A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hydra vs. Hannover for Couples, Attractions, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Hydra or Hannover?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Hannover? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Hydra

Hydra is a picturesque, charming, and accessible island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Hannover

Hannover is a dynamic, diverse, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hydra and Hannover: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Hydra or Hannover?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hydra. Although Hydra and Hannover are both popular with visitors, Hydra has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hydra is more popular for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Hannover is known for its nightlife and big city activities. Hydra is more touristy than Hannover and is popular for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. It is also home to The Monastery of the Assumption of Virgin Mary. Hannover is popular for its many parks and gardens as well as its accessibility to the German train system.

How is Hydra different from Hannover?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hydra
Hannover

Hydra is a great island 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 Hydra. For such a small island, there are many local museums and sights. Highlights include the Historical Archives Museum, the Ecclesiastical Museum, the Monastery of Agia Efpraxia, and the Monastery of Prophet Elias.

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 Hydra or Hannover? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hydra
Hannover

Foodies will find both Hydra and Hannover both to be good destinations.

Hydra offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For such a small island, it really packs in some great restaurants. Head down the side streets to find the best souvlaki. There are also tavernas where you can sample local wine. Fresh caught seafood is a favorite on the island as well.

Hannover has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Hydra or Hannover Better for Nightlife?

Hydra
Hannover

Hannover is a great destination for nightlife. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

The people in Hannover know how to have a good time. 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.

Hydra doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a small island that is often visited as a day trip, so don't expect a huge party scene. There are about seven places in total that make up the island's nightlife scene. Each is centered around the harbor and many people start their evening at one bar and slowly hop around. They usually have DJs and full bars.

Is Hydra or Hannover Better for Resorts?

Hydra
Hannover

Hydra is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Hannover is not a resort destination.

Hydra has a handful of resorts to choose from. It's a popular day trip destination, but if you stay for a night or two, you'll find boutique hotels and charming pensions.

Hannover is not a resort destination.


Is Hydra or Hannover Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra
Hannover

Hydra is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Hannover is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Hydra. There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

Hannover is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Hannover Better for Beaches?

Hydra
Hannover

Hydra is a good destination for its beaches. However, Hannover is not a beach destination.

Hydra offers a nice beach destination. The beaches are usually pebbly with nice blue water. Many people visit the beaches as part of a boat tour, which leaves from the port and tours the island. Some of the most popular beaches are Vlichos, Kaminia, Bisti and Agios Nikolaos.

Hannover is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Hannover Better for its Old Town?

Hydra
Hannover

Hydra is a great island for its historic old town. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Hydra. With no cars and plenty of charm, the island's old town feels as if you've stepped back in time. Donkey pulled carts and quaint streets give this town its atmosphere.

Many people head to Hannover to see the old town. Check out the half-timbered buildings, the old churches, and the charming streets around old town.


Is Hydra or Hannover Better for Hiking?

Hydra
Hannover

Hydra is a great island for hiking. However, Hannover is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Hydra for the hiking trails. The island is filled with walking paths and donkey trails that are fun to explore. Some walk along the sea and offer spectacular views while others take you inland through the hills.

Hannover is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Hannover?

Hydra
Hannover

Hydra is a great island for shopping. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hydra. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Hannover offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Hydra or Hannover Better for Families?

Hydra
Hannover

Hydra is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Hydra is a very family-friendly destination. The island feels like it's frozen in time. There are no cars allowed here, so kids can run freely without the worry of traffic. They'll be as fascinated as you are by the carts pulled by donkeys. Most things you'll visit are also close together, making accessibility easy. In addition to some interesting museums, there are beaches and kid-friendly food. The whole island really is a playground.

Hannover is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Hydra or Hannover Better for Couples?

Hydra
Hannover

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

Hydra is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This beautiful island makes a great honeymoon or couple's destination. Most visitors come as a day trip, but spending a night or two on the island is a unique experience. It has a laid back vibe and is filled with romance. The food is amazing, and the traditional atmosphere will make you feel as if you've traveled back in time.

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

Is Hydra or Hannover Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hydra
Hannover

Hannover is a popular place for backpackers. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Hydra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most people visit the island as a day trip and it doesn't attract nearly as many backpackers as the larger Greek islands. If you visit during the lower season, you might find some affordable accommodation.

Is Hydra or Hannover Better for Students?

Hydra
Hannover

Hannover is a great destination for students. However, Hydra is not popular with students.

Hannover is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Hydra is not popular with students.


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

Hydra
Hannover

Hannover is a great destination for its public transit. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Hannover. The city has 12 city trains and 38 bus lines.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hydra. There are sea taxis and beach boats on the island.

Is Hydra or Hannover a more walkable city?

Hydra
Hannover

Hydra is very popular for its walkability. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Hydra is a very easy island to get around on foot. The entire island is car-free and everything that you want to visit is close together and easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Hannover or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Hannover?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hydra or Hannover to fill your time. In our opinion, Hydra has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Hydra than Hannover. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


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

One day in Hydra or Hannover?

Hydra is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Hannover, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this dynamic destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.


A weekend in Hydra or Hannover?

Hydra is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hydra, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hannover. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Hydra or Hannover?

Hydra 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.

Hannover is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Hannover. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hydra or Hannover?

Hydra is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Hannover. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Greece, The Best 10-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 Hydra?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hydra is €97, 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 Hydra and Hannover in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hydra 51
    Hannover 85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hydra 102
    Hannover 170
Compare Hotels in Hydra and Hannover

Looking for a hotel in Hydra 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 Hydra


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: Hannover Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hydra 26
    Hannover 23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hannover

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Hydra or Hannover?

Prices for flights to both Hannover and Hydra 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
    Hydra 30
    Hannover 49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hydra 11
    Hannover 35

Tours and Activities in Hannover

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

  • Guided tour of the New Town Hall in Hanover: $11
  • Guided tour of the Royal Herrenhausen Gardens: $13
  • On the trail of crime - Hannover's Crime Tour: $19
  • Hanover: SEA LIFE Entry Ticket: $20
  • SEA LIFE Hannover Ticket: $21
  • Hop-on hop-off tour in Hanover in a double-decker bus: $22
  • Fritz Haarmann murder tour through Hanover's old town: $33
  • Hanno(ver)nascht Culinary city tour: $40
  • Culinary bike tour: $41
  • Hanover: Private Walking tour with A Guide (Private Tour): $120
  • Virtual reality experience in Langenhagen: $131
  • Personal Travel & Vacation Photography Walking Tour in Hannover: $186

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hydra 11
    Hannover 34


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hydra and Hannover, we can see that Hannover is more expensive. And not only is Hydra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hydra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hydra and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Hannover would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hannover than you might in Hydra.

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


Which is Bigger, Hydra or Hannover?

Hannover has a larger population, and is about 230 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra 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 Hydra or Hannover?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Hydra or Hannover in the Summer?

Both Hannover and Hydra during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Hydra for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hannover because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Hydra is much warmer than Hannover in the summer. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Hannover fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the summer, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Hannover. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hannover receives 198 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in July than Hannover. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 62 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hydra 27°C (81°F) 
    Hannover 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Hydra or Hannover in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Hannover. The autumn months attract visitors to Hydra because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Hannover this time of year.

In the autumn, Hydra is much warmer than Hannover. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hydra in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Hannover averages at about 10°C (51°F).

In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Hannover during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Hannover receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hydra usually receives more rain than Hannover. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hydra 19°C (67°F) 
    Hannover 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Hydra or Hannover in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Hannover. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hannover for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hannover. In January, Hydra is generally much warmer than Hannover. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 10°C (51°F), and Hannover fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In the winter, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Hannover. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hannover receives 42 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in January than Hannover. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hydra 10°C (51°F) 
    Hannover 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Hydra or Hannover in the Spring?

Both Hannover and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Hydra for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Hannover in the spring for the activities around the city.

Hydra is much warmer than Hannover in the spring. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Hannover fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Hannover during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Hannover receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than Hannover. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hydra 16°C (60°F) 
    Hannover 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Hannover and Hydra

Hydra Hannover
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 1°C (33°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 1°C (35°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 8°C (47°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (51°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 5°C (42°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 2°C (36°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)