Altstadt
Of all the original narrow streets and picturesque buildings, only about 15 percent survived World War II. But the mix of designer boutiques, restaurants and historical architecture form a lively part of town. The old half-timbered houses around the Holzmarkt (Wood Market), the reconstructed renaissance facade of Leibniz's house, the Market Church and the Old Town Hall give evidence of Hanover's former beauty. The 350 year-old Leineschloss, originally a castle, houses Lower Saxony's state government. The Market Hall, also known as "Hanover's stomach", is a nice place to buy fresh food or have a cappuccino. The old town offers a culinary variety ranging from sophisticated dinners to a simple stew. Small breweries like the Brauhaus Ernst August continue Hanover's beer tradition. On Saturday mornings, a large flea market is set up along the banks of the river Leine, between the antique Beginen tower and the colorful Nanas. By the way, Hanover's sights are best explored along "the Line": painted in red on the pavement, it connects all major places of interest.