover

A museum that is as architecturally interesting as many of the artworks it houses is the Kestner Gesellschaft. Formerly a bath house, the museum has excellent lighting and sky-high ceilings, and its exhibits favour German expressionist paintings and French modern art. Previous artists whose works have appeared here include Otto Dix and Georg Crosz.

The Niedersächsisches Landesmuseum is another hit for the art lover, holding a large canon of artworks from the 12th to the 20th century. The collection includes Atelier by Rembrandt. However, it is not all about classic art, as there is also a Vivarium of live fish to enjoy, as well as historical pieces charting the evolution of both Man and Hanover itself.

The Leineschloss is well worth a visit for those who want to soak up a bit of regal history and see where the mechanics of Lower Saxony's parliament take place. Previously the residence of Hanoverian kings, the impressive building is now home to the Lower Saxon Diet.

Relaxation in Hanover

Get a bird's eye view of the city by taking the jauntily slanted Neues Rathaus lift. The lift, which is nearly 100 years old (but perfectly safe), takes you 98 metres above the city, into the Rathaus's green dome. Once you reach the top there are a number of platforms from which to view the city.

It may not quite be Jurassic Park, but it is perhaps as close as you are going to get to seeing life-like dinosaurs in a theme park. Dinosaur Park features 150 life-size models of dinosaurs, including the largest model of its kind in the world, that of the 45 metre-long Seismosaurus.

Feel at one with nature in the massive Eilenriede Forest, a great green space that you do not need to travel out of the city to visit – because it is slap bang in the middle of it. A mass of oaks, beeches, larch and alder trees cover a range of fitness and walk trails, as well as a host of activities such as crazy golf and tobogganing.

Nightlife in Hanover

While Hanover's nightlife does not quite meet the heady heights enjoyed in Hamburg, Berlin or Munich, there are still some decent venues worth sinking a few steins in, such as the Brauhaus Ernst August on Schmiedestrasse. It offers its own brewed beers, wholesome German food and late night frolics at the weekend, with live bands and DJs.

The Shogun Biergarten is both a chilled out beer garden with great food during the day, but come the evening it turns into a throbbing crowd of people dancing and having a good time. It is worth looking out for in the summer, as it hosts a number of great open-air events.

Sport in Hanover

A game of football can be caught with Hanover 96 at the AWD Arena.

Recommended restaurants in Hanover

A real taste of Germany can be devoured at Bavarium, a giant restaurant serving hearty wursts and traditional German cuisine. The restaurant backs out onto a large beer garden, which if you are lucky, will be drenched in sun.

Finely presented and gastronomically great, Georxx is trendily laid back and features exciting and affordable fusion cuisine.