Hannover (Germany) > Reviews > Underrated...

Author's product rating:   

Value for Money
Sightseeing
Shopping
Nightlife
Ease of getting around

Advantages:	Big city feel, plenty to see and do
Disadvantages:	Overuse of concrete when rebuilding the city centre gives it a very grey feel in winter

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I lived in Hannover for my year abroad during my German couse at university, and found it a great place to live. Since my time there (96-97) the city has been spruced up a great deal as the EXPO has come to town, but essentially it still offers a surprising amount for the casual traveller to enjoy. There is a large shopping centre, stretching from the Hauptbahnhof, round Kröpcke square and down to the remnants of the old town (Hannover was severely affected in the Allied air raids during WW2 but part of the Altstadt was painstakingly rebuilt), and the old town in particular offers many a bar and restaurant where you can enjoy good food and drink. The town hall buildings and the Maschsee, a vast artificial lake that freezes solid in winter are well worth a visit, as are the Herrenhäuser Gardens to the north of the city centre. The old royal palace there was destroyed in the bombing but the ceremonial gardens and fountains remain and are in good condition, ideal to wander round for a relaxing day in the sun. The city also boasts an extensive (and largely reliable) public transport network of trams and buses, especially so now the EXPO is running. All in all, this is a bustling city with much to offer.