Hannover is a city that reveals itself slowly, but spectacularly, which makes it ideal as a weekend destination. Spend two days here and you’ll discover lakeside strolls, palace gardens that rival royal estates, half-timbered districts brimming with history, inventive museums that interest even non-museum-goers, and surfing (really!). Whether you’re craving a relaxed urban getaway or a deeper look at a city that quietly punches above its weight, Hannover delivers.

Must-Sees in Hannover

The New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus)

Part fairy-tale palace, part city hall, the opulent Neues Rathaus is one of Hannover’s most iconic landmarks. Don’t miss the unique curved elevator to the dome viewpoint, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over the city’s rooftops and parks.

Inside, a series of large city models show Hannover’s evolution—from medieval times to post-war reconstruction—making it one of the most compelling quick history lessons you’ll find in any German city.

Marktplatz & Old Town

Hannover’s Altstadt isn’t large, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in character. Start at the Marktkirche with its massive brickwork and climb toward the Old Town Hall, one of the city’s most photogenic buildings. The surrounding lanes are dotted with cafés, boutiques, and restored half-timbered houses that survived Hannover’s wartime destruction.

Herrenhäuser Gärten

The crown jewel of Hannover, the baroque Herrenhausen Gardens are among the most impressive formal gardens in Europe. Spend a morning wandering the Great Garden’s geometric designs, ornate fountains, sparkling grotto, and manicured hedges. The neighboring Berggarten also offers a peaceful experience, with exotic greenhouses and tranquil paths.

Maschsee

No Hannover weekend is complete without a lap around Maschsee, the city’s vast man-made lake. Locals flock here year-round for jogging, cycling, paddle-boating, or simply sitting on a bench sipping an Eiskaffee. In summer, outdoor bars and pop-up lounges give the shoreline a Mediterranean feel. Even on quiet winter days, the lake remains a scenic escape right in the city center.

Off the Beaten Path: Experiences Most Visitors Miss

Linden: Hannover’s Creative Quarter

Cross the Ihme River into Linden, and the atmosphere shifts immediately. This is where students, artists, and young families mingle in colorful streets lined with independent cafés, vintage shops, and relaxed bars.

Stop for brunch at a neighborhood café, wander along Limmerstraße with its casual vibe, or explore the small but meaningful street-art pockets scattered throughout the district. Linden captures the everyday Hannover that residents love but tourists often overlook.

Eilenriede Forest

Known as “Europe’s Green Lung,” the Eilenriede is a vast urban forest (larger than New York’s Central Park, in fact) where you can lose yourself in greenery just steps from the city center. With winding trails for cycling and walking, shady picnic spots, and quiet corners that feel miles away from city life, it’s easily one of the most relaxing places in Hannover. If you’re visiting in autumn, the forest sparkles with golden hues that make it a dream for photographers and outdoor lovers.

Sprengel Museum

The Sprengel Museum remains a hidden gem for modern art fans. Its collection of 20th-century works – from German expressionism to bold contemporary pieces – is both thoughtful and accessible. Even if you’re not normally an art-museum person, the Sprengel’s clean architecture, peaceful atmosphere, and well-curated exhibits offer a refreshing cultural detour.

Surfing in Hannover: The Leinewelle

Yes, you can actually surf in Hannover. The Leinewelle, an engineered river wave near the city center, has quickly become one of Hannover’s most unexpected and energetic attractions.

Open to surfers of varying skill levels, it offers a unique opportunity to practice surfing without heading to the coast. Spectators gather along the river banks to watch locals carve, balance, and occasionally wipe out on the standing wave. Even if you’ve never stepped on a board, the atmosphere is electric – part sports hub, part urban hangout – and it gives the city an adventurous edge many visitors don’t expect.

A Unique Destination: The Welfengarten & Welfenschloss

Just north of the city center lies a place that even many Hannover residents forget to mention: the Welfengarten and the striking Welfenschloss. Today, the palace serves as part of the University of Hannover, but its regal façade and wide lawns still hint at its aristocratic origins. The surrounding park is a beautifully designed green space featuring grand trees, open meadows, and quiet walking paths.

What makes it special is the atmosphere – peaceful, elegant, and refreshingly untouristed. Visitors can sit on the grass and admire the palace architecture, read a book beneath centuries-old trees, or simply wander the grounds imagining the lives of the Welf dynasty who once shaped much of the region’s history. It’s both a historical curiosity and a serene retreat, and it feels worlds away from the bustle of the city center despite being just a short walk from it.

Hannover’s Christmas Markets

Hannover’s Christmas markets transform the city into a warm, golden maze of lights each winter. The main market around the Marktkirche, which runs from 24 November to 22 December 2025, daily from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. offers classic wooden stalls, mulled wine, and traditional crafts.

The Finnish Christmas Village in the Old Town brings smoked salmon, tar liqueur, and a cozy Arctic vibe. For something more whimsical, the Historical Christmas Village features medieval-style booths and costumed vendors. Together, these markets create a festive, family-friendly atmosphere that feels both intimate and immersive – perfect for an evening stroll with a Glühwein in hand.

Getting to Hannover

By car, Hannover is 4.5 hours from Kaiserslautern, 3.5 hours from Wiesbaden, and 5.5 hours from Stuttgart. Check with Deutsche Bahn for train options.

Featured image by Sergey Dzyuba / Shutterstock.com