Hanover, Germany
Hanover, Germany is a city full of surprises that defy the 'boring reputation' given to it by those who haven't been here.
If you're looking for a rainy day activity in Hanover or simply are entranced by the underwater realms of the world, swinging by the Sea Life Hanover Aquarium is definitely worth it. Travel tip: book your tickets online to save around 30% of your ticket price, then just bring the email on your phone.
PS they have a shark, stingray, and sea turtle tunnel!
One thing that stands out about this place is that they really took the time to add English text on almost all of the signs, making it a great activity for the internationals who aren't in town long enough to learn the lingo.
This particular rainbow-looking coral is actually an animal that collects floating particles of food to pull into itself and uses suction to attach the rock. I was mesmerized!
The ruins of the Chapel of the Lepers still stand in the Hanover city center on the site of the Saint Nicholas cemetery, dating back to the early 13th century when it was first mentioned in 1284. This was a place where the sick and poor were cared for -thus its name- outside of the medieval city's walls.
At one time, it was used as the church of the English speaking community, though was never repaired after the WWII bombings by the Allies.
Don't just pass by these gems that hide in your city! It's not on the map, but I've charted the coordinates for you so you can go explore.
I recently tried out a new Italian restaurant near the royal gardens before watching the final round in the international firework competition.
The cannelloni were tasty but under-proportioned and over-priced. However, this souffle with chocolate lava filling topped with pistachio dust and Bailey's ice cream was literally the icing on my cake! Fabulous and definitely recommended for dessert and a tall glass of delicious red wine (the Primitivo Puglia from San Marzano was my favorite). If you're up for just that, then Ristorante Castello might be for you.
If the mention of the international firework competition caught your attention more than this picture of soufflé, then you may not be a foodie.
However, you can still get your kicks in Hanover and grab tickets (in English) from the Hanover tourism website. It's very competitive (to get in) so grab them early if you can! It's a summertime and summer-long affair.
Hanover loves to make summer exciting, so they added a "Night Zoo" offer to their already full calendar. A few times during the summer and always on Thursdays, the adventure zoo would stay open until 10 and you can get in for just 9€ (if you come after 4:30).
Of the many new babies in the local collection, baby hippo "Champ" is one of the newest celebrities! Born just in April this year as a surprise to all zookeepers (hard to notice an extra 35 kilos on a 2 ton animal), the adorable baby will keep his nickname until they can tell whether he's a boy or girl. He was quite adventurous and making lots of noise as he climbed around on his mother's back. So cute!
What makes this zoo different? Thought the normal entrance ticket is quite pricey, the night zoo and late entrance tickets are definitely a deal and you can pack in the different continents in one evening if you come with a plan. The best part is the boat tour included in your ticket which brings you so closer to the animals than any other zoo. Not enough? Try going into the kangaroo exhibit to watch them walk (bounce) around you, or petting a pelican near their pond as both of these things are allowed.
Want to visit the zoo while you're here? Check it out.
The German culture embraces sweets in a way that Americans will drool over; cafes and bakeries fill the corners and hot, delicious beverages are served at all hours of the day.
Wandering through any new city brings new discoveries, and that is exactly what happened in Hanover, Germany today as my Dutch roommate and I explored the city's winding streets by bike. One particular gem revealed itself with its tantalizing cake displays and vibrantly colored window decorations offering happy moments for all. But really, the cafe is called "Glücksmoment," which directly translates as Happy Moment. I highly recommend you waltz in to find your own such moments with great company--that is if you can find a seat.
This not so little cafe is often packed with friends, couples or even families during all opening hours, all of whom seem to be devoudecadent treats while smiles spread across their faces. I suppose the name is true! If you're in the historic part of the city, check out their classes!
