Germany (Lonely Planet, 6th Edition) - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [558]
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Sleeping
Its proximity to Hanover means Hildesheim often takes overspill guests during trade fairs, when accommodation prices rise phenomenally.
DJH hostel ( 427 17; www.djh-niedersachsen.de/jh/hildesheim; Schirrmannweg 4; dm under/over 27yr €20.20/23.20, s €30.20, d €26.70; ) In the morning, guests here often act as though they’ve just had an embarrassing one-night stand. It’s a great hostel, really, with modern facilities and a good breakfast. But it’s just so inconveniently located that many seem to be wondering what they’re doing here and look in a hurry to leave. To get here catch bus 1 or 2 to Schuhstrasse and change to 4 in the direction of Im Koken-Hof. Get off at the Triftstrasse stop and walk the remaining 750m uphill.
Gästehaus Klocke ( 179 213; www.gaestehaus-klocke.de; Humboldtstrasse 11; s €48-55, d €75-80) This is a quirky gem, which feels a bit like a mini-castle upon entering, as its high-ceilinged stairwell has a landing with a stained-glass window, chess set and chairs. The rooms aren’t quite as amazing but have character nevertheless. The hotel is just south over the canal from the Jewish quarter.
Gästehaus-Café Timphus ( 346 86; www.timphus-conditorei-hotel.de; Braunschweiger Strasse 90/91; s €52, d €74-84, tr €116; ) This small Pension has walls bedecked with photos of artful chocolate displays, which might mean you keep going next door to the associated cafe for supplies. If you intend to arrive after 6pm, reserve ahead so you have a code for the key dispenser.
Novotel Hotel ( 171 70; www.accorhotels.com; Bahnhofsallee 38; s/d from €80/108; ) Book early on the internet here and you can get even better prices than these in this spacious cloister building with exposed stone walls, gentle tones and cosy designer-chic style. It is set back from the street in quiet grounds and has excellent dining and bar facilities.
Van der Valk Hotel Hildesheim ( 3000; www.vandervalk.de; Markt 4; s/d from €105/125; ) Behind its historic frontage on the central market place, this luxury hotel reveals a surprisingly large interior. Its flagstone-floored atrium entrance (not all the stone on the walls is real, however) gives way to tasteful rooms in subtle shades of grey and turquoise. The pool and wellness areas (Finnish sauna) are a bonus.
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Eating & Drinking
Café Desseo ( 399 27; Hindenburgplatz 3; tapas €3-9, other dishes €5.50-16; ) Generally billed as a tapas bar, this excellent venue is actually more of an all-rounder. All-you-can-eat breakfasts (€6.80) and lunches (€7.70) are matched by sandwiches, delicious wraps, pasta, pizza and other dishes. In addition to all this there are smoking and nonsmoking areas and a good selection of cocktails.
Nil im Museum ( 408 595; www.nil-restaurant.de, in German; Am Steine 1; mains €9.80-16.50; 10am-midnight; ) This relaxed restaurant in the Roemer- und Pelizaeus-Museum serves delicious antipasti, pasta and salads, along with poultry and red-meat main courses with a creative touch. It also has a regular program of jazz and blues.
Schlegels Weinstuben ( 331 33; Am Steine 4-6; mains €12.50-22.50; dinner Mon-Sat; ) The lopsided walls of this rose-covered, 500-year-old house hunkering beside the Roemer- und Pelizaeus-Museum add to the sheer magic of the place. Inside are historic rooms and, in one corner, a round, glass-topped table fashioned from a well, where you can dine overlooking the water below. The ever-changing international cuisine is also exceptional, so book ahead.
Explore further options along the popular Friesenstrasse (just behind Schuhstrasse), where the pubs and bars usually sell cheap meals.
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Getting There & Around
Frequent regional train services operate between Hildesheim and Hanover (€6.90, 30 minutes), while ICE trains head to Braunschweig (€13.50, 25 minutes) and Göttingen (€24.50, 30 minutes).
For those driving, the A7 runs right by town from Hanover, while the B1 goes to Hamelin.
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