A lovely riverside city in northern Germany's Lower Saxony region, Hanover is a fabulous destination for a culture-focused city break. The city regularly plays host to conferences and expos, but we’d recommend sticking around for a little longer if you can — there’s plenty to discover. You’ll find some excellent guesthouses and city hotels, too, with the best places to stay in Hanover clustered around the charming old town.
Amble around the old town for a sense of Hanover’s rich past — whilst bearing in mind that the city was extensively bombed during the Second World War. Much has been rebuilt, but the Neues Rathaus offers a rare insight into the city-as-it-was, with vast models of Hanover in 1689, 1939, 1945 and 2000. Delve into contemporary Hanover’s modern art scene at the fabulous Sprengel Museum, or step back in time with a visit to the Schloss Marienburg. Once home to the Hanoverian Court, this remains one of the most important Neo-Gothic buildings in Germany. History buffs will recall that the Dukes of Hanover were closely connected to the 18th and 19th century rules of Britain and Ireland; their legacy can be seen across the city.
Journey just beyond Hanover to tour the splendid Herrenhäuser Gärten, grand landscaped gardens which were boldly modelled on Versailles. The Eilenriede Forest, popular with ramblers, bird watchers and cyclists, is the largest city forest in Europe. Both are particularly popular during the summer months, when it’s worth booking your room at one of the best places to stay in Hanover well in advance.