There are so many amazing cafes, it's impossible to feature them all. The best part of this article is that it features mainly independent cafes. Are you ready to get your buzz on? If so, try one of these 20 cafes.
Cute, quaint and quiet, this "under the sea-themed" cafe inspires my ultra-feminine energy to sing, dance and live through the beauty of Audrey Hepburn.
Inspired by the beautiful Audrey Hepburn, this café inspires me to live in indulgence – with cake and coffee that is. During the summer, the café has an open-air patio where you can sit (or lie) on a couch draped with a canopy to enjoy your “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” I love the chai lattes, and pretty much everything else. *NOTE: CAFE AUDREY'S HAS CLOSED IN 2017.*
Part cafe, part chocolate shop, nestle onto the wooden benches with a hot cup of Joe. The interior is tiny, but don't let that stop you from trying a fine latte. You'll find two "scroll" menus, one for tea and the other for coffee and chocolate-related drinks. I liked the strawberry teas and of course, the lattes.
In Old Town, meander down Knochenhauerstrasse to this two-story café that has some of the best cakes in town. I experienced my first German cake here with the “apfelmangosahne” (apple mango cream) cake. After that, I was hooked. I tried so many cakes at Konrad’s I lost count. If you order to go, don’t worry about losing the frosting. The barista will delicately wrap the cake in a foiled swan so you can carefully walk it home. Konrad also displays at least one vegan cake everyday. This is a first come, first serve place. Once the cake is gone, its gone for the day. It's a popular brunch place and is open late!
First, the owner is one of the nicest Germans I ever met. Warm and smiling, she and I would converse in English and some broken German. Second, the place is just down right adorable as she sells, and serves her coffee in, the famous handmade Polish cookery and pottery and chocolate gifts. Finally, the coffee and chocolate drinks are addicting and effective, meaning if you want a coffee buzz her coffee will do the trick. In the winter (or what the heck why not year round), I recommend the hot chocolate coffee. During the Christmas Market she’ll have some already made in a pot, but everything she makes is fantastic. *Closed in 2018*
This ultra-feminine cafe is one of Altstadt's kuchen hotspots. From tortes to cakes to cream pies, get your blood sugar inspired by the sweet taste of life. This cafe serves coffee and tea in modern 1700's-looking floral dish ware. It's one of Altstadt's most popular cafes, specifically for brunch. It moved down the street in 2018.
Everyone in Hannover knows about this café. Not only has the café been around before World War II, but also it is the finest cake one may ever eat in Germany. There must be a secret to the way the cake and the frostings are stirred, beaten and whipped. The Frankfurter Kranz is a sign that heaven on earth exists, but if you're not into cake, try the hot chocolate. Take home some of the finest made chocolate and cookies in town. The price is worth it.
In Old Town, walk down Knochenhaurstrasse and on the left side of the road, look for a window glistening with cakes. The exterior boasts funky yellow and purple colors with wooden chairs plastered on the siding, which is unlike the tasteful interior. I have tasted almost every cake here, but I devoured the Frankfurter kranz. It's a bit different than the kakao-stube, but equally delicious. The half-liter lattes are plentiful and eating cake in is a bit cheaper than take away. You can get a coffee and a piece of cake for about 5 euros. Note: This cafe has been replaced by Glucksmoment in 2018!
This is one of my favorite places for coffee, tea and for working. Chic and clean, Kurt 16 is a hotel lobby bar, cafe and restaurant. Because of my regular presence, the bar staff often treated me to an extra couple cookies served with my mango green tea or caffee latte that overflows with froth. Wi-fi is only for hotel guests.
Located in the popular, Faust and Mephisto artist colony, Der Nachbar is a cool, trendy and hipster-friendly cafe. From tea to kaffee, you can find it all, including live music. Fuck yoga, kick start your weekend with a little jazz-jam-out-espresso-laden worship on select weekend mornings. You'll definitely find artists here.
Whether you crave a cappuccino or a slice of cake, Cafe Kopi is a must visit in Nordstadt. The interior fuses modern funky vibes that invites coffee-drinkers to sit, chat and relax for hours. During the summer months, enjoy house made "hausegemachte"beverages like lime-ginger soda, lemon peach iced tea or cold brew coffee. You'll find a mix of locals, students and the young-at-heart.
This is one of my favorite Hannover cafes and one of the least discovered places in central Hannover. The two sections feature different vibes. The back is a relaxed, non-traditional shop/meet-up area where the front glistens with a beautiful window front that changes with the seasons. The cafe has a wonderful olive tree that ignited my souls with memories of traveling through the Mediterranean. I have fond memories of this place because I sat underneath that olive tree and wrote my last letter to Hannover blog.
This is one of the very few cafes open on Sundays, and luckily, they always serve “nusskuchen” (nut cake) on Sunday. The interior has several segments where moms can take kids in the back room to play. In the summer, enjoy the backyard patio, where ancient-looking tables sit amidst brick walls covered in dangling vines.
This cafe is like a European dream come true (from an American point of view). Upon entering, you'll walk past beautifully potted plants, to sit either in a bay window or among the newly wooden tables. They serve at least one cake per day, but feature other snacks and small bites. I recommend the lattes!
If you want to discover one of the best views in town, head to the chic 6 Sinner Sky Bar. I have mixed feelings about this bar. The bar is no doubt chic, fancy and classy. It’s beautiful and I enjoyed my quiet Sunday mornings of writing while overlooking the views. I literally had the whole place to myself on some Sunday mornings. The cafe prices are more expensive since it's a swanky place, but the price, and the view are worth it. A second location on the leine next to Altstadt has opened in 2018.
This café may very well be the most popular café in Hannover. Located in Ballhofplatz (stop 25), this historic café is as cute inside as it is outside. Family operated since 1970,their popularity continues to grow with newcomers and city visitors.
Here you can order over 40 handcrafted teas and also coffees, cakes and sandwiches. Most desire to sit outside, and well, who can blame them? It’s vital to take advantage of any ounce of sun you can soak up in Northern Germany. During the summer months, you can find a late Saturday morning jazz concert and for the rest of the year, enjoy watching the ivy foliate between deep green to fire engine red.I recommend the Blüte von Himilaya tea paired with a slice of traditional NYC-style cheesecake.
This cafe reminds me of the Pacific Northwest. It has that hip semi-grunge vibe thanks to some thrift-store couches and chalk-board looking paint. Like Cafe Kopi, you'll find a mix of locals, mainly young hipsters following the lineage of their elders to eat, drink and be merry.
Mezzo - Liste
This beloved Liste cafe sits behind the HBF and is one of the most popular cafes in the neighborhood. It's a popular place to meet for brunch or a late-night sangria. The interior is big and spacious so there is plenty of seating, especially during non-peak hours.
Das Machwitz Cafe - Mitte
Das Machwitz sits nearby Altstadt, next to the Markthalle. This is one of Hannover's oldest roasters so you'll notice some old-school logos and decor. The inside is small, featuring a mix of tables and bench-style seating. Here, you'll find life-long locals who support this historic cafe.
Zurück Zum Glück - Zoo
Unless you hang out in the zoo area, most people would never visit this cafe. The modern decor gives a new vibration to the old neighborhood. It's part cafe, part restaurant, but the options are also vegetarian and vegan friendly! I recommend brunch or the vegetarian burger. (Vegans say no cheese, please, "kein kase bitte.") If you're not hungry, just go for the latte. Soy and lactose-free options are available!
Hugo's - Mitte
Located next to the HBF (central train station), Hugo's is a place where the Buddha meets Martin Luther. The historic building has been transformed into a cafe/restaurant. Covered by a glass ceiling, the indoor/outdoor area is open year round. Snuggle up in a swanky couch underneath a neon blanket, or wash the fountain-Buddha's feet with your sins. It's a business-class type of vibe and the hot fresh fruit tea is as interesting as the "elites" who dine there.
What's you favorite cafe in Hannover?
Check out these other favorite Hannover Blogs:
The Cake Connoisseur: A Quest to Finding the Best Kuchen (Cake) in Hannover,
Germany7 Beloved Beer Gardens in Hannover, Germany
A Photo Journey of My Favorite Moments in Hannover Christmas Markets
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