A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Heraklion vs. Hannover for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Heraklion or Hannover?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Heraklion and Hannover can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Heraklion

Heraklion is a bustling, historic, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Hannover

Hannover is a cultural, dynamic, and diverse city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Heraklion and Hannover: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Heraklion or Hannover?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Heraklion than Hannover. While Hannover is larger than Heraklion, Heraklion has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Heraklion is very popular for its museums, food, and beaches, while Hannover attracts visitors for its historical sights. Heraklion is more touristy than Hannover and is known for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Palace of Knossos. Hannover is famous for its many parks and gardens as well as its accessibility to the German train system.

How is Heraklion different from Hannover?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hannover and Heraklion. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Heraklion or Hannover?

Heraklion
Hannover

Heraklion is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Heraklion. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. The impressive Palace of Knossos is a must-see, but also make sure you visit the Koules Fortress, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Natural History Museum of Crete.

Hannover offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll see many of the city's sights along the Red Thread Trail in the city center. Make sure you check out the New Town Hall, the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, and the Lower Saxony State Museum as well.


Is the Food Better in Heraklion or Hannover? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Heraklion
Hannover

Heraklion is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Heraklion. The city is home to countless Cretan restaurants that range in style and budget. There are fine dining restaurants as well as local dives with casual street food. The restaurants reflect the island's multi-cultural past with many styles and flavors available.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Hannover. You'll find classic tearooms, food halls, fine dining restaurants, and markets. Try all of the classic German sausages or sample international dishes in this dynamic city.

Is Heraklion or Hannover Better for Nightlife?

Heraklion
Hannover

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Heraklion and Hannover.

Heraklion has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has some of the best nightlife on the island of Crete. There are many all-night clubs as well as bars that stay open until 2 or 3 in the morning. In particular, there are many British tourists hanging out at the clubs and bars.

Hannover is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are many students who keep the nightlife scene active. From beer halls to jazz venues, you'll find a diversity of options around town.

Is Heraklion or Hannover Better for Beaches?

Heraklion
Hannover

Heraklion is a great city for its beaches. However, Hannover is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Heraklion for it's beautiful beaches. You'll find world-class beaches just outside of town, if you're willing to explore a little. Agia Pelagia Beach is about half an hour away and Limanakia Beach is also not a bad day trip. If you want to stay closer to town, head to nearby Amnissos Beach.

Hannover is not a beach destination.


Is Heraklion or Hannover Better for its Old Town?

Heraklion
Hannover

Hannover is a city with good options for its old town. However, Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Hannover. Check out the half-timbered buildings, the old churches, and the charming streets around old town.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Hannover?

Heraklion
Hannover

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Heraklion and Hannover.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Heraklion. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Many visitors go to Hannover to go shopping. Head to the 14th-century Market Church (Marktkirche) and wander around the nearby streets for some of the city's best shopping. Also make sure you check out the city flea market. In addition to boutiques and independent shops, there are also major department stores and large shopping malls in the area.

Is Heraklion or Hannover Better for Families?

Heraklion
Hannover

Both Heraklion and Hannover are nice to visit with kids.

Heraklion is a family-friendly city. In town you'll find many historical and educational sights such as the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Koules Venetian fortress. Kids will also enjoy walking the Venetian Walls that are in town. If you're willing to head a bit outside of town, in about half an hour you can reach the Cretaquarium, Dinosauria Park, or Acqua Plus Water Park.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Hannover. Like many German cities, there are a number of activities geared specifically to kids. Check out the Sea Life Center or the Hannover Zoo. If you're willing to get out of town a bit, there's also Serengeti Park Hodenhagen or Rasti-Land theme park, which has rides and games.


Is Heraklion or Hannover Better for Couples?

Heraklion
Hannover

Heraklion is a great city for romance. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Heraklion is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Most couples head outside of town to other parts of the island, but those who linger in town for a while will enjoy world-class museums and fascinating archeological sights.

Hannover makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic settings around town include Herrenhäuser Gärten, Berggarten, and Maschpark.

Is Heraklion or Hannover Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion
Hannover

Heraklion is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Heraklion is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Hannover. Some people use the city to split up longer train trips. There are a couple of hostels in town if you decide to stay a night or two.

Is Heraklion or Hannover Better for Students?

Heraklion
Hannover

Hannover is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Heraklion is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Hannover. There are a few great universities in town including Leibniz University, which attract international students. There's also a nice nightlife and easy accessibility to the rest of Germany.

Heraklion is not popular with students.


Is Heraklion or Hannover Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Heraklion
Hannover

Hannover is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Hannover has some very good public transit options. The city has 12 city trains and 38 bus lines.

You'll find some public transit in Heraklion, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

Is Heraklion or Hannover a more walkable city?

Heraklion
Hannover

Heraklion and Hannover are very good when it comes to walkability.

Heraklion is a very walkable city. Many parts of the town are walkable and doing a walking tour is a great way to see many of the city's sights.

Hannover is a very walkable destination. There are some nice walkable parts to the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Heraklion Worth Visiting? and Is Hannover Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hannover or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Hannover?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Heraklion or Hannover to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Heraklion than Hannover because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heraklion, and 1-2 days is enough time in Hannover.

Families should spend more time in Heraklion than Hannover. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Heraklion, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Heraklion than Hannover. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Heraklion that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Heraklion than Hannover if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Heraklion.


  • How many days in Heraklion or Hannover? Ideal Length of Stay
    Heraklion 1-3 
    Hannover 1-2

One day in Heraklion or Hannover?

The city of Heraklion offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Hannover. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hannover has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Heraklion or Hannover?

Heraklion is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Heraklion, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the dynamic destination of Hannover. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Hannover?

Heraklion is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse city of Hannover. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Hannover?

Heraklion is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Hannover is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Germany, and The Best Oktoberfest Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Hannover or Heraklion?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Heraklion is €158, while the average daily cost in Hannover is €155. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Heraklion and Hannover in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Heraklion 81
    Hannover 85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Heraklion 162
    Hannover 170
Compare Hotels in Heraklion and Hannover

Looking for a hotel in Heraklion or Hannover? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Heraklion


Hotels in Hannover


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Heraklion Hotel Prices and Hannover Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Heraklion 31
    Hannover 23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heraklion

Also for Heraklion, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Private Helicopter Transfer to Greek Islands: $4,021
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to SITIA area up to 7 customers: $280
  • Private Transfer Port/Airport to/from Ierapetra: $273
  • Knossos and Arch Museum of Heraklion (Guide+Transfer+Ticket) : $229
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to Makris Gialos area up to 7 : $228
  • KNOSSOS PALACE private tour ( with Transfer from Heraklion Prefecture ): $196
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to IERAPETRA area up to 7 customers: $184
  • Private Transfer from Heraklion Airport to Makrygialos: $175
  • Semi Private Wine and Olive Oil tour (Transfer & Lunch Incl.): $163
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to RETHIMNO CITY area up to 7 : $157
  • Private Wine | Food Pairing at Titakis Winery with Free Transfer: $153
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to MATALA area up to 7 customers: $149

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hannover

Also for Hannover, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer From Hanover City to Bremen City: $94
  • Private Transfer From Hannover to Hamburg, English Speaking Driver: $212
  • Private Transfer From Hannover to Hamburg With Sightseeing Stops: $271
  • Private Direct Transfer From Wolfsburg to Hamburg; English Speaking Driver: $289

Is it cheaper to fly into Heraklion or Hannover?

Prices for flights to both Hannover and Heraklion change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Heraklion 52
    Hannover 49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heraklion

For Heraklion, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Troy Dinner-Show: $33
  • Spectacular Dinner-Show: $44
  • From Village Cretan Night, Live Dancers & dinner: $48
  • Cretan Night with Dinner & Live Show: $49
  • Crete: Olive Oil Festival, Farm Dinner, Live Show & Pickup: $59
  • Cretan Farm with scenic view: Olive Mill Festival & dinner: $64
  • Amazing Sunset Safari Route with Dinner: $84
  • Cook with Locals | Cretan cooking Class at Archanes (transfer - lunch included): $86
  • Crete: Land Rover Safari with Sunset Viewing, Dinner, & Wine: $90
  • Full-Day Jeep Safari Tour with Cooking Lesson: $97
  • Food tour tasting walking tour: $123
  • E-bike Food Tour Tasting in Heraklion : $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Heraklion 38
    Hannover 35

Tours and Activities in Heraklion

For Heraklion, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 4x4 Safari tour Southern Crete Tripitis Gorge: $108
  • Adventure Safari Tour Secrets of the southern Crete : $100
  • Ηeraklion Walking Tour with Archaeological Museum: $82
  • 3-Hour Trekking Mount Karfi Adventure with pickup from Heraklion: $118
  • 4-Hour Giouchtas Trekking Hiking Experience from Heraklion: $90
  • 4x4 self drive adventure_Cretan mainland: $87
  • Adventure Jeep Safari Amazing sunset : $85
  • Agios Nikolaos-Spinalonga-Elounda Tour TR: $47
  • All Year Tour to Knossos Palace & Heraklion: $618
  • All-Day Knossos Palace Tour & Olive Mill Visit: $695
  • Archaeological Museum of Heraklion Tour: $86
  • Archaeological Museum of Guided Walking Tour: $86

Tours and Activities in Hannover

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hannover.

  • Culinary bike tour: $41
  • Fritz Haarmann murder tour through Hanover's old town: $33
  • Guided tour of the New Town Hall in Hanover: $11
  • Guided tour of the Royal Herrenhausen Gardens: $13
  • Hamelin Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $257
  • Hanno(ver)nascht Culinary city tour: $40
  • Hanover Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $252
  • Hanover: Private Walking tour with A Guide (Private Tour): $120
  • Hanover: SEA LIFE Entry Ticket: $20
  • Hop-on hop-off tour in Hanover in a double-decker bus: $22
  • On the trail of crime - Hannover's Crime Tour: $19
  • Personal Travel & Vacation Photography Walking Tour in Hannover: $186

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Heraklion 26
    Hannover 34

Sample the Local Flavors in Heraklion

Also in Heraklion, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine Tasting E-Bike Tour: $95
  • Ecobike Wine Tasting Tour in Heraklion: $115
  • Ecobike Tour with Wine Tasting: $118
  • Luxury Private Wine Tasting Experience in Haralabakis Winery: $119
  • Half Day Small Group Wine Tour with wine Tastings: $125
  • Half Day Semi Private Wine Tour with Tastings: $134
  • Semi Private Heraklion Valley Wine Tour with Lunch: $159
  • The Gourmet Wine Tour of Heraklion area: $180
  • Private SUV Wine Tour with Lunch: $183
  • Full Day Private Crete Wine Tour Experience from Heraklion : $190
  • Full day Knossos Palace, Local Distillery, Lunch @ Archanes: $192
  • Knossos, Olive Mill, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch : $196


When comparing the travel costs between Heraklion and Hannover, we can see that Heraklion is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Heraklion Expensive? and Is Hannover Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Hannover?

Hannover has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Hannover, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Heraklion or Hannover?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Heraklion or Hannover in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Hannover. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hannover for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Heraklion is generally a little warmer than Hannover. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 25°C (78°F), and Hannover fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Hannover during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Hannover receives 198 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Hannover. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 62 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Heraklion 25°C (78°F) 
    Hannover 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Hannover in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Hannover. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Hannover in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Heraklion is much warmer than Hannover in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Hannover fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Hannover. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hannover receives 104 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in October than Hannover. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Heraklion 20°C (68°F) 
    Hannover 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Hannover in the Winter?

Both Hannover and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Hannover for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hannover can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Heraklion is much warmer than Hannover. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heraklion in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Hannover averages at about 1°C (33°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Hannover during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Hannover receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Hannover. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Heraklion 12°C (54°F) 
    Hannover 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Hannover in the Spring?

Both Hannover and Heraklion during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Hannover because of the activities around the city.

In April, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Hannover. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 16°C (61°F), and Hannover fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the spring, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Hannover. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hannover receives 150 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Hannover. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Heraklion 16°C (61°F) 
    Hannover 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Hannover and Heraklion

Heraklion Hannover
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 1°C (33°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 77 mm (3 in) 1°C (35°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 18°C (64°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 17°C (63°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 10°C (51°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 14°C (58°F) 77 mm (3 in) 2°C (36°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)


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