Last month when I announced to friends that I was going to be spending a few days on a Dresden city break writing for my travel blog, I was somewhat dismayed at their response. Now given many of my friends are well travelled, I was surprised that firstly none of them had visited this German city before. What was more surprising was that their knowledge only referred to the impact of World War II on this city that stands on the banks of the Elbe in the German state of Saxony.

Over the years I have come to brush off people’s preconceptions. I recall the reaction to visiting Dubrovnik in the late 90s. If I had believed those comments, I would never have dared step foot in the country of Croatia. Thank goodness I did as that love affair lives with me to this day.

With those comments ringing in my ears, I wanted Dresden to live up to my expectations. Let’s see if my hopes were turned to ashes or whether it was love at first sight.

Getting Around Dresden

So, with fire in my belly and a will, to showcase the best of this city, I took the 90-minute rail journey, costing less than 15 euros, from Berlin, arriving at the Dresden Neustadt Railway station (the New Town). 

This is one of two railway stations in Dresden and receives much of the long-distance traffic. The larger station is the Central Dresden Hauptbahnhof (Old Town). If the rail is your means of transport, make sure you know which one you are arriving at or departing from.

Neustadt station is small but wonderfully ornate inside with a few shops, stalls, and an information desk although the toilets were a source of frustration to many, including me, given they were chargeable. Not something you need to negotiate when you have bags, but it is what it is!  

To get into the city centre from Neustadt station there are several options – train (10mins), tram (15 mins), bus (15 mins), taxi (5 mins) or if you are feeling energetic then you could walk however that will take you the best part of an hour.

Once in the city, you do not need public transport aside from perhaps a rented bicycle or a horse-drawn carriage, The rather nice Harley Davidson parked up in the Altmarkt was just showing off….but I loved it!

I decided to jump on the tram and as I exited the station I was, as in Hannover, soon subjected to some boisterous, alcohol-fuelled individuals who were congregating in the large open square in front of the Neustadt station. It suddenly became clear as to why the toilets were chargeable although it’s still not helpful to incoming tourists! Thankfully I swerved past them and headed for the tram platform that was to whisk me into the city centre.

First Impressions

The sun was shining as the tram rattled along initially through pretty tree-lined roads before turning onto what, on first impression, was the main retail street – Wilsdruffer Strasse. Well-known clothing retail and hotel brands lined the sidewalks with locals jumping on and off as they went about their daily business.

Without even stepping off the tram I was getting a good feeling about the city – it looked clean, it looked bright and fresh and the further we went the more I caught glimpses of some spectacular architecture and a bustling, welcoming city that just begged to be explored. There were plenty of places to see in Dresden and I knew I was in for a treat.

Where To Stay in Dresden

I was very kindly hosted in the centrally located Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe, right next to the Frauenkirche, an iconic landmark and one of the symbols of the city.

Having done my research on the hotel I knew that the reviews were superb. In true tourist fashion, having hopped off the tram, I proceeded to stumble and stagger my way along a couple of narrow cobbled streets with my bag in tow and Google Maps churning out directions for what seemed forever. It was about 5 minutes. Finally, I arrived in front of this most beautiful hotel. I was very lucky to be staying here.

Now I’d love to tell you more in this Dresden Travel Blog but this hotel was worth a blog all to themselves,  so check out my review of the Steigenberger Hotel Dresden – you won’t be disappointed!

A Brief History

Between the 13^th and 20^th centuries, the Wettins ruled the state and the kingdom of Saxony. However, it was in the 18^th century that Dresden came of age under Augustus II the Strong who was responsible for getting together some of the finest artists and architects.

Together they created one of the most beautiful cities in Germany and Europe. This was captured through the Italian master Canaletto’s famous painting which became known as the Florence on the Elbe.

Under Augustus II the Strong an incredible wealth of the Staatliche Kunstsammlung (State Art Collections) was accumulated, which today finds its home across many museums and churches. There are gold treasures, paintings by Renaissance masters, ancient porcelain, classical sculptures, and ceremonial weapons.

I choose not to dwell too much on the events of World War II when Allied bombings destroyed so much of the city. Yes, it is a huge part of how it is defined but I will leave that for another Dresden travel blog. I am more interested in the city’s rebirth and the glorious city of Dresden today.

In 1990, the reconstruction began and in 2005, the Frauenkirche was reopened. I listened to stories from locals of how this moment was beamed across the television in Germany and how adults cried as it was the signal that one of Europe’s most striking Baroque cities was finally reborn.

Dresden Today

Dresden is divided into two halves that are split in two by the River Elbe. On one side is the Altstadt (Old Town) and its civic space the Neumarkt, home to the Frauenkirche, the Residenzschloss, and the splendid Zwinger Palace. This central part of Dresden is full of historic buildings, museums, restaurants, cafés and significant points of interest.

Then on the other side is the Neustadt on the north bank which was hardly damaged during those dark days of the 40s. The Baroque Neustadt or “new town” splits between the Inner Neustadt south of Albertplatz and Äussere Neustadt and the best bar district south of Berlin.

For those looking for a few cultural days away, a Dresden city break is perfect.

The Dresden Welcome Pass

As with many major cities these days, Dresden is no different in offering tourists the chance to purchase a choice of three Dresden Welcome Cards where you can benefit from a variety of discounts including:

Free admission to the must-see museums and exhibitions.
Includes free use of buses and trams in Dresden.
Free use of buses and trams in the surroundings.
Deals and discounts at numerous restaurants, museums, shops, tours, and events.

With so many places to see in Dresden, this is a must.

Frauenkirche

Staying so close to the Frauenkirche this was my first stop.

The enormous 314-foot church dome in Dresden is the city’s most famous building – the Frauenkirche which translates as the Church of Our Lady. Located in the Neumarkt the original church was completed in 1743 by the architect George Bahr whose remains are buried in the crypt.

However, in 1945 the church was destroyed with the remains left as a memorial and reminder of those difficult and dark times. In 1994 work began to reconstruct this iconic building. More than 8,500 stones were recovered from the ruins and a further 3,800 were used in the building’s remarkable and painstaking reconstruction.

In 2005 this was completed. The new gilded cross and orb on top of the dome were forged in London as a gesture of reconciliation. The damaged former cross can be found to the right of the church’s new altar. The church comprises beautiful artwork and frescos, domes, and statues such as that of Martin Luther which survived the bombing.

Also outside the Frauenkirche is the Kuppelfragment, a symbol of what took place in the city back in the middle of the last century.

Semperoper

Named after its architect Gottfried Semper, the first opera house in Dresden was built in 1841 but later burned down in 1869. Following another reconstruction, the opera house re-opened in 1878. At this time the Semperoper staged world premieres for operas by composers such as Wagner and Richard Strauss.

During World War II the building was damaged once again and reopened this time in the 1980s. Today the Semperoper showcases some of the most magnificent architecture in the style of the Italian Renaissance and is well known as being one of the world’s most renowned and respected performing arts venues in Europe.

A tour will invite you to explore ornate rooms, all reconstructed in the original style. You can appreciate the outstanding acoustics in the elaborate auditorium and learn about the rich history of this remarkable building. As you marvel at the building from the outside look for the statues of Goethe, Schiller, Shakespeare, Molière, Euripides, and Sophocles.

Zwinger Palace

The Zwinger Palace was ordered by Saxon Elector Augustus II the Strong as a space for lavish court festivities. The work was completed in the early 18th century although what began as an orangery slowly grew into a complex of richly ornamented pavilions and gardens, overlooked by galleries lined with balustrades and statues.

A tour of the Zwinger gives you access to the Sculpture Collection and the Royal Cabinet of Mathematical and Physical Instruments. However, two of the most famous areas are the Gallery of master painters and the Porcelain Museum.

The Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister displays around 750 paintings from the 15th to the 18th centuries. It includes major Italian Renaissance works as well as Dutch and Flemish paintings including works by Vermeer, Rembrandt, van Eyck, Titian, Raphael, Giorgione, Lucas Cranach the Elder, Hans Holbein the Younger, El Greco, Zurbarán, Canaletto, van Dyck, Rubens.

The southern halls of the Zwinger Palace are home to an incredible collection of 20,000 pieces of state porcelain. You can enjoy the superb Chinese and Japanese porcelain acquired in the 18th century as well as the local Meissen porcelain.

The Zwinger is enormous and there are many other incredible galleries and collections to enjoy. Don’t miss the beautiful gardens as well as the Nymphenbad (Nymph’s Bath) fountain, considered one of Germany’s most important Baroque architecture.

Dresdner Residenzschloss

Between the 16^th and 19^th centuries, this Renaissance Palace was the residence of the Electors and then the Kings of Saxony. Like the Zwinger, the palace is made up of various museums for the various state collections.

The Green Vault is perhaps the most famous chamber. Opened in the 16th century and extended in the 18th century by Augustus II the Strong he turned it into one of the world’s first public museums thus showcasing his power and wealth. The Green Vault houses around 3,000 masterworks in gold, ivory, silver, and amber. There is also a New Green Vault chamber showcasing the works of the goldsmith Johann Melchior Dinglinger.

Other areas not to miss include the Dresden Armoury, a collection of ceremonial armour, weapons, and regalia. The Turkish Chamber is one of the most significant collections of Ottoman art outside Turkey. The Kupferstich-Kabinett is a 500,000-strong collection of sketches, prints, and drawings. The Münzkabinett is a state coin collection comprising 300,000 pieces from all over the world. Finally, there are the incredible treasure chambers of the Saxony Electors.

The Fürstenzug

On the east side of the Residenzschloss, if you come around to the facade of the Stallhof on Augustusstraße, there is a large 102-metre mural called the Furstenzug or the Procession of the Princes.

This wonderful artwork was painted between 1871 and 1876 to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the Wettin Dynasty, Saxony’s ruling family. It was later replaced by porcelain tiles in the 1900s to protect it from the weather.

This pretty cobbled street comes alive in the late afternoon with a couple of little stalls selling local souvenirs and then with the shadows lengthening, the last rays of light strike the mural and provide the most beautiful of settings especially once the crowds have gone. I loved it here!

Brühl’s Terrace

A stone’s throw from the Frauenkirche is a 500-meter panoramic terrace that was constructed in the 18^th century by Heinrich von Brühl. It looks out across the Elbe and is bustling with tourists just wandering up and down enjoying the architecture as well as stalls selling local souvenirs and paintings. There are also several statues and monuments, gardens plus of course those incredible views across the river and Dresden.

A famous building on Brühl’s Terrace is the Renaissance Revival Albertinum which was constructed in the 1880s as a home for the royal sculpture collection, the “Skulpturensammlung”. Also here is the New Masters Gallery, for contemporary works purchased after 1843.

Munzgasse Street

This buzzing little atmospheric street was a favourite of mine and is located near the Frauenkirche and, leads to the steps up to Bruhl’s Terrace.

The street is home to just a few souvenir shops, some al fresco restaurants, and a traditional old tavern.

At the end, there are a couple of open-air stalls selling the most perfectly cooked German sausages you will ever lay your eyes on.

I can’t put my finger on why this little street grabbed my attention – it just had that buzz and charm.

Hofkirche Dresden Cathedral

At the western end of Brühl’s Terrace is the Dresden Cathedral which was designed in an Italian Baroque style by the Rome-born architect Gaetano Chiaveri.

In the 1960s this former church gained Cathedral status and like so many places was rebuilt. Many of the famous historical names associated with the city are buried in the crypt here.

Kreuzkirche Dresden & Altmarkt

This church is located on the corner of the enormous Altmarkt Square which is a popular location for the Christmas markets and also home to the Altmarkt shopping centre – they even have a Woolworths!

The Dresden Kreuzkirche or Holy Cross Church is a Lutheran church and is the main church and seat of the Landesbischof of the Evangelical, Lutheran Church of Saxony and is the largest church building in the Free State of Saxony.

Augustusgarten & Park

One of the most enjoyable things to do in Dresden is to walk and explore. On a late spring afternoon with the sun shining I strolled across the Augustus Bridge that connects the Altstadt to the Neustadt. On arrival on the Neustadt side if you immediately take a right there is the lively Augustusgarten with young people “hanging out” drinking beer and listening to music.

From here wander down to the riverside. This park is full of people just enjoying the weather and the sensational views of the Dresden skyline, the Augustus Bridge and the gently flowing River Elbe.

This is a great place to end your day and see the sun go down.

The Golden Horseman

Probably the most famous statue in all of Dresden is that of the “Goldener Reiter” or Golden Horseman. The gold leaf statue that shines on even the most dull of days depicts King August the Strong and was created by Ludwig Wiedemann.

The statue is located on the Neustadt market just across the Augustus Bridge in Neustadt on the North side of Dresden.

Neustadt – The New City

Now the new part of the city – the Neustadt – is the old Baroque part of the city as it was relatively untouched during those events of World War II. Made up of an inner and outer neighbourhood on the right bank of the Elbe, the Neustadt is the district of Dresden that was reconstructed after a fire in the 1730s hence it is called “new” although to you and me it appears to be the “older” part of the city.

Today this area is a delight. The Baroque quarter in the Neustadt was my favourite part of Dresden amongst many wonderful places I might add! Wandering the streets was a delight as they are so full of character as well as being home to over 150 bars and restaurants. One little coffee shop I particularly liked was the Hellers Kuchenglocke Biokonditorei & Cafe. Not a name that rolls off the tongue however the coffee and cake are delicious and the window seat was a great place for me to people-watch and gather my thoughts.

There is a feel to this part of town and that’s before you even get to experience the incredible street art, music, and entertainment. Many families live in this area and you can almost touch the community spirit that exists.

There is an annual festival in June called the Bunt Republik Neustadt festival which takes place over three days this is a time to let your hair down and enjoy what is often referred to, as the best place in Germany to party south of Berlin.

The Kunsthofpassage

For those of you who read my blogs, you will know I love the quirky and the unusual so when I heard about the Kunsthofpassage, I simply had to visit.

Located in the Neustadt this is a chain of courtyards lined with cafes and art galleries, all with strange and somewhat Salvadore Dahli “esque” designs.

There is the Courtyard of the Elements, the Hof der Elemente, with its drainpipes shaped like musical instruments on the façade. As it rains they create their music.

The Courtyard of Mythical Creatures, the Hof der Fabelwesen has walls painted with strange creatures by the artist, Viola Schöpe.

The Courtyard of Light, the Hof des Lichts projects screens for performances, as well as mirrors that illuminate the courtyard into strange patterns on the walls.

Dresden Excursions

There are so many more places to see and even more things to do in Dresden. I have therefore created a separate Dresden travel blog dedicated to some of my favourite Dresden Excursions.

In Summary

There is a saying that love comes along when you least expect it. That’s how I feel about Dresden. I was expecting to enjoy my stay, but I was not expecting to be bowled over at every turn – a spectacular city, an incredible hotel, sensational food, the beauty of the Elbe, the vibe and bustling nightlife of the Neustadt, and such friendly welcoming people who all fully understand and appreciate their history yet every one of them is embracing the future.

I wholeheartedly recommend you visit this city – Dresden will always make me smile and if I am asked, I won’t dwell on the past, I will simply explain why it was love at first sight.  

Contact Information

Thanks to the Visit Dresden Tourist Office for their help in organising my trip to Germany. 

To book a Dresden city break contact your local travel agent or tour operator or search online.

On a recent trip from London to Berlin I stopped off for a city break in Hannover, the state capital of Lower Saxony, Germany. Having previously enjoyed the vibrant charm of Cologne and Dusseldorf, I was intrigued by the contrast that Hannover would provide.

Some dubbed Hannover dull and uninteresting, even claiming it to be the dullest city in Germany. Such reviews aroused my curiosity, prompting me to debunk the stereotypes and uncover the hidden gems that make Hannover a unique destination for holidays.

Join me as I delve into the best Hannover sights and experiences.

Hannover Hauptbahnhof

As I was Interrailing I arrived at the wonderfully ornate Hannover Hauptbahnhof railway station which was built in 1876 and is perfectly located in the heart of town. The station opens out onto a huge plaza complete with the Ernst August Galerie shopping arcade. From here you can conveniently take buses or taxis to your chosen accommodation or places of interest.

Arriving in the evening my first impression concerned me given the large police car presence, as well as the number of alcohol-fuelled guys and homeless individuals loitering around. Perhaps not the welcome I was expecting but having also loitered around a few railway stations in my time, I turned a blind eye and made a hasty dash for my accommodation.

Where To Stay in Hannover

Just 100 yards across the plaza was my hotel for the night – the pretty little 78-room Central Hotel Kaiserhof. I was checked in by a charming and friendly lady with no delay – there was no need for a passport or a credit card guarantee. Just my address, and a signature, and I was allocated a spacious double room (204) on the second floor with views across the plaza. At least I could keep an eye on those shady characters from a position of safety.

Arriving later than expected meant that I could not discover the city by night aside from a couple of beers served by the lovely Angela at the hotel’s charming little boutique bar. Angela spoke very little English but enough for me to recognize a glint in her eye as she clearly loved to try out her pigeon English. She told me that Hannover was very quiet at this time of year but in the summer months, the city comes alive. That suited me, especially tonight, after a long day travelling on the first day of my Interrail adventure.

The hotel was spotlessly clean, provided excellent WIFI, and was superbly located for access to all the key locations in Hannover. They even surprised me with a complimentary mini-bar with water, juice, and beer. Their showpiece is the superb Café terrace where businessmen and women, as well as tourists, come throughout the day to sip coffee, talk business, or like me, just people-watch. The longer I stayed at this hotel the more I loved its character.

Having had a wonderful night’s sleep on a very comfortable bed I was as they say “up and at em” and keen to get to work and discover the best things to do in Hannover. I set my alarm for 7 am and as I drew the curtains I was greeted by a beautiful sunrise and thankfully, no more shady characters. There was just that calm rattle of trams and buzz of people heading to work.

Today was going to be a good day!

The History of Hannover

Now it would appear that I am not alone in knowing very little of this city but from what I had read, Hannover offers a mix of fabulous shopping on wide open pedestrian streets, fine architecture, cultural richness, a trendy vibe and a history dating back to the 11^th century. That does not sound boring, dull or uninteresting to me!  

Back in 1636, Hannover was established as the seat of the Electorate of Brunswick-Lüneburg, later known as the Kingdom of Hannover. In the middle of the 19^th century, the city was incorporated into Prussia before nearly 90% of the city was sadly destroyed during World War 2.

Today Hannover is a city to explore. For history buffs, there are medieval landmarks like the Market Church and Old Town. You can immerse yourself in the arts at the Hannover State Opera and Sprengel Museum. Nature enthusiasts can find solace in the expansive Herrenhausen Gardens and the scenic Maschsee Lake. Modern marvels such as the New Town Hall and HDI Arena showcase Hannover’s architectural prowess.

With major events like CeBIT and Hannover Messe, the city stands as a global hub, while its central location facilitates easy exploration of surrounding attractions. Enjoy shopping along Georgstrasse, savour diverse cuisines, and discover why Hannover is a multifaceted destination catering to history, culture, and business enthusiasts alike.

Things to Do in Hannover via the Red Thread

A great way to get a feel for the city is by following the 4,200-metre red line that guides visitors around Hannover to see its architectural, historical, and various other entertaining sights. So as to ensure you see all the Hannover sights, make sure you download the Red Thread brochure from the local tourist information centre or download the app.

As you can see by the photo I started following the thread but as is my way I decided to veer off and never picked it up again – I just don’t like being told what to do sometimes – I will never make a tour guide!

Kropcke

The first stop was to wander along the main pedestrianised zone where numerous well-known large retail shops are located making a Hannover city break a great place for a spot of retail therapy. This central area is known as the Kropcke and is the meeting place for young and old. The name Kropcke was derived from the first café to open back in the 19^th century when it was bought by Wilhelm Kröpcke. After that, the name stuck.

At its very heart, there is a small clock which bizarrely when I viewed it was wrapped in what appeared to be a hundred black bin liners while under it was a man enjoying a local beer at 7 am. Again I am not going to criticize – I have been there – not there… but there!

I loved the wide-open pedestrian feel and relaxed atmosphere around this area. The place was buzzing!

Hannover Opera House

A moment’s walk from the Kropcke clock leads you to the Hannover Opera House, also known as Opernhaus Hannover, is a cultural gem in the heart of the city. Erected in the neoclassical style, the opera house is a testament to Hannover’s rich artistic heritage. Hosting a diverse range of performances, from classical operas to contemporary productions, it stands as a hub for cultural enthusiasts. The venue’s grand architecture and acoustically rich interiors create a captivating atmosphere for attendees. Whether attending a world-class opera or a modern ballet, visitors to Hannover Opera House are treated to an immersive cultural experience in one of the city’s architectural treasures.

I was amused by the little tuk-tuk that was parked next door to the Opera House. On the side, it was advertising the Shakespeare Pub – oh for another night in happening Hannover.

The Ruins of Aegidienkirche

The Ruins of Aegidienkirche (Aegidien Church) was built in the 14th century. Destroyed during World War II, the church was left in ruins deliberately as a memorial for peace. Today, the site serves as an open-air space with the church’s skeletal remains, offering a sombre reflection on the consequences of war.

The Aegidienkirche Ruins stand as a memorial for those lost in conflict, inviting contemplation and remembrance. Located in the heart of Hannover, this site is a testament to the city’s resilience and commitment to preserving its heritage.

The New Town Hall

From research, I knew that the city’s most iconic sight was the Town Hall however I learned a lesson when asking the lovely receptionist at my hotel for directions as there are indeed two town halls – a new one and an old one! The New Town Hall is the one that receives the headlines and offers the opportunity for some lovely photos across Maschsee Lake.

However, as is so often the case (Red Square in Moscow if I recall) there was a heap of scaffolding up on one side meaning that iconic shot was not for me on this occasion.

The New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) in Hannover is a majestic architectural masterpiece that defines the city’s skyline. Built between 1901 and 1913, this Neo-Renaissance-style structure boasts intricate detailing and a stunning domed tower. Visitors can explore the grandeur of the interior, including the impressive Marble Hall and the council chamber. The panoramic views from the observation deck are breathtaking, offering a sweeping panorama of Hannover. The New Town Hall stands as a symbol of civic pride and architectural achievement, attracting tourists and locals alike. Its central location and historical significance make it a must-visit landmark in Hannover.

The Museum August Kestner

Alongside the New Town Hall is the Kestner Museum which houses a collection of Egyptian artifacts as well as exhibits from classical antiquity and the history of design.

I spent an eternity taking this photo as Bob the Builder was having the longest cigarette in history. Not sure it was even worth it – the photo, not the cigarette, although I did not ask him!

Anzeiger Hochhaus

The Anzeiger Hochhaus at Steintor was probably my favourite building in Hannover. A high-rise structure built in 1927 in an expressionist style with a frame construction made of clinker and a copper dome.

I thought the photo of it with the ugly modern-day yellow abomination in the foreground just made the Anzeiger Hochhaus look even better than it already was! It reminds me of a Cluedo piece and not a very good one at that.

Hannover Old Town

Explore the charming allure of Hannover’s Old Town on your city break. Steeped in history, this picturesque district showcases medieval architecture, quaint squares, and cultural gems. Wander through the vibrant Kramerstrasse, lined with boutique shops and cafes, or visit the iconic Marktkirche, a medieval church with stunning interiors. Immerse yourself in the local atmosphere at the Ballhofplatz, a lively square surrounded by theatres.

Hannover’s Old Town seamlessly blends tradition and modernity, offering a delightful city break experience. Discover its rich heritage, cultural delights, and inviting ambience as you stroll through the heart of Hannover’s historic charm.

VW TV Tower

By now I was understanding that there are just so many things to do in Hannover. The Fernsehturm Volkswagen Tower or VW Tower as it is better known was built in 1958 by the former German Federal Post Office and stands at 141 metres in height.

Germany has a history of building these types of towers and I am a big fan especially as like here they so often showcase the new versus the old.

The Parks & Green Spaces Of Hannover

Hannover has clearly focused on ensuring both its residents and tourists like me have access to plenty of fresh clean air with numerous parks, green spaces as well as art. The Eilenriede is Europe’s largest municipal forest with 640 hectares lying within the heart of Hannover. If you are lucky you may even spot deer, foxes and bats.  

The eco-friendly focus continues with over 500kms of bike lanes where you can take a bike or hire one of the electric scooters that are scattered across the city. If I had had the time I would have definitely hopped on board a scooter as I love whizzing around a city as I did in Vienna back in 2018.

The Maschsee behind the New Town Hall is a pretty lake. During the summer months, the lake turns into the venue of Maschseefest – the festival that attracts around 2 million visitors each year all coming for a wide variety of music, culture and food.

Herrenhausen Gardens are worth a visit as they are considered to be some of the finest baroque-style gardens in Europe.

Is Hannover Worth Visiting?

100% YES. I am so pleased I visited Hannover as it truly has much to enjoy from the stunning architecture to the history and art as well as the great shopping, antiques, coffee shops and green spaces. Whilst I did not get the chance to really indulge I hear the food is pretty special too!

Whilst they do need to address the issue of litter in some areas and ensure the city is welcoming both day and night, I feel that the future could be bright for Hannover – this charming shabby chic German city.

Contact Information

For further information on a Hannover City break visit the Hannover Tourist Office or contact your local travel agent or tour operator.

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