Things to do in Hildesheim
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Top 10 attractions in Hildesheim
Hanover Exhibition and Trade Center
Hannover Messe is the largest exhibition center in the world, with 496,000 square meters of indoor venues, 58,000 square meters of outdoor venues, 27 pavilions and a conference center with 35 function halls. Messegende, 30521 Hannover.Hannover · 23km from Hildesheim
Museum Island
Museum Island is located in the center of Berlin, a museum complex at the northern end of Spree Island, with the river flowing around both sides. In 1999, this complex was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. At the southern end, the Altes Museum faces the Berlin Cathedral across the tree-lined Lustgarten. Moving northward, the Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, and Pergamon Museum are lined up in order, with the Bode Museum completing the island's tip. These five buildings, constructed in different eras with distinct styles, form a continuous riverside ensemble, allowing visitors to explore a complete exhibition route on foot. Each museum has its own strengths. The Altes Museum in Berlin, completed in 1830, features a neoclassical facade designed by architect Schinkel, supported by rows of stone columns. Its grand domed hall primarily houses ancient Greek and Roman artworks. The Neues Museum suffered severe damage during World War II and intentionally retained some war scars during its 2009 renovation. It now hosts the Egyptian Museum and Papyrus Collection, with the painted bust of Queen Nefertiti as its star attraction. The Alte Nationalgalerie focuses on 19th-century paintings, showcasing both Caspar David Friedrich's romantic landscapes and works by French impressionists like Manet, Monet and Renoir. The Pergamon Museum is renowned for full-scale reconstructions of ancient structures, with the Pergamon Altar, Market Gate of Miletus and Ishtar Gate of Babylon as its signature exhibits. The Bode Museum combines sculpture collections, Byzantine art and hundreds of thousands of ancient coins within a Baroque building. When not visiting exhibitions, strolling on the island is equally delightful: street musicians often perform in the gardens, offering a perfect chance to rest and listen before walking to the bridge to admire the unique urban scenery of five museums lining the riverbank. △The Pergamon Museum is undoubtedly one of the most popular museums and also one of the world's renowned archaeological museums. The solemn and majestic gray building exterior easily evokes associations with various ancient architectures. Upon entering through the central gate, the left side houses the ancient Roman and Greek collections, while the right side features the ancient Near East exhibition. The second floor is dedicated to Islamic culture. The museum's crown jewel—the Pergamon Altar—is not to be missed. Dating back to the 2nd century BCE, this 9.66 m high altar features exquisitely carved deity figures on its base. Additionally, the Market Gate of Miletus from the 2nd century BCE and the Ishtar Gate of Babylon are also highly worth seeing. △The old museum in Berlin opened in 1830 and is a historic museum on Museum Island. This museum follows the neoclassical architectural style, with its facade supported by 18 parallel columns. The main hall inside is spherical, topped by a striking large circular dome. The old museum displays a rich collection of ancient Greek and Roman art treasures. △At the old national art gallery, you can admire masterpieces by impressionist masters such as Manet, Monet, and Renoir. △The Bode Museum is located on the outer side of Museum Island, built between 1898 and 1904. This Baroque-style building features a triangular layout and houses three unique small museums: the German Byzantine Art Museum, showcasing various artistic masterpieces from the Byzantine Empire; the Coin Museum, displaying 500,000 ancient coin exhibits; and the Sculpture Museum, which houses Germany's premier collection of medieval sculptures. △The new museum in Berlin was built in 1855 and was severely damaged in the bombings of World War II, leaving it in ruins. After reopening in 2009, it serves as the Egyptian Museum and Papyrus Collection, featuring exhibits such as the bust of Nefertiti, wife of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaten, and other artworks from the Akhenaten period. Additionally, the new museum displays unearthed artifacts from prehistoric times, ancient history, and the Stone Age. △Besides visiting museums, strolling and relaxing on Museum Island is also a great choice. The lush Lustgarten offers a beautiful environment, and street performers playing lovely music add to the charming scenery. When tired, you might as well sit down and enjoy it.Germany · Berlin
Giethoorn
Giethoorn is a water village where canals replace roads. Because of its crisscrossing waterways and lush greenery, it is known as the "Venice of the North." The village's name comes from the large number of goat horns unearthed by early residents while digging for peat; "Geytenhoren" in Dutch means "goat horn," which was later simplified to Giethoorn. The lake district where the village is located is itself a mark left by centuries of peat extraction, with the excavated trenches gradually developing into today's canal network. A major scenic view in the village is the thatched-roof farmhouses built along the river—the roofs are covered with reeds, complemented by wooden exterior walls and meticulously maintained gardens, scattered along both banks of the canal and connected by numerous small wooden bridges. Boating along the canals is the core way to experience the village; traveling through the tranquil waterways by small boat allows you to enjoy the view of the thatched-roof houses and pastoral scenery from the water. In addition to the waterways, you can also cycle along the forest paths to experience the village's pastoral atmosphere from another perspective.Netherlands · Giethoorn
Rheinauhafen District
Rheinauhafen District is a waterfront neighborhood transformed from an old freight port. The riverside promenade is lined with modern buildings, interspersed with cafes, galleries, and art spaces. The remnants of the port era and the newly built glass facades complement each other, showcasing a modern urban style. The district's core landmark consists of three high-rise buildings known as the "Crane Houses," standing approx. 60m tall, with an inverted L-shape that echoes the area's history as a freight terminal. Historical remnants, such as the Bayenturm tower dating back to the Middle Ages, are also preserved along the route. Looking north along the river, the silhouettes of the cathedral and the iron bridge are clearly visible, with classical spires and modern architecture framed together. At dusk, the sunset reflects on the river surface, and strolling along the path offers a panoramic view of the city on both banks, forming a waterfront view that blends industrial memories with a stylish atmosphere.Germany · Cologne
The Roman Forum
The Roman Forum is the historic heart of the old town of Frankfurt. Since the Middle Ages, it has served as a public center for municipal administration, commerce, and celebrations, and the coronation banquets of emperors during the Holy Roman Empire were once held at the Römer City Hall here. This building complex features stepped gables of varying heights, creating a striking silhouette. A row of half-timbered houses with bright colors and diverse styles serves as a typical representation of the German old town streetscape. In the center stands the Fountain of Justice, with the goddess holding a pair of scales in one hand and a sword in the other, adding a sense of solemnity. The building complex was damaged in 1944 and rebuilt according to its historical appearance, and subsequent construction projects reconnected the entire old town. Looking around, the medieval-style building complex and the modern high-rises rising in the distance appear in the same frame, creating a view where the new and the old reflect each other. During the Christmas season, the historic Christmas market spreads out here with a sea of lights and clusters of wooden huts, creating a rich festive atmosphere.Germany · Frankfurt
New Town Hall
The hall on the first floor displays the history of Hanover's urban development. In particular, there are some models that reflect the appearance of the city before the war, shortly after the war and the city, so that visitors can see it at a glance. What is worth mentioning in the city hall is the elevator leading to the top observation deck. The elevator climbs up 50 meters at a 17-degree angle along the vault. It is a sloping elevator in Europe. From the roof, you can see the whole view of Hanover, and then you will truly realize that it is worthy of the title of "Green Metropolis".Hannover · 29.6km from Hildesheim
Main River
Main Rivernot only connects many historic and cultural cities in Germany, but also links natural scenery, wine culture, and modern urban views, creating a rich and diverse riverside landscape. Along the upper and parts of the middle reaches of the river, the scenery on both banks is tranquil and beautiful, with rolling hills, dense woodlands, and vast vineyards complementing each other. Visitors can stop at riverside viewpoints, taste local wines, and enjoy the view of the river flowing slowly through valleys and vineyards. Especially at dusk, the setting sun casts a warm glow over the river, hills, and town buildings, creating a leisurely and romantic atmosphere. The river continues westward through the Spessart forest region, where natural landscapes and riverside townscapes constantly alternate.Germany · Zellingen
Reichstag Building
Reichstag Building is both the seat of the Bundestag and an iconic local historical and political building. Built from 1884–1894, the building retains the solemn classical style of the 19th century, with the inscription "To the German People" engraved on the pediment of the main entrance. The republic was proclaimed here in 1918, and the Reichstag fire of 1933 and historical milestones of 1945 all took place here, encapsulating the trajectory of modern history. The renovated glass dome is a popular feature: two spiral ramps intertwine, and a central inverted conical mirror device directs daylight into the plenary chamber below, allowing the public to walk above the parliamentary hall, which carries a unique design significance. Walking slowly up the ramps leads to an observation platform over 40m high, offering a bird's-eye view of the city. After dark, the dome is illuminated from within, becoming a striking landmark in the city's nightscape, and the interior also features exhibits showcasing the history of the parliament.Germany · Berlin
Maschsee
The Maschersee Summer Carnival is the largest open-air carnival in northern Germany, so in summer, Maschersee is a good place for Hanoverians. During the carnival, you can taste all kinds of food as you like, and of course the essential beer.Hannover · 27.4km from Hildesheim
Lower Saxony State Museum (Niedersachsisches Landesmuseum Hannover)
The Lower Saxony Museum is a good art museum. The exhibitions of European paintings from the 12th century to the 20th century are more eye-catching, including works such as Cranach and Rembrandt. In addition to the orthodox works of art paintings, there are also exhibitions of ethnic handicrafts from tribal societies.Hannover · 29.3km from Hildesheim
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Free things to do in Hildesheim
Hanover Exhibition and Trade Center
Hannover · 23km from HildesheimMuseum Island
Germany · BerlinGiethoorn
Netherlands · GiethoornRheinauhafen District
Germany · CologneThe Roman Forum
Germany · FrankfurtNew Town Hall
Hannover · 29.6km from HildesheimMain River
Germany · ZellingenReichstag Building
Germany · BerlinMaschsee
Hannover · 27.4km from HildesheimLower Saxony State Museum (Niedersachsisches Landesmuseum Hannover)
Hannover · 29.3km from Hildesheim
What travellers say about Hildesheim
小鱼儿201528 March 2020
4.0
The Hannover Exhibition Center is a very important exhibition center in Germany. The interior space of this exhibition hall is very grand, with high display platforms, and the outdoor area is also open to the public.
Hanover Exhibition and Trade Center
Kiss YuYu8 May 2026
5.0
50-word scenic spot review
This place boasts beautiful scenery, a tranquil and clean environment, and convenient transportation with excellent facilities. A stroll through the area is pleasant and relaxing, and every snapshot is a masterpiece. It's definitely worth a visit for a leisurely trip.
Museum Island
YoYo_0T9A3B0L1 May 2026
5.0
Giethoorn truly resembles a fairytale town, with more waterways than roads, and small boats moored in front of every house. Low houses with reed-roofed roofs line the waterways, their gardens meticulously manicured. Renting a boat and rowing yourself is the most relaxing way to experience it, slowly gliding under small bridges, with meadows and wild ducks on either side. The main street is somewhat commercialized, but turning into the side streets brings tranquility, with only the sound of oars paddling through the water. It's best to visit on a sunny day; the slippery roads can be quite inconvenient on rainy days.
Giethoorn
老少皆宜（）2 March 2023
5.0
Cologne in Germany is a popular place for tourists to visit. It has the most famous Cologne Cathedral⛪️ and the Cologne Promenade. Cologne is the fourth largest city in Germany and is located on the banks of the Rhine in western Germany.
Rheinauhafen District
TW Hamburg17 December 2025
4.0
A nice place to get lost in old times Really enjoyed the time travel and old buildings
The Roman Forum
轻轻的一个蚊21 March 2020
5.0
The most noteworthy thing in the City Hall is the elevator leading to the top observation deck. If you spend a few euros, you can take a small elevator that can only carry 4 people and climb to the nearly 100-meter dome. This small elevator is the only elevator in Europe that rises at an angle. During the climbing process, the elevator goes up along the arch at an angle of 17 degrees. When we stand in the elevator, we will feel that the elevator floor becomes more level as we go up from the inclination. It is really the first time to have such a novel experience.
Climbing up to the roof and looking at the cityscape of Hanover, of course, I feel very happy. It is not an exaggeration to say that it is a "metropolis covered with green."
New Town Hall
miss banzai4 September 2023
5.0
The banks of the river Main is so beautiful. Whether for a stroll, a run in the morning or just hanging out it is beautiful and totally a place to visit if in Frankfurt.
Main River
The Art of Elegant Travel26 April 2026
5.0
A must-see in Berlin! The Reichstag is a stunning blend of 19th-century history and futuristic design. The glass dome by Norman Foster offers a 360° view of the city and a symbolic look down into the Parliament.Tips:Free but mandatory: Book weeks ahead online.Audio guide: Excellent and free.ID required: Bring your passport for security.Timing: Go at sunset for magical light.An iconic experience that captures the soul of modern Germany! 🏛️✨
Reichstag Building
explorer05052 October 2023
5.0
A quite chill place when coming to Hannover. There are services such as duck riding or boating on the river for you to experience
Maschsee
