Hannover is a city that offers a surprising mix of traditional charm and modern vibrancy. Its well-preserved medieval old town, impressive architecture, and lively neighborhoods make exploring on foot or via guided tour particularly rewarding. What stands out in Hannover is the variety of experiences that cater to different interests—whether you’re into history, marine life, or local food scenes. For example, a private walking tour (see here) can reveal hidden stories and landmarks you might overlook on your own, while a visit to SEA LIFE Hannover immerses you in the colorful underwater world with over 2,500 marine creatures.
We’ve assembled a list of the top tours that showcase Hannover’s charm, history, and quirky side, ensuring you find something that matches your pace and interest. Whether you want a quick highlights tour, an in-depth museum visit, or a food-inspired adventure, there’s a perfect option waiting.
Quick Overview
Our list includes seven of the best tours in Hannover, covering a range of interests and styles. From a private city walk that offers personalized insights, to the captivating SEA LIFE Aquarium with its marine exhibits, and a guided tour of the New Town Hall for architecture fans. We also highlight a unique food and neighborhood tour that explores Linden’s trendy district, along with history-rich day trips to Goslar and the dark past with the Fritz Haarmann murder tour. Details below will help you decide which suits your travel style.
1. Hanover Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide
At number 1, the Hanover Private Walking Tour is a fantastic way to get a personalized overview of the city. This tour is perfect if you want to maximize your time and get insights from a local guide. It covers seven top landmarks—including Leibnitz House, Kreuz-Church, and the Old Town Hall—in just about two hours, making it ideal for those with limited time or who prefer a leisurely, insightful stroll.
What sets this tour apart is the private format, allowing your group to tailor the experience to your interests. The guide shares stories and anecdotes you wouldn’t find in a guidebook, such as the significance of Hanover’s medieval architecture and its modern evolution. Visitors consistently praise guide Anna for her knowledge and attentiveness, with reviews highlighting her friendliness and ability to customize the tour. It’s a cost-effective option for up to 15 people, making it a smart choice for families or small groups wanting an authentic experience.
Bottom line: If you want a flexible, in-depth introduction to Hanover’s highlights with the benefit of a private guide, this tour offers excellent value and personal attention.
2. SEA LIFE Hannover Ticket
Number 2 on our list is the SEA LIFE Hannover. For around $21, you gain access to over 40 exhibits featuring 2,500 marine animals in carefully themed tanks. This family-friendly attraction is perfect if you’re traveling with children or simply fascinated by aquatic life.
The exhibits include impressive displays like the Amazon rainforest with piranhas and poison dart frogs, a tropical Rainforest zone, and the immersive Octopus Cave. Sharks, stingrays, and seahorses are highlights, along with the reef and river ecosystems. Visitors rave about the variety and quality of the displays, making it a worthwhile, value-packed stop. The expedition into the rainforest adds an extra layer of interest, especially for animal lovers. Expect to spend about an hour or two exploring, which fits nicely into a day of sightseeing.
The main advantage here is the immersive experience—nothing beats seeing these creatures up close—and the ticket price is quite reasonable considering the scale of the exhibits. It’s suited for all ages and can be a great break from urban walking or as a rainy-day activity.
Bottom line: If marine life captures your attention or you want a fun, educational visit, SEA LIFE Hannover is a must-see that offers excellent value.
3. Guided tour of the New Town Hall in Hanover
For architecture and history lovers, the guided tour of the New Town Hall is a quick but enriching experience. This 45-minute tour provides access to behind-the-scenes areas of the building, which is an architectural masterpiece from the Wilhelmine era, completed in the early 20th century.
Inside, you’ll see the impressive dome soaring nearly 98 meters, along with detailed city models showing Hanover’s development over the centuries. The tour includes visits to select rooms that are typically closed to the public, giving a rare glimpse into municipal power and design. The tour is highly rated, with four reviews praising the knowledge of the guide and the beauty of the interior.
Given its short duration and affordable price, this tour suits those who want a quick but meaningful look into Hanover’s civic pride. It’s ideal for visitors interested in architecture, city planning, or those who want a break from walking.
Bottom line: A brief yet fascinating peek into Hanover’s civic architecture that appeals to lovers of design and history.
4. Taste and Travel Odyssey in Hanover
Number 4 is the Taste and Travel Odyssey, a 2 to 3-hour exploration of the Linden neighborhood. This tour is perfect if you want to combine local history with culinary delights. Linden was once the largest village in Prussia and remains a lively, trendy district.
During the tour, you’ll visit notable spots like Pariser Platz and Lichtenbergplatz, learning about Linden’s transformation from a working-class area to a cultural hub. The guide shares stories about local entrepreneurs and the district’s industrial past. You’ll also enjoy tastings at some of Lindens’s best restaurants—think snacks from hidden eateries and bites from the neighborhood’s bustling markets.
Rated 5 out of 5 by previous travelers, this tour is highly praised for its storytelling and tasty treats. It’s suitable for those who enjoy food, local culture, and walking at a relaxed pace. The tour gives a personal perspective on Hanover’s less touristy side and highlights the vibrant neighborhood life.
Bottom line: For anyone interested in food, local stories, and lively neighborhoods, this tour offers a flavorful glimpse into Hanover’s trendy side.
5. Goslar City Guided Tour
A day trip to the picturesque town of Goslar is well worth an inclusion, especially with this guided tour. Set in the Harz Mountains, Goslar boasts medieval half-timbered houses and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed imperial palace. The 2-hour private tour offers a relaxed way to get acquainted with the town’s highlights, without the hassle of navigating on your own.
Your guide brings Goslar’s history alive as you pass landmarks such as the Imperial Palace, learning about its architecture, royal history, and the regional significance of the site. The guide provides insightful commentary that enhances your understanding of the town’s past and present. The tour is priced at $354.40 per group for up to 15 people, offering good value for an intimate experience.
Previous visitors praise how informative and engaging the guide was, describing Goslar as “one of the most beautiful towns in Germany.” The walk covers mostly level ground, making it accessible for all ages.
Bottom line: This private walk provides a comprehensive, personal introduction to Goslar’s historic charm and architectural wonders.
6. Fritz Haarmann Murder Tour Through Hanover’s Old Town
For those with a taste for darker stories, the Fritz Haarmann murder tour explores Hanover’s grim past. This 1 hour 45-minute walk focuses on Fritz Haarmann, one of Germany’s most infamous serial killers, who earned the nickname “the werewolf of Hanover.”
The tour walks you through key sites associated with Haarmann’s life, including the Kropcke-Uhr and Landtag Niedersachsen. It provides a detailed account of his crimes, exploring Hanover’s underbelly during the early 20th century. Reviews note that the guide is engaging and able to answer questions, adding a layer of intrigue to the city’s history. This tour is best suited for those interested in true crime or unusual history.
Given the short duration and the specific focus, it’s a compelling option for a different perspective on Hanover’s past, especially if you like stories with a darker edge.
Bottom line: A fascinating, if dark, tour—perfect for those intrigued by true crime or curious about Hanover’s shadowy history.
7. City Walk Through Hanover
Finally, for a relaxed, self-paced exploration, the City Walk through Hanover offers a two-hour stroll across the historic old town. This guided walk covers the New Town Hall, medieval streets, the Aegidienkirche ruins, and the Staatsoper. It’s an ideal choice if you prefer to set your own pace and see a broad swath of Hanover’s sights.
The tour is highly rated for its friendly bilingual guide and informative commentary, making it suitable for international visitors. It’s a budget-friendly way to get a good overview, especially if you’re short on time or traveling on a budget.
The route includes iconic spots like the city hall dome and the charming alleys with half-timbered houses. It’s a straightforward, enjoyable introduction to Hanover’s highlights.
Bottom line: Perfect for casual explorers who want to see the main sights with an easy-to-follow guide.
How to Choose the Right Tour
Choosing among these options depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. If you prefer a personalized experience and want to see many landmarks efficiently, the Private Walking Tour is ideal. For families or marine enthusiasts, the Sea Life Aquarium offers an engaging undersea adventure. History buffs who love architecture will appreciate the New Town Hall tour, while those craving local flavor will enjoy the Linden neighborhood tour.
A day trip to Goslar is perfect if you want to explore beyond the city, and the dark past with Fritz Haarmann appeals to fans of true crime. For a flexible, budget-friendly option, the city walk (see here) covers the essentials at a relaxed pace.
Remember to book early, especially in high season, to secure spots on your preferred tour. Think about your interests—whether it’s architecture, marine life, food, or history—and pick the tour that best fits your style.
Final Thoughts
Hannover’s diverse range of tours makes it easy to find something that suits your personal curiosity and travel rhythm. From private explorations of the city’s landmarks to immersive aquarium visits and intriguing historical walks, there’s no shortage of memorable ways to experience this lively German city. For those seeking a guided, insightful introduction, the Hanover Private Walking Tour is hard to beat, especially for small groups. Meanwhile, history enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike will find satisfying options in the guided days trips and themed dark history tours.
Whatever your preference, remember that early booking guarantees you a spot in the most popular experiences, so plan ahead. With this variety, your time in Hannover will be both engaging and unforgettable.