Things to Do at Old Town (Altstadt)

Old Town (Altstadt) covers 14 hectares of meticulously reconstructed medieval architecture, rebuilt between 1952-1962 using original 14th-century building plans after Allied bombing destroyed 90% of the historic district in 1943. Walking tours cost €10 ($11) with audio guides available for €5, and the best time is Saturday morning at 10am when weekly farmers markets fill Ballhofplatz with regional produce and tourist crowds haven\\t yet arrived. Half-timbered facades create a canyon effect where sound bounces between reconstructed buildings that smell of fresh timber stain and mortar still settling after decades of careful restoration. Cobblestones polished smooth by countless footsteps create an uneven rhythm underfoot while church bells from nearby Marktkirche ring the hours across market squares where flower vendors arrange seasonal blooms that add splashes of color against whitewashed walls, and the aroma of fresh pretzels from traditional bakeries mingles with coffee from cafes housed in buildings that look medieval but contain thoroughly modern amenities.

The Old Town is easily walkable from Hanover's main train station - about a 10-15 minute stroll south. Tram lines 1, 2, and 8 stop at Markthalle/Landtag, which puts you right at the edge of the historic area. If you're driving, there's parking at the Parkhaus Altstadt, though honestly, you're better off using public transport since the area is quite compact and pedestrian-friendly.