Maschsee, Hannover

Advantages: Lots to see and do, great public art, good value
Disadvantages: I didn't stay long enough

...Although I am enthusiastic recycler and cyclist, I will be the first to admit that I contribute to more than my fare share of airplane emissions. I know I should unsubscribe to all the airline mailing lists that land in my inbox but I just can't find the willpower to do that. Every time a new one arrives I have to click through to find out what bargains I might be missing and this is how we found ourselves booking flights to the city of Hannover with the German airline TUI fly. Digging out the Lonely Planet guide to Germany I wasn't much enlightened - lots of concrete, some fine museums, beautiful and historic gardens. Hannover was heavily bombed during World War Two and, although the centre is dominated by a post-war concrete shopping centre, a section of the Old Town as well as some of the most interesting and attractive public... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: a little unknown " gem" of Germany
Disadvantages: none of the low cost airlines fly from anywhere in the Uk to Hannover

...Hannover has lots to offer and you are guaranteed to find something for everyone. On arrival at Langenhagen airport the S-Bahn is the best way to get into the centre of town. The exhibition centre (Messe) plays host to some of the world largest exhibitions such as CEBIT ( computers etc), then there is Hannover Zoo which is a great day out for any animal lover. Fancy a a boat ride than head to the Maschsee. The easiest way to see the city other than just jumping on a tram is the guided walkway around the city where you simply follow a red line this will take you past most of the sights as well as some of the excellent shops. Don't forget to check out the Passarelle which is an underground shopping area which takes you from the shopping centre to the main station. Hannover also has a great nightlife from theatre, opera to funky... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

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

...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... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful