tourism in hannover

18 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Hanover

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 27, 2023

The historic city of Hanover (Hannover) is situated on the River Leine and is the capital city of the Land of Lower Saxony. An important commercial center with a university and academies of music and drama, it's certainly one of the best places to visit in Germany for those seeking a fun and authentic urban experience.

It's also an important trade fair and festival center, noted for such events as Oktoberfest Hannover , one of the largest such celebrations in the world. Another important event is the Hanover Schützenfest , the world's largest traditional "marksmen" fair and so named for its target-shooting competition.

Hanover has also earned a reputation as an important cultural center and boasts numerous world-class museums, galleries, and theaters.

Its extensive parks and gardens justify Hanover's claim to be "the city in the country," and make it an ideal destination to explore on foot. Stroll along the banks of the Mittelland Canal , the country's most significant man-made waterway, which is connected to the many top tourist attractions in the city's Old Town (Altstadt) and Kröpcke center square areas via numerous footpaths.

Learn more about the best places to visit in the city with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Hanover, Germany.

See also: Where to Stay in Hanover

Start Your Hanover Adventure in Herrenhausen Gardens

Indulge your green thumb at the berggarten botanic gardens, take a stroll through the marktplatz and see the marktkirche, climb the new town hall's tower, take in a performance at the state opera of hanover, get artsy at the sprengel museum, hanover's old town and leine palace, the ballhof and ballhofplatz, explore the region's history at the lower saxony state museum, enjoy a paddle on the maschsee, see napoleon's caricatures at the wilhelm busch museum, take the kids to hanover adventure zoo, eilenriede: hanover's "green lungs", hannover museum of history, see the rare artworks at museum august kestner, visit the ruins of aegidienkirche, take a drive to aviation museum hannover-laatzen, see the marine life at sea life hannover, where to stay in hanover for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in hanover.

Hanover's magnificent royal gardens, Herrenhausen Gardens (Herrenhäuser Gärten) is really a number of great attractions in one. It encompasses both the Welfengarten and Georgengarten, two beautiful English-style parks, and the Berggarten , a botanic garden featuring orchid, palm, and cactus houses.

It's also here that you'll find the Grosser Garten (Great Garden). Dating from 1666, it's considered the best-preserved example of an Early Baroque garden in Germany and features beautiful cascades, fountains, an orangery, and even a garden theater. At the north end of Herrenhausen stands the Mausoleum, which was built in 1846 for King Ernest Augustus and Queen Friederike, and contains the tomb of George I of Britain.

Also of note is the recently rebuilt Herrenhausen Palace . Built in 1640 and once a royal summer home, this impressive mansion was completely destroyed in WW2, only to be completely rebuilt in 2012. Today it houses the Schloss Herrenhausen Museum with its many fascinating displays of original artifacts and documents related to the city's rich Baroque era. There's also a bookshop on-site, along with a café.

One of the top things to do in Hanover at night is to participate in one of Herrenhausen Gardens' "glowing gardens" events. Held throughout the summer, these evening strolls take place against a backdrop of spectacular illuminations that kick off at the famous sundial at sunset. Along the way, you'll be accompanied by classic Baroque music, and have the chance to purchase and release your own paper lantern.

The garden also serves as the backdrop to an annual firework competition. This popular event draws entrants from around the world lighting up the evening sky with spectacular performances May through September.

Address: Herrenhäuser Str. 4, 30419 Hannover, Germany

While located within the grounds of Herrenhausen Gardens, there's enough to see in the beautiful Berggarten (translated as "Mountain Garden") to warrant a visit of its own. Able to trace its roots all the way back to the early 17th century when it was established as a kitchen and herb garden, this popular botanical garden is open year-round and is a must-visit whether you consider yourself a plant lover or not. You'll find a mix of outdoor and indoor plants here.

It's fun to wander in and out of the four large greenhouses used to house the many different species in the Berggarten collection. All told some 20,000 plants representing over 3,000 species can be seen, representing the tropics and subtropical flora from the Canary Islands.

The star of this green attraction, though, is the splendid Orchid House, said to be the largest such collection of orchids in all of Europe . You'll have a chance to see at least some of the 800 plants in bloom here.

Address: Herrenhäuser Str. 4, Hannover, Germany

Hanover's lovely marketplace, the Marktplatz, is located in the center of the historic Old Town (Altstadt), and is a great place to explore once you've seen Herrenhausen Gardens. It's here you'll find many of the city's most important buildings.

One of the most notable of these lovely structures is the 15th-century Late Gothic Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus). This attractive old building is home to a number of interesting small shops and galleries and is where you'll find the graceful Neo-Gothic Market Fountain, built in 1881.

The other important tourist attraction here is the brick-built Marktkirche or Market Church. With its impressive 97-meter-high tower, the church stands testament to the city's former importance as a royal city. Dating from the 14th century, notable interior features include a splendid 15th-century bronze font and a wood-carved altar dating from 1480.

Leading from the Marktplatz is Kramerstrasse , which still preserves something of the atmosphere of old Hanover with its many handsome half-timbered houses.

Address: Hanns-Lilje-Platz 2, 30159 Hannover, Germany

In Hanover's Trammplatz stands the majestic New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus). Built between 1901-13 in the style of the Wilhelmine period, this palace-like structure is sometimes also referred to as the New City Hall. It's one of Hanover's most interesting structures as it's built entirely on a foundation of 6,026 beech piles and crowned with a domed tower, which stands almost 98 meters high and dominates the city's skyline.

Be sure to allow a little extra time to climb the dome. From its viewing platform, which is accessed by a unique elevator that lifts passengers at an angle, you'll be treated to some of the best views over the city.

Also of interest are models of the city that show its growth and development over the centuries, and the Hodler Room has a huge painting called The Oath of Loyalty , dating from 1913. English-language guided tours are available.

Address: Trammplatz 2, 30159 Hannover, Germany

For culture lovers, one of the top things to do in Hanover is to take in a professional operatic performance. For these, you'll want to visit the Neoclassical Hanover Opera House.

Also referred to as the State Opera of Hanover , it's set along the elegant Georgstrasse and is the perfect spot to indulge your artistic leanings. This elegant building was constructed in 1852 and is now home to the city's professional opera company, Staatsoper Hannover.

Thanks to recent renovations, including improved acoustics, this stunning building offers a first-rate experience for opera fans during its season, which runs from September to June. Other notable events such as ballet performances are also scheduled throughout the year.

Address: Opernplatz 1, 30159 Hannover, Germany

Home to one of Germany's most important collections of modern art, the architecturally attractive Sprengel Museum is a must-visit for art lovers. Founded in 1979 and containing both private and state-owned collections, the gallery is known for its numerous works by local artist Kurt Schwitters, as well as from other notable artists such as Max Ernst, Picasso, and Paul Klee, among others.

The museum is also home to a collection donated by well-known artist Niki de Saint Phalle, as well as a fascinating large metal sculpture by Alexander Calder. In addition to its regular roster of visiting art exhibits, educational programs and workshops are also offered. English-language guided tours are also available and can be tailored to your specific interests.

An on-site bookshop offers a variety of related publications, including some in English, while those conducting research or wanting to learn more about the artists whose work is featured can visit the museum library.

And even if art's not your thing, the museum's bell'ARTE restaurant and café is worth a visit for its large riverside terrace. This award-winning eatery has been a leader of Hanover's dining scene for over 20 years (opt for the "year-round" garden seating if available).

Address: Kurt-Schwitters-Platz 1, 30169 Hanover, Germany

Hanover's Old Town (Altstadt) area is pleasant to explore on foot. It's here you'll find the attractive Leine Palace (Leineschloss), the state parliament building. Constructed in the 17th century on the banks of the river after which it's named, this former royal residence of Duke George von Calenberg was later altered in Neoclassical style between 1817 and 1842.

For those interested in exploring more of these charming timber-framed houses, the little town of Celle , about 40 kilometers northeast of Hanover on the banks of the River Aller, boasts more than 400 half-timbered homes in its quaint old town and makes for an easy day trip.

Address: Hannah-Arendt-Platz 1, 30159 Hannover, Germany

Also located in the Old Town, you'll find Hanover's finest half-timbered building, the Ballhof . Built between 1649 and 1665 for the then-fashionable games of battledore and shuttlecock, as well as for musical concerts, it's well worth adding to your list of must-see historic sites in Hanover.

Now home to the Lower Saxony State Theater, it's still a popular venue for music events including pop and jazz concerts, as well as operatic performances.

Just a five-minute walk away across the river is the New Town Church , or Neustädter Kirche. This 17th-century structure houses the tomb of the famous German philosopher GW Leibniz, who was buried here in 1716.

Address: Knochenhauerstraße 28, 30159 Hannover, Germany

The Lower Saxony State Museum (Niedersächsisches Landesmuseum Hannover), located opposite the New Town Hall, houses many important collections of antiquities. The most popular is the State Gallery (Landesgalerie) with its collection of European art from the Middle Ages period right up to the 20th century.

In addition to major works by the likes of Rembrandt and Rubens, there's a sizeable collection of German Old Masters and Impressionist works. Also of note are its archaeological and ethnological collections, among Germany's oldest and boasting more than 20,000 artifacts, as well as numerous species of fish and reptiles.

Be sure to also check out the Fürstenhaus Herrenhausen-Museum . Set in a fine old building dating from the 1700s, it's notable for its collections of period artwork, sculptures, and furniture.

Address: Willy-Brandt-Allee 5, 30169 Hannover, Germany

The Maschsee is an impressive artificial lake situated in the very heart of Hanover that serves as a popular focal point for a variety of activities and leisure pursuits. Completed in 1936, it extends 2.4 kilometers and is up to 530 meters wide in places.

It's the city's largest and busiest sports and recreation area, and is especially popular among boaters, whether the vessel of choice is a sailboat, paddleboat, kayak, or powered vessel. It's also popular with swimmers drawn by the chance to sunbathe on Maschsee Beach. The lake is also circled by many excellent pathways and is the perfect place for a stroll or picnic.

If you're in Hanover during the summer months, be sure to consider visiting the Maschseefes Lake Festival. This huge festival includes music, food, and fireworks and attracts upwards of two million attendees each year. Another fun thing to do is to seek out the many interesting sculptures dotted around the lake, especially at night when they're lit up.

On the west side of the lake is the Niedersachsen-Stadion stadium, built in 1954 on mounds of rubble from buildings destroyed in the war. Another pleasant area for a stroll is Herrenhäuser Allee , laid out in 1726 and including many attractive historic buildings.

The Wilhelm Busch Museum (Deutsches Museum für Karikatur und Zeichenkunst Wilhelm Busch) in Hanover covers the life and times of the famous poet and designer after which it's named. Founded in 1937, the museum is housed in the attractive 18th-century "Georgenpalais" in Herrenhausen Gardens.

Along with permanent displays of caricatures and comic art, the museum is home to the world's largest collection of Busch's work. A particular highlight is a unique collection of more than 700 caricatures of Napoleon, as well as examples of satirical art dating back some four centuries.

In addition to regular visiting exhibits, the museum hosts educational workshops, music concerts, literary and culinary events, as well as programs geared toward children.

Address: Georgengarten, 30167 Hannover, Germany

Established in 1865 on the edge of Eilenriede park, Hanover Adventure Zoo (Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover) is the fifth oldest zoological park in Germany. It is successfully remodeled along the lines of a theme park, and today an estimated 1.5 million people visit the attraction's 3,400-plus animals each year.

Highlights include areas such as the seasonal Winter Zoo with its Christmas themes and activities, as well as the kids' area, Mullewapp, with its popular petting zoo and rides. Other zoo attractions include the fascinating Meyer's Farm, where you can explore authentic, 19th-century Lower Saxony half-timbered structures, and the Disney-like Zambezi River boat ride through the open cages of animals such as rhinos and elephants.

Be sure to check the zoo's website for news of special events and scheduled feeding times.

Address: Adenauerallee 3, 30175 Hanover, Germany

Located on the east side of Hanover, the beautiful municipal forest of Eilenriede is an area of outstanding natural beauty, which covers some 1,600 acres of land. This huge recreation area, one of the largest inner-city forests in all of Europe, contains numerous footpaths and bridle paths just waiting to be explored, along with playing fields and open spaces for relaxation.

Fun things to do here include visiting Hanover Adventure Zoo, hiking and biking its extensive network of trails, enjoying a forest-top trekking experience... or sunbathing. There's also a large playground for the kids, as well as a good cafe with plenty of outdoor seating.

Often referred to as the city's "Grüne Lunge," or "green lung," it's a wonderful place to spend time when visiting Hanover, as is Hermann Löns Park , a beautiful landscaped park with an old windmill. Adjoining it is the Tiergarten , laid out in 1679 as a hunting park, with old trees and an abundance of wildlife, including some 200 red deer, wild horses, and wild pigs.

Address: Niemcy, Hohenzollernstraße 28, 30161 Hannover, Germany

A must-visit for those wanting to learn more about this once-royal city, the Hannover Museum of History (Historisches Museum Hannover) can easily be tackled in a visit of two or three hours.

Set in one of the city's oldest buildings complete with a fortified tower, the museum provides a fascinating insight into some 900-plus years of local history, from its earliest recorded events at the turn of the 12th century right up to today.

Highlights include displays explaining the city's ties to the British Royal Family, as well as exhibits of cultural and religious artifacts. Be sure to check out the four elegant horse-drawn coaches that once belonged to royalty, as well as period outfits and weaponry. Plan your visit for a Friday, and you'll be rewarded with free admission.

Address: Pferdestraße 6, 30159 Hannover, Germany

The modern-looking concrete and glass Kestner Museum (Museum August Kestner) in Hanover is of interest for its rare collection of applied and decorative arts. Some of these artworks date back over 6,000 years and were collected by the museum's namesake during his time as an official in Rome during the mid-19th century.

Highlights of its impressive collections include art-related antiquities from the Greek, Egyptian, and Roman periods. Established in 1889 and the city's oldest museum, it also holds large collections of local antiquities, coins, and handicrafts, many dating back to medieval times.

Other important artworks can be enjoyed at the Kestnergesellschaft , an interesting art gallery noted for its many modern art collections and exhibits.

Address: Trammplatz 3, 30159 Hanover, Germany

One of the few war-damaged buildings in Hanover never to have been restored, and one of three important churches located in the city's Old Town, Aegidienkirche was instead left in ruins as a war memorial. Built in 1347, the ruins reveal enough to show it must have been a beautiful structure to look at in its heyday, and in many ways, it still is.

Destroyed in an Allied air raid in 1943, along with many other landmarks in the Old Town, it has since been the recipient of notable sculptures, which together with some of the surviving Baroque features, make for a very sobering reminder of the destructive nature of war. A bell from another war-ravished city, Hiroshima, was added in 1985.

Address: 1, Aegidienkirchhof, 30159 Hannover, Germany

Take an easy 20-minute drive south of Hanover, and you'll find yourself in the town of Laatzen. This popular destination for tourists is home to Aviation Museum Hannover .

Here, you'll find an impressive collection of 36 fully-restored aircraft, including rare examples of military aircraft from World Wars I and II. You'll want to check out the rival British Spitfire and German Messerschmitt 109 machines from the 1940s.

These static displays are augmented by realistic models, many hanging from the ceiling as part of interesting dioramas. In addition, there are some 30 or so engines on display, including both jet and piston variants, all of which provide a fascinating insight into the workings of these marvelous machines.

The museum also has a rich catalog of related artifacts including clothing, documents, and vehicles. All displays carry English-language information, and English-language guided tours are also available.

Address: Ulmer Str. 2, 30880 Laatzen, Germany

One of the top family attractions in the city, SEA LIFE Hannover is a fun way to spend a few hours with the kids. Covering marine species from as close as the city's own Leine River to faraway tropical destinations such as the Caribbean, the museum offers plenty of opportunities to get close-up views of some of the 3,500 sea creatures that call the attraction home.

In its 37 pools and tanks are such fascinating species as Cuban crocodiles, stingrays, octopuses, and sharks, along with a wide array of tropical fish and turtles. Some of the best viewing experiences can be enjoyed while walking the long glass tunnel under the site's largest pool.

Feeding sessions can be watched, and educational "ranger talks" in the rainforest section are also worth joining.

Address: Herrenhäuser Str. 4A, 30419 Hannover, Germany

Hanover's Old Town, where many of its historic buildings are located, is not crowded with hotels. But there's a good selection within a reasonable walking distance, and others can be found on the city's excellent transit system. The main train station, Hauptbahnhof, is close to the Old Town, as is the park-ringed Maschteich lake, so either is a convenient location. Here are some highly rated hotels in Hanover:

Luxury Hotels :

• Mercure Hotel Hannover City has stylishly decorated rooms, some overlooking the park beside new City Hall, and is within a 10-minute walk of the Hauptbahnhof and Old Town shopping streets.
• Right next to the train station, on a shopping street, Kastens Hotel Luisenhof has a gym on the top floor.
• The nearby Grand Hotel Mussmann , also an easy walk from restaurants, the opera house, and the historical museum, includes free breakfast.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Near the new City Hall, State Museum, and Kestner Museum, the top-ranked DORMERO Hotel Hannover has high-tech rooms, free wireless, and a gym.
• Overlooking the market square in the Old Town, Concorde am Leineschloss Hotel is surprisingly quiet and has a good choice of restaurants close by.
• In the Old Town and close to the City Hall, Arthotel ANA Prestige Hannover offers discounted parking nearby.

Budget Hotels:

• Next door to the bus station, just a few steps from the train station and close to the top Old Town attractions, Ibis Budget Hannover Hauptbahnhof has basic rooms with free Wi-Fi.
• In a quiet neighborhood halfway between the Hauptbahnhof and the zoo, the family-run Hotel Flora has old-fashioned rooms, some with balconies, and all only a 15-minute walk from the Old Town center.
• Some distance north of the Old Town but on a direct tram line, Ibis Hannover City has free Wi-Fi and inexpensive on-site parking.

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Explore Northern Germany : Hanover's location makes it the perfect base from which to explore the northern part of the country. From here, you can hop aboard a train, and two hours later you'll be exploring the huge port of Hamburg , the 'gateway to Germany', and a great choice for its many maritime attractions, such as the International Maritime Museum. The city of Bremen is closer still, just an hour away by train. Here, you should begin your adventure by exploring the city's historic Marktplatz with its old Town Hall and statue of Germany's most famous knight, Roland. And although a little farther than Hamburg, the beautiful town of Schwerin is a must-visit for its magnificent palace and other well-preserved 18th-century buildings.

Something Beginning with "B" : The beautiful town of Baden-Baden is the perfect place for those seeking a romantic getaway. Everywhere you turn, you'll find elegant spas and delightful public baths, all fed by the thermal waters that have for centuries made the town popular with royalty and tourists alike. The old university town of Bamberg is equally pleasant and offers visitors a chance to explore some of Germany's most exquisite old churches. Brandenburg is another romantic small town worth exploring, as popular for its 12th-century cathedral and well-preserved old town walls as it is for its many fine shopping and dining experiences.

Germany Travel Ideas : If you're looking for some outdoor fun when it comes to vacationing in Germany, you're in luck. This large European country features everything from the superb hiking and biking experiences in beautiful Bavaria to the endless water-based activities available on lovely Lake Constance . Real adventurers, though, should explore the multitude of things to do in the mountainous Garmisch-Partenkirchen region , as popular with winter sports enthusiasts as it is with hikers and mountain bikers in the summer.

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Home » Travel Guides » Germany » 25 Best Things to Do in Hanover (Germany)

25 Best Things to Do in Hanover (Germany)

Lower Saxony’s capital is a university city and economic centre that was once the seat of an Imperial Electorate. The royal line, the House of Hanover, gave the United Kingdom three kings, and also gave this city some splendid properties like the Herrenhäuser Gardens. That mosaic of regal parks and palaces is still Hanover’s big historical attraction.

The Eilenriede park in the middle of Hanover is twice the size of New York’s Central Park, while also in the centre is the Maschsee, a man-made lake with green banks where a big festival takes place in August. The Maschseefest is just one of many major events that unfold in Hanover in summer, from the Spring Festival to an International Fireworks Competition.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Hanover :

1. Herrenhäuser Gardens

The pride of Hanover is a chain of gardens from the days of the Imperial Electors and Kings of Hanover.

The show-stopper is the Great Garden, in a Baroque French style laid out by Electress Sophia of Hanover in the 17th century.

The 50-hectare garden is fronted by a palace and enriched with sculptures, fountains, a box-hedge maze, an orangery and dainty broderies.

The orangery is a stately backdrop for classical concerts, and Sophia’s garden theatre also stages plays and music performances in summer.

That palace was almost obliterated in the war and has only been restored in the last few years.

Since 2013 it has hosted three exhibition rooms for the Hanover Historical Museum, recounting the design of the gardens and the distinguished personalities from Hanover’s past like Wilhelm Leibniz.

2. Berggarten

Another of the Herrenhäuser Gardens, the Berggarten (Mountain Garden) warrants a separate entry in the list.

It was started as a herb and kitchen garden for the palace, but Electress Sophia picked the Berggarten as a space to grow exotic plants.

An early greenhouse was built in the park in 1686 supporting crops like tobacco and mulberry trees.

Nowadays the park is one of the world’s leading botanical gardens, growing 20,000 plants from 3,000 species.

There are four greenhouses, for tropical plants, cactuses and the subtropical flora of the Canary Islands.

But the main event is the Orchid House, which has Europe’s largest orchid collection, made up of up to 800 plants from 300 species, blooming against deep tropical foliage.

3. Georgengarten

In the 1810s King George III bought an estate to the east of the Great Garden.

The property’s name was changed from the Wallmodenschloss to the Georgenpalais, and the park was renamed Georgengarten.

On a long, slender plot the gardens are in the English style with rambling lawns and groves of mature trees.

Running straight through the park from end to end is the Herrenhäuser Allee, a regal, two-kilometre lime-flanked avenue.

See if you can track down the temple erected in honour the polymath Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz.

This dates from the end of the 1780s and was originally at Hanover’s parade grounds, now Waterlooplatz, before being relocated to Georgengarten.

And today the beautiful Georgenpalais houses the Wilhelm Busch museum, which we’ll talk about later.

4. Lower Saxony State Museum

With four very different departments exhibiting fine arts, archaeology, natural history and ethnology, you could say that this museum has a bit of everything.

The Renaissance and Baroque galleries are bolstered by names like Albrecht Dürer, Rubens and Rembrandt, but also a fine collection of 19th-century art by Romantics like Caspar David Friedrich and Impressionists such as Max Liebermann.

Don’t neglect the other departments through, where you’ll come across Bronze Age jewellery, and mummified human remains from Lower Saxony’s moorlands in archaeology.

There are models of dinosaurs and an aquarium in the natural history department, and some 20,000 pieces of traditional art collected from Oceania, Africa, America and across Asia in the ethnology department.

5. Sprengel Museum

Displaying a real who’s who of modern art in Germany, the Sprengel Museum is a cultural attraction that needs to be on your agenda.

The museum was founded in 1979 a decade after the chocolate manufacturer Bernhard Sprengel donated his modern art collection to the city.

This has been bolstered by Lower Saxony’s own art collections and subsequent private donations to stand as a world-class survey of 20th-century art.

Both Expressionist groups, Die Brücke and Der Blaue Reiter are here, as well as pieces by Picasso, Paul Klee, Max Ernst, Max Beckmann, Emil Nolde and Fernand Léger.

The museum also traces the major trends in art after 1945 and has works by kinetic sculptor Alexander Calder, Andy Warhol and Capitalist Realist artists like Gerhard Richter and Sigmar Polke.

6. New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus)

Hanover’s resplendent New Town Hall was built at the start of the 20th in a theatrical Historicist style.

With its soaring dome reaching, towers and location in front of the Maschteich pond, the New Town Hall looks more like a palace than a civic building.

Large parts of the interior are open to the public for tours.

Under the dome are four scale models showing Hanover at different stages in its history.

The model that shows the extent of the destruction in the Second World War is an eye-opener.

You’ll be led from hall to hall, and the Hodler Hall is unforgettable for its large mural by the Swiss Symbolist Ferdinand Hodler recording Hanover’s conversion during the Reformation.

A special elevator traces the curve of the dome and carries you to an observation platform almost 100 metres above street level.

7. Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus)

On Marktplatz the Old Town Hall is Hanover’s oldest secular building, first taking shape at the start of the 15th century.

This monument, unmistakeable for its elaborate gables, is also the southernmost example of the Northern German Brick Gothic style.

The earliest section is on the east side, on Schmiedestraße, while the west side, on Köbelinger Straße, where the Town Hall’s pharmacy used to be was updated with a Neo-Romanesque design in the 19th century.

The facade on Schmiedestraße has coats of arms and portraits of Electors and princes, but also a depiction of Luderziehen, an old-fashioned game that is like a tug of war but done by linking little fingers instead of rope.

8. Maschsee

The 78-hectare, man-made lake near New Town Hall was a product of the Great Depression.

Hanover had long suffered from spring floods, and as a means to ease both flooding and the mass unemployment of the period the city began work on a lake in the floodplain of the River Leine in 1934. An interesting piece of trivia about the lake is that it loses up to a centimetre from its water level every day, and needs to be replenished by a pump station and network of ponds on the south shore.

But for you and me, Maschsee is for watersports in summer, and walks along the leafy shore, which is dotted with public art by Alexander Calder, Georg Kolbe and Arno Breker.

9. Marktkirche

Hanover’s silhouette wouldn’t be the same without the 14th-century Marktkirche in the centre of the Altstadt.

The distinguishing feature is the tower and its four pointed gables.

The story goes that the tower was supposed to be taller, but in the 1360s money ran low because of the Black Death and so a steeple was simply added to the what had already been completed.

Although the church was hit by bombs in the Second World War, a lot of its art is still in place.

You have to allow time to marvel at the three eastern stained glass windows in the chancel, dating to 1370, and the winged high altar from 1480 that has sculpted panels of scenes from the Passion, coated with gold leaf.

10. Aegidienkirche

The easternmost of Hanover’s old town churches has a history going back to 1163, but was struck by bombs in the war.

The nave and chancel have been left in their roofless, damaged state as a memorial for victims of wars and violence.

The current layout is from the 14th century in the Gothic style, while the tower, which is completely intact was given a Baroque facade at the start of the 18th century.

Inside it is a peace bell donated by Hanover’s sister city Hiroshima, and every 6 August there’s a ceremony in the church and the bell tolls on the hour throughout the day until 18:00.

11. Historisches Museum

Hanover’s historical museum is on “Am Hohen Ufer”, an embankment on the Leine River on the west side of the Altstadt.

Hanover was founded at this location on the road from Bremen to Hildesheim.

The Beginenturm, the last fully preserved city tower, has been integrated into the museum, as well as the remnants of the 17th-century ducal armoury.

The museum will bring you up to speed on Hanover’s complicated past, leading you from the Middle Ages and Welf Duchy, through the Principality of Calenburg and the royal House of Hanover.

You’ll see how Hanover has evolved from a medieval market town to an urban centre over 750 years, and discover how rural life changed in Lower Saxony from the 1600s to the 1900s.

12. Eilenriede

Twice the size of New York’s Central Park, the Eilenriede is a city forest almost in the centre of Hanover.

The western entrance is only ten minutes or so on foot from the Hauptbahnhof.

It is one of the largest connected city forests in Europe, blessed with big swathes of oak and beech woodland interspersed with lawns, water features and playgrounds.

The park was a managed forest, producing timber for 600 years before it opened to the public in the 19th century.

There’s a handful of cafes in the park and also information posts that inform you about the deer, hares, bats and martens that make a habitat in the park.

13. Luftfahrtmuseum Hanover-Laatzen

A U-Bahn ride away in Laatzen to the south of Hanover there’s a riveting little museum on the history of aviation.

It is based on the collection of the enthusiast and entrepreneur Günter Leonhardt, who went as far as salvaging several Junkers Ju 52s from the bottom of a Norwegian lake in the Arctic Circle.

In total the museum has 36 aircraft, together with 30 piston and jet engines and almost 700 models.

Some of the rarer pieces on show are an intact Junkers Jumo 004 turbjet engine, a Focke-Wulf Fw 190, a Spitfire, Messerschmitt Bf 109 and a section from a Ju 52 that you can walk inside.

And from the post-War period there’s a Lockheed F-104 Starfighter and a MiG-15.

14. Wilhelm Busch Museum

In the Georgenpalais, this museum holds the largest collection in the world for the revered 19th-century humorist and illustrator Wilhelm Busch.

You can browse paintings, drawings and original manuscripts for works like his satirical illustrated story Max and Moritz.

The museum has also gathered thousands of exhibits for artists from the same period or who have shared Busch’s irreverent worldview.

English satirists like William Hogarth and George Cruickshank are here, along with Francisco Goya, J. J. Grandville and Walter Trier, and some 700 period caricatures of Napoleon.

There are also exhibitions for contemporary satirical cartoonists like Steve Bell, Jean-Jacques Sempé and Tomi Ungerer.

15. Leibnizhaus

The philosopher, mathematician, diplomat and historian Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz spent 40 years of his life in Hanover and passed away at this Renaissance townhouse in 1716. Well, in truth it wasn’t this exact building, as the actual Leibnizhaus didn’t survive the war.

What we see now is a reconstruction from the 1980s using the original facade but in a different location.

The reliefs around the mullioned windows on that facade are worth a photo.

The interior is used for events, but there’s also an exhibition space with some artefacts from Leibniz’s life.

Most exciting is his Rechenmaschine (adding machine), which expanded on Pascal’s calculator and uses the binary number system, the basis for all modern computers.

16. Hanover Tiergarten

Just past Hanover’s eastern outskirts is a 112-hectare park that was once a hunting ground for the Electors and Kings of Hanover.

You’ll be in no doubt about the great age of the Tiergarten when you see the 650-year-old oak tree at the entrance and the many 400-500-year-old oaks in the park’s extensive woodland.

The Tiergarten remains a game reserve where up to 150 roe, fallow and red can roam freely, and there are also huge enclosures for wild boars.

Living wild in the park are several bat species, owls, hawks, falcons, foxes, badgers and Egyptian geese.

17. Museum August Kestner

Hanover’s oldest museum was inaugurated in 1889 and has wide-ranging collections comprising ancient artefacts from Egypt, Greece and Rome, and several hundred years of European applied art.

The museum venue is deserves a mention as it’s a Neo-Renaissance building inside a cube-like superstructure broken by 5,000 small windows.

Antiquarians will be in their element inside, browsing Etruscan art, Greek vases, mummies, reliefs, papyri and sculptures from Ancient Egypt.

Also awaiting you are medieval manuscripts, and precious textiles, enamelwork, ivory and bronze decorative items up to the Renaissance.

On top of all this is the largest coin collection in North Germany, composed of 120,000 pieces across 2,500 years.

18. Ernst-August-Denkmal

On Ernst-August-Platz, right in front of the main entrance to the Hauptbahnhof is a memorial for the King of Hanover, Ernest Augustus.

His reign lasted from 1837 to 1851, and if you’re interested in the historic connections between Hanover and the British throne, he was the fifth son of King George III and the uncle of Queen Victoria.

Ernest-Augustus is depicted on horseback dressed in full hussar finery.

The bronze statue was cast in 1861 and stands atop a granite plinth inscribed with the sentence, “Dem Landesvater / Sein treues Volk”, which roughly translates to “Dedicated to the father of the country, by his faithful people”.

19. Kröpcke-Uhr

Like the statue of Ernst-August, this clock is another of Hanover’s traditional meet-up locations.

The clock is in the middle of an eponymous pedestrian zone at the intersection of Georgstraße and Bahnhofstraße.

It’s a rare piece of Classical design in a modern part of the city, going back to 1885 and named after the Café Kröpcke, which sits behind it.

Now the cafe is a big 1970s structure operated by Mövenpick.

Meanwhile the current clock is an exact replica of the first one to stand here, and its glass panels hold posters for the major events or exhibitions taking place in Hanover.

20. Marienburg Castle

If you make one day-trip from Hanover this Neo-Gothic palace about 20 kilometres south of the city would be a good shout.

Resting on the side of the Marienburg Hill, the palace was started in 1857 by King George V of Hanover as a birthday gift for his wife Marie of Saxe-Altenburg.

The reason the Marienburg can’t be missed is that it was uninhabited after the couple were exiled when Hanover was annexed by Prussia in 1860, and so remained perfectly untouched until after the Second World War.

Non-German speakers can take an audio-tour, which guides you up to the top of the 44-metre main tower, and into lavish halls adorned with period furniture from the collection of the Royal House of Hanover.

21. Hannover 96

Hanover was one of the cities selected for the World Cup in 2006, and the HDI Arena (Niedersachsenstadion) was given a refit.

Now it’s a thoroughly modern sporting arena filled with almost 50,000 fans when Hannover 96 play their home games.

As for the team, Hannover 96 have had some difficult years, but as of 2017-18 play at the highest level in the Bundesliga.

Despite not having won the league championship since 1954 full-houses are common and the atmosphere is always electric.

It’s also one of Europe’s few stadiums in walking distance from the city centre, just on the west side of the Maschsee.

The HDI Arena is a cashless stadium, so you’ll have to charge a club card, which you can then use to buy food and drinks during the match.

22. Lüttje Lage

Say you really want to blend in at a bar in Hanover, the best thing to do is to try a Lüttje Lage, if you’re brave enough.

After ordering you’ll be presented with two small glasses, one with old-fashioned top-fermented beer and the other with clear Kornbrand (grain brandy) at a minimum of 37.5% alcohol content.

After that there are a couple of ways to drink your Lüttje Lage.

The old-school method is to pour the liquor on your tongue and rinse it with the beer.

But if you want to show off, you can grip the beer between your thumb and index finger, wedge the Kornbrand between your middle and ring finger, and try to down them both in one go.

23. International Fireworks Competition

If you spend an extended amount of time in Hanover you’ll notice that the city has a love for pyrotechnics.

There are fireworks displays all summer long, from the Frühlingsfest (Spring Festival) beginning in April through to the Oktoberfest in autumn.

And for five nights spread across the summer the city stages the International Fireworks Competition at the Herrenhäuser Gardens in the Great Garden.

Before the countdown to ignition there’s live music, street theatre and all kinds of sideshows.

It all builds up to a world-class pyrotechnics display, combined with music and planned by the best pyrotechnicians in the business.

24. Maschseefest

Over 19 days in August there’s an outdoor festival on the banks of the Maschsee, attended by up to two million party-goers.

The Maschseefest is a celebration of music and gastronomy, with lots of little side events and parties going on for all the family.

Evenings are when things really take off, especially over the weekends, when there are concerts by tribute acts playing the repertoires of bands like U2, ABBA, AC/DC and the Beatles.

All along the north shore of the lake the promenade is overrun by an international array of food and drink stalls, serving up delicacies from Brazil, Spain, Vietnam, Canada, Japan and South Africa, and German staples like Currywurst.

25 Best Things to Do in Hanover (Germany):

• Herrenhäuser Gardens
• Georgengarten
• Lower Saxony State Museum
• Sprengel Museum
• New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus)
• Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus)
• Marktkirche
• Aegidienkirche
• Historisches Museum
• Luftfahrtmuseum Hanover-Laatzen
• Wilhelm Busch Museum
• Leibnizhaus
• Hanover Tiergarten
• Museum August Kestner
• Ernst-August-Denkmal
• Kröpcke-Uhr
• Marienburg Castle
• Hannover 96
• Lüttje Lage
• International Fireworks Competition
• Maschseefest

• www.visit-hannover.com
• www.herrenhausen.de
• wissen.hannover.de
• www.wirtschaftsfoerderung-hannover.de

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Ernst-August-Platz 8

30159 Hannover

+49 511 12345111

+49 511 12345112

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In Hannover, attractive sights are hidden between historical buildings and beautiful landscapes in the vacation region. The red thread guides you from the tourist information center to Ernst-August-Platz, along the highlights of the city. Alternatively, you can also explore the city on your own. 

With highlights like the Herrenhausen Gardens , the New Town Hall or the Old Town , Hannover has a wealth of attractions waiting to be explored – either individually or with one of our many city tours .

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Ernst-August-Platz 8

30159 Hannover

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Germany Travel Guide

Hannover Germany: 2-day Itinerary and Map

Hannover is a city in Germany located in the state of Lower Saxony on the banks of the Leine River. It is an important center of trade and culture.

The city has many museums, galleries, theaters, parks, and gardens.

How to spend 2 days in Hannover Germany

In this 2-day itinerary in Hannover , discover the main attractions of the city.

Day 1 in Hannover

Start the day by visiting the Am Markte where you will find famous buildings such as the Marktkirche , a church with its impressive 97-meter high tower, and the Old Town Hall ( Altes Rathaus ) which now also houses a restaurant.

Head to Leineschloss , a 17th-century building on the banks of the river that was once the residence of Duke Georg von Calenberg. Another important building in Hannover is the Niedersächsische Staatstheater ( Opera House ), home to the city’s professional opera company.

Pass by Die Aegidienkirche , one of the 3 churches in the old center which have been left in ruins. 700 meters (0.4 miles) away you will find Masch Park where the Neues Rathaus ( New Town Hall ) building is located, one of the symbols of the city that has a platform for views of the city.

Visit the Landesmuseum Hannover which houses several important collections of antiquities and also the Sprengel Museum which has one of the most important modern art collections in Germany .

End the day with a stroll along the Maschsee , an artificial lake that stretches for 2.4 km (1.49 miles).

Things to see

• Marktkirche
• Altes Rathaus
• Leineschloss
• Niedersächsische Staatstheater
• Die Aegidienkirche
• Neues Rathaus
• Landesmuseum Hannover
• Sprengel Museum

Day 1 Itinerary Map

Day 2 in Hannover

On the second day in Hannover visit the Herrenhausen Gardens and the Wilhelm Busch Museum which covers the life of the famous poet and design Wilhelm Busch . The museum also houses a collection of over 700 cartoons of Napoleon .

Another attraction in the city is the Hannover Zoo , which houses animals from 5 continents.

• Herrenhausen Gardens
• Wilhelm Busch Museum
• Hannover Zoo

Day 2 Itinerary Map

Sights in Hannover

1. neues rathaus.

The Neues Rathaus was built between 1901 – 1913. The dome platform accessed by an exclusive lift offers the best views of the city.

Trammplatz 2, 30159

2. Herrenhausen Gardens

Herrenhäuser Str. 4, 30419

3. Wilhelm Busch Museum

The Wilhelm Busch Museum covers the life of Wilhelm Busch .

Along with the permanent exhibits of cartoons and comics, the museum houses the world’s largest collection of Busch’s work.

A special highlight is a collection with more than 700 caricatures of Napoleon . The museum is housed in the Georgenpalais in the Herrenhausen Gardens .

4. Am Markte

There are located several historic buildings such as the Altes Rathaus on Am Markte .

Another important attraction is the Marktkirche with its impressive tower of 97 meters in height. The Kramerstrasse still retains some of the old atmospheres of Hannover .

5. Opera House

The Opera House was built in 1852. It is home to the city’s professional opera company, Staatsoper Hannover . The season runs from September to June.

Opernpl. 1, 30159

6. Leineschloss

The Leineschloss was built in the 17th century. It is the former residence of the Hanoverian kings and the current seat of the Landtag of  Lower Saxony .

It is located on the banks of the Leine river.

Hannah-Arendt-Platz 1, 30159 

7. Niedersächsiches Landesmuseum

The Niedersächsisches Landesmuseum Hannover houses several important collections of antiques. The most popular is the Landesgalerie with its collection of European art from the romantic period to the present day.

Willy-Brandt-Allee 5, 30169

8. Hannover Zoo

The Hannover Zoo is the fifth oldest in Germany . It was remodeled as a theme park with great success.

It is estimated that half a million people visit the attraction each year.

Adenauerallee 3, 30175 

9. Maschsee

It extends for 2.4 km being the busiest area of sports and leisure in the city.

Where to stay in Hannover

1. sheraton hannover.

The Sheraton Hannover is located 10 minutes from the city center.

Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, and minibar.

Pelikanpl. 31, 30177

2. Courtyard by Marriott Maschsee Hannover

The Courtyard by   Marriott Hannover is located near the city center along the Maschsee .

Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, safe, minibar, and work desk.

Arthur-Menge-Ufer 3, 30169

3. Mercure Hannover

The Mercure Hannover City is located in the city center.

Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, minibar, safe, and coffee maker.

Willy-Brandt-Allee 3, 30169

Shopping in Hannover

Hannover has a wide selection of shops from the famous pedestrian zone to shopping centers.

Georgstrasse is the main avenue of the city.

Malls and Department Stores in Hannover

1. galeria kaufhof.

Galeria Kaufhof is a German department store chain with many stores in Germany .

The company features brands like Esprit, S. Oliver, Tom Taylor, Gerry Weber, Tommy Hilfiger, Bugatti, Olymp.

Ernst-August-Platz 5, 30159

2. Karstadt

Karstadt is a German department store chain with many stores in Germany .

The company features brands like Cacharel, Clarins, Coach, Desigual, Estée Lauder.

Georgstraße 23, 30159

3. Ernst August Galerie

The Ernst August Galerie is located 700 meters from the Marktkirche .

Brands: Adidas, Bonita, Cecil, Calvin Klein, Fossil, Levi´s, Zara Home.

Ernst-August-Platz 2 Zieladresse Navi für Parkhaus Einfahrt:, Herschelstraße 5, 30159

Plan your Trip

Hannover  has easy train access from various cities in Germany . Famous cities nearby: Bremen , Hannover ,  Berlin , Lübeck , Schwerin .

Bremen – 123 km (76.1 miles)

Hamburg – 151 km (151 miles)

Berlin – 287 km (178 miles)

Lübeck – 213 km (132 miles)

Schwerin – 255 km (158 miles)

Potsdam – 256 km (159 miles)

Braunschweig – 67.6 km (42 miles)

Kassel – 168 km (104 miles)

Leipzig – 264 km (165 miles)

Book a Train Trip

Hannover Germany Map

Book your trip, book your accommodation.

Book your hotel with Booking.com as they consistently provide the cheapest and lowest rates.

Book Your Flight

Find cheap flights to Germany by using  Momondo . Momondo is a flight search engine that searches a lot of different airlines, including many budget carriers.

Book a Train Ticket

Check the train routes and schedules with Omio . Omio is an authorized Deutsche Bahn ticket seller, which compares and combines transport options for complete flexibility.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, and cancellations. It’s a protection in case anything goes wrong. You can book your travel insurance with Travelexinsurance.com .

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Tourism in Hannover

Hotels in hannover, hannover – the trade fair and event city in the center of europe.

From ground-breaking architecture and infrastructure, to highly attractive local recreation areas in the surrounding region – the state capital of Niedersachsen boasts many interesting contrasts.

The cluster of around 50 different theatres, the state opera company, and numerous museums and galleries attract thousands of art and culture lovers every year to the many high quality performances and international art exhibitions. One of the most popular shopping streets in Germany – the Georgstraße – draws people from far and wide for stylish shopping, combined with relaxing in any of the numerous cozy cafés in the historic Old Town.

Hannover’s special pride though is its many green spaces and leafy oases. With the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, the treasured Eilenriede forest stretching into the city center, the Leine river, and the maritime flair of the Maschsee lake at the edge of the inner city, Hannover spoils its visitors with shady places to relax and a big variety of leisure and recreation activities. A diverse spectrum of sports events, open-air concerts and major festivals take place throughout the year.

Highlights include the Schützenfest (Marksmen’s Fair), the Maschsee lake festival and the International Fireworks Competition in the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, which have deservedly acquired an international reputation, drawing crowds of visitors from all over the world.

Hannover is surrounded on all sides by local recreation areas such as the Steinhuder Meer lake, the wooded ridge of the Deister, the rolling farmland of the Calenberger Land, and the water meadows of the Leine valley – offering a big range of activities for young and old. Historic half-timbered houses in many towns in the region provide a picturesque olde-worlde backdrop for shopping sprees.

Hannover has a big reputation as a warm-hearted host: as a trade fair and event city, the state capital of Niedersachsen stands in the international spotlight every year. Thousands of trade fair visitors have enjoyed Hannover’s hospitality since 1947. Hannover is the venue for CeBIT, the world’s biggest annual computer show , as well as other major trade exhibitions.

Hannover’s success as a trade show venue is largely attributable to its central location in the middle of Germany and Europe – making the city a particularly attractive business location for domestic and international visitors. Hannover not only boasts a very successful airport, but also lies at the intersection of the most important German and European superhighways. And a region-wide public transport system links up the whole area, and makes all the main tourist attractions quickly and comfortably accessible.

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In hannover, image gallery.

Top things to do

Royal gardens of herrenhausen.

The Great Garden designed in the 17th century in the French manner is one of the best preserved baroque gardens in Europe. Fully rounded off in 2013 with the complete rebuilding of the original Herrenhausen Palace, plus museum. Just as interesting are the neighbouring Berggarten botanical gardens and the Georgengarten English landscape gardens.

Maschsee / New Town Hall

A maritime paradise in the middle of the city! Modern passenger ships cruise up and down the lake taking passengers on a pleasurable cruise with various stopping points along the way. Just around the corner is the New Town Hall in Loire-castle style. Travelling up to the 97-metrehight Town Hall dome in the unique curving lift is an experience itself. The four town models inside showing the development of the city.

The historic half-timbered buildings in the Old Town form one of the most attractive quarters in the city. The imposing Market Church and the Old Town Hall are the most southerly examples of the redbrick Gothic style. Stroll through picturesque alleys, and discover the trendy boutiques, cafes and restaurants. The river Leine flows gently along just a few metres away, and its river bank offers secluded places to relax.

Hannover’s Georgstraße and the neighbouring Bahnhofstraße are two of the most frequented shopping streets in Germany! And there is more – the Niki-de-Saint-Phalle-Promenade, the charming Old Town, and several shopping malls make shopping sprees in Hannover enjoyable and varied at all times of the year.

Adventure Zoo

Hannover Adventure Zoo lies in the heart of the city – a unique zoological theme park which attracts around 1.5 million enthusiastic visitors every year. Marvel at the exotic worlds and discover more than 3000 animals in seven thrilling zoological theme settings.

of Hannover

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26 Best & Fun Things to Do in Hanover (PA)

Hanover was founded in 1763 as a borough in York county in Pennsylvania, United States.

In the 2020 census, its population was 16,429. Hanover, which is named after the German town of Hanover, is located in a fertile area, thus known for high agricultural activities.

The beautiful town features stunning architecture, fabulous shopping destinations, and restaurants and eateries that serve delicious meals. This quaint little town has something for everyone.

Are you planning to explore Hanover? Here are the best and fun things to do in Hanover, PA.

Things to Do In Hanover, PA

1. longarm reservoir.

The attraction spans a total of 27,000 acres and is made up of Reservoirs.

Longarm Reservoirs is a perfect place to visit if you want to go kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.

It also offers a peaceful environment since gasoline motors are prohibited.

It features walking trails and areas to have a nice picnic. However, there are no bathroom facilities.

People who love to fish come in great numbers to visit this destination due to its calming effect and its possession of a considerable amount of largemouth bass.

Longarm Reservoir is one of the cool parks to visit with your family.

Address: 53-99 Grand Valley Rd, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

2. The Penn Township Community Park Home of Kids Kingdom

The Penn Township Community is located along Grand View Road. It is famous for its high-quality playground.

This outdoor tourist attraction is a fine place to let your kids play and have a great time. Exploring the attraction is undoubtedly one of the fun things to do in Hanover, PA.

Tourists and locals visit this destination in large numbers to spend time outdoors or to allow their kids to play and relish some time outside.

Aside from being a great spot for kids, the destination also has a two-mile trail that adults can hike and consists of areas perfect for picnics.

In addition to the peaceful environment of the destination, The Penn Township Community Park Home of Kids Kingdom features various sports such as soccer, same volleyball, baseball, and softball.

Address: 4601 Grandview Rd, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

3. Codorus State Park

One of the top things to do in Hanover, PA, is to visit Codorus State Park . This 3,500-acre tourist attraction is situated on the hills of York county along Marina Drive in Hanover.

Codorus State Park features a large lake covering 1,275 acres known as Lake Marburg. This Lake makes Codorus State Park one of the best outdoor places in Hanover.

The Lake has a 26- mile Shoreline that features fun activities you can participate in. You can enjoy boating, swimming, fishing, camping, and picnicking at Codorus State Park. 

The Park is open throughout the year for use, so you don’t have to worry if the Park will be closed when visiting.

If you are interested in learning about the ecology and history of the place, you can take part in the educational programs held throughout the year.

Also, if you love watching birds, you can visit this place to view them since migrating Waterfowl and shorebirds often use the Lake as a rest stop.

Address: Marina Dr, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

4. South Hanover Lane

If you are looking for a place to visit with your family for some entertainment on a fantastic evening or a rainy day, one of the best things to do is to visit South Hanover Lane.

South Hanover Lane was renovated recently to make it more entertaining for visitors and has even improved its food menu. Its snack bar features ice- cream, Candy, sandwiches, and other delicious items.

The Bowling alley has added a unique automatic bumper to enable physically challenged and young kids to have fun.

The facility also features glow-bowling on Saturdays, senior special days, and other activities that are entertaining to engage in.

Throughout the year, it offers multiple different leagues. The leagues run throughout the week during afternoons and evenings.

Address: 1767 Baltimore Pike, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

5. Eichelberger Performing Arts Center

One of Hanover’s most gorgeous structures is the Eichelberger Performing Art Center . Initially, the Center was a private School built by Abdiel W.Eichelberger over 95 years ago.

After four years of being an academy, he donated it to the town to be used as a public school in 1900.

The building is currently a performing art center and a commercial building. An interesting thing about the building is that it is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Eichelberger Performing Arts Center can house 700 people. Eichelberger Performing Art Center has housed various live performances such as musicals, concerts, and charity events. Enjoying a performance in this Center is one of the fun things to do in Hanover, PA.

Recently, the Eichelberger Performing Art Center has proven to be one of Hanover’s most treasured structures and an excellent place to watch live shows regardless of the season.

Address: 195 Stock St STE 200, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

6. The Warehime Myers Mansion

This tourist attraction is located on Baltimore Street, Hanover. The Mansion was originally owned by William Warehime, who had bought it from Molly Powl Myers, a granddaughter of the Myer family.

The Mansion was built between 1911 and 1913 for Clinton N. Myers and his family. It is a well-preserved century-old building with a neo-classical structure and interior furnishings.

The building has been in the care of the Hanover Area Historical Society.

The Hanover Area Historical Society has permitted visitors to tour this magnificent building, although the tour won’t be self-guided.

As you tour the Mansion, you will see some of the original housewares used by the owner of the houses and some well-preserved furniture.

While you look around the house, do well to listen to the narrator, who will tell you stories t surrounding the Mansion and its former owners.

Address: 305 Baltimore St, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

7. Escape Confusion

Escape Confusion is another popular amusement Centre in Hanover. It is an escape room where you and your friends are kept in a themed room for some time, and the only way to escape is to solve the riddles and puzzles by thinking outside the box and reasoning skills.

If you have no idea what Escape Confusion is all about, trust us when we say that you will have an amazing time trying it.

Escape Confusion has themed rooms designed to test your ability to solve puzzles.

To escape the room within the timeframe provided, you and your team members will have to work in unity to determine the answer to the riddles.

People of all ages can take part in this fun activity.

Address: 12 Carlisle St, 3rd floor, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

8. The Hanover Area Fire Museum

If you are a history buff, one of the best things to do in Hanover, PA, is to see The Hanover Area Fire Museum.

The Hanover Area Fire Museum can be found around East Hanover Street. It features the 1947 Ward LaFrance fire engine and other interesting memorabilia related to Firefighting.

The Museum is dedicated to paying homage to the Hanover Firefighters of old times.

At this attraction, you will find firefighting tools, photographs, uniforms, and other various items of Firefighting.

Whether you are a history buff, a lover of Firefighting, or a tourist looking for places to explore, The Hanover Area Fire Museum is an excellent place to check out.

The Hanover Area Fire Museum also displays helmets, collector cards, games, and lunch boxes related to the previous times.

Address: 134 E Hanover St, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

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9. Dutch Country Restaurant

This restaurant dates back to the 1930s. Over the years, the restaurant’s name has been changed as well as the owners and the structure of the building.

Dutch Country Restaurant features menus such as egg dishes, baked goods, beverages, griddles and Belgian waffles, burgers, salads, and chicken sandwiches.

The restaurant is not very trendy or fancy. Still, it does a good job of delivering delicious meals you will enjoy when you visit.

Dutch Country Restaurant has take-out options and plenty of catering options. It opens every day of the week.

The restaurant is neat, and the staff is exceedingly competent.

Address: 946 Baltimore Street, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

10. Famous Hot Weiner

Are you craving some street food? Then head towards Famous Hot Weiner for some killer meal.

This local street food has existed in Pennsylvania for about 100 years. It has branches on Broadway street in Hanover, and the second one is in York, the nearby town.

Famous Hot Weiner is popular for its old generational chili sauce recipe placed on top of the hot dog.

There are also other options to have a hot dog with. These include Sundae and shakes as well as other desserts that you prefer.

So if you love hotdog sandwiches, visit Famous Hot Weiner during your trip to Hanover.

Address: 101 Broadway, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

11. Hanover Area Art Guild

If you love art, visit the Hanover Area Art Guild . Hanover Area Art Guild began in 1968. Over the years, it has become an organization that features over 150 artists and craftsmen and offers monthly exhibits and shows.

At this non-profit destination, you will find art made in watercolors, acrylic, oils, ceramics, photography, Jewelry, bead-work, glass, sculptures, etc.

Hanover Area Art Guild is one of the most exciting places in Pennsylvania.

The establishment sells art at amazing prices. You can buy artwork to decorate your home or as a gift for your loved ones.

Furthermore, they provide seasonal workshops and art classes for people who are interested in art, as well as give scholarships to high school students.

Address: 32 Carlisle St, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

12. Hickory Falls Family Entertainment Center

One of the best places to visit in Hanover, PA, with your family is the Hickory Fall Family Entertainment Center .

The tourist attraction is a large arcade center located along Hickory Lane. It consists of over 3o video games for you or your kids to try.

It also features Virtual Reality games for single players and plenty of players. Aside from playing video games, there’s an option for you to participate in go-kart races or play laser tags.

If you like golfing, there is an 18- hole mini golf course that you can golf at. There is even a small bowling alley to visit if you are looking for a calmer activity to participate in.

Finally, after spending a day trying out the various fun-filled games and facilities in Hickory Falls Family Entertainment Center, you can have a good meal at the café in the Center. 

The numerous games featured in these tourist attractions will no doubt keep you entertained when you visit, and you will also make exciting memories.

Address: 110 Hickory Ln, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

13. The Market At Hanover

The market At Hanover is a popular tourist attraction frequently visited by tourists and locals of Hanover. It is located along Broadway Street.

This tourist attraction is a year-round indoor market with 18 wonderful restaurants and over twenty local and independently owned shops.

The Market at Hanover occupies more than 52,000 square feet. You can shop for gourmet groceries, hand-made items, Jewelry, clothing, and home décor at the Market At Hanover.

You will also find delights in the Varieties of international meals such as Korean and Mexican meals.

You can also enjoy other cuisines such as fresh ground beef burgers and cheesesteaks, wood-fired pizza, seafood, Bit beef, soups, and salad.

There are also plenty of activities for the family to engage in, and you get to enjoy live local music every weekend.

Lastly, The Market At Hanover has a lot of parking space, so you don’t have to worry about looking for a place to park your vehicle.

Address: 1649 Broadway, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

14. St. Vincent de Paul Church

In 1905, a banker and farmer, Vincent O’ Bold, was supported with the funds needed to build the St Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and its Parish House.

Unfortunately, before the Church was completed, he died after his wife and four daughters died.

When the Church was consecrated, 300 people were in attendance. In subsequent years, the number of people that attend mass here has grown to 1400.

Other additions to the building include a convent, a 20-acre cemetery, a library, and a school.

Mass is held every day at the Church. It also features a thrift shop within the building.

If you are a catholic vacationing in Hanover, you can join the local mass to see how mass is celebrated here.

Even non-Catholics can visit the Church if they are looking for a quiet place for a minute or two of reflection.

Address: 220 3rd St, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

15. Hanover Little Theatre

Are you looking for what to do in Hanover, PA? If yes, how about watching a show at Hanover Little Theatre?

This 117- seater auditorium houses some live shows held In Hanover. It features Amateur theater actors who have volunteered their time and energy to put on shows to entertain the visitors who frequent the theater.

Since its establishment in 1948, tourists and locals have visited it to watch performances in the theater.

If you visit Hanover Little Theatre, it will be a delight to be amazed by the rare and dazzling shows put on by these amateur theatre actors, and you will definitely not forget them in a hurry.

Address: 360 Blooming Grove Rd, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

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16. Bay City Restaurant & Seafood Company

Bay City Restaurant & Seafood Company was established by William ‘Ted’ Smith in Hanover.

In 1963, William began the restaurant by transporting fresh seafood like crabs across state lines. He used his Volkswagen Beetle to move this seafood.

Initially, the restaurant specialized in take-outs before he built a building that could carry up to 600 people in 1991.

The building features an outdoor patio, an indoor restaurant, a shop that sells fresh and cooked seafood, and a banquet house. It also features a lounge area entertaining people with live music every week.

Bay City Restaurant & Seafood Company is open every day of the week. They also offer catering services off- sites.

Bay City Restaurant& Seafood Company are dedicated to providing excellent customer service and mouthwatering meals. They also offer different American cuisines for lunch and dinner.

Address: 110 W Eisenhower Dr, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

17. Utz Factory Tour Gallery

If you are a fan of Potato chips and are interested in seeing how they are made, visit the Utz Factory Tour Gallery for a self-guided tour.

The Utz Factory Tour Gallery’s first stop is a spacious room filled with written information about the factory. You will also find pictures and other items from the time of establishing the factory.

While touring this 600,000-square-foot potato chips factory, you will have the opportunity to watch through a special glass-enclosed observation area the process involved in manufacturing the chips.

Aside from watching the whole process from start to finish, you will also learn about the stories behind the company.

Utz Factory Your Gallery is among the neatest snack operations in the United States.

A visit to this destination is suitable for you and your family. It also serves as an educational outlet for people of all ages. And most importantly, you can enjoy the tour without feeling rushed.

The factory is open for hours from Monday to Thursday. Although reservations are unnecessary, it is essential to call ahead and ensure that the factory will be open to avoid disappointment.

Address: 900 High St, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

18. R/C Hanover Movies 16

On February 11, 2000, R/C Hanover Movies 16 was established in Hanover. This destination is quite known among locals and tourists in Hanover.

R/C Hanover Movies 16 features a digital projection, online ticketing, high-back rocking chairs, game and party rooms, 3D presentations, and matinees.

The Movie theater is easy to locate. They have good customer service, and the restrooms are neat and comfortable. Also, the tickets are sold at considerable prices.

Aside from the comfortable restrooms, the staff is civil and friendly. The theatre also has an impressive food selection and a small arcade.

You can use the benches and tables littered around the theater if you are early for a show.

R/C Hanover Movie 16 is a clean and comfortable destination to visit if you are looking for a place to unwind and catch an exciting show.

Address: 380 W Eisenhower Dr, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

19. The Hanover Trolley

If you are searching for what to do in Hanover, PA, you can visit The Hanover Trolley.

This 3.5-mile crushed/ stone trail was built along with the York- Hanover Trolley line.

It is a beautiful place for walking, jogging, skiing, cross-country, and biking for you and your loved ones. It is also a great spot to watch birds. The trails are well-kept and neat.

Since the trails are flat, it suits those learning how to ride bicycles. It also has several places for a quick rest.

Address: Hanover, PA 17331, United States

20. Aldus Brewing Company

One of the best places to visit in Hanover, PA, is the Aldus Brewing Company , especially for beer lovers.

It is one of the brewing companies in Hanover that specialize in making craft beer. This interesting destination is located along Centennial Avenue.

The brewery is established in a building that used to be a snack food factory. The building has existed since the 1920s to produce snacks and other baked products.

Aldus Brewing Company is known for creating flavors suitable for everyone, including people who do not drink craft beer.

Additionally, Aldus Brewing Company offers tasty meals to go with the trademarked craft beers.

The bartenders at the brewery have more than enough information about the craft beers, so if you want to know about the beers while you are there, they will be glad to educate you.

Address: 555 Centennial Ave, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

21. Revonah Pretzel

Although Haniver is known for its delicious hotdogs, it is also famous for producing the highest amount of pretzels worldwide.

Since 1935, Renovah has been producing mouthwatering pretzels.

Aside from tasting the delicious pretzels produced at Renovah Pretzel , you can also get a tour of the Factory.

When you visit the factory on tour, you will learn the history behind the Pretzel business and the processes used to make the pretzel unique.

Another interesting fact about this tourist attraction is that Renova Pretzels uses its seventy-year-old brick oven. Even their original sourdough recipe is used to date.

Address: 507 Baltimore St, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

22. Warehouse Gourmet Bistro and Brew Pub

Warehouse Gourmet Bistro and Brew Pub owners are called Keith and Melinda. They were born in Hanover and were raised there.

After Keith got his fine art degree, he purchased an old building he started using as an art studio. His wife later had an idea of starting a restaurant, so the art studio was turned into a brewery and pub building on October 4, 2005.

The pub opens five times a week- Tuesday to Saturday. Over the past 16 years, the business has grown, and its food has evolved. As a result, they also have an increase in staff.

Warehouse Gourmet Bistro and Brew Pub offer great meals and great beers.

Some of their meal specials are the Smash burgers, Brie cheese sandwiches, sweet potatoes, and Chimichurri.

Address: 7 Pennsylvania Ave, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

23. Yesteryear Antique Center

If you are looking for where to buy Antique pieces during your stay in Hanover, Yesteryear Antique Center is the perfect location to visit.

This 26,000- square- foot building features different kinds of collectibles and antiques that will no doubt interest you. It can be found three blocks away from Hanover’s post office.

Yesteryear Antique Center has an extensive collection of antique collections such as coins, furniture, postcards, jewelry, toys, glassware, books and linens, and other supplies.

The shop opens daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Even if you don’t want to buy anything, there’s no harm in visiting the store and letting your eyes wander about the store. It’s even more perfect if you visit when the weather is cold.

While you are in the building, make sure to look carefully at all the antiques, and you might even be surprised to find out that there’s a history behind every item featured in the mall.

Address: 441 Pine St, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

24. Magic Elm Skateland Inc.

Magic Elm Skateland offers skating facilities for everyone and also hosts private parties. It is the perfect location for family outings, birthday parties, and corporate team buildings. 

Magic Elm Skateland offers a small arcade, a prize shop, and delicious food. They also have a store filled with additional items you may need for skating and an incredible selection of new and used skates and gear.

They have walkers for novice skaters, so your chances of falling on the ground are pretty low. The floor is highly maintained.

So, if you have a child that requires help learning how to skate, this is the place to bring them. 

If you plan to celebrate your kid’s birthday in Hanover, Magic Elm Skateland is an ideal destination. There is enough parking from the rink. The price is reasonable, especially if you visit on a special skate day.

Address: 625 W Elm Ave, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

25. Breakdown Rage Room

Breakdown Rage Room allows you to destroy, wreck, and break items. You get to choose the items to destroy, pick the means of destruction, such as hammers, bats, hockey sticks, and golf clubs, put on protective gear, and begin breaking. 

In addition to being a fantastic experience, the owner and her crew are friendly, accommodating, and ready to take excellent care of you. 

The owner also goes out of her way to make sure you are safe and having a good time. She also has a playlist of rage music and will include the songs you ask for if she has them. 

Breaking things at Breakdown Rage Room is a good way to release built-up stress and feel alive.

Address: 218 E Chestnut St, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

26. Mary Ann Furnace Trailhead

Mary Ann Furnace Trailhead is a 3.5-km loop trail. This Trailhead is considered an easy route by everyone who uses it. 

The Trail is famous for hiking, camping, and bird-watching, so you will likely meet other people while exploring. 

The trail is open the whole year, and you can visit anytime. Dogs can come here, but they have to be on a leash. 

Address: 1773, 1389 Black Rock Rd, Hanover, PA 17331, United States

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Plan Your Trip to Hanover

This small town may not be overly glamorous or chic, but it has charming features that attract tourists worldwide.

The town is full of historic buildings, restaurants, shopping centers, amusement centers, and parks that permit fishing, bird-watching, picnicking, and kayaking.

A fun time awaits you in Hanover.

Hanover Visitor Center

Hanover county, va travel and tourism guide.

With miles and miles of open space to explore, you can discover history , adventure and an easily accessible location in Hanover County . Here, more than 400 years of American history live on through preserved artifacts, historical buildings and hallowed battlefields.

But the County makes history in other ways, too. Enjoy the great outdoors at one of our many parks or rivers. Conquer the thrills of  Kings Dominion 's 15 roller coasters. Dine in a 225-year-old  tavern  that has hosted George Washington, Patrick Henry and the Marquis de Lafayette. And with a variety restaurants , diverse shopping and down-home festivals, Hanover County is ideal for weekend getaways and vacations .

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25 Crazy and offbeat roadside attractions in Hannover

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Attractions

2 Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover

3 New Town Hall

4 herrenhäuser gärten, 5 sea life hannover, 6 aegidienkirche, 7 market church hannover, 8 eilenriede city forest, 9 atrium altes rathaus hannover, 10 sprengel museum, 11 landesmuseum hannover, 12 aviation museum hannover-laatzen, 13 hannover altstadt, 14 park der sinne, 15 german museum of caricature and drawings, 17 museum august kestner, 18 hannoversches tram museum e.v., 19 markthalle hannover, 20 schützenplatz hannover, 21 superfly hannover, 22 camping & freizeit parksee lohne, 23 welfengarten, 24 nana's stübchen, 25 wohnmobilstellplätze "zur leinemasch", top searches in hannover, popular road trips from hannover, what's the weather like in hannover.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Hannover for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Hannover in January
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All road trips from Hannover

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Explore nearby places

• Pattensen b Hannover
• Langenhagen
• Barsinghausen
• Algermissen
• Nordstemmen
• Bad Nenndorf
• Bad Munder am Deister
• Neustadt am Rubenberge

All related maps of Hannover

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Hannover throughout the year

• Hannover in January
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Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Hannover?

Get inspired for your trip to Hannover with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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Best roadside attractions in nearby cities

• Crazy and offbeat roadside attractions in Hamburg
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• Crazy and offbeat roadside attractions in Strasbourg
• Crazy and offbeat roadside attractions in Leipzig
• Crazy and offbeat roadside attractions in Bremen
• Crazy and offbeat roadside attractions in Potsdam

Best attractions in nearby cities

• Top things to do and attractions in Berlin
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Best restaurants in nearby cities

• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Berlin
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Hannover Things To Do – Attractions & Must See

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Hannover Things To Do

Central Hannover is one of Germany’s less-known places. If you love gardens, this is the place to head. Take a scent filled walk in the gardens, walk around Old Town, and see the modern zoo when you’re done.

Herrenhausen Gardens

This vast complex of formal gardens is one of the delights of the city, With more than 135 hectares of land to explore, the garden is a treat for the eye and all your senses. There’s a tram that brings you right to the gate. Four gardens await: the Grosser Garten, Georgengarten, Berggarten and Welfengarten. There’s an orangery, a maze and a large collection of orchids as well as many summer concerts.

The Old Town

Bombed during WWII and then rebuilt, many facades are not as old as they seem. Many buildings have been here since medieval times. Look for the Old Town Hall and the Market Church. See a performance at the opera house. There’s a tower devoted to the lives of the Beginen, widows who wanted to live a religious life without becoming nuns. This is the site of the local flea markets. Every Saturday it’s host to one of the largest flea markets in Germany.

The newly refurbished zoo is one of the largest in Europe. Home to dozens of exhibits, there’s a special focus on animals of Africa. There’s also an entire section devoted to a working German farm where you can milk a mechanical cow. The kids have an area with a jungle gym and exhibits geared towards their age group.

The Leineschloss

The schloss is a former palace and home to the present day parliament. This is also where the present day English monarchy descends from. George III was king of Hannover and king of England until the two monarchies split up. His eventual successor, Queen Victoria, was not allowed to inherit because she was a woman.

The Aegidienkirche

One of the oldest churches in Germany, this church was bombed during WWII. After the bombing, city officials made the decision to leave it as it is. Today, it serves as a memorial to peace and a reminder of the horrors of war.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Hannover.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Hanover pennsylvania attractions

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Our History

Early settlement and founding, (1730s-1760s).

Hanover, Pennsylvania, traces its origins back to the 1730s when Richard McAllister acquired land in the area, eventually leading to the town’s official founding in 1763. Positioned along a major route between Baltimore and Philadelphia, Hanover quickly developed into a pivotal trade center. The town’s growth was significantly influenced by German immigrants, who established prosperous farming and milling industries in the region.

American Revolution and Civil War

(1770s-1860s).

Hanover played notable roles during pivotal moments in American history. During the Revolutionary War, it served as a critical supply center for the Continental Army. In 1777, the Continental Congress briefly used Hanover as a temporary capital to escape British forces, underscoring its strategic importance. The town was also impacted by the Civil War, experiencing Confederate raids such as the skirmish during the Gettysburg Campaign in 1863.

Industrialization and Growth

(late 19th to early 20th century).

The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed Hanover’s transformation into an industrial powerhouse. Factories producing shoes, cigars, and furniture became prominent, shaping the town’s economy. Hanover’s prominence in the shoe industry earned it the moniker “Shoe Capital of the World.” Additionally, it later became renowned as the “Snack Food Capital of the World” due to the proliferation of snack food manufacturers in the area.

Modern Developments and Recognitions (20th Century to Present)

In the 20th century, Hanover continued its trajectory of growth and diversification. Beyond manufacturing, the town embraced historic preservation efforts, leading to accolades like the Great American Main Street Award in 2002 for revitalization initiatives. Annual events such as the Snack Town Brew Fest celebrate the town’s German heritage. Today, Hanover strikes a balance between its rich history and modern amenities, solidifying its status as a vibrant community in south-central Pennsylvania.

downtown Hanover Tourism

Heart of hanover trails.

Heart of Hanover Trails is the best way to learn more about Hanover’s history in an interactive and informative walking tour through the downtown.  Featuring Civil War history, human interest stories, and little known details about life in Hanover. Visit our dedicated webpage with interactive map, or start your walk using one of our itineraries.

Dine & shop downtown

Indulge in a variety of dining experiences, from cozy cafes to upscale restaurants, each offering unique flavors to satisfy every palate. After your meal, stroll through charming streets lined with boutique shops, artisan stores, and specialty retailers. 

Hanover Trail Towns

Main Street Hanover worked with the York County Economic Alliance (YCEA) to form the Hanover Action Team to introduce the Hanover Community to the York County Trail Towns program.  Trail Towns are communities adjacent to public trails that choose to embrace the trail as an opportunity for economic growth and improved quality of life.

Marker Details

The Myers Mansion was built over a period of three years, beginning in 1911, as the residence of Clinton N. Myers of Hanover Shoe Company. William Warehime generously donated the Warehime-Myers Mansion at 305 Baltimore Street in Hanover, its contents and the grounds to the Hanover Area Historical Society along with an endowment for the conservation of the properties. Mr. Warehime grew up across the street from the Myers Mansion and had long admired the neo-classical structure. The mansion remained in the Myers family until 1997 when Mr. Warehime purchased it from Molly Powl Myers, a granddaughter, who lived in Montana.

Learn more about the mansion and how to visit here .

Pleasant Hill Hotel became a makeshift hospital during the period following the Battle of Hanover and the Battle of Gettysburg.  That building stood beside the current mansion location on Baltimore St.

The new museum is home to hundreds of unique items, covering some 300 years of local history, and is the culmination of thousands of hours of research and development by a small, but dedicated team of volunteers. From the tale of Digges’ Choice in the 1720s to an entire display dedicated to the beloved summertime Forest Park, the museum takes guests on a journey that is structured both by time period and topic. Major themes covered include local religion, language, education, transportation and manufacturing.

Find more information along with how to visit here.

After disengaging from the Union cavalry in the late afternoon of June 30, Confederate Gen. J.E.B. Stuart's cavalry division left Hanover. Stuart and his men embarked upon a half.-circle odyssey south then northeast around town while Stuart's rear guard, did not depart Hanover until after dark. The next day, July 1, Stuart and a portion of his exhausted troops advanced to Carlisle searching for supplies and information. Some historians contend that Lee suffered an "information blackout" during the first two days of the Battle of Gettysburg, thereby depriving Confederates of strategic high points and information during the Battle of Gettysburg.

By June 29, Stuart had reached Union Mills, dangerously out of touch with Lee. Stuart had captured 125 Union wagons carrying provisions, along with 600 mules saddled with supplies, all of which bogged down his progress and kept him far away from Lee.

To some, the nameless, stoic picket on horseback on the Hanover Square symbolizes the dignity and honor of the cavalry, and the vigilance of every day, tough--and--tumble Union soldiers.

Capturing two prisoners and a Confederate battle flag south of town in this vicinity, Private Burke was the first Medal of Honor Recipient for valor in a Civil War battle on free soil. Read all the profiles by visiting the marker.

In 1863, charming brick and wooden homes lined both sides of Frederick Street from Center Square to the Winebrenner Tannery and the Karl Forney Farm. This are became the turbulent center of confusion during the battle as cavalrymen from New York and Pennsylvania fight face.-to.-face against those from North Carolina and Virginia.

In many towns like Hanover, rail depots also were telegraph headquarters. Hanover's was on present-day Railroad Street. Three days before the Battle of Hanover, Confederate Lt. Col. Elijah White's men were on a mission: search for and destroy Pennsylvania railroad bridges and telegraph lines.

Joanna Wrentzel (née Thomas), of Hanover, wrote “The morning of the battle I went to the square with a wash basket of bread and a kettle of apple butter and helped feed the soldiers that were coming into Hanover. The soldiers were awful tired and hungry and were glad to get the food people were giving them.” Visit DiscoverHanoverPA.org for more information.

On these first blocks of Frederick Street lived pioneering newspaperwoman Mary Sophia Leader (1835--1913), famous author John Luther Long (1861--1927), and historian George Reeser Prowell (1849--1928), all buried one mile south of here in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Just north of the Mason--Dixon line, the divide between states where slavery was legal and free states like Pennsylvania, Hanover was a logical stop on the Underground Railroad.

As the Union reclaimed the square for good, Kilpatrick ordered troops, with the help of citizens, to barricade streets with barrels, farm wagons, dry goods boxes, and other materials to provide cover.

This pen drawing depicts what a barricade would have looked like as it is a depiction of a similar event in Baltimore, MD.

In 1887, Union Gen. Alfred Pleasonton, writing of the Gettysburg Campaign, asserted that “Hanover saved the fate of the nation.” It is of the Battle of Hanover that he spoke.

As the battle continued into the mid-day, both sides maneuvered their cannons into place to support their soldiers efforts. Both sides exchanged cannon fire for up to two hours.  Artillery units would have looked similar to this photograph of a Union Field Artillery Unit in position.

The historic Neas House at Chestnut and High Streets in Hanover is a Georgian residence built around 1783 by Mathias Neas, a tanner who acquired six lots from his brother, George Neas, in November 1782.

York County produced more than 6,200 soldiers in the Civil War. While no final tally is possible, the number of county men who died from war wounds and disease was as high as 900. Hanover's Mount Olivet Cemetery alone has at least 235 Union graves.

Varied industries, such as foundries; distillers; and coal, lumber and hemp rope distributors, bought or rented parcels within the Commons. The Commons roughly extended from Railroad Street to the west, North Street to the north, and Chestnut Street to the east.

For more information on current industry leaders, visit the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce and read about their apprenticeship program in the area through partnerships with local manufacturers.

Downtown saw heavy fighting as the battle of Hanover erupted in this area – hand-to-hand combat broke out amid gunfire, shrieks, and shouts.

Open every Saturday morning the Hanover Market House on E. Chestnut St. was constructed in 1933 and has been there ever since. 

Originally operating in Center Square, the original open-air market building was often mistaken as a misplaced covered bridge.  The structure featured the town’s only jail cell below ground level.  The market operated in this open air structure from 1815 to 1872.

This plaque memorialized the visit of President Lincoln to Hanover on his journey to Gettysburg to deliver the famous ‘Gettysburg Address’.

Hanover’s first industrial park was built around the railroad lines in the late 19th century. The area known as the ‘Hanover Commons’ helped shape the town’s future as a community of entrepreneurs and family businesses.

There is no doubt that Hanover’s access to rail lines helped position it as a hub of industry and innovation. The businesses in Hanover thrived with access to major metropolitan areas.

President Lincoln’s stop at the Hanover Branch Railroad station was a cause for great celebration in the town. Many went gather for a glimpse at the President as he traveled to Gettysburg, where he delivered his address the next day.

For more information about the Gettysburg Address or Lincoln’s stop in Hanover visit: Battlefields.org

The Guthrie Memorial Library, Hanover’s Public Library, is a welcoming environment representing education, recreation, and progress. The library forms a cultural connection that joins people through text, technology and meeting spaces. Visit YorkLibraries.org.

End of an era: Ben David retires as district attorney for New Hanover and Pender counties

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - After two decades as New Hanover and Pender counties’ top attorney, District Attorney Ben David is leaving. Tuesday, Sept. 3, is his official last day as D.A.

“As I tell my three teenage kids now you don’t want to stay at the party too long,” David said.

Ben David says after 25 years in the district attorney’s office, 20 of which as the top attorney, it was just time. The last dance of his judicial jam.

“When you hit 25 years, that’s kind of the time when the state says you can continue to work but it’s on your time now rather than ours.”

The 54-year-old says he’s ready for a new challenge. He has one. He’s the first CEO of the new Community Justice Center created by the New Hanover Community Endowment.

“You know you kind of hit your stride when you’re my age,” he said. “I’ve tried to do a good job in the time I’ve been here. I feel like I’ve learned a lot and one thing that I’m passionate about is not just responding to crime but trying to go out and prevent it.”

“Today’s victim is tomorrow’s defendant”

David recalls what he considers his Mount Rushmore of cases. Cases like a two-day shooting spree with a deadly ending.

It’s a case David says he’ll never forget. William Gilmore started his crime spree by shooting at Shelly Lancaster six times while she was out walking her dog near Roland Grise Middle School. She was lucky she survived. Gilmore’s crime spree moved to Wrightsville Beach the next day then ended in a shootout on Market Street. Law enforcement had no choice but to kill him.

David says Gilmore had a troubled childhood. He believes that childhood, like so many, lead to his demise and hopes the new Community Justice Center will play a role in reaching children before they grow up to become criminals.

“Today’s victim is tomorrow’s defendant,” David said. “And what I mean by that is people who are traumatized frequently end up traumatizing other people.”

Melissa Mooney’s murder

“An FBI secretary was killed in her own home - strangled in a model home right there in the Apple Valley subdivision.”

Melissa Mooney was found brutally murdered inside her home. For ten years the case went unsolved. David, who for years had taken pride in finding justice for the dead was tormented. Then investigators got a break in the case. Mooney’s next door neighbor, Tyrone Delgado, was convicted in her brutal murder. That’s one case the top prosecutor says will forever be one of his most memorable.

“To win the directors award for the top prosecution in the country that year, this was back in 2009, and to be able to bring justice to Melissa and her family and to take one of the most violent people I’ve ever met off the street - that one is up there.”

Shannon Rippy Van Newkirk’s murder

This was a murder case that took an unexpected turn. In 2014 when Shannon Rippy Van Newkirk didn’t show up for her own birthday party, her family filed a missing person’s report. She was last seen at a bar in downtown Wilmington. A co-worker at a local landscaping company was also seen at the same spot the night she vanished.

That co-worker was James Bradley.

“James Bradley is a serial killer. He’ someone who methodically hunts people and kills them in ritualistic and serial way,” David said during an interview with WECT in 2014.

Several weeks after her disappearance, a decomposed body was found, and investigators just knew it was Shannon Rippy Van Newkirk. Then Ben David got a call.

“I get a call from Chief Ralph Evangelous with the Wilmington Police Department. ‘Ben, are you sitting down? My lead detective is at the autopsy right now. It’s not her.’”

The woman in the shallow grave turned out to be Alisha Tucker. She disappeared seven months earlier after having a sexual relationship with Bradley. He was convicted of her murder. And while Bradley was convicted of Shannon Rippy Van Newkirk’s murder, her body has never been found.

“To try a case where we never had a confession or a witness or a crime scene or a murder weapon or even a body and still be able to convict him- that was from a legal standpoint probably the most challenging case I’ve ever tried,” David recalled.

Peyton Strickland shooting

“No one is above the law and no one is beneath its protection.”

That’s what Ben David said in an interview in 2006 after Peyton Strickland, a Cape Fear Community College student, was shot and killed by a New Hanover County sheriff’s deputy. A team of deputies raided his home in search of two stolen PlayStation 3 video game consoles. Cpl. Christopher Long told investigators he mistook the sound of a battering ram officers used to break open the front door to the house for gunfire. He was fired by the sheriff’s department a week after the shooting.

“You know the hardest cases to handle are police involved cases involving use of force, usually shootings,” David said.

That particular case got messy. Long was indicted for second-degree murder but the case took an unexpected turn a day after the indictment..

“Twenty-four hours later the grand jury foreman came back in and said ‘We checked the wrong box.’”

There were no other charges for Long. The former corporal never faced any charges. David says he took some heat over the indictment debacle, a matter that was out of his control.

“There was so much public confusion behind that case because people watch TV and think the prosecutors are in the room. They think we know what happened in a grand jury room. We only send in indictments and they either stamp them as true bills or not.”

David says the protocol has changed since that case. Now there are several boxes to check before a grand jury signs off on an indictment. New Hanover County ended up paying close to $3 million dollars to Peyton Strickland’s family.

Overall, David is extraordinarily proud of what he accomplished in the district attorney’s office, especially as a strong advocate for victims. David says he’s most proud that his office never had a wrongful conviction in his 20 years at the helm.

Wilmington is home forever

The Florida native moved to Wilmington in 1999 after graduating from Wake Forest University School of Law to take a job as an ADA. John Carriker was the district attorney at the time. After Carriker retired, David would run for the office and win in 2004.

David knew he and his wife would likely live in Wilmington for a few years but when his twin brother, Jon, moved to the Port City in 2001, it sealed the deal. Jon is the district attorney for Bladen, Brunswick and Columbus counties. Jon has no plans to retire. Ben says he has no plans to ever leave Wilmington.

“Wilmington is home now. I hope to die here,” he said.

David will leave the office with some unfinished business: cases that were continued past his retirement date. For one, the trials for the men accused of killing two people inside the home of the former COO of TRU Colors in 2021. In April, a judge further delayed the trials. No date has been set.

David says his focus now is the new Community Justice Center he hopes will still be around 100 years from now.

When asked if he would ever go into private practice, he responded “absolutely.” It is definitely part of the long-range plan for the now former district attorney.

It’s been an emotional departure. Last Friday, hundreds gathered at Thalian Hall for a special retirement celebration. David said he’s just so grateful the community gave him the opportunity.

“How can I be anything other than grateful today. I mean I’ve done a job I love with the people I love in a community I love. I can’t believe the opportunity I’ve had to raise three incredible kids here with my wife Steffi. I just want to thank people for giving me the chance to be their D.A. People ask do I have another chapter?”

With a smile, he replies, “I have whole book in me.”

Copyright 2024 WECT. All rights reserved.

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14 Most Beautiful Towns In New Hampshire You Should Visit

• New Hampshire is home to many beautiful towns with unique charms, offering a variety of activities for tourists to enjoy.
• Towns like Peterborough, Harrisville, Lincoln, Meredith, Portsmouth, Hanover, Exeter, Sugar Hill, Littleton, Hancock, Gorham, Londonderry, Keene, and Jackson are all worth visiting.
• From art and culture to outdoor adventures, historical landmarks to picturesque scenery, these towns in New Hampshire have something for everyone to experience and appreciate.

Its location in the heart of New England makes New Hampshire a center of attention, as it should be because it’s home to many awesome attractions . To its east is the pristine Gulf of Maine, with its breeze sending good luck to tourists. There are many spots to explore in the Granite State, from the peaks of White Mountains , Monadnock, and Great North Woods Regions to the waterways of Seacoast, Merrimack Valley, Dartmouth–Lake Sunapee, and the picturesque Lakes Region .

The list goes on, and there’s much to see . When sightseeing in New Hampshire, tourists should not confine themselves to the quaint capital Concord . The state is proud of its beautiful towns, each offering charms that will cure that travel itch.

UPDATE: 2023/09/06 22:53 EST BY MARIA BOU INK

These Are The 10 Most Beautiful Towns In New Hampshire You Should Visit

The beauty of New Hampshire towns cannot be limited to 10. Therefore, this list was updated to include more pretty towns in NH to visit.

Related: 10 Small Towns In New Hampshire That Look Like A Norman Rockwell Painting

Peterborough

Peterborough, one of the prettiest towns in New Hampshire, is a convenient location brimming with small-town charm. Located along the Contoocook River, it is a well-liked tourist destination full of art and culture. This quaint, New Hampshire town is home to two theater companies as well as The MacDowell Colony, a well-known artists' retreat. The Colony, the country's oldest artists' retreat , sponsors numerous events and supports artists' creative endeavors. It received the National Medal of Arts in 1997 as a result of its extraordinary success. The Monadnock Center for History and Culture is a great place to learn about Peterborough's extensive past. Food lovers enjoy several delicious eating alternatives, while outdoor enthusiasts will like the diversity of activities offered.

• Best time to visit Peterborough: June to September

Harrisville

A charming 19th-century mill village called Harrisville may be found in the state’s southernmost Monadnock Region. The New Hampshire beautiful town is a real historical jewel and is teeming with gorgeous structures and individual businesses. Red-brick buildings, mills, and bodies of water are all present in the downtown district, which is a National Historic Landmark. These elements combine to create picturesque scenes. The town is a great spot to explore on foot and has many pathways for wandering.

• Best time to visit Harrisville: Mid-June to mid-September

Fall in New Hampshire offers a surreal picture of hues, aromas, and sounds that make tourists want to curl up in a warm sweater and take in a crisp autumn afternoon. Particularly Lincoln, New Hampshire, is a hidden treasure of a town full of adorable stores, filling regional eateries, and stunning scenery to add to the scrapbook. Lincoln is the ideal starting point for a New England autumn color road trip since it serves as the entrance to the picturesque Kancamagus Highway. Tourists should also put visiting the Cannon Mountain and White Mountain National Forest on the list of things to do in this one of the most beautiful towns in New Hampshire.

• Best time to visit Lincoln: June to October

Meredith is surrounded by natural beauty and is situated in the Lakes Region, which includes Squam Lake, Lake Winnipesaukee, and Newfound Lake. This charming town in New Hampshire offers a variety of historical monuments, outdoor activities, and specialized stores. Tourists have a choice of leisurely beautiful drives, plays at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse, rides on the Winnipesaukee beautiful Railroad, and more. The Lakes Region Fine Arts and Crafts Festival is only one of the many occasions and celebrations that occur throughout the year.

• Best time to visit Lincoln: June to August

When talking about the best towns in New Hampshire, Portsmouth is always part of the list . This city by the pristine Piscataqua River is flocked by summer revelers who want to make a splash – literally. As a historic seaport, Portsmouth has been teeming with life ever since, so those who want to step back in time have something to appreciate in this city. After all, this New Hampshire charmer has 400 years of rich history , evident in its many buildings. What takes the cake, however, are the many beaches of the city waiting for tourists who want to walk to witness the sunrise and Portsmouth's other exciting attractions .

• Best time to visit Portsmouth: May to October

Related: Cozy Christmas Vacation: Why Portsmouth, NH Is Perfect

The charming Connecticut River passes by Hanover, serving as a refuge for those who want to log off. Beyond this calming waterway, the town is home to many spots that cater to lovers of the outdoors. North of Hanover is Moose Mountain, where the Appalachian Trail passes. The said trail trudges the main street, perfect for a sightseeing journey. It will then lead trekkers to the athletic fields of the historic Dartmouth College. When winter comes, the said trail turns into a playground for snowmobilers, bikers, and snowshoers. An adventure hangover is a good thing in Hanover.

• Best time to visit Hanover: End of May to end of September

Exeter is another town proud of its river with the same name. The breeze of this waterway entices tourists to sit by its side to enjoy its calm. The only thing visitors need to do is to choose where to place their picnic mats. After all, the town has more than 56 acres of recreational spots . Before enjoying the greenery, tourists can first sightsee Main Street, where brick buildings house unique shops. From humble historic structures to awesome outdoor spots, Exeter knows how to excite.

• Best time to visit Exeter: Late May to early October

Sugar Hill is home to over 600 residents (as of 2020), and they are always eager to welcome visitors. As they should because the town has a lot to offer. For starters, tourists can drop by the museum that highlights the area’s rich past. Afterward, they can grab a snack at the local favorite Polly's Pancake Parlor. As its name suggests, the town is located on a hillside, making it a good starting point for those who want to hike Bronson Hill or White Mountain National Forest, where its peaks await those who want a good view of the townscape.

• Best time to visit Sugar Hill: May to September

Related: 10 Cozy Towns In New Hampshire To Visit This Fall

Littleton is proud of its famous local, Eleanor H. Porter, who authored the children’s classic Pollyanna , whose statue was unveiled in the town. It is also home to Littleton Coin Company, flocked by numismatists for its collection. Outdoor lovers will also enjoy exploring this White Mountain town by the Connecticut River. Hikers can take the route to Kilburn Crags and nature trails that lead to viewpoints where the Presidential Range awaits. Meanwhile, art lovers can visit galleries, but, really, the nature spots in Littleton, one of the most beautiful towns in New Hampshire, are masterpieces.

• Best time to visit Littleton: Late May to Mid-September

Hancock was incorporated in 1779 , so it’s not just a mere town but a historic destination. Natural wonders abound in this quaint town: to its east lies the pristine Contoocook River and the calming Powder Mill Pond, while the west is home to the fisher-favorite Nubanusit Lake. It’s also proud of the Merrimack River, made famous by the poet Henry David Thoreau. With such waterways, paddlers, swimmers, and anglers will always have a playground in Hancock. Hikers can reach the peak of Skatutakee Mountain, while history buffs can visit the museum. Indeed, Hancock is hands-on in giving superb travel memories.

• Best time to visit Hancock: May to September

Another White Mountain town, Gorham, aims to please those raring to have a satisfying time with the wonders of Mother Nature. Parts of the lush White Mountain National Forest and Moose Brook State Park border the town, making it one of the best towns in NH and the perfect refuge for those escaping urban life, albeit for a while. Add the presence of the rivers of Androscoggin, Peabody, and Moose, plus Mount Madison, and a stay in Gorham is nothing but gorgeous. The moose await those who want to be awe-inspired by their presence.

• Best time to visit Gorham: December to February and late June to early December

Related: 10 Free Things To Do This Fall In New Hampshire

Londonderry

Londonderry is known for its orchards, an enticing prospect for fruit lovers. There are five such destinations in the town, so those who want to pick fresh fruits and taste them right away can visit each orchard all in one day. Stonyfield Farm can also be checked out, famous for its organic yogurt, the perfect food when sightseeing the Historic Apple Way. History buffs would love checking out such landmarks as the Morrison House Museum and an aviation museum, while outdoor lovers can explore Musquash Conservation Area or Beaver Brook. Londonderry is indeed lovely.

• Best time to visit Londonderry: Late June to mid-September

Tourists keen on looking for a worthwhile weekend trip should head to Keene, a city that offers refuge to weary travelers. This New Hampshire charmer offers family-friendly adventures, journeys to the past, and outdoor escapades. For the second one, visitors can drop by museums and galleries to enrich their souls. Stepping back in time is always possible outdoors, too, thanks to the bustling Main Street. Lastly, those raring to break a sweat can explore Madame Sherri Forest, Sunset Rock, Mount Monadnock, Ashuelot River, and its other nature spots. Keene, a New Hampshire town, makes tourists kings and queens of traveling.

• Best time to visit Keene: June to early September and fall

Nestled in the White Mountains, the resort town of Jackson is one big playground for skiers. However, though famous for its snow, this destination can also be enjoyed in spring, summer, or fall. Hikers can meander the trails of White Mountain National Forest or scale Wildcat Ridge, while sightseers can take snaps of Honeymoon Bridge. Nestlenook Farm is perfect for families who want to try horse-drawn sleigh rides, while Jackson Art Studio and Gallery awaits creative souls. From the neighborhood to the mountaintop, Jackson delivers.

• Best time to visit Jackson: May to October

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The Most Exciting Hotels in London Right Now

From big brands to quirky independents, the city’s newest accommodations are luxurious in ways both quiet and not.

By Kate Maxwell

London is in its global hotel brand era: In the last year, it’s added a Raffles, a Peninsula and a second Mandarin Oriental; a Waldorf Astoria, a St. Regis and a Six Senses are on their way. This new guard is taking over historical icons and throwing up gleaming towers, and it’s upping the ante on amenities, too. A posh afternoon tea is no longer enough, it seems; now, five-stars come with signature scents, subterranean spas, museum-worthy art and long-stay residences. Rooftop bars, a rarity here a decade ago, are now seemingly obligatory (the one at the Emory wins for views, with everything from Big Ben to Battersea Power Station in its sights). But there’s still room for the occasional independent hotel, like the Broadwick, a maximalist love letter to the owner Noel Hayden’s hotelier parents and the creative Soho of the ’90s in which he came of age. “It’s a bit of a sensory overload,” Hayden says. Naturally, there’s a rooftop bar there, too.

Grand Hotel Bellevue

Paddington, an area short on upscale hotels, is a smart choice for French brand Lignée Hotels’ first property outside France. A decades-long regeneration, the new Elizabeth Line, linking Paddington to Heathrow and East London, and nearby attractions like Kensington Gardens and Little Venice make it a good base for exploring the capital. Grand Hotel Bellevue , whose sister hotels include the soignée La Maison Favart and Le Narcisse Blanc Hotel & Spa in Paris, occupies a five-story Victorian townhouse on elegant Norfolk Square. The Paris-based, Milanese architect Fabrizio Casiraghi has combined a bold, earthy color palette with bespoke furniture and antiques for the interiors, and collaborated with the American fashion designer Emily Adams Bode Aujla to design the hotel’s reception and Pondicherry Bar. A tribute to the duo’s love of India, the bar has bold yellow walls hung with tapestries featuring elephants and tigers; its cocktail list includes Masala Chai Iced Tea, with spiced rum and crème de pêche. The smallest, single rooms are designed to feel like boat cabins, with dark wood walls and brass light fixtures, while the 375-square-foot Grand Norfolk Suite has a free-standing tub, high ceilings and views of Norfolk Square. Bathrooms are stocked with products by perfumer-to-the-royals, Floris, and there’s a fitness studio with Nohrd equipment. Rooms from about $345 a night.

Raffles London at the OWO

The 120-room Raffles London , which opened in fall 2023, is a spectacular revival of the Old War Offices, a turreted, Edwardian Baroque icon in the middle of the city’s royal and political landmarks. The 760,000-square-foot stone-clad building served as the offices for leading politicians, including Winston Churchill, and was the birthplace for the British intelligence services MI5 and MI6 — it inspired Ian Fleming’s James Bond series. Intricate mosaic floors, marble staircases, acres of oak paneling and eye-popping chandeliers have been meticulously restored, and a four-story, 27,000-square-foot subterranean Guerlain spa added. Near the entrance to the Whitehall Ballroom hangs the 1921 painting “Naval Officers of World War I” by Arthur Stockdale Cope, on loan from The National Portrait Gallery. Of the nine restaurants and bars, three overseen by the three-Michelin-star Argentine chef Mauro Colegreco, the must-visit is the Spy Bar, a speakeasy with the Aston Martin stunt car from “No Time to Die” (the OWO was featured in the 2021 film) as a centerpiece and Bond’s favorite cocktail, the Vesper Martini, on the menu. Rooms from about $1,440 a night.

A glass-and-steel box topped with sail-like structures on the edge of Hyde Park, Maybourne Group’s (Claridge’s, The Connaught, The Berkeley) first all-suite hotel, the Emory , unveiled earlier this summer, was designed by the late Richard Rogers, the architect of the Pompidou Center, and Ivan Harbour of the RSHP firm. The “quiet luxury” aesthetic is strong; the textured public spaces, with polished copper light fixtures, leather upholstery and Damien Hirst artworks, are by Remi Tessier, known for his private jet and yacht interiors, and include a trio of Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurants. The suites and 3,200-square-foot penthouse, by six additional designers, feature luxe materials like Calacatta viola marble and ash wood, and a palette of soft, neutral colors inspired by Hyde Park. The four-story, subterranean Surrenne spa hosts classes by Tracy Anderson. The Emory’s rate includes a private ride from the airport, a 24-hour personal assistant, breakfast and the contents of the not-so-mini bar, where you might find a jug of iced Pimm’s and English strawberries in summer. Rooms from about $2,100 a night.

Broadwick Soho

The passion project of the gaming entrepreneur Noel Hayden, who grew up making toast and performing magic tricks in his parents’ seaside hotel, Broadwick Soho is the wild card of London’s new hotel scene. Hayden’s brief to the interior designer Martin Brudnizki was “your eccentric godmother’s townhouse meets Studio 54.” The bell boys look circus-ready in leopard-print blazers; inside, there’s contemporary art everywhere, including works by Francis Bacon, Bridget Riley and Andy Warhol, many of them from Hayden’s personal collection. The hotel’s low-lit restaurant, Dear Jackie, named for Hayden’s mother, has red silk walls hung with hand-painted plates, patterned booths and refined Italian food — don’t miss the ricotta tortelloni with broad beans. The seventh-floor bar-restaurant, Flute, dials up the maximalism with cork walls and mirrored ceilings and has a wraparound terrace. Bedrooms are low-key in comparison, with a soothing palette of blues, greens and pinks, and Soho rooftop views from floor-to-ceiling windows — though bespoke brass cocktail bars in the shape of elephants bring a hint of kitsch to the suites. Rooms from about $790 a night .

Of the many pedigreed hotels that have landed in Chelsea in the past few years, none is as opulent as At Sloane, a sibling to Paris’s Hotel Costes, which opened in December. The hotel is a renovation of a 19th-century red-brick mansion designed by the architect Edwin Thomas Hall, who created the mock-Tudor Liberty department store. The interiors, by Francois-Joseph Graf, the designer of the toile de Jouy-decked La Mirande hotel in Avignon, France, mix monochrome hues with shades of crimson, graphic rugs, checkerboard tiles and textiles by Morris & Co and Pierre Frey. More than 1,000 black-and-white photographs of stars including the original Sloane Ranger, Princess Diana, line the stairs to the 30 guest rooms. There, timber paneling opens into secret walk-in wardrobes, minibars and exquisite bathrooms modeled on the ones Graf remembers from childhood stays at Claridge’s. On the building’s new sixth floor is a guests-only restaurant with turn-of-the-century furniture by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Edward William Godwin and Christopher Dresser, and shelves stacked with hundreds of Chinoiserie vases. Rooms from about $795 a night.

Mandarin Oriental Mayfair

Mandarin Oriental Mayfair , the brand’s second, smaller London hotel, opened in June in a new build with a contemporary, red-brick-clad townhouse exterior on Hanover Square, Mayfair’s first square when it debuted in the 1700s. An expanse of green Ming marble greets guests when they enter, a nod to the company’s heritage and nearby green spaces (Berkeley Square and Green Park are neighbors). The Asian influence continues in the 50 rooms and suites (there are also 77 private residences), with House of de Gournay hand-painted silk wallpaper; stone-colored furniture and rugs; and pops of emerald, maroon or turquoise on cushions and headboards. The Korea-born, Colorado-bred chef Akira Back has made his UK debut with a namesake restaurant — look out for his trademark ‘AB Tuna Pizza’, with umami aioli, tuna sashimi, micro shiso and truffle oil — and Dosa, a 14-seater, counter-style restaurant; a rooftop bar opens later this year. It wouldn’t be a Mandarin Oriental without a standout spa; this one has an 80-foot swimming pool and 22-minute treatments for guests short on time. Rooms from about $1,400 a night.

An earlier version of this article misidentified the bar on the roof of the Emory hotel in London; it is the Emory Rooftop Bar, not Bar 33.

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