A two-day trip to Hanover allows you to see the main sights without an exhausting marathon of sightseeing. The best way is to group the locations by neighbourhood, leaving time for historic districts, city parks and a pleasant walking route, as well as meals, a rest after the coach journey and the flexibility to change plans if the weather changes.
Before you set off
Save your arrival address, an offline map and directions to your accommodation. If the coach arrives early, check whether you can leave your luggage somewhere. Check the official city tourism portal for current opening times and tickets for paid attractions.
Day one: the historic centre
Start with the New Town Hall, the Old Town and part of the ‘Red Thread’ route. Don’t try to visit every museum: choose one main ticketed attraction, and spend the rest of the first day exploring on foot. That way, you’ll see more of the city’s atmosphere and won’t be tied to a tight schedule.
The evening of the first day
Leave time for a leisurely dinner and a short stroll through the main streets. If you’ve been travelling overnight, getting an early night is better than visiting yet another far-flung attraction. Check the last public transport service back to your accommodation before heading out of the city centre.
Day two: a different side to the city
Continue your route from the Herrenhausen Gardens, Lake Maschsee and the museum quarter. Alternate between indoor venues and open spaces: this helps to avoid overloading your itinerary and leaves a buffer in case of rain. Booking in advance may be advisable for a popular museum or viewing platform, but always check the current guidelines.
Transport and budget
First, check the distances on a map: it’s often easier to walk around much of the city centre. For outlying areas, check the local fare payment methods. A day ticket is only worthwhile if you’re planning several journeys, so compare it with single-journey fares on the transport operator’s official website.
Preparing for a bus journey
Tips for travelling to Germany and checking your documents are summarised in this RedRay article. It’s handy to check what to pack for a long journey against the hand luggage list, and you can find available journeys on RedRay.
Return journey
On the day of departure, double-check the time, the coach station address and the platform number. Allow plenty of time, especially if you need to change coaches or check in luggage. Keep your ticket, passport and mobile phone with you, rather than in a large suitcase.
A quick checklist
- two groups of locations by district;
- one main paid attraction per day;
- an offline map and ticket;
- allowance for the weather and downtime;
- plenty of time before the return bus.