Hanover

There is an array of hotels to select from in Hanover that encompass the city’s large green spaces, ancient architecture and modern buildings, ranging from cheap quirky boutiques to traditional 5-star luxury. One of Hanover’s most famous lodgings is the Kastens Hotel Luisenhof Superior (Luisenstrasse 1-3), resplendent with its classical facade on the outside while boasting a quality restaurant and enticing spa once you cross the threshold. Also with a superb restaurant that lays claim to a Michelin star is Fürstenhof (Hannoversche Strasse, Celle), something of a hidden gem out of town with country-cottage styling. There are plenty of options in the mid-range price bracket, with four-star chains such as the InterCityHotel Hannover (Rosenstrasse 1) and Ramada Hotel Europe (Bergstrasse 2) worth a mention, while a decent low-cost choice is the family-run Hotel Flora (Heinrichstrasse 36).

Hanover is the proud owner of one of Europe’s oldest flea markets (Leibnizufer). Held on a Saturday, there’s ample opportunity to browse bric-a-brac, antiques and vintage clothing, although if you prefer a more modern shopping experience then you should head to Galerie Luise (Luisenstrasse 5). With its glass roof, you can seek out unique items at the interesting boutiques or grab some food at a cosy restaurant. Elsewhere, the Ernst-August-Galerie (Ernst-August-Platz 2) offers in excess of 150 chain-style shops, while a range of international labels can be found at Michael Schulz (Osterstrasse 47), considered to be the designer hub of the city. Meanwhile, the bookworms out there must head to Schmorl & von Seefeld (Bahnhofstrasse 14), a bookshop that claims to be the oldest in Europe.

Some of the most notable brewers in Germany call Hanover home, and the city also hosts one of the largest beer festivals in the world. Its oldest pub is Broyhan Haus (Krammerstrasse 24), while Brauhaus Ernst August (Schmiedestrasse 13) is a modern microbrewery. Those looking to recover from a few ales should take their slightly sore heads to local favourite Loretta’s (Culemannstrasse 14), which specialises in Hanoverian delicacies that are stacked high on your plate for a very reasonable price. For excellent Italian cuisine try Ristorante Gallo Nero (Gross-Buchholzer Kirchweg 72B), while Altes Rathaus (Karmarschstrasse 42) blends traditional German fare with haute cuisine from a location in the Old Town Hall.

International Fireworks Competition

Various

Various nights throughout the year witness spectacular displays of light and colour from Herrenhäusen Gardens as international competitors go head-to-head at one of the most important firework competitions in Europe.

Hanover Marathon

May

The big stage at Trammplatz is the focus of a lively entertainment programme that complements Hanover’s annual marathon, with samba bands and musicians helping to get the crowds going.

Schützenfest

July

In excess of 1.5 million visitors are drawn to this world-leading shooting festival every year, which dates back to 1529. Expect masses of funfair rides, beer tents and parades to play a part in the proceedings.

Hanover Beer Festival

October

Early booking is required for this popular festival that allows visitors to sample more than 40 different beers, in addition to a multitude of wines and ciders.

Christmas Market

November-December

Celebrate the festive season in style as Hanover is taken over by three vibrant Christmas markets for most of December, with stalls selling all sorts from German delicacies to handcrafted gifts.