Despite being mostly blown to bits by the Allies, Hannover has retained at least part of its old historic core along with a smattering of medieval buildings, including the distinctive Rathaus town hall. The Old Town and Oststadt districts are where it’s at in Hannover, while the Eilenriede Forest city park provides respite and the Hanover Congress Centrum and Sprengel Museum of Modern Art endow a certain sophistication.

Eilenriede Forest
The Eilenriede Forest, or ‘city forest’, dwarfs New York’s Central Park and is one of Europe’s largest connected city forests. The scope for recreation is excellent and many people come here for the great walking, jogging, hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. There are loads of picnic areas here as well as attractions for the kids, including playgrounds and a toboggan slope. A restaurant is also onsite.

Hannover Congress Centrum
The Hanover Congress Centrum on Theodor-Heuss-Platz plays host to many city events and encompasses several noteworthy venues. The City Hall (Stadthalle) has a domed roof and features concerts galore, while the Kuppelsaal is ideal for music performances owing to its perfect acoustics. The fine Stadtpark backs the complex and has extensive gardens, pavilions and ponds. 
Phone: +49 511 81 130; http://www.hcc.de/en/ 

Old Town (Altstadt)
Most of medieval Hannover Altstadt was destroyed by the Allied bombing raids at the climax of WWII and just 15 per cent of the city’s original ancient buildings remain. It’s not a total washout, though, and there are many intriguing sights worth a look. Old wooden houses close around narrow streets, with the Old Town Hall (c. 1410) and the Market Church at the centre of it. Boutiques, bars and restaurants liven up the area.

Oststadt District
Oststadt is one of the most happening areas of Hannover. It is loaded with pubs and restaurants and has a somewhat chic feel to it, with its Art Deco houses and colourful homes. The north end of Passarelle is the liveliest area, with numerous bars and cafés, while the best shopping can be had along Lister Meile Street. For added diversity, at the eastern edge of Oststadt is the start of the Eilenriede Forest.

Sprengel Museum of Modern Art
Arguably Hannover’s most impressive museum, Sprengel is a fairly modern gallery in keeping with Hannover’s rebuilt look. The building itself is pretty thought-provoking while spaces inside are well done and brilliantly display abstract and conceptual art. Works by Picasso, Chagall, and Nolde are for all to see, along with a huge collection of works by Niki de Saint Phalle. 
Phone: +49 511 1684 3875; http://www.sprengel-museum.com/

Town Hall (Rathaus)
The Old Town Hall is on Schmiedestrasse, dates right back to the early 1400s and was a century in the making. Many different architectural styles are represented in it along with revealing portraits of various princes. The New Town Hall is also an impressive building and affords some of the best views over Hannover from its viewing platform. The history of Hannover is detailed here. Phone: +49 511 1684 5333

Hannover Card (HannoverCard): provides reduced-price city tours, cheap entry to city attractions and museums, and cheaper city travel.