Visiting the Hannover Messe: The best places to visit and things to do during the trade fair

A visit to the Hannover Messe is an absolute must for anyone working in the international industry. Every year, this event attracts numerous visitors and ausstellers from around the world, and the Deutsche Messe AG has established itself as a leading organizer.

The trade fair will be held at the exhibition center Hannover, which is one of the largest and most modern exhibition centers in Germany. An ideal starting point to discover the latest innovations and products and to exchange ideas with industry professionals.

Besides visiting the exhibition center, there are many other activities to enjoy in the exhibition city of Hannover. The historic old town offers attractions such as the Old Town Hall and the Marktkirche, which can be explored on a city tour.

For those who want to learn more about the region, the information about the exhibition center is extremely helpful. 2024 and 2025 will see further exciting top events such as EuroTier and Domotex.

Plan your arrival and departure well in advance to get the most out of your trade fair stay.

The city’s restaurant scene is diverse and ranges from traditional German dishes to international cuisine.

What to see and discover during your trade fair stay in Hannover

Would you like to explore the city away from the exhibition halls as a trade fair visitor? Then we have put together some tips and excursion destinations for you.

Eilenriede – Hannover's green oasis

The Eilenriede, one of the largest contiguous urban forests in Europe, is Hannover’s green lung. Here, visitors to the exhibition center can escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy nature. Whether it’s a long walk, a jog or a bike ride – everyone will find their own personal oasis of calm in the Eilenriede. Numerous paths lead through the forest, past idyllic ponds and historic trees. The large meadows, which invite you to have a picnic, are also particularly popular. If you want to observe the animal world, you have a good chance of discovering squirrels, birds or even deer here.

  • Activities:
    • Jogging trails for beginners and professionals
    • Bike paths through the forest
    • Picnic areas for relaxing hours
  • Special features:
    • Wildlife watching: birds, squirrels
    • Lakes: Maschsee and other smaller lakes
    • Historical paths: Alte Heerstraße

Hannover's heart: the old town

The old town of Hannover – a piece of history you can touch

Hannover’s old town is a charming ensemble of historical buildings, narrow streets and lively squares. The heart of the old town is the market square with the Old Town Hall, an impressive half-timbered building. Events and markets take place here regularly. A stroll down Kramerstraße will take you past colorful half-timbered houses and small boutiques. Particularly worth seeing is the Leibniz House, where the famous philosopher Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz once lived and worked. The old town is not only a popular place for strolling and shopping, but also a center of culture and history. Numerous museums and galleries invite you to discover the city’s past.

  • Places of interest:
    • New City Hall: visit with a tour guide or on your own
    • Market Church: historic church with impressive architecture
    • Leibniz House: museum about the polymath Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz
  • Cultural attractions:
    • Sprengel Museum: modern art
    • Kestner Museum: arts and crafts and design

Relaxing at the Maschsee

The Maschsee, a popular recreational area in Hannover, offers more than just a beautiful view. Its creation goes back to the Nazi era, when it was conceived as a job-creation project and to provide leisure activities for the population.

Today, it is a popular oasis for those seeking recreation. Whether you take a walk along the shore, rent a boat or just enjoy the sun – the Maschsee is a great place to forget your everyday worries. The combination of nature and urban life is what makes this place so special.

And while you are relaxing on a bench, you can imagine how this lake was once planned as a symbol of a new era. But the Maschsee is not just a place of relaxation, it is also a cultural center. In summer, regular events, concerts and festivals take place, attracting numerous visitors. The lakeside promenade is the venue for open-air events, especially during the annual Maschsee Festival, and the water regularly becomes a stage for regatta events, where sailing boats and rowers compete for victory. The area around the lake also offers numerous opportunities for sporting activities. Joggers and cyclists use the well-developed paths, while water sports enthusiasts discover the cool water for themselves. The Maschsee has also become a popular gastronomic destination: cafés and restaurants invite you to enjoy the view over the water with a cool drink or a delicious meal.

In winter, the Maschsee transforms into a wintry backdrop, and many Hannoverans take advantage of the frozen surface for ice skating. The atmospheric lighting and festive decorations attract visitors and create a special atmosphere during the cold season. Despite its historical roots, the Maschsee has evolved over the years and is now an integral part of life in Hannover.

The Maschsee in Hannover stands for a harmonious connection between history, nature and urban life and is a place where memories can be made and relaxation found.

  • Activities:
    • Boat rentals: pedal boats, rowing boats
    • Walks along the shore
    • Water sports: sailing (seasonal)
  • Culinary delights:
    • Restaurants with lake view
    • Ice cream parlors and cafes
  • Events:
    • concerts, festivals

Culture: museums and theater in Hannover

  • Kestner Museum:
    • extensive collection of art and cultural history
    • changing special exhibitions
  • Sprengel Museum:
    • masterpieces of modern and contemporary art
  • Hannover State Opera:
    • opera, ballet and concerts at the highest level

Culture: museums and theater in Hannover

  • Kestner Museum:
    • extensive collection of art and cultural history
    • changing special exhibitions
  • Sprengel Museum:
    • masterpieces of modern and contemporary art
  • Hannover State Opera:
    • opera, ballet and concerts at the highest level

Excursions in the area

  • Herrenhausen Gardens:
    • baroque gardens with different themes
    • large fountain
  • Marienburg Castle:
    • fairytale castle with impressive architecture
    • Guided tours of the castle

Are you looking for a special location for an evening event in the trade fair city of Hannover?

Hannover, the trade fair city, not only offers a wide range of exhibition halls, but also a variety of unique locations for your evening event.

Why Hannover for your evening event?

  • Diversity: From historic buildings to modern event spaces and extraordinary outdoor locations – Hannover offers a wide variety of possibilities.
  • Central location: The city is easily accessible and has an excellent infrastructure, making it easy for your guests to get to.
  • Hospitality: Hannover is known for its warm hospitality and diverse culinary offerings.
  • Flexibility: The venues can be customized to your needs.

Possible locations in Hannover:

  • Historic buildings:
    • New Town Hall: With its impressive tower, the New Town Hall provides a unique setting for festive occasions.
    • Herrenhausen Palace: The baroque gardens and palace provide an elegant backdrop for exclusive events.
  • Modern event spaces:
    • Hannover Congress Center: Here you will find flexible rooms for events of all sizes.
    • Hotels with event space: Many hotels in Hannover have modern meeting and banquet rooms.
  • Unconventional locations:
    • Old factory buildings: Industrial charm meets modern design.
    • Roof structures: Enjoy the view over the city at an outdoor event.
  • Museums and galleries:
    • Sprengel Museum: A work of art in itself – ideal for art-loving guests.
    • Kestner Museum: Historic ambience for exclusive events

We would be very happy to help you choose the right location.

Would you like to book suitable trade fair accommodation for yourself or your employees?

Then use the room reservation service from Anyroomdirect to quickly and easily book online.