travel in bremen

15 Top Attractions & Things to Do in Bremen, Germany

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 28, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Officially known by the rather lofty title of the "Free Hanseatic City of Bremen" (Freie Hansestadt Bremen), Bremen is situated on Germany's lower Weser River an hour's drive west of the major port city of Hamburg .

Itself one of the largest seaports and centers of seaborne trade in the country, this vibrant port city is one of the best places to visit for an authentic northern Germany vacation.

The greater Bremen area also includes the important port of Bremerhaven . Just 60 kilometers north of the city of Bremen, it's here that the River Weser flows into the North Sea. Both cities are also popular places from which to embark on sightseeing boat trips and river cruises of the dramatic scenery to be found in this part of the country.

Bremen has also long been an important cultural center, boasting numerous top attractions and plenty of fun things to do. Key events in the city's cultural calendar include the Freimarkt, the country's largest funfair, and one that has taken place here almost continuously since 1036. Also fun is catching a concert by the International Youth Symphony Orchestra of Bremen.

Other memorable experiences for tourists include exploring the historic Old Town (Altstadt) on foot. It's a very pedestrian-friendly city, ensuring that a leisurely stroll through Bremen's many fine parks and green spaces is never noisy or crowded.

To help you find the best places to visit in this exciting corner of Germany , check out our list of the top attractions and fun things to do in Bremen.

1. Explore Bremen's Historic Marktplatz

2. experience an authentic german christmas market, 3. take a tour of bremen town hall, 4. wander through bremen's medieval schnoor quarter, 5. see the cathedral of st. peter, 6. take a stroll along the böttcherstrasse, 7. enjoy a boardwalk stroll along the schlachte, 8. get your art fix at kunsthalle bremen, 9. see the blossoms at rhododendron-park and mühle am wall, 10. get smart at universum bremen, 11. explore the overseas museum, 12. learn about bremen's history at the focke museum, 13. visit the german maritime museum in bremerhaven, 14. take a drive to the valentin submarine pens, 15. see the views from the zarm drop tower, where to stay in bremen for sightseeing.

Colorful facades with Bremer Roland statue in Bremen

There's no better way to get to know a German town or city than making a beeline for the community's old marketplace, or Marktplatz. Located in the Old Town (Altstadt) and very much the beating heart of this historic city, the picturesque Marktplatz is home to many of Bremen's top attractions.

Here, you'll find the lovely old Town Hall (Bremer Rathaus), one of the most iconic buildings in Germany for its mix of Gothic and Renaissance designs.

Equally famous is the five-and-a-half-meter-tall statue of Germany's most famous knight, Roland. Erected in 1404, the statue, the oldest of numerous such monuments dotted around the country, remains a symbol of the city's freedom and independence from the church. Stop for a look and you'll notice the statue in fact faces the city's main church defiantly.

Address: Am Markt 2, 28195 Bremen

If you're planning on visiting Germany in winter , Bremen's Marktplatz is also the site of the city's popular Christmas Market (Bremer Weihnachtsmarkt) . This spectacular celebration of the season lasts for a whole month in the lead-up to Christmas.

It's a great excuse for a visit to Bremen, especially for couples seeking romantic things to do in winter, and is especially fun at night due to the many festive light displays.

Bremen's historic Marktplatz is also where the city's famous Freimarkt , or "Free Fair," is held. This ancient fair has taken place here for almost 1,000 years. Attracting over four million visitors a year, this two-week-long event culminates in a colorful parade that's well worth seeing.

As you explore this large public space, you'll likely stumble across Bremer Geschichtenhaus . This fun "living history" museum uses costumed characters to tell many fascinating stories from the city's history from the 17th to 20th centuries and is well worth the cost of admission.

Read More: Top-Rated Christmas Markets in Germany

Bremen Town Hall (Bremer Rathaus), also sometimes referred to as City Hall, is a beautiful brick Gothic structure located in the city's Marktplatz. Built in 1410, it's famous for its sumptuous Renaissance facade added later in 1612. Now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the building boasts one of the most elegant banqueting and reception halls in Germany.

Measuring an impressive 40 meters in length, 13 meters across, and eight meters high, its most notable feature is a large painting of the Judgment of Solomon dating from 1537. Also of note is a richly carved spiral staircase, just one of the many features that can be seen up close when you join in one of the regular and extremely informative guided tours.

Regular free concerts are held at the old Town Hall, too, including vocal soloists and organ recitals. You'll also notice, located under its northwest tower, an eye-catching yet unusual bronze sculpture of a rooster standing on a cat standing on a dog that's standing on a donkey. Known as the Bremen Town Musicians , these fascinating characters are straight out of the pages of a famous local folk tale.

Adding to the fun is a unique manhole cover in the road that doubles as a collection box. Drop in some change, and you'll be rewarded by a call from one of the Town Musicians themselves by way of a thank you.

Address: Am Markt 21, 28195, Bremen

The charming medieval district of Schnoor, most commonly referred to as the " Schnoor Quarter ," is named after the traditional rope-making trades that once flourished here. The oldest part of Bremen, it was also once the poorest part of the city.

These days, though, Schnoor is now the haunt of artists and other creative types and is an amazing area to explore for its many well-preserved 15th- to 18th-century homes. In addition to the many cafés and craft shops that now dot the district, highlights include the Schifferhaus, or Shipper's House . Built in 1630, it's now a private museum.

Also worth a visit is the lovely Landherrnamt . Dating from 1856, it was once home to the state government and notable for its well-preserved Neo-Romanesque façade. Nearby St. John's Church , a 14th-century brick-built Gothic place of worship, is also worth a visit.

Address: Hutfilterstraße 16-18, 28195, Bremen

The Cathedral of St. Peter in Bremen , known locally as St. Petri Dom, dates from the 11th century, with later additions being made in the 13th and 16th centuries. The exterior, with its twin 98-meter-tall towers, was restored in 1898, while its richly decorated Baroque pulpit was a gift from Queen Christina of Sweden in the 17th century.

A must-visit is the fascinating Cathedral Museum (Dom-Museum), located in the Bleikeller, or Lead Cellar. Here, you'll have a chance to see eight well-preserved mummies, the remains of medieval archbishops, along with displays of other items related to their tombs. A nominal admission charge is required to visit the cathedral's tower, but it's well worth it for the views.

Address: Sandstraße 10-12, 28195 Bremen

Bremen's narrow Böttcherstrasse , transformed between 1926-31 into a street of museums, is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. Although only 100 meters long, its many examples of unusual expressionist architecture make it tremendously fun to explore.

Fortunately, you can't miss the entrance to this interesting neighborhood: simply look for the "Light Bringer" (Lichtbringer). This impressive gold sculpture is located above the not-so-secret archway entrance. While strolling, be sure to pop into some of the street's unique shops and galleries, as well as the famous Glockenspiel House with its thrice-a-day chime.

Another must-see here is the wonderful Paula Becker-Modersohn Museum . The museum is the world's first gallery dedicated to the art of a single woman and is housed in a specially designed expressionist brick building. Highlights of the collection include photos, paintings, and documents relating to the artist, as well as displays of work by her contemporaries.

Also of interest to art lovers is Roselius-Haus. Built in 1588 and home to the Ludwig Roselius Museum , it contains many fine examples of Low German art from the Gothic to Baroque periods.

Address: Böttcherstrasse, D-28195, Bremen

Another of Bremen's must-visit districts is the Schlachte. This pleasant Old Town pedestrian zone follows the River Weser's east bank and can trace its history all the way back to the 13th century. Named after the wooden piles driven deep into the ground to support the riverbank, this charming boardwalk area started off as the city's original port and harbor.

However, as the shipping industry changed, with larger vessels becoming the norm, it fell into disuse. After a great deal of rejuvenation, the Schlachte is now a wonderful place to spend time. In fact, one of the top-rated things to do in Bremen at night is to simply spend time strolling the promenade or stopping in at one of the many cafés and restaurants housed in the old warehouses.

You'll also enjoy seeing the many old historic vessels docked here, some of which now serve as unique hotels and restaurants, alongside their more modern cousins. Others are set up to offer tourists fun riverboat cruises.

The Kunsthalle , located in the center of Bremen's Old Town, opened in 1849 and contains numerous fine 17th-century Dutch paintings, as well as many old German masters dating as far back as the 14th century.

Other highlights include its collection of French and Dutch paintings of the 19th and 20th centuries, works by painters from the famous Worpswede artists' colony, and more than 220,000 drawings and prints, one of the largest such collections in Europe.

The museum also houses a sizeable collection of notable sculptures, as well as a collection of works in modern media. Guided and audio tours are available in English, and a first-class restaurant with a terrace is located on-site.

Fans of modern art will want to also include the Weserburg Museum of Modern Art on their itinerary. One of the country's largest modern art galleries, the Weserburg hosts frequently changing exhibits of artwork from artists around the world.

Address: Am Wall 207, 28195, Bremen

Bremen's 114-acre Rhododendron-Park (Rhododendron-Park und Botanischer Garten Bremen) was established in 1933 and is a wonderful place to explore, whether you're a nature lover or a gardener. In addition to its huge collection of rhododendrons and azaleas, it's also home to the eight-acre Bremen Botanical Garden.

Created in 1905 with plant species from alpine regions, Asia, Australia, and the Americas, the park is also home to more than 1,000 native plant species, some of them endangered. Also located within the Rhododendron-Park is a lovely old windmill, the Mühle am Wall, built in 1888 and now a heritage building, which houses one of Bremen's top restaurants.

Another garden-related attraction worth visiting is Botanika Bremen , a pleasant botanical garden, which also offers fun things to do for kids, including a playground.

Address: Deliusweg 40, 28359, Bremen

One of Bremen's newest attractions, Universum Bremen is also one of its most interesting architecturally. Built in 2000 and looking not unlike a large, partially opened clam or a grinning whale, depending on where you're standing, the building was made from more than 40,000 metal tiles.

This first-rate science center is home to some 300 fascinating hands-on exhibits focusing on human history, the earth, and the cosmos.

A recent addition to the attraction is EntdeckerPark, which includes the Turm der Lüfte , a 27-meter-tall tower with superb views of the area, as well as a restaurant, which runs interesting "dining in the dark" experiences, one of the more fun things to do at night in Bremen. A variety of educational programs, science shows, and workshops are also available.

Address: Wiener Straße 1a, 28359, Bremen

The Overseas Museum (Übersee-Museum Bremen) has many excellent collections related to natural history, trade, and ethnography, including displays focusing on the South Seas, Australia, and Asia.

The magnificent building itself is listed, and highlights of the museum include exhibitions related to Bremen's import and export trade. Free English-language brochures, educational materials, and audio guides are available when purchasing tickets, as are guided tours in English.

Address: Bahnhofsplatz 13, 28195, Bremen

For those with the time and the interest to learn more about the rich human and cultural history of Bremen, a visit to the Focke Museum could be just the ticket. Established in 1924, the museum complex covers an 11-acre site in a leafy neighborhood of the city and consists of a number of interesting structures built between the early 1500s and late 1800s.

Highlights of a visit include a permanent exhibit focusing on the city's 1,200-year history, which includes numerous antiquities along with more recent artifacts such as a fascinating automaton, a lifeboat, and unique collections of furniture, farm tools, toys, and glass. If traveling with kids, head for the attic of Haus Riensberg, where they can enjoy a variety of fun hands-on experiments.

Address: Schwachhauser Heerstraße 240, 28213, Bremen

Located in Bremerhaven's Old Harbor a little more than 60 kilometers north of Bremen, the German Maritime Museum (Deutsches Schiffahrtsmuseum) is a superb museum dedicated to the country's rich seafaring history.

Notable among its exhibits is a Bremen "kogge," an old Hanseatic merchant ship; a Mark XXI submarine from WWII; the four-masted tall ship, the Seute Deern with its on-board restaurant; and the old paddle steamer, the Meißen .

Also of interest is a 112-meter-tall radar tower with a viewing platform, as well as exhibits relating to European shipping from prehistoric to modern times. Afterward, be sure to spend time exploring Bremerhaven itself, in particular the harbor area with its busy fishing port.

Address: Hans-Scharoun-Platz 1, 27568 Bremerhaven

The Valentin Submarine Pens (Denkort Bunker Valentin) is another historic attraction that's of interest to war buffs. Located about halfway between Bremen and Bremerhaven, it was here that the Germans built and maintained many of the navy's U-Boats during WW2.

Once the country's largest fortified U-boat facility, this huge concrete structure still impresses with its vast dimensions and durability. Today, this huge structure can be visited and explored as part of a guided tour.

Another interesting science-related attraction that's well worth seeing in Bremen is the fascinating Zarm Drop Tower . Located in Bremen University and a 15-minute drive from the city center, this 146-meter-tall structure was built for zero-gravity experiments, something it's still known for to this day.

Built in 1990, it's well-known to researchers the world over. For those interested in science, there's also the occasional opportunity to watch experiments being undertaken. Among tourists, though, this tall, pencil-like structure is known for its superb views over Bremen .

English-language guided tours are available. Lasting up to 90 minutes, they take in the labs and research areas, with visitors being able to climb the tower itself afterward. Age restrictions do apply, with guests over 12 and up welcome to join the tours.

Address: Am Fallturm 2, 28359 Bremen

Luxury Hotels :

Those seeking a high-class stay couldn't do much better than booking into the historic Hommage Parkhotel Bremen . This elegant five-star luxury lakefront hotel is unique for its peaceful parkland setting, classic décor, as well as its amenities, including a sauna and outdoor heated pool.
Another good choice in the luxury hotel category is the chic ATLANTIC Grand Hotel Bremen, which offers upscale rooms and suites just a few minutes' walk away from the Old Town Hall and cathedral.
The boutique-style Hotel Munte am Stadtwald is popular with families for its proximity to top attractions like the Universum science center, as well as its spacious rooms and world-class amenities, including a restaurant, spa, swimming pool, and four saunas.

Mid-Range Hotels :

The modern-looking Dorint City-Hotel Bremen , located just a short stroll from the city's main railway station and overlooking a large park near the Old Town, is a great choice for those seeking a reputable mid-range hotel with comfortable rooms. It also has a spa and fitness center.
Equally suitable is Motel One Bremen , a three-star hotel with modern and stylish rooms, comfortable beds, and bike rentals, which are very handy to get to nearby attractions such as the Marktplatz, as well as those a little further afield.
Check availability at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Bremen , too. This quality four-star location offers clean, modern rooms, and is within easy walking distance of major tourist attractions such as the Old Town Hall.

Budget Hotels :

A favorite place to stay for those seeking affordable accommodations, the B&B Hotel Bremen-Altstadt features budget rates and a sleek space-themed design, all in a convenient Old Town location.
Another recommendation is INNSiDE by Melia Bremen . Although a rather plain-looking building and situated a few kilometers away from the downtown core, this hotel offers superb river views, as well as clean, comfortable, affordable rooms.
Finally, be sure to check out Select Hotel City Bremen . While on the higher end of the budget scale, its clean rooms and great location just minutes away from the heart of the Old Town by foot make the slightly higher costs worthwhile.

More on Germany

Home » Travel Guides » Germany » 25 Best Things to Do in Bremen (Germany)

25 Best Things to Do in Bremen (Germany)

In Medieval times the Weser River brought Europe to Bremen’s door, and the city grew in stature as a Free Hanseatic City from the 12th Century. Sea trade has always been in Bremen’s blood, and from the 17th century exotic products like coffee started arriving. Germany’s first ever coffee house opened in Bremen in the 17th century, while the Bremen-based coffee merchant Ludwig Roselius was the man who invented decaf coffee at the start of the 1900s.

In the 20s Roselius gave Bremen the Böttcherstraße, a whole street of “Brick Expressionist” houses and workshops, all still intact. Bremen also has quaint maritime neighbourhoods, museums of all descriptions on its “Cultural Mile” and UNESCO-listed Medieval and Renaissance monuments at the central Market Square.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Bremen :

1. Bremen Cathedral

St Peter’s Cathedral commands the central market square has 1,200 years of history.

Unsurprising given its age, the building is a mishmash of styles, with Romanesque, Gothic and bits of later Gothic Revival sprinkled in following restorations in the 19th century.

The cathedral’s pair of 89-metre towers break Bremen’s skyline, and you can go up the south tower for an exhilarating view.

In one of the chapels don’t miss the nine fragments of the cathedral’s choir stalls, which were carved with episodes from the bible in 1360. The crypt meanwhile is the oldest portion of the church, and goes back to the 11th century.

On the creepy side, there are eight mummies dating back 400 years and stored in glass-topped coffins, with panels explaining their identities.

Two are Swedish officers killed during the Thirty Years’ War in the 17th century.

2. Cathedral Museum

After restorations in the 1970s and 80s, the artefacts unearthed during digs were put on show at an exhibition space inside the cathedral.

The museum is where you can also get to grips with the complicated, millennium-long architectural history of the building.

There are plans and models explaining the layout at different stages, complemented by art that decorated the interior long ago.

You can view statues, stone reliefs, the remnants of the Renaissance altar, frescoes and a painting by Lucas Cranach the Elder.

In the 1970s the graves of eight medieval bishops were discovered, and the finds from these excavations include rings, a staff, vestments and chalices.

3. Bremen City Hall

One of the most beautiful civic buildings, not just in Germany, but all of Europe, Bremen’s City Hall earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 2005. What began as a Brick Gothic hall in the 15th century was given an exquisite Renaissance makeover 200 years later when the rich reliefs and statues were carved.

You could lose a lot of time marvelling at the stonework and identifying all the figures on here, like Charlemagne and Bremen’s seven Imperial Electors.

Tours are given by Bremen’s tourist office and take place between 11:00 and 16:00. Don’t pass up the chance to go inside as there’s a great deal to see, like Germany’s oldest cask of wine in the cellar and the lavishly adorned Upper Hall where the city council used to sit.

4. Marktplatz

We’ve already mentioned the cathedral and town hall, which together could keep you on the central market square for half a day.

But apart from the historic gabled houses overlooking the square there are a few other monuments to look for.

One is the Gothic Roland Statue, erected in front of the town hall in 1404 and depicting a mythological knight who symbolises Bremen’s free city status.

The monument is encompassed by the same UNESCO site as the town hall.

If you come around to the west side of the city hall there’s a modern bronze sculpture of the dog, cat, rooster and donkey from the Brothers Grimm’s Town Musicians of Bremen fairytale.

5. Kunsthalle Bremen

On Bremen’s “Culture Mile”, this top-notch art museum has been run by the private Bremen Art Society for almost 200 years.

The collection is a complete overview of European art from the 14th century to today, taking in German Renaissance masters like Lucas Cranach the Elder and Albrecht Dürer.

But where the museum really shines is in its 19th and 20th-century art by Delacroix, van Gogh, Max Liebermann, Camille Corot, Andreas Achenbach, Max Beckmann, Franz Marc, Edvard Munch and Alfred Sisley, to name just a few.

The print and drawing department has hundreds of thousands of sheets from the 1400s to the 1900s, while the New Media department is for contemporary artists in a variety of disciplines.

You can peruse work by the installation artist Olafur Eliasson, video artist Nam June Paik and musician John Cage.

6. Böttcherstraße

Running towards the Weser from Marktplatz is a 100-metre street that was rescued from dilapidation and transformed by an architectural project during the 1920s.

The idea came from the Bremen coffee magnate, and inventor of decaf coffee, Ludwig Roselius, and he hired the Expressionist artist Bernhard Hoetger to oversee the works.

The outcome was a spectacular line of buildings and courtyards in what is known as the Brick Expressionism style.

This is a blend of Expressionist art, Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) and Art Deco, with constant hints to traditional Low German architecture in the houses’ gables and mullioned windows.

The entire street is protected and owned by a single foundation, while its buildings host chic independent shops, ateliers, bars, museums and galleries.

7. Haus des Glockenspiels

Maybe Berhard Hoetger’s most beautiful contributions to Böttcherstraße are the wooden panels that rotate in time to the carillon at the Haus des Glockenspiels.

If you’re in Bremen during spring or summer, try to time your visit for just before the stroke of the hour, between 12:00 and 18:00. Thirty bells made from Meissen porcelain and set between the house’s gables play the tunes of old sea shanties and folk songs.

Hoetger designed ten Expressionist panels for important German and foreign voyagers like Christopher Columbus, the crew of the first transatlantic flight, aviator Charles Lindbergh and Robert Fulton, inventor of the steamboat.

8. Schnoor Quarter

The oldest and quaintest neighbourhood in Bremen is the knot of little lanes around the Schnoor alley.

In the past this was one of Bremen’s poorest areas and was where Bremen’s fishing community resided.

The maritime theme survives in the name, Schnoor, as it refers to the workshops where rigging was manufactured for ships.

Schnoor has lots of pretty timber-framed houses from the 1400s and 1500s, now occupied by restaurants, galleries, cafes and handicraft shops for souvenirs.

On Stavendamm, make time for the Schifferhaus from 1630, which is an exceptional state of preservation and welcomes visitors for tours in German and English.

9. Schlachte

In Bremen’s Old Town the right bank of the Weser was turned into a pedestrian zone in the 1980s and 90s.

The promenade and restored houses are over what used to be Bremen’s main harbour, until increases in the size of freight and the introduction of railways moved a lot of the water-bourne traffic to Bremerhaven on the coast.

Now the Schlachte is all about having a good time, day or night.

You can relax at a biergarten in summer or choose from a wide selection of restaurants, both German an international.

You could also take a slow, leisurely walk beside the water, or board one of many boats here for a trip on the Weser.

At Christmas the Schlachte-Zauber market here recreates the atmosphere of medieval Bremen’s guilds, and the fragrance of baked bread and smoked mackerel fills the air.

10. Schütting

Coming back to the Marktplatz once more, you have to spare some time for Bremen’s guildhall, which was built in the Flemish Renaissance style in the 1530s.

For a bit of historical context the hall was a symbol of the power of Bremen’s wealthy merchants following an uprising by the lower classes earlier in the decade.

On the facade above the portal check out the merchants’ coat of arms, which sits beside that of the city of Bremen and depicts the Holy Roman imperial eagle, giving you an idea of the standing the merchants had in the city.

An interesting historical curiosity about the Schütting is that it had one of the first coffee houses in German speaking territories, opening in 1679.

11. Focke Museum

In the Riensberg neighbourhood to the east of Bremen’s centre, the Focke Museum reveals Bremen’s 1,200 years of history.

The attraction is based in several historic structures dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries, around a modern main building from the 1960s.

In the main exhibition you can view curiosities like the original head of the Roland statue and sandstone statues from the facade of the town hall, brought here for safekeeping.

There are also cars manufactured by Bremen’s Borgward brand and the Complimentarius, a strange, armour-clad automaton that used to welcome people to the great hall at the Schütting.

The side buildings are also full of interest, like the thatched Eichenhof, which explores the prehistory an ancient history of the Bremen region.

Or there’s the 18th-century Haus Riensberg, demonstrating the skill of Bremen’s furniture designers and master glassmakers in the hundreds of years ago.

12. Ludwig Roselius Museum

On Böttcherstraße you also have to call in at the Roselius-House, which displays the private collection of the coffee merchant Ludwig Roselius.

The house is the oldest on the street, raised at the end of the 16th century.

Roselius bought it in 1902 and added the crow-stepped gable as part of the street’s development.

He amassed a trove of curios and art from the early middle ages to the 17th century, made up of liturgical ornaments, Renaissance paintings and sculpture.

The essential work to see in the museum is Lucas Cranach’s Portrait of Martin Luther and Katharina von Bora, his wife.

Among the abundance of religious statuary, find the Group of Mourner, sculpted in 1515 by the master Tilman Riemenschneider.

13. Universum

Just right for a rainy day, the Universum is a wildly popular interactive science centre in a futuristic metallic building that looks a bit like a mussel shell.

There are over 300 exhibits, all challenging young minds to solve problems and experiment in hands on ways.

The three main zones are Nature, Humans and Technology, filled with intelligently designed games, models and displays to make complicated concepts more digestible.

So that might be a table football game in which you play against A.I., a sofa which recreates the feeling of an earthquake and a room that simulates what it’s like to be blind.

Outside there are more experiments for water and wind, and a 27-metre tower crammed with more experiments.

14. Bürgerpark

The southern entrance to Bremen’s best-loved park is moments away from the Hauptbahnhof.

What begins as a narrow strip of lawns and trees in the centre of the city eventually broadens into a 200-hectare park that extends past the University to the open countryside north of Bremen.

If you need an affordable family day out in summer the Bürgerpark has animal habitats for sheep, goats, pigs, wild boars, alpacas, guinea pigs and deer.

Those enclosures are ringed by the Emmasee, a large, serpentine water feature where you can rent boats, while there’s also a mini-golf centre.

At the southern end, the serene Holler See lake is the setting for outdoor performances by the Bremer Shakespeare Company in summer.

15. Mühle am Wall

Heading from the Hauptbahnhof to the city centre you’ll pass the old earthworks where Bremen’s city ramparts and bastions used to be.

One of the sights that will catch your attention is a large windmill, which has become a treasured landmark in Bremen.

The mill “on the wall” is a “smock mill”, on an octagonal base constructed in 1898. It is the most recent of a succession of windmills at this very spot, going back to 1699. The mill now houses a restaurant, and there’s a terrace outside shaded by parasols.

16. Das Viertel

Bremen’s youngest and most colourful district, Das Viertel is cool enough to have a name that translates simply to “The Quarter”. Das Viertel was laid out east of the wall between the end of the 1800s and the 1930s, and regal villas and townhouses were erected in the Historicist, Neoclassic and Jugendstil styles.

The neighbourhood has a few of the Cultural Mile’s museums like the Kunsthalle, as well as the temple-like Thater am Goetheplatz.

But if you’re young and you need somewhere to eat and go out, the Viertel’s eccentric, one-of-a-kind bars, bistros, cafes and live music venues are dens for the Bremen’s hippest folk.

In the daylight day Das Viertel is a shopping quarter of vintage shops, fun boutiques and family-run businesses, without a chain store in sight.

17. Bremer Geschichtenhaus

Now open for more than a decade, the Bremer Geschichtenhaus (House of History) is a living museum in the quaint surrounds of the Schnoor quarter.

Historical re-enactors dress up in garb from the 1600s to 1900s and play out important scenes or little vignettes from Bremen’s past.

These performances are normally in German, but the attraction does accommodate English speakers if you book in advance.

Characters are brought to life, like the famous eccentric Heini Holtenbeen, or Fisch-Luzie an enterprising 19th-century fishmonger who built her own fish-trading empire in Bremen.

The exhibits are ordered chronologically, bringing you through plague outbreaks in the 17th century to the height of Bremen’s chocolate and coffee-trading days in the 1800s.

18. Church of Our Lady

Work started on this parish church on the north side of the Marktplatz in the 13th century around the same time as the cathedral.

But like the cathedral it was also laid over a much older structure.

The crypt is from 1020, and is the oldest built space in the whole of Bremen.

The Gothic vaults of the nave and choir have been stripped back to the bare stone, and have a stark beauty.

The church came through the war with minor damage, but 19 of its stained glass windows were destroyed.

The French modern artist Alfred Manessier was hired to design the replacements in the 60s and 70s, and these evoke bible passages with his trademark bright linear patterns.

19. Übersee-Museum

With 1.2 million exhibits in the fields of ethnology and natural history, the Übersee-Museum transports you to the ends of the earth.

You’ll come face to face with a massive diversity of topics and themes, and can find out what it’s like to walk through a rainforest at night, go underwater off a tropical island in Oceania and travel the Silk Road.

Zoology also has a big role at the museum, and there are thousands of animal specimens in dioramas, as well as genuine exotic plants.

An ambitious new exhibition investigates the phenomena that have made the greatest impact on human life on earth and the environment, like climate change, the Internet, global trade and human rights.

20. Rhododendron Park

If you happen to be in Bremen in May, this botanical garden on the eastern outskirts of the city shoots up the list of things to do.

In that brief window, the park’s collection of 1,000 rhododendron and azalea species bursts into flower.

The bushes produce blossoms in a kaleidoscope of colours from pure white to deep red.

Together the rhododendrons and azaleas make up the second largest collection of these plants in the world, numbering some 10,000 individual bushes.

21. Botanika

Attached to the Rhododendron Park is an attraction labelling itself as a “Green Science Centre”. In many ways Botanika is a green partner for Universum, answering questions about the inner-workings of plants in fun, creative ways.

In the discovery centre you’ll learn how the competition for light, nutrients, water and procreation has caused a wild inventiveness that allows sequoias to lift water 100 metres off the ground, or Venus flytraps to digest insects.

You can taste edible plants in the herb garden, and there are seasonal animal exhibits that include rabbits and a butterfly garden.

The large greenhouse recreates wilderness and landscaped gardens from the Himalayas, Borneo and Japan.

22. Beck’s Brewery

Something like 3,000 bottles of Beck’s Beer are opened around the world every 60 seconds, and in Bremen you can go to the place where it all began.

Beck’s Brewery was set up by the master brewer Heinrich Beck in 1873, together with a city merchant Thomas May and the master builder Lüder Rutenberg.

The brand’s iconic key crest is a reference to the Bremen Cathedral’s patron saint, St Peter who held the keys to the kingdom of heaven.

Tours of the brewery take place Monday to Saturday in German, and if you want an English tour come at 15:00 Thursdays to Saturdays.

You’ll be shown around the inventory, and the various fermentation and storage tanks in the brewhouse.

There’s a video presentation about the brand, and a tasting session at the end of the tour.

23. Valentin Submarine Pens

Downstream on the Weser to the northwest of Bremen is a submarine factory from the Second World War.

The Valentin Submarine Pens were never completed, and never assembled a single submarine, as progress was halted by air raids and the allied advance in 1945. But even so, the facility is only behind the famous pens in Brest for size and preservation.

Although they’re an interesting piece of war-time “blockhaus” construction, the pens are most of all a thought-provoking memorial to the wrongs of the Second World War and the Nazi regime.

It is believed that as many as 6,000 slave labourers died building the pens.

As you follow the self-guided tour, reminders of the human cost are interlaced with technical details about the factory and its historical context.

24. Bremer Bonbon Manufaktur

In the Handwerkerhof (Craftsman’s Courtyard) off Böttcherstrasse you might be distracted by a sweet fragrance.

This comes from the candy factory, which is run by the tourist board and makes traditional hard candy presented in cute packaging with Bremen’s animal musicians on the label.

Naturally, these make for a good souvenir or gift.

Best of all there’s a window that opens onto the kitchens where you can see artisan candy of different colours shapes and sizes being made by hand.

25. Weser River Tours

Once you appreciate the big hand the Weser River played in Bremen’s success as a Hanseatic Free City you’ll want to capture some of the magic on a cruise setting off from the former harbour at the Schlachte.

There are five tours a day and you’ll ride from the embankment to Bremen’s modern docks, finding out about trade with England and the Baltic in the Hanseatic days, and how the influx of goods like coffee and cocoa from the New World changed Bremen’s fortunes.

You’ll get a fresh view of the cathedral towers, the grand houses of the waterfront Osterdeich street and pieces of the city’s old fortifications.

25 Best Things to Do in Bremen (Germany):

Bremen Cathedral
Cathedral Museum
Bremen City Hall
Kunsthalle Bremen
Böttcherstraße
Haus des Glockenspiels
Schnoor Quarter
Focke Museum
Ludwig Roselius Museum
Mühle am Wall
Das Viertel
Bremer Geschichtenhaus
Church of Our Lady
Übersee-Museum
Rhododendron Park
Beck's Brewery
Valentin Submarine Pens
Bremer Bonbon Manufaktur
Weser River Tours

Germany Footsteps

22 Top Things To Do In Bremen [Don’t Miss Them!]

Going on a Bremen trip and want to know all the best things to do in Bremen? We have you covered! Below you will find our guide to all the best attractions in Bremen Germany to plan your ultimate trip.

When we were looking for places to visit in Northern Germany on our way to Denmark, somewhere jumped out at us pretty quick – Bremen. I found it on lists of Germany’s prettiest Old Towns and, once I looked it up myself, I was sold.

Located at the end of Germany’s Fairy Tale Road, Bremen is a reasonable sized city with over half a million people. It also lives up to its reputation with a gorgeous Old Town on the Weser River and there is a great collection of places to see in Bremen.

From fairy tale statues to museums to churches to wandering the riverside walk and Old Town, Bremen is an easy, vibrant, fun and beautiful place to visit.

Not far from Hamburg, it is possible to visit Bremen on a day trip. However, this is a beautiful place that is worth your time if you can spend longer. We spent a few nights and I wish we had more time to continue to soak it all in.

Bremen is a great destination at any time of year. It has what is reputed to be one of the best Christmas markets in Germany and there’s plenty to explore in summer too.

Below, you will find our Bremen travel blog with everything you need to know about the best Bremen things to do, what to do in Bremen surrounds as well as the best places to stay for your ultimate vacation in Bremen!! There is also a handy map of the things to do Bremen offers.

So let’s start so you have as good a time in Bremen as we had!

Traveling to Germany? Click here to download your free Germany Trip Planning checklist . We’ll help you get ready for your trip!

Table of Contents

An Introduction To Bremen

Settlements in the Bremen area date back to 100AD. At its beginning, it was known as the “Rome of the North” and was used as a base for bringing Christianity into Scandinavia.

It shed its religious background becoming an Imperial City in 1186 and then joining the Hanseatic League in 1260. Starting with a few towns in northern Germany, the Hanseatic League grew to be a confederation of nearly 200 cities in 7 modern-day countries. This league was a powerful policital trading block with arrangements like free trade, protection against pirates and bandits and diplomats among its members.

Over time, they even developed a common legal system and armies to keep the area safe and flourishing. This lead to mutual prosperity in the region.

You can read more about the Hanseatic League here .

Bremen’s location on the Weser River enabled it to be a key trading post in the league with much international trading taking place here. It thrived and, in fact, stayed in the Hanseatic League right until it ended in 1862 as Germany was being founded.

Even today, Bremen is known as the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen and forms its own state (the smallest in Germany).

Top 21 Things To Do In Bremen Germany

Here are the best Bremen attractions. Read through and select the ones that fit your interests and timeframe. If you only have one day to visit Bremen tourist attractions, find our one day Bremen places to visit itinerary below.

Bremen’s Old Town

If there is one place you will absolutely want to head when you visit Bremen, it’s Bremen’s Old Town. This is definitely #1 on our list of Bremen top 10 tourist attractions and you can’t go wrong wandering around this area.

In fact, many of the places below are in the Old Town so you can enjoy the Old Town as you visit your pick of the top things to do in Bremen.

This Old Town is 1200 years old and is located on the banks of the Weser River. It’s a joy to walk the cobblestone streets surrounded by history. It’s compact and easy to walk around.

I recommend you take your time, have a leisurely meal in the streets in warmer months and really soak it in.

Rathaus (Town Hall)

The heart of the Old Town, Markt Platz (Market Square) is a great place to head on your Old Town wander. This is where you will find Bremen’s UNESCO World Heritage listed Town Hall.

Over 600 years old, its known for its mix of Gothic and Renaissance features thanks to originally being built in 1410 in Gothic style and then having a Renaissance facade added in 1612. This actually makes it the only European town hall built in the late Middle Ages that has survived in its original form for this long.

It’s a well preserved, gorgeous building which helps celebrate Bremen remaining largely autonomous for centuries. The inside is just as fabulous with the Upper Hall being a fantastic ceremonial venue where the council used to meet.

There’s also a cellar underneath which is home to Germany’s oldest cask of wine.

It’s possible to go on a guided tour of the inside which takes about an hour and helps explain the magnificent history of the building. It’s also possible to eat a meal in the restaurant, Ratskeller , in the wine cellar.

Roland Statue

The Roland Statue is located outside the Rathaus and was erected in 1404 after its wooden predecessor was destroyed. It is part of the Rathaus’ UNESCO World Heritage listing.

Roland is a symbol of freedom and trading rights and, while there are Roland statues in many German towns, this one is considered one of the most beautiful and oldest examples.

It’s over five and a half metres tall and when you add in the baldachin, it’s over ten metres tall. I was surprised by the height of this impressive statue – photos don’t do it justice.

It’s a popular item on the Bremen things to see list and you won’t want to miss it.

Town Musicians Of Bremen

After our journey along the Fairy Tale Road to get to Bremen, we certainly weren’t going to miss an opportunity to see this statue of the Town Musicians of Bremen which comes from the Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale, the Bremen Town Musicians (Die Bremer Stadtmusikanten) published in 1819.

You’ll notice images around town of a donkey, dog, cat, and rooster and they come from this fairy tale.

The best way to celebrate this past is by visiting this statue and rubbing the donkey’s nose or hooves. It’ll ensure you have good luck and visit Bremen again!

You can also find a circle plaque and coin slot where you can pay to hear the animals make sounds.

This statue is also located in Markt Platz to the left of the Bremen Rathaus. It was created by Gerhard Marcks and you can learn more about his work below.

Dom St Petri (And Bleikeller)

The Bremen Cathedral, Dom St Petri, is also located at Markt Platz. This protestant church was originally built in 789, although much of the current building dates to the 13th century.

This cathedral is quite large and it’s worth venturing inside. There are many organs, tombs and crypts with some famous Germans having been buried here. It has a silent beauty that I really enjoyed.

In the warmer months, you can also climb 265 steps to the top of the south tower for great views of the Old Town. However, this does seem to be closed randomly as it was shut the days we were in Bremen with no explanation or sign of when it would open again. Next time!

There’s also a small Cathedral Museum located in the Bleikeller (cellar) which shows the history of the cathedral as well as religious artefacts from a 1970s dig. It’s also home to eight well-preserved mummies which are the remains of medieval archbishops.

It’s free to enter (as is the church).

Kirche Unser Lieben Fraue (Church Of Our Lady)

This smaller church was also built around the 13th century on the remains of an older building. The crypt is from 1020 which makes it the oldest built space in Bremen.

The Church of Our Lady is behind Bremen Rathaus and easy to visit as part of your exploration of this area. Inside are beautiful murals and as well as the old crypt and many beautiful painted glass windows.

I didn’t find many people in here despite the crowds outside, and it was a great way to escape exploring for a moment to relax and reflect in a beautiful space.

It’s another of the Bremen Germany things to do to appreciate and learn more about this city.

Böttcherstraße

Once you have finished exploring and enjoying Markt Platz, another great part of Bremen’s Old Town is Böttcherstraße. It’s just to the south and connects Markt Platz to the river so at one point, it was very important.

Today, this 100 metre long medieval lane is a great example of expressionist architecture (although there is a mixture of architectural styles) after it was transformed in the 1920s by the coffee merchant, Ludwig Roselius.

The red-brick houses have a mix of facades and there are fountains, statues and more. There are also some great Bremen attractions on this street which are described more below. There are some great shops, bars and cafes. Have a seat and enjoy the atmosphere.

But whether you have time to visit these attractions or not, it’s well worth the time to wander down Böttcherstraße.

Haus Des Glockenspiels

One of the things to do around Bremen that you’ll find on Böttcherstraße is Haus des Glockenspiels (Glockenspiel House). This is the place to be just before the hour between 12 – 6pm in the warmer months.

At this time, thirty porcelain bells ring playing the tunes of old folk songs lasting over eight minutes!

While the building already existed, the bells were added in 1934. Ten expressionist panels were also added of important German and other voyagers like Robert Fulton, steamboat inventor, and Christopher Columbus.

I must say that I was a little underwhelmed. The bells weren’t as loud as I expected and they didn’t move or anything. Add in the small space and big crowd and I wouldn’t say this is a must hear.

Paula Modersohn-Becker Museum

Also on Böttcherstraße is the Paula Modersohn-Becker Museum. Paula Modersohn-Becker was an artist (1867-1907) who was an early expressionist. This is the first gallery in the world that was dedicated to the work of a female artist.

Here, you can find some of her work as well as photos and documents relating to her as well as works by other artists.

The building itself is a great example of Brick Expressionist architecture.

Ludwig Roselius Museum

Another art museum on Böttcherstraße, the Ludwig Roselius Museum is where you can find the private art collection of Ludwig Roselius. As stated above, he is the one who is responsible for transforming this street.

This building is the oldest on the street, dating back to the end of the 16th century. Roselius added the crow-stepped gable when he developed the street.

He has quite an art collection as well as many ornaments. The most important pieces are Lucas Cranach’s Portrait of Martin Luther and his wife, Katharina von Bora and the Group of Mourner, sculpted in 1515 by Tilman Riemenschneider.

Schlachte Riverside Walk

After you’ve enjoyed Böttcherstraße, why not enjoy a riverside walk. This riverside walk is on the banks of the Weser River in the Old Town. It’s a pedestrian zone with a wide range of restaurants, bars and biergartens.

This area started off as the city’s original port and harbor. When railways were introduced and freight size increased, much of the harbour traffic moved to the coast and this area stopped being used.

After rejuvenation efforts, this area was transformed into a great area to spend some time. It’s also a popular choice of the things to do in Bremen at night where you can enjoy a meal and a beer.

There’s also many boats where you can take for a cruise on the Weser. It’s a nice place to take a walk.

The oldest neighbourhood in Bremen, you won’t want to miss a wander around Schnoor (or Schnoor Quarter as it’s often referred). This area is gorgeous with classic winding alleyways, wooden houses (some of which date back to the Medieval Ages) and many shops, galleries and restaurants.

This used to be home to Bremen’s fishing community and was one of the poorest parts of the city. This is where much shipping equipment was made and Schnoor refers to workshops where rigging was manufactured.

Luckily, this area was largely undamaged during the World Wars and there’s some great preserved buildings.

Wandering around here is one of my favourite answers to what to do in Bremen Germany thanks to all the pretty houses. It’s really a very special area.

Wallanlagen Park

The perfect way to add some green in your day (especially if you are looking for free things to do in Bremen) is Wallanlagen Park. Simply head north of the Old Town to find this beautiful part of Bremen.

This park dates back to the 18th century when it was built on the site of Bremen’s old city walls. Next to it is a moat. Thanks to this, it’s an odd, zig-zagging shape but it does make for a great park with fountains, flowers and sculptures.

It’s also home to a picturesque windmill, originally built in 1699, although today’s windmill was built in 1898.

There’s a restaurant inside if you want to dine at one of the more unusual things to do in Bremen.

It’s a great green escape from the city and it’s interesting how in just a moment you can go from the hustle and bustle of the city to a great relaxing expanse of green.

Weserburg Museum Für Moderne Kunst

The Weserburg Museum Für Moderne Kunst (Weserburg Museum of Modern Art) is located on an island in the Weser River just a short walk from the Old Town. Over five floors, it showcases work from German and international artists with pantings, sculptures, photography and videos.

There are no permanent exhibitions here so the works on display are regularly changing and come mainly from private collectors.

Modern art lovers will definitely want to add this to their list of things to do Bremen Germany.

Another one of the attractions Bremen offers for art lovers is Kunsthalle located on Bremen’s “Culture Mile”, a short walk from Markt Platz.

Kunsthalle has been home to art for over 150 years and contains an overview of European art starting at the 14th century. It promises visitors that they’ll take a journey through 700 years of art history.

This is an impressive collection with masters of the German Renaissance such as Albrecht Dürer and a focus on French and German art in the 19th and 20th centuries. There are masterpieces by Masolino, Monet, Van Gogh and more.

There are also contemporary art exhibitions and regularly changing exhibits.

This is definitely one of the first places to head if you love art.

Gerhard Marcks Haus

Bremen is not short of art attractions and here is another one for fans of the Bremen musicians sculpture. Gerhard Marcks is one of Germany’s best sculptors and you can find more of his work here.

Born in Berlin in 1899, Marcks was labelled a “degenerate” artist by the Nazis in the 1930s and couldn’t display his work until the end of World War II. In 1966, a foundation was established in Bremen to preserve his works. In1971, this museum was opened with over 400 of his sculptures, 1,200 prints and 12,000 drawings.

It also displays works from other modern and contemporary sculptors.

Gerhard Marckts Haus is moments from Kunsthalle and the building that it calls home was built with the Wilhelm Wagenfeld Haus (more below) in 1825 to operate as a gatehouse and prison.

Wilhelm Wagenfeld Haus

Wilhelm Wagenfeld Haus opposit Gerhard Marckts Haus is the place to go to examine questions about design and culture.

Wilhelm Wagenfeld was an important German industrial designer. This museum explores his work.

Universum Science Centre

This science museum is perfect for families and space fans plus anyone will enjoy the unique archictecture of its home.

Over 4,000 square metres of interactive science exhibitions wait for you here from learning how a polygraph machine works to learning about wind and water in the outside spaces.

Bremen is home to a strong aerospace industry, and this is the place you can make a virtual trip to the stars or the ocean floor.

Universum Science Centre is an easy light rail ride from the centre of Bremen.

Beck’s Brewery

Perhaps Bremen’s most famous export, Beck’s beer calls Bremen home and you can visit the Beck’s Brewery while you are here.

Established in 1873, around 3,000 bottles of Beck’s beer are opened every minute!

You can visit this Bremen Brewery on a 3-hour guided tour as long as you are aged 16+. The tour includes a walk through their museum, the raw materials room and the brewhouse. You’ll also see silos, fermentation tanks and their laboratory.

Naturally, the tour finishes with beer tasting.

Click here for more information and to book a tour.

Weser River Cruise

Bremen wouldn’t exist without the Weser River and a cruise is the perfect way to see and learn more about Bremen.

There’s a variety of cruising options with a good choice being a 75-minute Weser and harbour tour which leaves a few times a day by Halöver departing from Martini Pier in the Old Town.

Click here for more details.

Bunker Valentin

For something completely different, head to this one of the best things to do near Bremen.

Located about half an hour drive northwest of Bremen is this fascinating submarine factory built during World War II.

In 1943, the Nazis started building this massive concrete bunker where they hoped to safely build submarines. This huge bunker is around 426 metres long, 97 metres wide and up to 27 metres high. The walls are 4.5 metres thick. Sadly, it was built by up to 12,000 POW and slave-labourers from concentration camps and many died during construction.

Allied bombing damaged the bunker before it was completed and then the war ended before a single submarine was ever built here.

Despite this, it makes for one huge thought-provoking site representing the futility of war.

There is a 1.5 kilometre path around and through the bunker and you can take a self-guided tour while you learn about the site and hear the story of the survivors via an optional audio guide. There’s also information boards around the site. You can also join a tour on request.

You can read our full review of visiting Valentin Bunker here.

Bremen Things To Do In December/Winter

While most of the things to see in Bremen Germany listed above are just as possible in winter time, there is also an extra fun thing to do in Bremen which is especially for December.

Bremen Christmas Market

When it comes to the best things to do in Bremen Germany in December, there is an easy stand out for the absolute best place to head – the Bremen Christmas Market.

Running from the end of November to the end of December, the area around the Town Hall, which is already a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the Bremen Christmas Market, one of our favorites in Germany.

Over 160 stalls call this market home and it’s in a gorgeous setting in the Old Town. So grab some roasted almonds and a glühwein and soak in the Christmas atmosphere.

What To Do In Bremen In One Day

Only have one day in Bremen? What a shame! But it’s ok, it’s still worth going to Bremen if you only have one day.

With one day, I recommend you stick to the Old Town and immediate surrounds. You can visit most of the Bremen best places to visit mentioned above in this area except you’ll have to work out which art museums most interest you as you won’t have time for them all.

I recommend you head straight to the Old Town and explore the following on foot:

Start at Markt Platz at the Rathaus
Visit the Roland and Town Musicians Of Bremen statues
Go inside the Dom St Petri and visit its museum if it interests you
Visit the Church Of Our Lady
Head down Böttcherstraße picking one of Paula Modersohn-Becker Museum and Ludwig Roselius Museum
Either eat lunch around here or find a place as you stroll the Schlachte Riverside Walk
Choose between Weserburg Museum Für Moderne Kunst, Kunsthalle, Gerhard Marcks Haus and Wilhelm Wagenfeld Haus
Finish the day falling in love with the Schnoor Quarter

Places To Visit In Bremen Germany Map

Best Place To Stay In Bremen

When it comes to where to stay in Bremen, there is a great range of hotels and other accommodation options. You won’t have any problem finding somewhere to stay.

Below I’ve listed a few different places to consider depending on what type of accommodation you are looking for.

BEST – Designhotel ÜberFluss Review

Just a few minutes walk from the Old Town, 4-star Designhotel ÜberFluss is perfect for anyone who wants a top, trendy hotel in a fantastic location.

Spacious rooms are designed with décor by Charles Eames and Tom Dixon and range from double rooms to suites including family suites which sleep up to four. All rooms include kitchenettes with refrigerators, flat-screen TVs with streaming service and toiletries. They are beautiful.

Some rooms have river views.

Facilities at the hotel include a spa with indoor pool and sauna, gym, wifi and French-Italian restaurant. Parking is available at an additional charge.

Click here to see the latest prices now.

VALUE – Select Hotel City Bremen Review

This contemporary hotel is just a short walk from the Old Town and Wallanlagen Park.

While it doesn’t have a ton of facilities, the rooms are modern, clean and a great price. They range from double rooms with desk area to superior rooms with seating area to a deluxe room which adds in a balcony. There are also single and quadruple rooms.

There’s a restaurant on site which serves breakfast. Parking is available for an extra charge.

Click here to see the latest prices.

FUN – Segelyacht Bremen City Review

I couldn’t help but book this accommodation option after I saw it on Booking.com on our recent trip with our three kids. Staying in a yacht at Bremen’s Marina was too fun an option not to do it!

This boat is well equipped with three (tiny) bedrooms which sleep two each, a kitchen, bathroom with toilet and sink and a living/dining area. There’s TV and wifi.

As you would expect, it’s squishy for five and everything is small, but the fun factor makes up for that! Besides, there’s plenty to do in Bremen so you won’t be spending so much time here.

The downside is that the shower is in the Marina building.

It’s about a 30 minute walk into the centre of the Old Town or you can catch a light rail. It’s not far from the start of the Schlachte Riverside Walk.

Find more of the best hotels in Bremen here or our full review of the Best Western Bremen City here.

How To Get To Bremen

We have travelled to Bremen by both hire car and train. It’s simple by car if you are in the area. It’s at the end of the Fairy Tale Road and it’s easy to find.

You can hire a car to get you there by clicking here.

There are regular trains and buses here. You can find timetables and all your options here.

We took an ICE train from Hamburg and were here quickly and smoothly. In fact, we even had our own area at the front of the train!

Firt class train seats between Hamburg and Bremen

There is also an airport in Bremen with flights to other destinations in Europe and Germany. Hamburg is also not far away and has a bigger airport.

Click here to look up flights to Bremen.

Once in Bremen, we found it easy to use the light rail, although most of the time, we explored on foot. We drove out to Bunker Valentin. Look out for day trip tickets which get cheaper the more people in your group.

Bremen With Kids

Bremen is an easy and fun place to visit with kids. We visited with our three kids aged 6-12 and had a great time. We made sure we watched the Town Musicians of Bremen on YouTube before visiting and the kids had fun looking out for the animals as we wandered around.

The Universum Science Centre is particularly a winner with kids, but really my kids just enjoyed soaking up the Old Town as much as I did. It’s a pretty place to visit!

Final Words

Bremen is a beautiful and fun place to visit. It’s Old Town is just gorgeous and it’s easy to want to spend hours just having a drink soaking it all in.

While I wouldn’t say Bremen is packed full of must-visit attractions, there are tons of things to do and enjoy in Bremen.

If you are lucky enough to visit in December, the Christmas Market is definitely the place to head. Otherwise, wander the Old Town and Schnoor, visit the attractions that interest you and enjoy.

You can check out all the best hotels in Bremen here for your great stay and read more guides to visiting Northern Germany here. Don’t miss our one week itinerary for Northern Germany here which includes Bremen . Or read this guide to Hameln – we visited Hameln (of Pied Piper of Hamelin fame) on our way to Bremen. It’s another great Fairy Tale Road stop!

Looking for something else fun to do nearby? Read our review of the German Tank Museum here. You can also find our guide to Lübeck here and all the best places to visit Northern Germany here .

By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon first fell in love with Germany back in 2000 on her first visit. She loves the long history, the picturesque Old Towns, the castles, the food, everything really! Since then, she has visited many times and loves writing about Germany here so you can enjoy it too. In fact, Sharon loves German culture so much that she sent her kids to a German primary school in Australia. She especially loves Berlin and towns with charming Old Towns like Celle and Quedlinburg. Sharon also has a Certificate III in International Travel Sales and understands the nitty gritty of travel planning. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to Germany whether it's your first or tenth time!

Your next trip starts here

Go from dreaming to planning with trip planning options made to help you craft your ideal itinerary.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Denkort Bunker Valentin

In 1943, the Nazis started construction of a massive concrete bunker to build submarines in. At a planned production rate of 12 subs per month it was…

For art lovers, the highlight of Bremen’s Kulturmeile (Cultural Mile) is the Kunsthalle, which presents a large permanent collection of paintings,…

Böttcherstrasse

The charming medieval coopers lane was transformed into a prime example of mostly expressionist architecture in the 1920s at the instigation of coffee…

Universum Science Centre

Bremen has a strong aerospace industry, and space buffs will enjoy the eye-catching, oyster-shaped Universum Science Centre, where you can make virtual…

Dom St Petri

Bremen’s Protestant main church has origins in the 8th century, though its ribbed vaulting, chapels and two high towers date from the 13th century. Aside…

Gerhard Marcks Haus

Among Germany’s greatest sculptors, Gerhard Marcks (1889–1981) is the man responsible for Bremen’s famous Stadtmusikanten sculpture on Markt. Born in…

Paula Modersohn-Becker Haus Museum

Showcasing the art of the eponymous artist Paula Modersohn-Becker (1876–1907), an early expressionist and member of the Worpswede artists colony, this is…

If you’re a plant lover, don’t miss a trip to Botanika and its replicated Asiatic landscapes ranging from the Himalayas to New Guinea. Admission to the…

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Bremen City with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

1.1 History
1.2 Bremer Stadtmusikanten
1.3 Geography
1.4 Tourist information
2.1 By plane
2.2 By train
3.1 By foot
3.2 By shared car
3.3 By train
3.4 By bus/tram
3.5 By taxi
3.6 By bike
4.1 Museums
5.1 Farther away
7.1.1 In the Old Town
7.1.2 Around the main train station
7.2 Mid-range
7.3 Splurge
9.2 Mid-range
9.3 Splurge

The Free Hanseatic City of Bremen is a city in northern Germany with a major port on the River Weser. The population is 567,000 (2020). It is also the name of one of the states of Germany which consists of two separated enclaves on the River Weser; the other enclave, Bremerhaven , is covered by its own article.

Understand [ edit ]

History [ edit ].

Bremen was once a member of the medieval Hanseatic League and is still one of the most important cities in northern Germany. Together with the city of Bremerhaven on the North Sea it forms Germany's smallest state. Bremen has more than 1200 years of history, and was, for most of its existence, an independent city-state.

Bremer Stadtmusikanten [ edit ]

The Bremer Stadtmusikanten (Town Musicians of Bremen) perhaps the most well known figures associated with Bremen are characters from the Brothers Grimm fairy tale of the same name. Their image adorns many of the souvenirs in the city. Next to the Town Hall is a much photographed statue of them.

Geography [ edit ]

Bremen is a rather long and narrow city, lining both sides of the river Weser. Along the north-west/south-east axis it stretches about 10 km, but across only 2 km. The entire city is located on flat plains.

Tourist information [ edit ]

[ Bremen tourism website

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

If you want a smooth intercontinental connection to Bremen, your best bet is to fly with Star Alliance or SkyTeam. Star Alliance founder Lufthansa flies from Bremen to their hubs in Frankfurt and Munich , sister airline Eurowings to Stuttgart , while other alliance member Scandinavian Airlines flies to Copenhagen and Turkish Airlines to Istanbul . SkyTeam's founders Air France-KLM fly to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and Amsterdam-Schiphol . You can connect to the alliances' vast networks of intercontinental - and European - connections there. If you are cost conscious, it might work out cheaper to forgo the domestic flight on the last leg and use an air rail alliance such as rail&fly instead. Though thanks to the quirky nature of airline pricing, the exact opposite may be the case.

Getting from the airport into town is quick, smooth and painless. Tram (Straßenbahn) 6 leaves right outside the main terminal building and takes you into downtown every 10 minutes during the day. Travel time is 10 minutes to downtown (Domsheide) and 16 minutes to the Main Railway Station (Hauptbahnhof).

Further afield, you can fly to Hamburg and Hannover. Both cities have frequent train connections with Bremen.

By train [ edit ]

Train tickets can be quite expensive (unless bought in advance), and the cheapest way to travel can be to share a group ticket with other people. However, group tickets are not as cheap as they once were and often an early bird fare (starting from €19 for short routes) on a high-speed connection is cheaper and less stressful than dealing with group tickets which are almost always only valid on regional trains. For more on that issue see rail travel in Germany .

By bus [ edit ]

53.082304 8.810405 3 Intercity bus station ( ZOB Breitenweg ), Bürgermeister-Smidt-Straße 15 ( outside Bremen Hbf ).

Flixbus has all but cornered the market.

By car [ edit ]

Autobahn 1 runs to Hamburg in the north and Cologne in the south, but do check the traffic information! The A27 goes north to Bremerhaven and Cuxhaven and south towards Hanover , Braunschweig , Berlin and other eastwards connections.

Get around [ edit ]

By foot [ edit ]

Much of Bremen (or at least the part frequented by tourists) can be negotiated by foot - the best way to explore the old city and its surrounding districts.

By shared car [ edit ]

Members of the Cambio car-sharing network, whether in Germany or Belgium, can hire cars - Bremen is the company's headquarters.

Most trains are operated by Deutsche Bahn and even the local trains that aren't can be booked through their website.

In the west lie the cities Delmenhorst and Oldenburg and the Frisian islands. In the east you can travel to Verden , in the south to Osnabrück .

There are trains from the main station to the peripheral areas of Bremen (twice per hour to North Bremen, to Mahndorf via Sebaldsbrück and to Hemelingen.)

By bus/tram [ edit ]

Bremen offers an intensive public transportation network with trams and buses.

Public transport maps of Bremen are available in German . There are night buses and trams (indicated by an "N") running through almost the whole night on F/Sa and Sa/Su, departing at :30 each hour from central station. Fares on the night network are €1 in addition to normal individual, group or day fares (2013). You can buy tickets on the bus or tram, but is slightly cheaper to buy a set of 4 rides or a day pass for individuals or groups, or a weekly pass for individuals. Note that on trains, tickets must be purchased before you board. Public transportation timetables and ticket fares are available in English.

By taxi [ edit ]

Taxis are found nearly everywhere and every time, with a cost of about €1.25/km. There is no need to book a taxi in advance. Taxi drivers and call center employees may have difficulties to understand a phone call in English. The two main taxi companies are

Taxi-Roland , ☏ +49 421 14433 .
Taxi-Ruf , ☏ +49 421 14014 .

By bike [ edit ]

You can rent bicycles at the railway station and several bike shops in Bremen. See details in German only . Bremen is the most bike-friendly city among the biggest German cities. Its former mayor Hennig Scherf is an avid cyclist (who despite the wishes of his bodyguards rode his bike every day to his office or he simply walked to the office.)

See [ edit ]

53.07988 8.80592 5 Am Wall . A lovely park next to the former defensive moat which offers a place to sit and relax. ( updated Jan 2016 )

Museums [ edit ]

53.0671 8.8384 11 Wuseum ( Museum of the football club SV Werder Bremen ), Franz-Böhmert-Straße 1c ( inside the Weserstadium ), ☏ +49 421 434594350 . The sports museum shows the history of the football club SV Werder Bremen. You can see photos, jerseys, trophies and more. €4 . ( updated Apr 2017 )

Do [ edit ]

Stroll around the city center and visit the Schnoor-Viertel with its old buildings - most were built between the 15th and 18th century. If you are interested in art, visit the Bremer Kunsthalle (museum of art) with one of North Germany's finest collections.
Football : SV Werder Bremen were promoted in 2022 so they play soccer in Bundesliga, Germany's top tier. Their home ground is the multi-purpose Weser-Stadion (capacity 42,000) on the north riverbank, 1 km east of city centre.
If you want to see green fields, cows, and birds, visit " Blockland " [dead link] (site in German with some pictures) where thousands of local bikers and inline skaters go every weekend to enjoy the agricultural side of Bremen. It is located just north of the university, between the Autobahn and the meandering river Wümme. You can bike or skate along the dyke that contains the river, have traditional coffee and cake at Landhaus Kuhsiel or Gartelmann's Gasthof , or eat gourmet organic ice cream at Biohof Kaemena (they also sell organic milk and cheese). In winter there is no ice cream but there is ice skating on the river and many small canals. In warmer months it is also possible to rent a canoe or kayak to explore the nature preserve from the water.
There is indoor ice skating at Paradice , the skating hall in Walle (site in German). Paradice is opened from October to February.
A good way to get in touch with the locals is to stroll along the river Weser on the scenic Osterdeich , where - in good weather - lots of little groups hanging out on the grassy hills may invite you to barbecue with them or have a beer.
Don't miss the beautiful Bürgerpark either, a large, well-maintained park right in the middle of the city, which has a little Central Park vibe to it. Have a drink in the renowned "Emma" Café, rent a boat and row around the ring-shaped pond, play mini-golf, visit the petting zoo, or simply sit on the grass and enjoy some tasty ice cream.

Farther away [ edit ]

Events [ edit ].

January 6: "Eiswette": a funny tradition where a tailor checks if he can cross the river Weser without getting wet feet.
February: Carnival in Bremen, more South-American than Cologne style.
April: Easter market.
June: "Breminale" music/art festival along the River Weser.
August: International Bremen Summer circus festival "La Strada". "Festival Maritim" in Bremen-Vegesack (in the northern end of Bremen).
October (2nd half): "Freimarkt" (free market), one of the biggest and oldest fairground festivals in Germany, north of the railway station.
November: International Cutter Race / "Kutterpullen" tournament (rowing contest on the Weser river).
December: Christmas market around the town hall and Schlachte at the river Weser.

The monthly free event magazine MIX has hosts an event calendar online (German only).

Buy [ edit ]

Kluten , are a traditional sweet from Bremen. They are cubes of peppermint, partly covered in chocolate. Hachez , near the Town Hall, is a traditional Bremen based chocolatier and their store is well worth a visit to buy the Kluten, though they are also available at many other places throughout the center.
Schnoor is a den of tight lanes selling boutique style products including jewelry, African artifacts, paper models and a year round Christmas shop. There are also a lot of shops selling tourist souvenirs.
Böttcherstraße , This wonderful Art Nouveau street has many outlets which cater to buyers of upmarket/high quality products.
Weekly markets are held on most of the squares around the Town Hall.
Lloyd Passage , Obernstraße , Sögestraße are the main shopping streets with all the main High Street chains.
Waterfront Shopping Centre , Waterfront Bremen , AG-Weser-Straße ( Motorway A27, Junction 17 (Dreieck Bremen-Industriehäfen) to the freeway feeder A281 (Überseestadt-bound) you will see the Waterfront Bremen on the right side after approximately 4 kilometres. ), ☏ +49 421 33 05 199 . M-Sa 10:00-20:00 . A shopping and leisure centre with a unique location directly on the banks of the River Weser. As its name and location suggest, there is always a fresh wind blowing through and around the Waterfront: shopping, feasting, cinema and events assure high spirits all year round. The centre offers more than 80 shops from fashion (Primark, Desigual, Tommy Hilfiger, Clockhouse and many others) to shoes, jewellery, athletic apparel and equipment to leather goods and gifts—nearly everything the heart could desire. To nourish visitors, there is a gastronomic selection of more than 15 different venues in the Food Court and on the outdoor terrace, with its Weser panorama. There are events held regularly in and around the Waterfront: fashion shows, exhibitions, concerts or activities for children—something for everybody. In the Food Court there is also a 25-m² screen where broadcasts of all Werder Bremen football matches and highlights of the German Football League can be viewed. Various prices .

Eat [ edit ]

Several cafes and restaurants line the "Schlachte" [dead link] along the Weser river while other popular areas are the marketplace and the "Viertel" ("quarter") east of the Kunsthalle. Many traditional dishes from Bremen and Northern Germany are very satisfying. The region is famous for cabbage (Grünkohl- green cabbage), fish (smoked eel, herring, smelt in March), an old sailor's meal called Labskaus (lobscouse) consisting of mashed potatoes, corned beef, onions, fried egg and beetroot or chick ragout (very fine) as well as red fruit jelly or Butterkuchen (cake with yeast and topped with lots of butter, sugar and almonds). You can find some fish restaurants in Böttcherstraße . "Knigge" is the name of a traditional coffee house in Bremen.

Bremen culinary specialties are Knipp (smoked sausage), Labskaus, (fried corned beef with onions and mashed potatoes) and Braunkohl (leaf cabbage)

Budget [ edit ]

In the old town [ edit ].

53.076605 8.807013 1 Bratwurstglöck , Unser Lieben Frauen Kirchhof . Grilled sausages ( updated May 2022 )
53.079206 8.807497 2 Muchos más , Am Wall 135 . Spanish cuisine ( updated May 2022 )
53.076459 8.807169 3 Kiefert Imbiss , Unser Lieben Frauen Kirchhof 27 . Grilled sausages ( updated May 2022 )
53.078669 8.80881 4 Kismet , Sögestraße 72 . A Turkish restaurant ( updated May 2022 )
53.078109 8.804444 5 Asia Bistro 68 Bremen , Papenstraße 2/4 . ( updated May 2022 )

Around the main train station [ edit ]

53.079829 8.811772 6 Crêpes Suzette , Contrescarpe 74 . ( updated May 2022 )
53.080133 8.813215 7 BeatzBurger , Auf d. Brake 13 . ( updated May 2022 )
53.080979 8.810376 8 Mersin Tantuni & Grillhaus , Hillmannpl. 1 . A Turkish eatery ( updated May 2022 )
53.079643 8.815529 9 Pyramide , Rembertiring 14-16 . Spanish and Syrian dishes ( updated May 2022 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

53.073561 8.808857 11 Gasthof zum Kaiser Friedrich , Lange Wieren 13 , ☏ +49 421 326429 . M-Sa . Slightly smoked cut of pork with cabbage and mashed potatoes (Braunkohlteller) ( updated May 2022 )

Splurge [ edit ]

53.076561 8.826041 12 Das Kleine Lokal , Besselstraße 40 . ( updated Sep 2022 )

Drink [ edit ]

The world-wide known Beck's Beer is brewed in Bremen. Guided brewery tours in English and German are offered Thursdays - Saturdays. The tour costs €10.50/person and lasts approximately 2 hours.

The Ratskeller is a wine cellar and restaurant with a famous collection of wines and the oldest wines in Germany.

There are many bars, pubs and cafes in Bremen: the Schlachte along the Weser and the Viertel , a young and lively quarter.

If you like beer and pretzels, try the Schüttinger brewery house (next to Böttcherstraße) where several types of beer are brewed and served directly.

Sleep [ edit ]

53.07951 8.7971 1 International Youth Hostel ( Jugendherberge Bremen ), Kalkstraße 6 ( Take tram 1 to Am Brill from Hauptbahnhof ), ☏ +49 421 163820 , fax : +49 421 1638255 , [email protected] . Looking like a work of art from the exterior, with a yellow-and-orange Plexiglas facade and slit windows, this hostel has comfortable rooms, a rooftop terrace and a bar-breakfast room with huge glass windows overlooking the Weser River. Linen is included. ( updated Jul 2017 )
53.08025 8.81654 2 GastHaus Backpacker Hostel Bremen , Emil-Waldmann-Straße 5-6 , ☏ +49 421 2238057 , [email protected] .
53.07397 8.82268 3 Townside Hostel Bremen , Am Dobben 62 ( Take tram 10 from Hauptbahnhof to Humboldtstrasse or tram 2 or 3 to Sielwall ), ☏ +49 421 78015 , [email protected] . Bright, professionally run hostel is right in the middle of Bremen’s nightlife quarter and handy to Werder Bremen’s stadium. The building has no elevator or air conditioning. Inside as well as outside noise insulation is a problem. Hotel not hostel prices are quoted for double bedrooms with private bathroom.
53.08814 8.80808 4 B&B Hotel , Findorffstraße 28-32 , ☏ +49 421 619580 , fax : +49 421 61958444 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . ( updated Jan 2016 )
53.0865 8.8739 5 [dead link] Best Western Hotel Bremen East , August-Bebel-Allee 4 , ☏ +49 421 23870 , [email protected] . Check-in: 15:00 , check-out: 12:00 . ( updated Jul 2017 )
53.08681 8.83264 6 [dead link] Bed and Breakfast am Bürgerpark ( hostel ), Benquestraße 54 , ☏ +49 421 4684881 . ( updated Jan 2016 )
53.0471 8.8382 7 Ibis Budget Bremen City Süd , Borgward Straße 10 , ☏ +49 421 837350 , fax : +49 421 838820 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . ( updated Jul 2017 )
53.035 8.89105 8 Hotel Nordraum , Europaallee 1 , ☏ +49 421 458570 , fax : +49 421 45857100 , [email protected] . ( updated Jul 2017 )
53.05268 8.89462 9 Novum Budget Hotel Hansahof , Brüggeweg 20-22 , ☏ +49 421 41760 , fax : +49 421 415026 . ( updated Jan 2016 )
53.08009 8.80101 10 Southend Hostel Bremen , Jakobistraße 23a ( In the Altstadt ), ☏ +49 421-69620561 , fax : +49 421-14172777 , [email protected] . ( updated Jan 2016 )
53.16864 8.62338 11 Strandlust Boardinghouse , Rohrstraße 4 , ☏ +49 421 6520570 , fax : +49 421 6609111 . ( updated Jan 2016 )
53.08415 8.78607 12 Zollhaus Hostel , Am Kaffee-Quartier 1 , ☏ +49 421 6965180 , fax : +49 421 69651818 . ( updated Jan 2016 )
53.05362 8.85182 13 Hotel Zum Werdersee , Holzdamm 104 , ☏ +49 421 8310810 , fax : +49 421 83108177 . ( updated Jan 2016 )
53.03029 8.80862 14 Hotel zum Wiesengrund , Bremer Straße 116a , ☏ +49 421 875050 , fax : +49 421 876714 . ( updated Jan 2016 )
53.078804 8.824705 15 Boutique Hostel Kremer , Dobbenweg 12 , ☏ +491721660462 , [email protected] . Check-in: 4pm , check-out: 10am . €39 . ( updated Jun 2019 )
53.08585 8.8124 16 Prizeotel Bremen-City , Theodor-Heuss-Allee 12 , ☏ +49 1805 697749 , [email protected] . Designer hotel directly opposite the AWD Dome and Bremen Exhibition Halls. 127 air conditioned rooms furnished with 180 x 200 cm beds, 32" flat screen TV, desk, iLamp with integrated loudspeaker and iPod/iPhone connection, shower with rainforest showerhead and free high speed wireless LAN internet access in the entire hotel. Double incl. breakfast €100 . ( updated Jul 2017 )
53.16892 8.6217 17 Strandlust Vegesack , Rohrstraße 11 ( next to the Lemwerder ferry in Bremen-Vegesack ), ☏ +49 421 6609-0 , [email protected] . ( updated Jul 2017 )
53.1061 8.8482 18 7THINGS Hotel , Universitätsallee 4 , ☏ +49 421 69677377 , [email protected] . Hotel with 89 rooms near to the University and the Universum Science Center. Public bus stop with a direct line to the central station is 50 m away. ( updated Jul 2017 )
53.08244 8.8081 19 Select Hotel City Bremen ( formerly 5 Seasons desinghotel Bremen ), Bürgermeister-Smidt-Straße 24-30 , ☏ +49 421 6968660 , [email protected] . ( updated Jul 2017 )
53.1135 8.7449 20 Innside Bremen , Sternentor 6 , ☏ +49 421 24270 , [email protected] . Check-in: 15:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Business hotel with modern, contemporary rooms. Free wellness center with sauna, breakfast buffet and a la carte restaurant. A very short distance walk from the Waterfront shopping centre ( updated Aug 2017 )
53.08186 8.78864 21 Steigenberger Hotel , Am Weser-Terminal 6 , ☏ +49 421 478370 , [email protected] . The hotel is right by the river Weser only 15 minutes walk from old town. All 137 rooms and suites have air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV with Sky Sport channels, a minibar and a coffee machine. ( updated Aug 2017 )
53.083815 8.815728 22 Courtyard by Marriott Bremen , Theodor-Heuss-Allee 2 , ☏ +49 421 696400 , [email protected] . This station-side chain hotel in the restored heritage Lloyd Building is recommended for a bunch of reasons: convenience and value; airy, oversized, light-filled rooms; comfy beds; and friendly helpful staff. Modern bathrooms are delights of German design: think super-soaker tubs and floating toilets. It’s worth paying the few extra euros for a larger room in the Lloyd building. Double incl. breakfast €123 . ( updated Feb 2018 )
53.08046 8.797534 23 Hotel Stadt Bremen Garni , Heinkenstraße 3-5 , ☏ +49 421 949410 , [email protected] . A bit dated but clean hotel in the Altstadt without elevator or air conditioning. Rooms are (very) large and breakfast is good. Double incl. breakfast €95 . ( updated Feb 2018 )
53.07875 8.799095 24 Designhotel Überfluss , Langenstraße 72 , ☏ +49 421 32286 0 , [email protected] . Just metres above river level. Black, white and chrome create a sleek, postmodern vibe that extends to the rooms, which feature open bathrooms. Suites have river views and a private sauna and whirlpool. Breakfast costs €14.50. Double incl. breakfast €160 . ( updated Feb 2018 )
53.089162 8.821853 25 Dorint Park Hotel Bremen , Im Bürgerpark ( in the middle of the Bürgerpark ), ☏ +49 421 34080 , [email protected] . On the Hollersee in the middle of the Bürgerpark. It offers 155 rooms and 20 suites, a 1,200 m² wellness area, its own fitness centre as well as 4 restaurants and bars. from €159 per room/night . ( updated Sep 2017 )
53.07266 8.80986 26 Hochzeitshaus-Bremen , Wüstestätte 5 , ☏ +49 162 19 25 24 4 , [email protected] . This hotel has a strong claim to being the smallest Hotel in the world. In fact if you stay here you have the whole hotel to yourself as it has just one room. It has a great location in the heart of the Schnoor district. It is based on the tradition of small hotels catering for newly wed couples seeking somewhere to consummate their marriages after the ceremony, and is aimed at a market that can help continue this tradition. €350 for first night €250 for subsequent nights. ( updated Jul 2017 )
53.07468 8.80584 27 Radisson Blu HotelRadisson Blu Hotel, Bremen , Böttcherstraße 2 , ☏ +49 421 36960 , fax : +49 421 3696960 , [email protected] . In an excellent location just off the main square with an entrance on Böttcherstraße in the Altstadt. Rooms are the high standard you would expect from the chain, and there is a small pool, sauna and micro gym in the basements. Double incl. breakfast €152 . ( updated Jul 2017 )
53.07991 8.80935 28 Swissôtel Bremen , Hillmannplatz 20 , ☏ +49 421 62 000 0 , fax : +49 421 62 000 222 , [email protected] . 5-star business hotel with a magnificent view over the city wall. ( updated Jul 2017 )
53.0754 8.805434 29 Atlantic Grand Hotel Bremen , Bredenstraße 2 , ☏ +49 421 620 62-0 , [email protected] . Pitched around a central courtyard, moments from Bremen’s quirky Böttcherstrasse in the Altstadt, the simple, effortlessly stylish, dark-wooded rooms with chocolate leather armchairs and top-notch service from attentive staff make this classy hotel an excellent choice. Double incl. breakfast €167 . ( updated Feb 2018 )

Go next [ edit ]

Bremerhaven

These are all accessible by rail; the Niedersachsen ticket is cost effective for a day trip.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites
UNESCO tag to be fixed
UNESCO Creative Cities
Has custom banner
Has map markers
Airport listing
Has mapframe
Maps with non-default size
Articles with dead external links
Listing with Wikipedia link but not Wikidata link
Buy listing with no coordinates
Has routebox
Usable cities
Usable articles
City articles
All destination articles
Has Geo parameter
Pages with maps

Best of Bremen in One Day Itinerary + Map

Exploring the best of Bremen, Germany, just a quick train ride from Hamburg, feels like stepping into a page from a storybook. This idyllic spot is absolutely perfect for a one-day trip!

After immersing myself in the city’s enchanting charm, I’ve crafted a quick list of the highlights that capture the essence of Bremen’s magic.

Whether you’re strolling along quaint streets or basking in the rich culture, every moment here promises an unforgettable experience!

A serene morning view of the historic Market Square in Bremen, Germany. Sunlight bathes the scene, highlighting the intricate facades of traditional German buildings with their distinct stepped gables and the ornate Renaissance architecture of the Town Hall.

Human-written content, by me, and nearly all original images, unless stated. Posts could have affiliate links to help offset the cost of maintaining this blog. When you click on a link we receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you. See Our Affiliate Policy and Advertiser Disclosure for more info.

Is Bremen Worth Visiting?

Bremen is absolutely worth visiting! It is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany with years of history to explore. Truthfully, I liked it better than Hamburg!

The city is quite a gem for a quick trip since it’s small and easy to explore in a day. It’s super close to Hamburg, making a short visit a breeze.

The best part, aka my favorite part? Bremen’s has a unique Nordic flavor to its tasty eats, especially the seafood.

Pro Tip: Even though I found Bremen to be super safe, I ALWAYS recommend getting travel insurance to avoid any mishaps. Lost luggage or getting sick can happen at any time.

Is One Day Enough In Bremen?

You can absolutely see all the best that Bremen has to offer in one day . But staying for 2 full days is optimal in my experience.

Don’t worry if your time is limited to a single day, arriving early will allow you to discover a substantial slice of what this city has to offer.

Where is Bremen Located & How To Get There?

Bremen is located in Northwest Germany , just southwest of Hamburg. It is situated on both banks of the Weser River, near its estuary into the North Sea.

Bremen is also a port city, with access to the major waterways of the Weser River that crisscross Europe. With a population of 550,000, it is one of the most important economic hubs in Germany.

The closest airport to Bremen, Germany is the Bremen Airport (BRE) which is located about 4 miles from the city center. Another popular way to visit Bremen is via train coming from Hamburg .

The train takes around 45 minutes from Hamburg and runs about every hour or so.

When you arrive at the main train station, you walk a few minutes to the “ Altstadt” city center of Bremen .

Here you are met with the most beautiful and fairytale-like architecture. Northern Germany is much different than southern Germany (Bavaria), both incredible for different reasons.

Here in the north, you will feel the influences of the nearby Nordic neighbors of Denmark.

What is Bremen Known For?

Bremen is a Hanseatic city and served as a major center for trade and commerce and was a member of the Hanseatic League . This league was a powerful trading alliance of merchant guilds from the 13th to 17th centuries.

Founded by cities including Lübeck, Hamburg, and Bremen, formed to protect their economic interests.

It was disbanded in 1669 but its legacy as a key trading post is still relevant today.

Things To Do In One Day In Bremen

When you only have a day, you want to hit the most popular attractions first!

I have included a Google map below so that you may save it on your phone for your visit. These locations were my favorite things in this most idyllic German town .

TIP: One way to ensure you will see the most important sites in Bremen is by booking a walking tour .

What I love most about a guided tour is the history you will learn on your journey .

Unless you are Googling each site as you stand there, and who wants to do that, you don’t learn anything.

📲 Downloadable Map of Bremen Germany

📍 Download my pre-pinned Google map of all the best locations in this post!

My favorite restaurants, bars, hotels and top sights are all saved and ready to use!

👩🏻‍💻 Need Help Planning Your Trip? Get a customized itinerary !

Top Sites in Bremen, Germany

Visit the bremen town hall.

Am market 21, 28195 Bremen, Germany

The Bremen Town Hall, a Renaissance-style building with intricate façade decorations including statues and reliefs. The exterior combines sculpted stone and brickwork, with large windows and a series of arches at ground level providing shelter to people below.

The Bremen Town Hall is an iconic symbol of the German city of Bremen. The Renaissance town hall was built in Gothic Style during the 15th century and has been the crown jewel of the city for centuries!

This most impressive building along with The Statue of Ronald has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Bremen city hall is home to several art galleries and museums where visitors can view a variety of medieval artifacts, including armor and weapons from the Middle Ages!

The Bremen Town Hall also hosts concert venues and markets throughout the year. The beautiful baroque hall with intricate stucco ceilings and frescos is the perfect setting for the town’s musicians to rejoice.

You will find the Bremen city hall in the market square along with the Bremen Cathedral and Bremen town musicians statue.

The Statue of Roland

A close-up of a stone sculpture featuring a classical face, possibly a part of a larger monument or fountain, holding a shield emblazoned with the Bremen coat of arms, which displays a black eagle on a golden background.

The Roland Statue , one of the top attractions in Bremen, Germany, was erected in 1404 and can be found in the heart of Bremen in the market square.

Various cities have the Roland statues as a symbol of the city of civic liberty and freedom.

This former Holy Roman Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire was deemed the hero of the Battle of Roncevaux Pass.

The Roland Statue is a symbol of the city’s freedom. Bremen, Germany will remain free and independent as long as the bronze statue of Roland stands to protect it.

The Statue of the Brothers Grimm

The "Town Musicians of Bremen" statue, depicting the famous fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm. The sculpture shows four animals stacked atop one another: a donkey at the bottom, a dog standing on the donkey, a cat perched on the dog, and a rooster crowing at the top.

The Brothers Grimm Statue in Market Square depicts Wilhen and Jacob Grimm, the brothers who wrote the beloved fairy tales such as Hansel and Gretel, Snow White, and Rapunzel.

This is the town musicians’ statue of Bremen, Germany. Located between the Bremen cathedral and the town hall.

The bronze sculpture created by Gerhard Marcks in 1953 stands over 12 feet tall!

You will notice the donkey’s legs and nose are now gold from tourists and locals grabbing the legs for luck.

Night Tour: Walking Tour with German Night Guard

Beck’s Windmill (Mühle Am Wall)

am wall 212, 28195 Bremen, Germany

A traditional windmill set against a partly cloudy sky in Bremen, Germany. The windmill's red and white sails are prominent, and it stands atop a small hill, surrounded by leafless trees suggesting an early spring or late autumn season.

Another famous site and must-stop is to visit the Bremen Windmill (Mühle Am Wall) . This iconic building in Bremen was built in 1898 and is open to the public.

The Bremen Windmill is one of the oldest working windmills in the world and has been in operation since 1540. Visitors can typically climb to the top for a 360-degree view of the city. *Check the official site for details.

The windmill is one of the reasons Breman has a whimsical reputation as a fairy tale town.

You don’t have to travel far to reach the windmill, which is located in the city center.

Check here for Directions .

St. Martin’s Church

Martinikirchhof 3, 28195 Bremen, Germany

St. Martin’s Church is a large 12th-century Luthern Church. It is the oldest church in Bremen is St. John’s church, but St. Martin’s church is one of the most important for its history and elaborate architecture.

The church was originally constructed as an abbey for Benedictine monks who resided in the church until the year 1803.

Enjoy the building’s Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance features and its beautiful stained glass windows.

Inside the church, you can find various sculptures dedicated to the saints and many great relics including the seven Bremen bishops and four archbishops.

Climb to The Top of St. Petri Dom (Bremen Cathedral)

Sandstrasse 10-12, 28195 Bremen, Germany

The Bremen Cathedral (Bremer Dom), a striking example of Gothic architecture with its two towering spires, dominates the photo. The cathedral’s façade features a large rose window and multiple arched windows, with detailed stone carvings adorning the entrance.

St. Petri church (St. Peter’s Cathedral) is a Lutheran church located in the city centre of Bremen that you can’t miss. The church dates back to the late Middle Ages and was built during the 15th century.

It is one of the few remaining churches in Northern Germany that have maintained some of its original Gothic design elements.

If you have the stamina to climb to the top , I would highly recommend it. While I visited on a very cloudy day, the views of Bremen from the top of this church were still breathtaking.

For more information and hours of operation, check the website here.

Small Shops in Bremen

Böttcherstasse 28195 Bremen, Germany

A narrow alley in Bremen, Germany, paved with bricks and flanked by historical brick buildings with a distinctive Hanseatic architecture. On the left, a bicycle is parked against a window beneath ornate wrought-iron railings. On the right, the buildings feature arched doorways, with a prominent clock hanging from a wrought-iron bracket.

Nothing like a little shop till you drop on your trip to Bremen. You can stroll around the market square to explore everything this town offers.

Don’t miss the shops on Böttcherstasse, Obernstrasse, and Sögestrasse, located in the old town, containing unique souvenir shops and locally made goods.

These boutique shops are where you will find more unique souvenirs and gifts.

If you are looking for more traditional shopping like a mall, there is a MEIN outlet, Columbus Center, Weserpark, and Lloyd Passage to keep you busy.

The Schnoor Quarter

A cobblestone street in Bremen, lined with charming, colorful, old European buildings with gabled roofs. The architecture suggests a blend of residential and commercial properties. To the left, there's a building with large windows, and an empty signboard hanging above, indicating a place for a shop or a cafe. To the right, a vibrant red building stands out, next to a white one with an arched doorway. Outdoor furniture suggests a quaint café setting.

The Schnoor Quarter is Bremen’s oldest district and it gives the city the most fairytale-like vibes. If you don’t know where this little pocket of magic is, you could miss it!

I read about the Schnoor in another blog about Bremen and was incredibly grateful I did!

This medieval center of Bremen gets its name from the old handcrafts that are associated with shipping. These narrow streets and adorable cafes will have your heart.

It is one of the oldest parts of the city dating back to before the 13th century.

The traditional brick buildings and half-timbered houses create a unique atmosphere where the town musicians of Bremen come to life.

Enjoy a little coffee or cocktail outside one of the many restaurants that line these winding streets, it was by far one of the best things I did. You can not leave Bremen without adding this hidden gem to your itinerary.

And don’t forget your camera , I couldn’t get enough pictures of the architectural styles of these gorgeous buildings!

Tour Idea: Walking Tour of Schnoor

Museums to Visit in Bremen

There are several museums in Bremen! If the weather isn’t great, it is the perfect way to spend some time indoors.

The Kunsthalle Bremen is an art Gallery with various artworks from the Renaissance period to the modern day. Located close to the Bremen Old Town on what is referred to as the “Culture Mile.”
Übersee Museum located next to Hayptbanhop is the Ethonolfical Museum founded in 1875. It holds a wide range of artifacts and art objects that have been collected from around the world.
The Universum Science Center in Bremen is the best place to explore the wonders of science. It is an interactive museum with many exhibits and activities that fascinate and educate its visitors.

Where to Eat in Bremen

One of my favorite things to do in Bremen, Germany, was eat!

The cuisine has influences from other cultures, such as the Nordic. It is easily identifiable with the cuisine of Bremen.

You find a lot of fish and pickled herring, much like in Nordic countries.

Beer lovers shouldn’t miss Beck’s Brewery – Get a guided tour!

Best Restaurants Bremen

Bremen Ratskeller is one of the oldest and most beloved restaurants in Bremen! The restaurant is decorated with historical artifacts from all over Europe. I don’t eat meat, so if you are a vegetarian, options are limited, but there are menu items for you.
Spizen Gebel is a bar and restaurant located in the old city center. It has been around since 1854 and it’s one of the oldest pubs in Bremen. It is a casual spot where I enjoyed the best dark bier.
Ständige Vertretung serves up traditional Bremen and Rhenish specialties. Its English country-style house combines original Hanseatic elements. For a casual menu in a historic setting, try this place!

Do you consider yourself a wine lover? If so, check out the wine capital of Germany !

If you are visiting in the summer months, head down to the Weser River just before the Wilhelm Kaisen Brücke (bridge) and enjoy Beck’s beer in the many restaurants along the water.

Where to Stay in Bremen

If you are making your one day more than just a day trip, I recommend staying in the city center of Bremen’s historic old town.

Best Hotels In Bremen

East Village No. 5 A 14-minute walk from Bremen Central Station, this is an affordable apartment option in the center of Bremen. It features a kitchen and washing machine, and some units have a terrace. This is the perfect spot to stay for your weekend in Bremen!
Dorint City-Hotel Bremen Dorint City Hotel Bremen is just 5 minutes from the central train station. An ideal location for a weekend stay. The hotel features a spa, an onsite restaurant, and a bar. The private rooms all have air conditioning and are pet-friendly!
Designhotel ÜberFluss Designhotel ÜberFluss is a fabulous 4-star hotel that features an indoor pool and spa! Many of the rooms come with a lovely view of the Weser River. Just 650 feet from the Modern Art Museum and steps away from Bremen’s old town.

Where To Go After Bremen?

After spending the best day in Bremen, there are lots of places to jet off by train or by renting a car!

If you want to continue your exploration in Germany, make your way to Southern Germany! I spent an incredible day in Nuremberg!

From Nuremberg, you can visit 2 of the most idyllic villages, Bamberg and Rothenburg ob der Tauber. These destinations are all easy day trips from Nuremberg by train!

Christmas Markets: The Most Magical Berlin Christmas Markets

FAQs For Visiting Bremen

The months of June, July, and August are lovely times to visit Bremen, Germany. The weather will be its warmest.

Bremen, Germany covers an area of 325 km2 (125 sq miles) and has a population of around 547,000 people. It is the 11th most populous city in Germany.

The time of year you visit will be a factor in how expensive accommodations are in Bremen. During the winter months, it is more affordable. Consider taking public transit and seek out budget-friendly pubs and street food vendors to keep costs lower.

Pin it for Later

Panoramic collage capturing the essence of Bremen with the towering St. Peter's Cathedral, the bustling Marktplatz, and the iconic bronze sculpture of the Town Musicians of Bremen.

Melissa Byron, a seasoned solo traveler since 2009, is the founder & visionary behind A Solo Woman Traveling. Drawing from her extensive personal experience globetrotting solo to over 40 countries, she has dedicated herself to a mission: crafting invaluable guides and itineraries for women who embark on solo adventures.

Are Solo Trips to Greece Safe For Women? The Truth From Female Travelers

If you are wondering “is Greece safe for solo female travellers” you’ve come to the right place. I have been taking solo trips to Greece for the past 10 years! It’s definitely a safe place for women to travel. In 2023, I moved and found a new home in Athens, a place where I’ve always…

Foolproof Copenhagen 3 Day Itinerary + Map

Three days in Copenhagen will go by in the blink of an eye, so if you need help to craft a truly foolproof Copenhagen 3-day itinerary, I’ve got you covered. I’ve been to Copenhagen so many times, I consider myself a local. My itinerary, ideal for first-timers, hits every must-see spot and hip restaurant, in…

Ultimate Guide For a Safe Solo Trip to Amsterdam + Map

Back in the day, when I was figuring out the ropes of solo travel, safety was my top priority. I’d spend hours searching “Is Amsterdam safe for solo female travelers?” and looking for the safest places to stay. Now, after hitting up Amsterdam solo on three different occasions over the years, I’ve decided to put…

The Complete Day Trip to Verona Itinerary & Guide + Map

Let me take you on a day trip to one of my favorite Italian cities, VERONA! I’ve been to this picturesque town twice in the last few years! It is one of the easiest places to reach from nearby destinations such as Milan, Florence, and Bologna! Depending on where you are in Northern Italy, Verona…

How To Spend 3 Days in Belfast Solo + Map

Looking for ways to spend 3 days in Belfast solo? More and more women are traveling to Belfast solo, and I was one of them! I had only planned on visiting Belfast for one day, but I loved it so much I stayed for three! Belfast itself is pretty small, so if you don’t have…

10 Most Magical Things To Do in Lake Bled in the Winter

Looking for the best things to do in Lake Bled in the winter? Though my visit was short, I was pleasantly surprised by all the fun things to do around the lake! It was the perfect little place to escape for a weekend. During winter time, Lake Bled is VERY quiet. I went at the…

I love Bremen. It is such as beautiful city. This article made me wish I could go back and visit again. The Bremen Rathaus is one of my favorite buildings. If I remember my history correct, it isn’t nearly as old as it appears as it was reconstructed post-WWII.

Hi! I’m Vera from Portugal and I loved your article about Bremen! What a beautiful and useful article! 🙂

I have just booked a trip to Bremen and I´m going to stay at the Best Western Hotel Bremen City.

May you help me with some doubts? Do you think it’s safe to travel alone to Bremen? Is the hotel in a good location? Is it safe for a girl to be on the streets at night?

I hope you will be able to reply before I go (April 22nd) and thank you so much!

Hey Vera! I am so excited you are going to Bremen! It is one of my all-time favorites in Germany!

I did feel very safe on my own walking around in the evening. Mind you I don’t stay out very late, maybe 9-10 pm.

With regards to the hotel, I am going to send you an email, so look out for it. Check your junk mail if you don’t see it : )

Comments are closed.

What are you looking for?

Privacy Overview
Strictly Necessary Cookies
3rd Party Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages.

Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.

Please enable Strictly Necessary Cookies first so that we can save your preferences!

Germany Travel Guide

Bremen Germany: 2-day Itinerary and Map

Bremen is a city-state in northern Germany . It is one of the largest seaports and maritime trade center of the country.

Besides being an important industrial and commercial center, it is also an important cultural center.

How to spend 2 days in Bremen Germany

In this 2-day itinerary in Bremen , discover the main attractions of the city.

Day 1 in Bremen

Start your first day in Bremen by visiting Marktplatz , located in the old city center. In the square are located several attractions such as the City Hall ( Rathaus ) and the Statue of Roland .

Bremen’s Liebfrauenkirche , located near the Rathaus , is the oldest church in the city. Bremen Cathedral , known as St. Petri Dom with its 98-meter towers, is another must-see in the old town.

Head to Böttcherstrasse , a narrow street with numerous unusual examples of expressionist architecture. It is one of the most popular attractions in the city.

Also visit Wallanlagen , a park located 500 meters (0.3 miles) from Marktplatz . End the day by visiting Schlachte , a boulevard along the banks of the Weser River , known for its restaurants and beer gardens.

Things to see

Bremer Marktplatz
Bremen Roland
City Hall (Rathaus)
Liebfrauenkirche
Bremen Cathedral

Böttcherstrasse

Wallanlagen

Day 1 Itinerary Map

Day 2 in Bremen

Day two in Bremen start by visiting the Universum Bremen , a modern museum with 250 exhibits located near the University of Bremen .

Head to the Focke-Museum , a museum covering 1,000 years of Bremen’s history .

Be sure to visit the Rhododendron , a park located 1.9 km (1.2 miles) from the Focke-Museum . It’s a wonderful place to explore.

Universum Bremen
Focke-Museum
Rhododendron

Day 2 Itinerary Map

Sights in Bremen

1. altstadt and the schnoor.

Bremen old town is an oval area surrounded by the Weser river and medieval walls.

The Altstadt oldest part starts at Marktplatz ending at the Schnoorviertel .

Schnoor is a neighborhood in the medieval center of Bremen . In the Middle Ages, the craftsmen and the fishermen used to live in the Schnoor quarter.

2. Marktplatz

The Marktplatz is a square in Bremen home of the Bremer Rathaus and the Roland Statue .

The Rathaus ( Bremen City Hall ) was built in 1410 and had its Weser Renaissance facade added in the 17th century.

The building was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Am Markt 21, 28195

4. Bremen Cathedral

The Bremen Cathedral ( St. Petri ) is a Protestant/Lutheran church.

The cathedral is located between the town hall and the State Parliament .

Sandstraße 10-12, 28195

5. Böttcherstrasse

The Böttcherstrasse is one of the most popular attractions of the city. The street has about 100 m long.

It contains several art museums, restaurants, shops.

6. Liebfrauenkirche

The Liebfrauenkirche is an Evangelical Protestant church dating from the 11th century.

It is the oldest parish church in Bremen .

Unser Lieben Frauen Kirchhof 27, 28195

7. Rhododendron Park

The Rhododendron Park was established in 1933. It is a wonderful place to be explored if you love nature.

It has a major collection of rhododendrons and a Botanical Garden .

Deliusweg 40, 28359

8. Universum Science Centre

The Universum Science Centre is a museum close to the University of Bremen . It is a modern museum that opened in 2000.

It has more than 200 exhibitions and receives many visitors every year.

Wiener Straße 1A, 28359

9. Kunsthalle

The Kunsthalle Bremen was built in 1849. The museum is located close to the old city center.

The museum is home to a collection of European paintings from the 14th century to the present day.

Am Wall 207, 28195

10. Schlachte

The Schlachte is a boulevard along the banks of the Weser river. It is now famous for its restaurants, beer gardens.

11. Wallanlagen Park

The Wallanlagen Park is located 750 meters from the Bremer Marktplatz . The Restaurant Kaffee Mühle is located in the park.

Wallangen, 28195

Where to stay in Bremen

1. courtyard marriott bremen.

The Courtyard Marriott Bremen is located close to the main station.

Rooms are equipped with a safe, minibar, coffee maker.

Theodor-Heuss-Allee 2, 28215

2. Swissotel Bremen

The Swissotel Bremen is located in the heart of the city.

The hotel has 230 elegant rooms equipped with a flat-screen TV, safe, coffee maker.

Hillmannpl. 20, 28195

3. Radisson Bremen

The Radisson Blu Bremen is located in the heart of the city.

Rooms are equipped with flat-screen TV, safe, coffee machine.

Böttcherstraße 2, 28195

Shopping Streets in Bremen

The streets of the historic center have several shops, cafés, and bars.

Malls and Department Stores in Bremen

1. karstadt bremen.

Karstadt is a German department store chain with many stores in Germany .

The company features brands like Cacharel, Clarins, Coach, Desigual, Estée Lauder.

Obernstraße 5-33, 28195

2. Galeria Kaufhof Bremen

Galeria Kaufhof is a German department store chain with many stores in Germany .

The company features brands like Esprit, S. Oliver, Tom Taylor, Gerry Weber, Tommy Hilfiger, Bugatti, Olymp.

Papenstraße 5, 28195

3. Waterfront Bremen

The Waterfront Bremen is located 6 km from the cathedral .

Brands: Eterna, Marc O´Polo, Adidas, Esprit.

AG-Weser-Straße 3, 28237

4. Ochtum Park Bremen

The Ochtum Park is located 8 km from the cathedral .

Brands: Adidas, Nike, Fossil, Puma, Lacoste, Vero Moda, Tommy Hilfiger.

Bremer Str. 107, 28816 Stuhr, Germany

Plan your Trip

Bremen has easy train access from various cities in Germany . Famous cities nearby: Hamburg , Hannover , Lübeck , Schwerin , Kiel .

Hamburg – 126 km (78.1 miles)

Hannover – 127 km (79.2 miles)

Lübeck – 187 km (116 miles)

Schwerin – 229 km (142 miles)

Book a Train Trip

Bremen Germany Map

Book your trip, book your accommodation.

Book your hotel with Booking.com as they consistently provide the cheapest and lowest rates.

Book Your Flight

Find cheap flights to Germany by using Momondo . Momondo is a flight search engine that searches a lot of different airlines, including many budget carriers.

Book a Train Ticket

Check the train routes and schedules with Omio . Omio is an authorized Deutsche Bahn ticket seller, which compares and combines transport options for complete flexibility.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, and cancellations. It’s a protection in case anything goes wrong. You can book your travel insurance with Travelexinsurance.com .

10 Suggested Itineraries for Germany + Top Destinations

Outlets & Department Stores in Germany: Shopping Guide

40 Popular Train Routes in Germany

German States Map

German States and Regions

Privacy settings

Here you will find an overview of the types of cookies used on the website. You can set your consent for each category individually. Further information can be found in the privacy policy .

Essential Cookies For the use of the website with all functions (e.g. user settings, watch lists, etc.)
Statistics Statistics Cookies collect information anonymously. This information helps us to understand how our visitors use our website.
Marketing In order to provide you with the best possible offer in cooperation with our partners, we use marketing tools. For example, in order to use our chatbot, you must activate this setting.
External contents Required for viewing external media and third-party content. The provider may set cookies for its part. The respective data protection regulations of the provider apply.

Inspiring Germany

Cities & Culture
Nature & Outdoor Activities
Royal Palaces & Castles
Experience & Enjoy
Current highlights
Sustainable travel
Barrier-free travel
Easy language
Federal states

Bremen and Bremerhaven – two cities, one region

The sister cities of Bremen and Bremerhaven never fail to impress visitors with their remarkable insights into fascinating worlds, maritime and historical attractions viewed from unusual perspectives and broad spectrum of art and culture.

1,200 years worth of tradition and a cosmopolitan lifestyle come together here in Bremen, the Hanseatic city by the Weser. The splendid Weser Renaissance town hall and the venerable statue of Roland ( UNESCO World Heritage Site ) on the historical marketplace are the most distinctive landmarks. And, of course, the world-famous Town Musicians of Bremen from the Brothers Grimm fairytale. With its exciting interactive exhibitions, science centres and insights into the technology of tomorrow, Bremen's projects show time and time again that science doesn't have to be boring. Visitors are invited to get involved at Universum Bremen , botanika and the Overseas Museum, where there is no end of knowledge up for grabs. And at Airbus Defence & Space, visitors can learn all about how astronauts eat, sleep and shower in space.

Germany's oldest funfair (the Freimarkt), the music festival, exceptional musical and theatre performances, major art exhibitions, the traditional Christmas market along the magical Schlachte promenade... There's no chance of getting bored in Bremen!

The port of Bremerhaven

Bremerhaven is the largest city on Germany's North Sea coast, located at the point where the River Weser flows into the North Sea. In Bremerhaven's Havenwelten quarter right on the embankment, even the animals in the zoo by the sea have a nice view of the water. The attractions and knowledge hubs are perfectly in tune with the times and the latest trends. Modern exhibition concepts use the past to make sense of the present. Visitors can get to grips with migration at the German Emigration Centre , climate change at the Climate House Bremerhaven 8° East and modern-day treasure hunting at the German Maritime Museum . And the Historical Museum on the River Geeste looks into life and work on the coast.

Visitors can head to the Schaufenster fishing harbour for fish restaurants and crabs straight from the cutter. There's plenty of excellent shopping opportunities here alongside the "Gera" museum trawler, fish cooking studio, harbour tours and other attractions. Plus, here visitors can board the harbour bus for a tour of the area that is usually restricted in the international port. Cruises, maritime festivals and the SAIL Bremerhaven International Windjammer Festival taking place between 12 and 16 August in 2020 are all open ship opportunities. Bremerhaven ahoy!

Discover more

Insider tips: cycling routes beyond the classics, classical art museums: genuine masterpieces, magic by the river, jewish life in germany, cities with roman roots: whose idea was that the romans, capital of culture berlin: from museums to street art, explore the surroundings.

Explore Bremen

Plan Your Trip to Bremen: Best of Bremen Tourism

Essential bremen.

Trending in the forums

Bremen Is Great For

Historical tours.

Eat & drink

Art & history

Radisson Blu Hotel, Bremen
H+ Hotel Bremen
Hommage Parkhotel Bremen
Atlantic Grand Hotel Bremen
Courtyard by Marriott Bremen
Teestuebchen im Schnoor
Fisherman's Seafood Bremen
Kleiner Olymp
Bremer Ratskeller
Universum Bremen
Schnoor Viertel
Schnoor One
Town Musicians of Bremen (Bremer Stadtmusikanten)
Bremen Schnoor Area Tour
e-Scavenger hunt Bremen: Explore the city at your own pace
Bremen City walk
Bremen Like a Local: Customized Private Tour
Bremen Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide

Home » Destinations » Europe » Germany » 25 Fascinating Things To Do in Bremen, Germany

25 Fascinating Things To Do in Bremen, Germany

Links in this article may earn us a little money if you book/ order stuff. More here .

Let’s Explore Some Awesome Things to Do in Bremen, Germany!

Is Bremen, Germany worth visiting? We think the answer is yes! From the gorgeous old town to the riverside walk, there are plenty of reasons to check out this German city.

You might have even heard of a few of the top attractions in Bremen – like the Bremen Roland statue or even the Bremen Christmas markets?

We got to explore the city over the course of a day trip and actually full-on considered moving there. Dead serious.

It’s just so livable and beautiful that we couldn’t help but wonder what life would be like there.

Bremen’s location just a few hours from Hamburg means that you should make it down once you are done with all the great things to do in Hamburg .

In any case, there are plenty of free, paid, and unusual things to do in Bremen – from exploring museums to rubbing donkey statues for luck (seriously). So, here are some great ideas for things to do and see in Bremen!

If you want to see what Bremen looks like, you can watch a short video on our YouTube Channel here !

Table of Contents

Top Things to Do and See in Bremen, Germany

Okay, so here we are with the things to do and see in Bremen! Now, keep in mind that this list is pretty extensive but not complete.

That said, it definitely includes the top sights in the historic centre (which we loved) with a few of the lesser-known museums, attractions, and areas that we got to check out.

We had an amazing time exploring Bremen and we want to get back soon to see the rest of the city!

Bremen Marktplatz

old town market square with houses and city hall bremen things to do

If you are heading to Bremen, there is no better place to begin your adventure than at the main Marktplatz.

This open square is home to many of the top attractions, important architectural buildings, and an amazing city atmosphere that you should experience – from the Town Hall to Bremen Roland, the Cathedral, and more.

There is a TON to learn about in the Marktplatz alone, so consider a Bremen Old Town walking tour to learn all about the little details that you might miss on your own.

We ended up having a coffee and cake at Beck’s Bistro – a restaurant/cafe with loads of seating right on the square.

That said, there are cafes all over the place so just have a look at the menus and choose a spot you like. We wanted to sit in the sunshine so this one made the most sense for the time of day we visited.

white and gold building on old market square bremen germany

As we sat, we just got to enjoy the world around us. From the historic houses behind us (now cafes) to the Haus Schütting to out left, it’s almost overwhelming how pretty the square is.

Fun Fact: the Haus Schütting (in the photo above) served as a guild house for merchants and tradesmen. It was built and rebuilt (burned down in 1944) over the centuries.

water in fountain with horses and trees behind bremen

The whole square is also home to some impressive fountains, sculptures, and other little points of interest. You can find them scattered around the place.

We really liked the Neptunbrunnen which you can see above. The Marcus-Brunnen (near the entrance to the main shopping street) was neat to see, too.

Address: Am Markt 2, 28195 Bremen, Germany

Explore Bremen Like a Pro! Get a Bremen Erlebniscard – for transit pass and discounts on attractions!

Bremen Town Hall

historic town hall with cathedral tower behind bremen germany

Also known as the Bremen Rathaus, the historic town hall in Bremen is definitely one of the reasons people stop in for a visit. Originally built over 600 years ago, this Town Hall is quite the sight.

Known for its famed Upper Town Hall and Golden Chamber – it’s no wonder it draws so many visitors. The Town Hall is extra important to a city like Bremen – given the city’s mandate to remain largely autonomous for centuries.

The current version of the Town Hall was actually redone in the 1600s in a Renaissance style – that’s what you can see today.

In fact, there are little dates above the right and left top windows which put a time stamp on the exterior design.

Because of the rich history and beautiful architecture, the Town Hall was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 (along with the Roland Statue and the Marktplatz, in general).

Today, you can go inside (book a spot below), and there’s even a restaurant (Ratskeller) in the vintage wine cellar below the Town Hall.

The entrance is just to the left of the front. You can book a guided tour through the English version of the tourism website for Bremen here .

Address: Am Markt 21, 28195 Bremen, Germany

Bremen Roland Statue

stone statue in german town square with blue sky things to do in bremen

“Roland” statues mean a lot to medieval cities in Germany. Built back in 1404, Bremen’s stone Roland statue has a very significant meaning to the city to this day!

Think of the statue as Bremen’s version of the “Statue of Liberty”. As the legend goes, Roland – depicted as a knight (a noble figure of the Medieval Ages) was erected in cities to reinforce their belief for preserving/upholding a city’s freedoms and market rights.

Bremen’s Roland was built to face the Cathedral – a direct “stand-off” with the seat of the archbishops of the time (who imposed rule on the city).

Things have cooled off these days and in 2004 Bremen’s Roland was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today, the statue can be seen with a crowd gathered – taking photographs and learning about its history. The location directly in front of the Town Hall helps with the popularity, though.

Address: Am Markt, 28195 Bremen, Germany

The “Town Musicians of Bremen”

statue of animals on top of one another in old town bremen germany

If you visit Bremen, you might see artwork in shops or tourist takeaways that feature a donkey, dog, cat, and rooster.

Confused yet? You shouldn’t be! Bremen is the setting for a fairy tale by the famous German writers – the Brothers Grimm.

One of their childhood tales is about those animals as they become musicians and head for the city of Bremen. The tale was from centuries before but the Brothers’ Grimm published it in 1819.

Today, you can’t visit Bremen without checking in with the four animals at the famous sculpture located to the left of the Town Hall if you are facing it.

Completed in 1953, apparently it’s good luck to touch the donkey’s nose or touch his legs which Lisa had to try.

There’s also a circle plaque and coin slot in the main square (literally in the cobblestone ground) where you can drop money to hear the animals make their sounds!

If you want to learn more about the folklore of the animals, the connection to Bremen, and the history of the old town itself, you can join a “Musicians of Bremen” historic walking tour !

Address: Schoppensteel 1, 28195 Bremen, Germany

Bremen Cathedral

two towers of cathedral on bremen germany with blue sky behind

Also called the St. Petri Dom Bremen, the Bremen Cathedral is definitely one of the top sights in the city.

Named after St. Peter, the cathedral has a very long history – one that would be way too complicated to get into in this post.

Just know that an original timber building was built back in 789. Since then, it’s been changed, rebuilt in the current form in the 13th century, been damaged by fire, age, WWII bombing, and more.

Parts have been added, removed, changed, and renovated into the structure you see today!

green statue of man on horse beside bremen dom things to do

Of course, we can’t do a visit to the Cathedral justice – so it’s best to go and see the inside for yourself.

The Cathedral offers many different areas like its 5 organs, and tombs and crypts that have famous German figured buried there.

There’s an interior Bible Garden and you can even check out one of the towers (for a small fee) in the summer months!

sun rays shine on brick walls and old windows of cathedral bremen germany

Tucked away behind the cathedral, you can find the Cathedral Museum.

Opened in 1987, you can learn about the history of the Cathedral through medieval paintings, sculptures, and other important artefacts.

There’s more than one room to check out so it’s worth the time if you’re interested in Bremen history. You can learn more about visiting the Museum here !

Address: Sandstraße 10-12, 28195 Bremen, Germany

Church of Our Lady

old church with tiny wooden framed house beside bremen germany things to do

Also known as the “Kirche Unser Lieben Frauen”, this smaller church tucked away behind the Town Hall on the market square is still pretty important!

The original building was built back in the 11th century. Since the crypt still exists in the church today, the “Church of Our Lady” is actually the oldest surviving church in the city!

The outside structure you see today was created in the 13th century – much like the Bremen Cathedral.

You can visit the church and check out its stunning features – including statues on the exterior, beautiful old murals on the inside dating from the 14th century, and even a crypt.

Address: Unser Lieben Frauen Kirchhof 27, 28195 Bremen, Germany

Schnoorviertel

old timbre houses down alleyway in bremen germany

If you want to wander around an area of Bremen and feel like you have been transported back in time to the Middle Ages (15th century), then head to Schnoorviertel!

Also known as the Schnoor Quarter, this historic area is home to classic winding alleyways and wood-timbered houses that date back to as early as the Medieval Ages.

The area was associated with shipping – producing ropes, cables, and anchor chains.

timbered small houses down small alleyway in bremen germany

However, most houses you see today were built in the 17th and 18th centuries. Luckily, much of the area was undamaged by bombing in World War II which is why it’s so well preserved.

Today, the whole quarter is lined with shops, galleries, cafes, restaurants, and even a tiny, tiny guesthouse which you can stay in !

signs hanging from old shops down small alleyway in bremen things to do

Overall, the area is definitely something you should check out. We loved our wander through. You might even stop for a bite to eat, a coffee, or even a beer – like Beck’s!

If you want to check out the Schnoorviertel and learn all about it from a knowledgeable guide, consider a Schnoor guided walking tour !

Address: Schnoor, 28195 Bremen, Germany

Beck’s Brewery

Speaking of Beck’s, you might not have known that Bremen is actually the home of Beck’s beer!

Founded back in 1873, Beck’s is a beer that is recognizable in many places around the world – and the brewery where it all began is in town!

In fact, it’s just across the river from the Old Town. If you want to learn more about the famous beer, the history of brewing it in Bremen and give it a sip or two, check out a guided tour of Beck’s Brewery .

Address: Am Deich 20, 28199 Bremen, Germany

Böttcherstraße

golden statue with red brick alleyway behind bottcherstrasse breman germany

Another street that catches plenty of attention in Bremen (besides Schnoorviertel) is Böttcherstraße.

Located just off the main market square to the south, this short and narrow street is quite a sight to see.

The street is only about 100 metres long but served as a link between the river and the main square in medieval Bremen.

After it became less important (the main harbour moved), the area was bought and developed in the early 1900s by Ludwig Roselius. There is a mix of architectural styles and materials used along the street.

In fact, the varying architecture used during the inter-war period of the 1930s was a point of contention for Hitler himself.

Today, there are plenty of attractions to check out along the street – as well as just wandering down the street itself.

fountain with candy shop behind in bremen germany

We will dive into a few of the specific top attractions on Böttcherstraße just below.

However, just so you know, there are lots of shops (like the Bremer Bonbon Manufaktur Candy Shop), museums (some more notable than others), bars, and even cafes you can sit at to enjoy the atmosphere.

We loved our wander down the street – everywhere you look there’s something unique to check out!

If you want to learn more about the history and the little details of the street (there are loads!) then check out a guided walking tour of Böttcherstraße .

Address: Böttcherstraße, Bremen

Glockenspiel House

old clock on red brick building in bremen germany

One of those top attractions down Böttcherstraße is the Glockenspiel House.

While the building existed beforehand, the 30 porcelain bells that make up the carillon were added between the building gables in 1934.

Along with the 10 rotating wooden panels that depict famous seafaring explorers and aviators, the bells ring multiple times a day and last for about 8 and a half minutes!

We were there right when it started at 5:00 pm (in April) and there was a small crowd standing in the square below the bells just enjoying the show and music. It was really cool to see… and hear!

Address: Böttcherstraße 4-6, 28195 Bremen, Germany

Paula Modersohn-Becker Museum

red brick tower in old town alleyway museum bremen

One of the other more notable museums along Böttcherstraße is the Paula Modersohn-Becker Museum.

Opened back in 1927, the museum was done in Brick Expressionist architecture – a very important example of that style to this day.

Even cooler, the museum was the first museum in the world devoted to a female artist!

Known for her role in early Expressionist painting, Hitler called it “degenerate art” and could have had it destroyed – but didn’t.

These days, there are more works by other artists which you can also check out. You can learn more about visiting the museum here .

Address: Böttcherstraße 6-10, 28195 Bremen, Germany

Weserburg Museum of Modern Art

Housed in the middle of the river on the Teerhof peninsula, the Weserburg Museum of Modern Art is a modern and contemporary art museum.

It was originally opened in 1991 and has housed the works of the most influential contemporary artists.

The unique point about the Weserburg is the fact that it’s known as a “collector’s museum” meaning that there is no permanent art collection onsite.

Instead, the works in display/in the exhibits are constantly changing since they come mainly from private collections!

The fact that it’s housed in an old factory building adds to the experience, too. You can learn more about visiting the Weserburg Museum here .

Address: Teerhof 20, 28199 Bremen, Germany

Kunsthalle Bremen

large museum entrance with blue sign in front things to do in bremen

If art is still your main interest, then visiting the top museum in the city should be high on your list!

The Kunsthalle Bremen, built in 1849, has grown and changed a bunch of times to house more and more works of European art.

The museum is located on the “Culture Mile” which also has a whole bunch of other museums, galleries, and theatres on it!

In all, the building has paintings from as early as the 14th century to today and sculptures from a little more recent.

The museum has works from famous painters like Monet, Cézanne, and Paula Modersohn-Becker (who we’ve talked about already!). There’s also a large collection of prints.

Interestingly (and sadly) enough, the building was firebombed in 1942 and some works were lost. The remaining works were spread across Germany in castles and bunkers to protect them.

However, when the Soviets took a castle at the end of the war, they also took works of art with them. To this day, over 1,500 pieces remain missing somewhere across Europe and the globe.

pathway over small pond with green trees around bremen germany

If you wander behind the museum, you can actually find a very tranquil green space with a long pathway over a pond.

If you cross the bridge (in the photo) you end up behind the Kunsthalle where there is a small cafe area.

There were plenty of people hanging out back there enjoying a coffee and other beverages on the hot day we had.

In any case, you can learn more about visiting the Kunsthalle at their official website (in German).

Address: Am Wall 207, 28195 Bremen, Germany

The Schlachte (Weser River Promenade)

pedestrian walkway beside river with blue sky things to do in bremen

If you want to enjoy the sea breeze while in Bremen, the best thing to do is to head down to the river for a walk of the Schlachte – this massively long promenade on the east bank of the Weser River.

We headed down for a walk of just the portion near the Bremen Mitte (city centre/old town) and it was honestly lovely.

The path is plenty wide for walkers, joggers, and even bikes. Then on the hillside there were loads of people enjoying picnics, beverages, and some sunshine! You can even find various boats tied up to the side of the river.

Many of them have been turned into museums, accommodations, theatres (Theaterschiff Bremen), and even clubs (MS Treue)!

Address: Schlachte, Bremen

Overseas Museum

Highlighting various aspects of Natural History, the Bremen Overseas Museum is something to be visited.

Located close to the central train station in a 19th-century building, the museum has a variety of permanent and rotating exhibits from around the globe.

The main purpose of the museum is to highlight three main aspects: Nature, Culture and Trading.

The museum itself is divided up basically into continents/regions of the world which you can explore. It’s basically a way to travel around the world to learn about people, culture, plants, and animals from the comfort of Europe/Bremen!

It’s nice to know that while most exhibits offer information in English, they also offer audio guides in English – and even have guided tours which you can schedule in advance in a number of languages (including English).

You can learn more and plan your visit with the official Overseas Museum website .

Address: Bahnhofsplatz 13, 28195 Bremen, Germany

Theatre am Goetheplatz

white pillars in front of opera house with trees around bremen germany

If you were super into performances and wanted to catch something while you were in Bremen, you might consider checking out the Theatre am Goetheplatz.

Built back in 1913, this Neo-classical style theatre is the main theatre in Bremen and home to the official State Theatre group.

It’s located on the Culture Mile with the other galleries and museums (understandably).

The theatre was actually rebuilt a bunch of times – notably after World War II and then again in the early 2000s to modernize the technical requirements of modern performances.

Performances are in German, but you can still go and check it out! If you wanted to visit, you can check the website for performances and dates (in German only).

Address: Goetheplatz 1-3, 28203 Bremen, Germany

Gerhard Marcks House

small museum with white pillars at front entrance bremen things to do

If you were inspired by the sculpture of “Town Musicians of Bremen” in the main Marktplatz, then you might want to visit the Gerhard Marcks House/Museum.

This is because he’s the guy who created the famous display of stacked animals!

Opened in 1971, the Gerhard Marcks House holds over 400 sculptures, 1,200 prints, and 12,000 drawings.

As more of a contemporary artist, the museum does a great job of highlighting work across his career. If this kind of art interests you, check out the official website here .

Fun fact: the two buildings (this one and the one below – the Wilhelm Wagenfeld House) were built in 1825 as a prison and a pair of gatehouses.

Up until 1848, they were used to “close” the city at night at the east entrance!

Address: Am Wall 208, 28195 Bremen, Germany

Wilhelm Wagenfeld House

small art gallery with white pillars at roadside bremen germany

Once you are done across the street at the Gerhard Marcks House, you can pop over to the Wilhelm Wagenfeld House.

This smaller museum and exhibition centre is dedicated to showcasing the works of Wilhelm Wagenfeld.

This Bremen-born industrial designer is actually responsible for the way that many household items from the 20th century look! If you want to learn more, you can check out the official website .

Address: Am Wall 209, 28195 Bremen, Germany

Located within the grounds of Rhododendron-Park Bremen (another attraction that can be on this list) Botanika is a nature museum dedicated to learning all about plants from around the world.

These indoor gardens have information on display (in English, too) and even live guides/staff who can tell you about things as you explore through different rooms/climate zones.

Besides plants, onsite at Botanika there are special rotating exhibits, live animals (like rabbits and a butterfly section), a pond filled with koi, and even a cafe/restaurant which you can eat tea/cake at!

If you want to visit Botanika, you can plan a visit with their website !

Address: Deliusweg 40, 28359 Bremen, Germany

Universum Bremen

If interactive museums are more for you (or you are travelling to Bremen with kids), then checking out the Universum Bremen is a must!

With over 300 exhibits to check out (and interact with), there are loads of things to keep you busy. The museum was opened in 2000 and focussed on three main areas of science: Technology, Humans, and Nature!

One of the biggest reasons people visit the museum when they are in Bremen is for the design. The massive metallic-looking building is a mix of a whale or a clamshell.

Whatever you think it looks like, it certainly is eye-catching. The museum is located to the northeast of the city centre but still very much within distance of public transport.

There’s also an outdoor area that has been developed for interaction through even more hands-on exhibits and lovely green space. You can learn more about visiting the Universum Bremen .

Address: Wiener Straße 1A, 28359 Bremen, Germany

Wallanlagen Park

green lawn with tree and statue in front park bremen

If you want to enjoy a bit of green space, then you should check out Wallanlagen.

This park was built back in the 18th century and zigzags across the north end of the Old Town featuring a moat. Why the odd shape?

The green space was built on the site of Bremen’s old city walls – the ones that once protected the inner city from danger!

These days, there are no enemies threatening the city, so you can stroll the park checking out sculptures, fountains, and animals running about.

It was sunny the day we visited so the whole length of the park was covered in people laying on the grass or getting some exercise along the various paths.

If you follow the park long enough, you’ll end up crossing paths with the Windmill – which we’ll get to right below!

The Am Wall Windmill

windmill with colourful flowers and grass in front things to do bremen

Known as the “Mühle Am Wall” in German, this historic windmill is quite a sight to see.

At first, we drove past and saw the amazing flowers and then noticed the windmill behind them. Naturally, we had to visit later in the day – and we are glad we did!

Originally built back in 1699, various versions of this “Dutch-style” windmill have been damaged or burnt down over the years.

The current building you see today is from 1898. Today, you can visit the inside and grab a bite to eat because there’s a restaurant inside it. You can visit the website for it here .

On that note, if you walk about the garden paths and photograph the flowers and scenery, please don’t trample on or pick the flowers.

We were honestly disgusted with how many people were just walking into the flower beds to get the perfect photos.

We even saw more than one person (children and adults!) with a full-on bouquet of freshly picked flowers to take with them.

If everyone does that, there would be no flowers left – so just enjoy the place with your hands-off.

Address: Am Wall 212, 28195 Bremen, Germany

The Ehrenmal Memorial on the Altmannshöhe + Views

red brick memorial with iron gate in bremen park

Close by to the back of the Kunsthalle, you will find a small hill. If you climb it, you will see this giant red circle.

We sure did – and we got curious – so we went. Turns out, these bricks are part of an open-air memorial.

Opened in 1935, you can find the names of 10,000 German soldiers from Bremen alone who died in World War 1. There’s nothing to do there – it’s just fascinating to see.

views of river and trees from above lookout bremen germany

The real gem is if you turn around from the memorial. Since you climbed a hill close to the river, you are greeted by a bunch of nice benches and a great view of the street, river walk, and river below!

We sat up there for some time – others came and went while we sat, just admiring the views. Overall, a pretty good little side hike!

Speicher XI Dockland Museum

Located in an old cotton warehouse over in the port area known as Überseestadt, the Dockland Museum is one way to blast through 120 years of seafaring history!

The development of Bremen has a vital connection to the river, so the museum itself is fascinating by presenting the port’s history through various exhibits.

You can learn about the building of the port, the jobs that the locals have worked over the years, and even see what life was like living on a ship back in the day.

So, if history is your thing, you can plan a visit and learn more at the official website . You should also check out the Überseestadt area while you are over there since there’s loads to see and it’s further from the historic centre!

Address: Am Speicher XI 1, 28217 Bremen, Germany

Valentin Submarine Pens

If World War II history is what you want to keep exploring, then head to the Valentin Submarine factory (or what’s left of it).

Towards the end of the war, the bombing had basically halted the production of U-boats so this massive concrete structure was erected.

This shelter was built (through slave labour) between 1943 and 1945 – and it was designed to build and protect German U-boats (submarines) from bombing.

Though it was just months from completion, it was the biggest U-boat factory (that was fortified) in Germany.

These days, visitors can head far up the Weser River to the northwest of the Bremen Old Town and walk the path through the grounds and into the actual bunker.

You can go on a self-guided tour which takes you by the memorial for those who faced “Extermination through Work”, and then by 25 other information stations.

The Information Centre gives you even more information about the history of the area. Admission to the grounds is free and you can pick up an audio guide (in English and German) for a deposit.

You can even book a tour in advance of your visit for a small fee. You can learn all about visiting the Submarine Pens at this website .

Address: Rekumer Siel, 28777 Bremen, Germany

Things to Consider When Visiting Bremen

If you plan on checking out Bremen for a few days or just a day trip, here are a few things you should know – from getting there to getting around the city.

In case you love the city so much that you want to stick around, we’ve even got you covered for where to stay in Bremen!

How to Get to Bremen

Fun Fact: Bremen (along with Bremerhaven to the north) is actually its own state in Germany called the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen.

It’s the smallest of the German states but still counts! Bremen is located in the northwest of Germany about one hour 15 minutes southwest of Hamburg and about 2 hours north of Bielefeld.

If you are renting a car , the drive to Bremen is relatively simple – and there is plenty of parking downtown (as we experienced).

Another great way to get to Bremen is by train. It’s no secret that Germany has a great rail system and the central station in Bremen is just northeast of the old town/city centre.

You can check the train schedules at the DB Website – we use it (and the DB app) for trip planning literally every week.

Another form of transport you can take to Bremen is the bus. Again, taking a coach bus across Germany is really easy with lots of great connections to even the smallest of cities. You can check the bus connections on the Flixbus website .

Getting Around in Bremen

Once you are in Bremen, there are many options for getting around the city. The easiest is to just walk since the city centre is fairly flat and pretty accessible/compact.

The only difficulties for someone with mobility impairment are the cobblestones and/or green spaces you’ll find scattered around the city.

For the most part, there are good sidewalks and paths throughout these spaces. The river even has a nice wide walkway (mentioned below!).

If you want to reach things to do in Bremen that are farther from the centre or along the river, you can easily take public transit.

The system is made up of buses and trams. In fact, the tram runs RIGHT through the historic centre in front of the Town Hall so be careful where you stand to take photos! You can find ticket prices and trip planners for Bremen Transit (BSAG) here .

If you want to use transit and plan on seeing many sights, you might consider getting a Bremen Erlebniscard .

This Bremen pass works as your transit pass for 1 to 3 days and offers discounts at various attractions and places in Bremen. Might be worth looking into if you are exploring for a few days!

Where to Stay in Bremen

hotel entrance with red carpet and bushes things to do in bremen

Given that Bremen is such a popular city to visit and explore, there are plenty of great accommodation options to suit all different travel styles and budgets.

There are quite a few great hotels right in the city centre – so you are just a quick walk from all the top sights and the river! You can check here for Bremen accommodations .

We actually parked at the Radisson Blu (shown above) and walked through the lobby/restaurant – it looked gorgeous.

The hotel is located right in the old town so check out the Radisson Blu for a very central hotel choice.

red brick hotel through trees with blue sky swisshotel bremen

Another place that we stumbled upon is the Swissôtel Bremen.

This hotel is located right by the beautiful Windmill and is just outside the old city walls – making it a quick walk to the historic centre and the Bremen main train station. Check out the Swissôtel Bremen here .

That said, if you are interested in a hostel or a cheap hotel, there is a small handful of places to choose from – so check for hostels in Bremen here .

And there you have it – our rundown of the best things to do in Bremen, Germany! In the end, this is a good list but there are plenty more things to do and see.

They’ve got a pretty good football (soccer) team, you know! As we said, we loved the time we had in the city – and will definitely be back to explore more. Let us know how you liked it!

As always, Happy Bremen Waddlin’, -L&E

If you’re travelling to Germany and need travel tips or inspiration, here are some below!

Beautiful Places in German recommended by German bloggers
Get Your German Phrases Ready Before Exploring Berlin
Bremen made our Germany Itineraries for 5 to 14 days !
Discover Small Gems like Bamberg , Würzburg , or Aschaffenburg !
Check Out Other Cities Like Wiesbaden and Mainz
Some Hostels In Germany That We Loved
Compare flights on Skyscanner
Check for Hotel Deals or Book A Hostel
Get A Rental Car (depending on the destination)
Research plug types and possibly get a travel adapter
Go over our packing list

Pin it for later!

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Destinations

Disclaimer & Affiliate Disclosure

Bremen travel guide

Bremen tourism | bremen guide, you're going to love bremen.

Modern, dynamic but with a charming historic core, Bremen is one of the most laid-back and enjoyable destinations in Germany. Packed with museums, blessed with plenty of green spaces, fine restaurants and more, Bremen always proves a rewarding place to visit.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Bremen

1. the beautiful alstadt.

Bremen was one of the Hanseatic trading ports of the middle ages, and the people used their wealth wisely, creating a stunning old quarter featuring fine buildings like the 15th-century Rathaus and the Markt.

2. Excellent Art Galleries

Bremen offers one of Germany's best galleries in the Kunsthalle Bremen. Don't miss the Expressionist collections in particular, and find time to visit the artistic colony in nearby Worpswede as well.

3. The Winding Streets of Schnoor

Schnoor is one of Bremen's most atmospheric areas, with its labyrinthine streets and passages. It's the place to go to find clothing boutiques, hidden cafes, and bars to down a few of the city's excellent beers.

4. Fine Architecture and Public Sculpture

Art is everywhere in Bremen, not just in the galleries. The elegant Jugendstil buildings on Böttcherstrasse and the many sculptures dotting the old town are particular treats.

5. Relax at Blockland

Bremen's green spaces are a major highlight, and none are livelier than Blockland. Watch theater performances, skate in winter, or relax in riverside surroundings.

What to do in Bremen

1. marktplatz: marketplace of magnificence.

Dominated by the awe-inspiring City Hall, The Marktplatz (German for Market Square) is an attraction mainly for its fresh vegetables, flowers, and fruit. As you walk into the magnificent piazza, the first thing that meets the eye is the colorful Rathaus. Breathe in the fresh scent of local produce from the region and delicacies from across the world. Being a free-entry marketplace, the Marktplatz plays a key role in the daily lives of Bremen's inhabitants today.

2. Bremer Rathaus: The Gothic-Style Palace

With its splendid architecture and attractive design, one might mistake this impressive structure for a world-class museum. Instead, the Bremer Rathaus is Bremen's City Hall, and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built between 1405 and 1410, the Bremer Rathaus is over 1,200 years old. It has miniature cannons that are fired off for special occasions. While there, pass by The Town Musicians of Bremen, a comical bronze sculpture depicting farm animals stacked atop one another. Pass by the Roland Statue that serves as a symbol of trading rights and global freedom.

3. Bremer Dom: Miracles in Every Corner

At the heart of Bremen lies the stunning Bremer Dom (Bremen Cathedral), dedicated to St. Peter and first erected around 789. The exterior of the cathedral is just as attractive as the interior, and it ought to be, considering it has undergone a couple of renovations through the years. Take a slow walk through the halls and marvel at the original medieval vaults, arcs, and the 19th-century pillars. Discover the history and experience the wonder of every sculpture, altar, and aisle that makes the Bremer Dom such a remarkable sight.

4. Paula Modersohn-Becker Museum: Art Through the Ages

One of the art-highlights of Bremen, this is the first-ever museum to be dedicated entirely to the work of a female painter. It was established in honor of its namesake, Paula Modersohn-Becker, a female artist who lived between 1876 and 1907. The building itself is considered a prime examples of Expressionist architecture in Germany, and was designed by architect Bernhard Hoetger. Arouse your artistic senses as you walk into the ornate brick construction and take a journey through this exceptional artist's expressionist works, and explore works from her estate.

5. Kunsthalle Bremen: A Fusion of Art and History

Another excellent art museum, the Kunsthalle Bremen was established in 1823. It boasts of a collection of over 200,000 prints and drawings (one of the largest collections in Europe) and a vast array of paintings spanning from the 14th century to the present day. Catch a glimpse of the amazing artwork of Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, and John Cage. The entire exhibition takes about two hours, but you can always relax at the museum's charming Museums restaurant Canova with a tasty "Kaffee" and cake.

Activities & attractions in Bremen

Art & performing arts.

Where to Eat in Bremen

Bremen's gastronomic highlights include the Bremer Ratskeller (under the market), and Spitzen Gebel, which dates back to the 1400s. Meals should cost around EUR10-20 at most restaurants.

When to visit Bremen

Sightseeing is best during summer (June through September), but spring and fall are great times to visit as well.

How to Get to Bremen

Many low-cost airlines fly into Bremen. After touching down at Bremen Airport (BRE), catch the number 6 tram straight into town. Tickets cost EUR2.40.

Bremen has excellent rail connections to other German cities as well as France, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Intercity services terminate at the Hauptbahnhof, near the city center.

Those driving from Hamburg should take the A1 Autobahn, while you can take the A24, then the A1 from Berlin.

Intercity buses run into Bremen from all over Germany, and Eurolines is the major operator.

Airports near Bremen

Airlines serving bremen, where to stay in bremen.

Bremen has a wealth of great hotels. Some leading city center luxury choices include the Radisson Blu, Dorint Park Bremen, and the riverside Steigenberger Hotel.

Popular Neighborhoods in Bremen

The Altstadt - the heart of Bremen is home to architectural marvels like the Rathaus, St. Peter's Cathedral, and sculptures like Roland - the town's iconic hero.

Schnoor - once home to Bremen's large fishing population, Schnoor is nowadays one of the most charming historic neighborhoods, with quaint houses, restaurants, and cafes aplenty.

Überseestadt - Bremen's dockland area, Überseestadt is being regenerated in style, with museums and bars that are open all night.

Where to stay in popular areas of Bremen

Most booked hotels in bremen, how to get around bremen, public transportation.

Bremen's transport system is exceptional, with trains, buses, and trams. Day tickets are a good option, costing EUR7.90 or EUR10.50 for two adults.

Taxis tend to be expensive, but can be a handy transportation option. Rates will be around EUR2 per mile.

You can rent a car from companies like Hertz, Sixt, and Europcar, with prices starting from around EUR15 per day, so it's an excellent option.

The Cost of Living in Bremen

Shopping streets.

The best place to shop if you love independent stores is definitely Schnoor, where you can wander through countless craft stores and boutiques.

Groceries and Other

Supermarkets in Bremen include REWE and Aldi, and prices are usually moderate. You can expect to pay about EUR2.50 for a gallon of milk.

South Africa
Afghanistan
North Korea
Adventure + Outdoors
Amusement Parks
Backpacking Trips
Boating + Cruises
Budget Travel
Bus + Train Travel
Coasts + Islands
Country Trips
Fall Vacations
Family Vacations
Green Travel
Heritage + History
Honeymoons + Romance
Inspiration + Guide
Landmarks + Attractions
LGBT Travel
Markets + Bazaars
National Parks + Reserves
Nature + Wildlife
Parks + Gardens
Pets + Animals
Photography
Airlines + Airports
Budgeting + Currency
Business Travel
Celebrity Travel
Customs + Immigration
Deals + Rewards
Family Travel
Hotels + Resorts
Luggage + Packing Tips
Offbeat News
Photography Tips
Responsible Travel
Solo Travel
Tech + Gear
Travel Etiquette
Travel Warnings
Bars + Clubs
Celebrity Chefs
Restaurants + Cafés
Wine + Vineyards
Beach Hotels
Boutique Hotels
Hotel Openings
Hotel Reviews
Luxury Hotels
Mountain + Ski Resorts
Spa Resorts
Vacation Rentals
Asia Cruises
European Cruises
Festivals + Events
Museums + Galleries
Style + Design
Travel’s Best
Hotel with Agoda.com
Hotel with Booking.com

Must eat in Hong Kong — 7+ must eat & must…

Coron itinerary 5 days — What to do & how to…

Arashiyama travel blog — The fullest Arashiyama travel guide with top…

India trip tips — 9+ things to know before going to…

Explore Fenqihu old street — What to do in Fenqihu in…

Where to go in Kunming? — 15+ top Kunming attractions &…

All about tips in Nepal — How much to tip in…

Cambodia travel tips — 15+ what to know & things to…

When is the best time to visit Kyoto? — The best,…

Must eat in Georgetown — 10+ famous, must-eat & best street…

Must eat in Melaka — 10+ famous Malacca street food &…

chan hon meng is chopping the chicken in his small local street food vendor

Hong Kong Soya sauce Chicken Rice and Noodles — The first…

belmond-la-residence-d-angkor-siem-reap-cambodia-prod

Top hotels in Siem Reap — 8+ best places to stay…

Top hotels in shanghai — 15+ best hotels in Shanghai

Top hotels in Malacca — 10+ good & best hotels in…

Amankila, Bali, Indonesia. © Amanresorts

Top places to stay in Bali — Top 10 best areas…

10 must-know things for your best first time European river cruise

Syrena Cruises, luxury cruises, halong bay, vietnam

Top 3 best luxury cruises in Halong Bay, Vietnam

Cherry blossom festival Korea 2024 — Top 5 cherry blossom festivals…

Ghibli museum blog — The fullest Ghibli museum guide for first-timers

Kyoto festival — Top 10 best events & most famous festivals…

national palace museum shilin district taipei city taiwan,

National Palace Museum Taipei blog — What to see in National…

Japanese waterfall — Top 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan in…

19+ most beautiful towns in Europe every tourist need to visit…

Georgia travel photos — 20+ captivating photos show Georgia is heaven…

Explore Damnoen Floating Market — The oldest floating market of Thailand

Visiting Fenghuang Ancient Town — One of the most charming ancient…

mekong delta travel blog tips southern vietnam (2)

Mekong Delta travel blog — Beyond rivers of Southwestern Vietnam

Real-life experience-enhance-traveling-things to do at young age

14 reasons why you should travel when you are young

tanuki-statue-ratel-symbol of lucky-japan

Shigaraki Tanuki – An animal symbol of good luck in Japan

living in cave houses in andalucia southern spain (1)

Living in the charms of cave houses in Andalucia, Southern Spain

koda-walking-concrete, Tallinn, Estonia, tiny homes

20+ jaw-dropping tiny homes around the world

Bremen blog — the fullest bremen travel guide for a great budget trip for first-timers.

Located in the northwestern Germany, Bremen is also known as a beautiful ancient merchant city with the gentle river Weser flowing through. Back in time, Bremen was part of the Hanseatic League, was an alliance of trading cities along the Nordic coast in the late Middle Ages. Traveling to Bremen you will experience of a peaceful life with charming, gentle alleys and street corners. So, what to do and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Bremen, the little charm city of Germany for the first-time? Let’s check out our Bremen travel blog (Bremen blog) with the fullest Bremen travel guide (Bremen guide, Bremen tourist guide) from how to get there, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit and top things to do to find out the answer!

Zugspitze blog — The fullest Zugspitze travel guide for a spectacular Zugspitze trekking trip
Dresden travel blog — The fullest Dresden travel guide for first-timers
Frankfurt travel blog — The fullest Frankfurt travel guide for first-timers
Bonn travel blog — The fullest Bonn travel guide & what to do in Bonn Germany
Munich travel blog — The fullest Munich travel guide for first-timers

Perhaps few tourists know that Bremen is home to the Brothers Grimm’s short story “Town Musicians of Bremen”. And, of course the famous “Grimms’ Fairy Tales” attached to the childhood of many of us such as “Little Red Riding Hood”, “Sleeping Beauty”, “Snow White”. Joining us to explore Bremen’s history and culture and experience the famous tourist attractions of the city.

Bremen blog: When to visit?

Due to the city is located in the north and quite close to Hamburg, the Bremen climate is quite similar to Hamburg. Spring is the best season to visit Bremen, not too cold and more sunny and service prices are not too high. Summer is the peak tourist season in Bremen with beautiful sunshine and bustling, crowded everywhere. If you plan to go in winter, you should probably go only during the Christmas time, the streets are beautifully decorated. However, the daytime will be very dark and cold.

Bremen blog: How to get to Bremen?

There are many ways to get to Bremen from other German and European cities. As the smallest state in the federal, you can easily take a train from other cities to Bremen. Bremen is just over 1 hour from Hamburg by ICE high speed train, 3 hours by train from Berlin and more than 4 hours from Frankfurt.

Self-driving to Bremen is also quite easy, you can rent a self-driving car and experience Germany’s famous Autobahn highway. Bremen Central Station is not too far from the city center, from here you can easily take a tram to the hotel.

Regarding on how to travel by train in Germany you can refer to this article . In general, to travel from a European city to Bremen, for example Paris, you will need to change 1 or 2 trains. From Paris you will have to take a train to a big hub transport in Germany is Frankfurt, then continue to change trains from Frankfurt to Bremen. In order to avoid much researching, you should book train tickets through Trainline.com , it will outline the optimal routes and schedules for you.

You also can getting to Bremen by air. Bremen Airport Hans Koschnick is located just 3.5km from the city center and it takes about 10 minutes to get to there. Outside the arrival hall of the airport has a tram stop, from there to the Domsheide stop is only 9 minutes, or stop at other stops such as Blumenthalstr/Bremen Exhibition Center which takes only 15 minutes of riding.

Bremen travel guide: Getting around the city

Bremen is a relatively small-sized city, so it has no subway system but only bus and tram. The bus network spreading throughout the city and surrounding areas while tram mainly operating in the city center. Normally, in the central area you can completely walk because the attractions are quite close to each other. With a radius of about 1 km there are many attractions such as square, cathedral, Old Town, Marktplatz and other shopping places.

The company BSAG (Bremer Straßenbahn AG) operating tram and bus networks. Tram system has 4 lines and 46 stations, single ticket price for a single tram / bus trip is €2.80. You should buy unlimited travel day pass for €8 / day and 7-day pass for €22.80. Pass can be purchased at BSAG ticket counters. Ticket vending machines are usually only available at airport and major stations.

Bremen blog: Where to stay?

The most convenient place to stay in Bremen is Old Town. This old quarter is centrally located in the city and easy access to major attractions. The central district of Bremen is Mitte, you can book hotels in this neighborhood on Booking.com or Agoda.com . If you have an abundant budget, you can consider to stay at the Parkhotel Bremen (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ) which was designed as a splendid palace with the standards of a top luxury hotel in Bremen.

Of course, the hotel room rates here are also more expensive than other areas, so to saving more you can stay a little bit far for better price and really it’s not too far from the center because the city of Bremen is also quite small. You can refer to the a&o Hostel Bremen Hauptbahnhof (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ) that I stayed during my visit, it’s quite close to the central station, convenient to travel. A&O hostel chain is present in many big cities in Europe, so you can rest assured about its quality.

My room at A&O Bremen was very spacious, located on a high floor and overlooking the city with train tracks running through. In general, the room was very clean, nice and fully equipped, the first floor was a spacious hall for common activities. Walking to the central station was only about 10 minutes, but if you have a lot of luggage, consider taking a single bus trip.

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

Dorint City-Hotel Bremen ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
Steigenberger Hotel Bremen ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
Atlantic Grand Hotel Bremen ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
prizeotel Bremen-City ( Booking.com )
Radisson Blu Hotel, Bremen ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )

Bremen blog: What and where to eat?

Traditional food.

Similar to Hamburg because of the same geographical region, traveling to Bremen you can experience some traditional North German cuisine. Below we suggest some traditional Bremen dishes you should try.

Kale and Pinkel: Bremen people love kale and this is a popular ingredient in many dishes here. The most popular dish served with kale is pinkelwurst , a smoked sausage made from pork, bacon, oats and onions.

Labskaus: This is dish I ate in Hamburg, consisting of salted meat or corned beef, potatoes, onion, pickled herring and fried eggs, served with some pickled radish. Enjoy this dish and sipping a glass of German beer is great.

Knipp: Another type of sausage made from mixing minced such as liver, beef, or pork then seasoned with salt, allspice, pepper and then fried.

Aalsuppe: A traditional eel soup like the Vietnamese eel soup. Eel is a quite popular food in the Weser river region and is loved by local people.

Real experience at some delicious restaurants in Bremen

Visiting Bremen you can not help but experience some restaurants with traditional German dishes. In the Town Hall area where there are many famous and delicious restaurants, I found a restaurant right next a road with a quite unique design. This restaurant is located under a small, cozy basement.

The Bremer Knipp dish I chose has a strong traditional flavor of Bremen, served with bread, two pieces of pork bologna and added potatoes and pickled vegetables. Its taste is a bit bold, the pork bologna is mainly meat, its taste is quite similar to the grilled clam worm (alitta succinea, ragworms, pile worm) of Vietnam.

Markthalle Acht: This place can be known as a culinary center of Bremen with 20 food stalls offering a full range of traditional dishes prepared from the best chefs of Bremen.

Address: Domshof 8-12, 28195 Bremen, Germany Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday: 11AM–7PM/Thursday, Friday,Saturday: 11AM–10PM/Monday, Sunday: Closed

Bremen blog: What to do and where to go?

Bremen is a small city, its tourist attractions are also concentrated mainly in Town Hall area – the Old Town. This city owns gentle, tranquil, quaint alleys and street corners and has a long-standing of history and culture. I was strolling around just in the deserted old town for many days without getting bored. The films and photos from here must be said to be beautiful.

Bremen City Hall / Town Hall

Located in the heart of Bremen Market Square, this City Town Hall was built in 1412 and has undergone many ups and downs, many remodeling and renovation. Just standing outside and walking around the building was enough to make me amaze at its intricate carvings, architecture designs with statues have recognized as UNESCO World Heritage in 2005. You can book a walking tour to visit the interior of the building and learn more about the development of the city through the time.

Address: 232 Tallapoosa St, Bremen, GA 30110, United States Hours: 8AM–5:30PM/Saturday, Wednesday: 8AM–12PM/Sunday: Closed Admission: €6.50 / adult, free for children under 12 years old accompany an adult.

Bremen Market Square

The typical Gothic architecture here is quite similar to the Town Hall in Brussels with many old buildings surrounding a large square. Coming here during the Christmas season, I could feel the festive atmosphere at every corner. The Christmas market was set up in the middle of the square with stalls selling food, souvenirs, and decorations. There are many tram routes running here, so it is very convenient to travel from the square to the different points in the center.

St. Peter’s Cathedral Bremen (St. Petri Dom Bremen)

St Peter’s Cathedral is located the Bremen square which was built in the 11th century and upgraded from the 13 to 16 century. From a distance, the church stands out in the middle of the neighborhood with two iconic Gothic-style towering bell towers at 98m high. The atmosphere inside of the church was really quiet, you can access here for free, but if you want to go to the top of the tower, you will have to buy a ticket. The church’s museum (Dom-Museum) is also very interesting because it also preserves 8 mummies from the Middle Ages.

Address: Sandstraße 10-12, 28195 Bremen, Germany Hours: 10AM–6PM/Sunday: 2–6PM

Böttcherstraße and the Glockenspiel House

Böttcherstraße is a small street with stores and shops selling all kinds of goods on both sides of the street. The walls here are built of red bricks similar to the main color tone of the old town of Bremen. In the early 20th century, Ludwig Roselius – an investor who bought all houses here and rebuilt as a structure connecting the Weser River and the large square in the center.

Haus des Glockenspiels – The Glockenspiels House is located at the end of Böttcherstraße street with 30 Meißener porcelain bells painted in blue on the outside and gilded inside. If Bremen has a large square, the outside area of the Glockenspiels can be seen as a small square, decorated under splendid lights during the Christmas season.

Schnoor Quarter

Bremen tourist place that I like the most. I spent 2 mornings here, especially an early morning with a light sunny dawn. This oldest neighborhood in Bremen was once the poorest part of the city, right next to the River Weser, but now it’s Bremen’s most beautiful place.

The narrow alleys are just enough to walk to see the old houses on both sides. The highlight is the colorful streets, sometimes stopping at small corners with full of vintage look, with rows of chairs, flowers and plants along old walls. You can take pictures here all day without getting bored and also could not to visit all the beautiful little street corners.

Town Musicians of Bremen

This statue can be considered as a symbol of the city of Bremen that depicting characters in the famous Grimm fairy tales. These animals including donkey, dog, cat and chicken have fled from their owners and become artists of the city. The statue was not too big, located right outside of the city hall, the animals standing on top of each other.

Universum Science Center

The Universum Science Center stands out with its futuristic architecture. From a distance you see it like a large seashell protruding out of the water but many people mistake it for an alien flying saucer. This science museum has more than 300 exhibition areas covering all topics about technology, people and nature. In addition, there is a 27m high tower where you can see the whole city.

Address: Wiener Straße 1a, 28359 Bremen, Germany Opened: September 9, 2000

Wallanlagen Park

In addition to the above attractions, you can consider to visit Wallanlagen Park, it’s also near the old town and Town Hall. This park has lush green grass, walking paths and a small river running through. The special feature of this park is that on a not too high mound is a beautiful windmill, very suitable for virtual live photography on sunny days.

Address: 28195 Bremen, Germany

Bremen travel guide: Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Bremen you can refer to

Bremen: Walking Tour in German with Night Guard
Bremen: Walking Tour of Historic Schnoor District
Bremen: Night Watchman Guided Tour for Children (in German)
Tour of Bremen’s Underworld
Bremen: Old Town 2-Hour Tour with Costumed Performer
The Dark Side of Bremen: Killers and Criminals
Bremen: In the Steps of the Bremen Town Musicians

Are you looking for more guide and top things to do in famous destinations in Germany: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here .

What to do in Singapore at night? — 6 best place to go at night in Singapore & best things to do in Singapore at night

What to do in Alishan? — 5 top attractions & best things to do in Alishan, Taiwan

Hong Kong food culture — Hong Kong cuisine tells the historical story of the whole land

Melaka food blog — Experience Melaka delicacies, arrived at by Trishaw

Alishan travel blog — The fullest Alishan travel guide for first-timers

Must eat in Hong Kong — 7+ must eat & must...

Coron itinerary 5 days — What to do & how to...

Arashiyama travel blog — The fullest Arashiyama travel guide with top...

What to buy in USA? — 17+ must buy in USA...

Must buy souvenir in Taiwan — Top 17+ most famous, cheap...

Must buy in Korea — Top 23 cheap, famous & best...

Popular category.

Inspiration + Guide 1456
Trip Inspiration 468
Thailand 209
Food + Drink 208
Coasts + Islands 193
South Korea 168
Vietnam 166
Travel Photos 144
Work for Us
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy

Arzo Travels

Solo Female Travel – Switzerland, Europe and Beyond

Best things to do in the Bremen, Germany

26 BEST THINGS TO DO IN BREMEN – TIPS BY A LOCAL

WHAT TO DO IN BREMEN – BEST THINGS TO DO AND SEE

Table of Contents

Are you planning your Germany itinerary , but not sure which German city should be at the top of your list? Allow me to help! Bremen is an absolute must-see – it’s full of historic architecture and attractions, and beautiful parks perfect for picnics or strolls in the sun.

All this means one day in Brmen isn’t enough; 2 days in Bremen should do justice but if you can stay 3 days in Bremen – even better. So plan ahead accordingly and find out about the best things to do in Bremen! However, even with only one day in Bremen, you get to see the main sights and I am sure, you will be smitten!

After discussing the best things to do and see in Bremen, I am sharing some essential travel tips for your Bremen trip.

Read: South Germany: A Travel Itinerary for Germany

DISCLAIMER: THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. THIS MEANS I MIGHT EARN A SMALL COMMISSION WHEN YOU BUY A PRODUCT/SERVICE (AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU. MORE ABOUT IT HERE .

BEST THINGS TO DO IN BREMEN IN 2023

Let´s start with the most beautiful places and best things to do in Bremen in 1, 2, or more days.

1 Bremen Market Square

Ready to explore Bremen? Why not start at the bustling heart of it all – the city center of this vibrant city center? Welcome to the market square of Bremen.

If the weather is good, you will find musicians and artists here – spending some time here is a wonderful pastime! But the market square is also home to some of the best sights and attractions in Bremen – which I will talk about now.

2 Bremen Town Hall

Not only can you find the wondrous Rathaus (town hall)- a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Germany ‘s most stunning city halls.

The Town Hall of Bremen is a gorgeous architectural masterpiece. Built in the Gothic style, it is one of the oldest town halls in northern Germany and stands as an imposing symbol of the city’s rich history.

To get the full experience, take part in one of the Rathaus guided tours offered by the Bremen Tourist Information Office for a fascinating insight into the city’s history – and see the elaborate chambers, including its two-story high main hall , decorated with intricate wall designs and carvings.

Tourists flock from around Europe just to get an inside look at this majestic place. No matter how often I come here, its beauty never ceases to amaze me– trust me when I say ‘it’s worth it’!

3 Roland Statue

Not to be missed is the impressive statue of Roland that stands in front of the building – a symbol of freedom and justice from medieval times. The Roland Statue has been standing there for more than 600 years now and is the protector of the city and is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

4 St.Peter´s Cathedral

Next to the Rathaus is the 1200-year-old St. Peter´s Cathedral . Looking to explore one of the – once – most mightiest Archbishoprics in northern Europe? Then, you should definitely check out St. Peter’s medieval church while on your visit!

Not only can you purchase art and organ guides from their “Dom-Shop,” but they also give visitors a chance to take an adventure into their own cathedral museum. And don’t forget – if all that exploring makes you feel daring enough, why not climb the tower? The steps are narrow but it is surely one of the best views of Bremen you have from there – overlooking the market square and more.

Entry to the cathedral is free. There is a small entrance fee of a few € for getting up the tower.

5 Schütting

Here is another beauty located on the market square – The Schütting, a stunning historical building located in the heart of Bremen’s bustling Marktplatz. Originally built as a guild house for the city’s merchants and tradesmen, it later became a chamber of commerce in 1849, playing a vital role in Bremen’s business community.

This building has been under monument protection since 1973, preserving its unique architecture and rich history. Come and explore this iconic landmark, filled with stories of the past and ready to inspire the future. We can’t wait to share it with you!

6 Bremer Loch

Looking for a fun and unique way to donate some money? Say hello to the Bremer Loch! This playful donation box is located on the market square and lets you toss in some coins while hearing the sounds of Bremen’s most beloved animals – from a donkey, a dog , a cat, or a rooster.

Plus, your donation goes to a great cause as the money is collected once a year and given to charity. So why not add a little fun to your philanthropy and check out the Bremer Loch today?

7 Bremen Town Musicians

Next to the Rathaus (but on the other side), you will find the worldwide famous Bremer Stadtmusikanten (The Bremen Town Musicians ) – probably the most famous landmark. Some of you might remember the fairy tale of the four musicians (thanks to Brother´s Grimm). Well, in Bremen you can visit them.

Bremen Town Musicians near the market sqaure

The Bremen Town Musicians is one of Germany’s most beloved folk tales. It tells the story of an old donkey, a dog, a cat, and a rooster who team up to become town musicians in the city of Bremen. On their journey, they come across a house filled with robbers, and scare them away!

However, I know that some people are a little disappointed because they are smaller than expected. It´s easy to overlook them.

TIP: For some extra luck in your life, rub the donkey’s feet (or the nose). This makes sure you will have some luck in the future, so do not forget to do so :).

Alternatively, take a stroll through the city center and you’ll find statues of the four musicians spread around town.

8 Böttcherstrasse

Another main attraction in Bremen is the Böttcherstrasse. It is right opposite the Town Hall, so if you are standing on the Market Square, turn away from the Town Hall and walk towards the Böttcherstrasse.

The Böttcherstraße is a hidden world within Bremen – an extraordinary and unique cityscape! This “city-in-the-city” has been enchanting visitors since 1931 with its intricate architecture, art exhibitions, and impressive handicrafts…not to mention irresistible regional food & drinks made from only the freshest home ingredients.

Drop by any time for an unforgettable experience – each visit will bring something new to this tucked-away gem of Germany.

The Glockenspiel might be one of the best surprises to watch and listen to! There is a little app to download for free for further information on the buildings.

The Casino is also here in the Böttchertstrasse – though it is quite small compared to other casinos, at least we have one here in Bremen. I have not made it inside yet, but make sure to dress fancy if you want to visit.

The Böttcherstrasse is small, yet houses some of the most unique attractions in Bremen.

9 Himmelsaal

Another attraction, which I have just discovered, is the Himmelssaal ( Sky Room) inside the Radisson Blu Hotel Bremen – though popular, it is still a hidden gem in Bremen. If you are in one day in Bremen, I would probably skip it, though.

It is a beautiful salon where you can celebrate parties and weddings. If you book a tour (Böttcherstrasse Tour) or ask at reception, you can also visit (please ask in advance if your tour covers visiting the Himmelsaal ).

10 Gewerbehaus / Handelskammer

Welcome to Bremen, where history and beauty intersect! Among the many stunning structures in this magnificent city, the “Gewerbehaus” is undoubtedly a standout. Serving as the headquarters for the chambers of commerce, this 17th-century gem has been restored to its full glory after being largely destroyed during World War II.

Situated in the city center, the details of this building are nothing short of breathtaking. So make sure to marvel at its gorgeous features and soak up the rich history that surrounds it!

Welcome to the lively and bustling Domshof town square in Bremen, where history and modernity blend seamlessly. This vibrant square is not just a hub for markets and May Day demonstrations, but also home to stunning architecture and cozy cafes, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a quick bite.

Don’t forget to check out the farmer’s market, held every Monday to Friday, for a taste of local produce and culture. Join the fun and excitement at Domshof, where there’s always something to discover and enjoy!

12 Old Town of Bremen / Schnoor

The Schnoor or Schnorrviertel (Schnoor Quarter) is probably one of the best districts in Bremen. Visiting is one thing you have to do even when you are in Bremen for a few hours only.

I grew up, living in a city with one of the most beautiful old towns in Germany/Europe, so I always thought this is standard. Then I realized that it is not normal to have such an old town with cute little streets, old doors, lovely small cafes, many souvenir shops which sell lots of handmade products. I don’t know anybody who didn’t like that beautiful part.

There are cute little streets, old doors, lovely small cafes, many souvenir shops which sell lots of handmade products. The Schnoor is also home to the smallest hotel in the world and the most famous cafe might be the Katzencafe in one of the small side streets.

After visiting the Schnoor, you can either walk along the river Weser and enjoy the beautiful view. Or you walk along the busy streets of the Viertel.

13 The Viertel Quarter 1/4

The Viertel is one of the most vibrant districts, the hipster district in Bremen, and it is also not far from the Marktplatz .

As a kid, I was told not to go there because it is the “Redlight district,” if you can even call it like this. The drug addicts worried my parents worry, but actually, the 1/4 quarter, is a lively and vibrant neighborhood, full of colorful houses with oriel bay windows and more.

This district has become extremely popular, especially among students and other open-minded people, and it has become way less “scary.” I love the alternative lifestyle and the cafes, small restaurants, and shops and that you can do whatever you want to without anybody caring.

14 Weser Stadium

If you walk up the Viertel (no matter if you walk it along the river or the parallel streets), you will arrive at the Weserstadion – at some point.

I would call it the heart (apart from the Marktplatz) of Bremen. It´s where our team Werder Bremen wins most of its games (unfortunately not this season) and where the big open-air concerts take place.

15 Alte Mühle/ Old Mill

Every summer, the Old Mill, the Alte Mühle, becomes a highlight for tourists when the front garden turns into a colorful flower bed.

The Alte Mühle is between the city center and the main train station, and there is a little cafe in the mill, which makes it a perfect place to soak in the view and relax.

16 Cafe Sand

One of the best things to do in summer is to visit Cafe Sand. At least f you are looking for an “authentic Caribbean” feeling, you should visit Cafe Sand, which is close, but opposite the Weser Stadion.

Well, you cannot really expect a Caribbean feeling at Cafe Sand, but Bremen has indeed a little beach (and by little, I really mean a little, but it’s nice to spend time at the water and have a drink or play beachball).

If you only have two days in Bremen, you will be busy enough to check out above mentioned-places.

17 Schlachte

A top thing to do is visit the Schlachte. Visiting is great at any time of the year, especially on a warm day (when the Beer Garden is busy and lively) or when the Christmas Markets take place.

18 City Centre (Obernstrasse / Sögestrasse)

The Obernstraße in the city center is the main shopping street with the most prominent shops (mainly chains) and some cafes and restaurants. But it is not only this street. Several side streets are worth checking out and some smaller shopping malls (e.g., Katharinenpassage).

19 Bürgerpark

Not too far from the city center, you´ll find another beautiful park called Bürgerpark. The Bürgerpark is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit with kids.

Lazy days are well spent at the Bürgerpark. I spent many Sundays there when I was a kid and still loved it though I hardly visit these days. It has a big playground for kids. You can rent a boat and paddle, play mini-golf, and visit the little “zoo. “ You can have a drink in one of the few restaurants or just lay down and enjoy the sun.

I also spent, just recently, a beautiful evening at Botanica – a beautiful green park with a cafe and a Rhododendronpark.

20 Wallanlagen

The Wallanlagen is a lovely green park that stretches over several kilometers and is between the city center and the central train station. Visiting is one of the best things to do in Bremen if you are looking to spend some time in a park.

Wallanlagen - A great place to relax in Bremen

Though the Wallanlagen is very central, it is rarely crowded, and the little river makes a perfect place for great strolls. Start your walk from the Old Mill and head towards the Viertel Quarter from there.

21 Freimarkt

We locals are very proud of the Freimarkt – this fun fair takes place once a year, and Bremen gets crazy. For two weeks, all kinds of carousels and stalls are placed behind the Bremen Main Train Station – and that is where you will find all the locals and visitors.

Especially in the evening, it gets cramped – because who doesn’t love all the special food and carousels?

You might land up spending a lot of money, but if you are around at this time of the year, you don’t want to miss out as it is the better “Oktoberfest.“ And don’t worry, one of the biggest fairs in Germany surely has a lot of beer to offer, too.

Tip: If you visit during the second week, there is the big “Freimarktsumzug“ parade. The streets – stretching over several kilometers – are full of people and carriages with people in them, throwing sweets and more to the spectators. Kids especially love it, but also adults as there is music, alcohol, and more (and it is free to attend).

22 Breminale

If you visit Bremen in July, join the Breminale. It is a music festival spread out along the Weser River and is also free to attend. It takes place over several days with more than 100 bands playing and tons of food stalls and – of course – opportunities to drink German beer and other alcohol.

The Breminale in Bremen takes place from 12 to 16 July 2023 .

23 Osterwiese

If you visit around Easter and are into fairs, visit the Osterwiese. It is much smaller than the Freimarkt, with fewer food stalls and fewer carousels, but it is also fun to visit. Like the Freimarkt, it is free to attend, and you only pay for rides and food/drinks.

The Osterwiese in Bremen takes place from 31st March to 16th April 2023 .

24 Christmas Markets

Bremen is known for its wonderful markets – there are two main markets in Bremen, but you will find food stalls basically all over the city center. The two main ones are at the market square and then at the Schlachte – so, if you visit around that time, make sure to visit both.

Whether you are vegan or not – there are tons of options to munch and drink – and there are even some carousels for younger ones. So, it definitely is the best winter activity in Bremen.

The Christmas Markets in Bremen will take place from 27th November to 23rd December 2023

TRAVEL TIPS FOR YOUR BREMEN ITINERARY

Here is some info for your trip to Bremen.

General Info

Bremen is maybe not the biggest city in the world but for sure one of the most charming. I don´t say that because I am from Bremen, it just is a fact :).

Once you have visited Bremen, you will agree with me – for sure.

I know, Bremen is not as trendy as Hamburg , not as cool as Berlin (find out what to do Berlin here) , not as posh as Munich, and not so friendly as Cologne.

However, there are tons of other reasons for visiting this awesome city. With about 500,000 inhabitants, it is the 10th biggest city in Germany and one of the 16 states in Germany – yes, that is true. Bremen is not only a city but its own state (well, together with Bremerhaven).

First of all, Bremen is an extremely cosmopolitan city, and though people here don’t overdo it with friendliness, they are open-minded and totally relaxed.

How to Get Around Bremen

Bremen isn´t geographically huge, but the city is stretched, so it can take a while to get from Bremen-South to Bremen-North.

However, public transport is good during the day, and a day ticket is about 8€ (not that cheap). Still, if you stay close to the city center you probably might not even need a day ticket since many attractions and interesting areas are located close to each other.

Distances: Main Station – Airport: about 5 km
Main Station – City Center: 1 km
Distance to Hamburg is about 120 km – which makes Hamburg a great day trip from Bremen

Best Time to Visit Bremen

The best time to visit Bremen is from May- September as winter can be cold in Germany. There are many activities to do in summer including festivals, that are well-visited and very popular.

However, since the Christmas Market in Bremen is considered one of the best in Germany, December would be perfect for those interested in Christmas Markets.

We are one of the few places in the world with 5 instead of 4 seasons. Each year in October/November, we celebrate the “Freimarkt” – one of the biggest fairs with tons of carousels, snack stalls, and fun activities. For these 2 weeks, Bremen is getting crazy and is in a state of emergency (in a positive way), and it is another great time to visit.

Where to Stay in Bremen

Though Bremen´s public transport is not bad, I definitely recommend staying close to the city center. I would recommend the Radisson Blu , a beautiful 4* hotel located in the city center. CHECK OUT RATES HERE
Bremen has only one 5* hotel – if you fancy staying in a luxury hotel in Bremen, opt for Dorint Park Hotel . Located in a tranquil part, it is still close to the train station and city center. CHECK OUT RATES HERE

Where to Eat in Bremen

Bremen has many restaurants, and there is something for every taste and every budget.

My favorite restaurant (for more than 20 years) is El Mundo . They have changed location a few years ago and are now located in Überseestadt. It is the biggest restaurant in Bremen (about 700 seats), and they have delicious food. They offer good vegetarian and vegan food as well, and decent portions.

Schlachte , a promenade in the city center, is an extremely popular place in summer or winter. There are many restaurants and beer gardens. In summer, if you are lucky to get a nice spot where you can overlook the water. It is definitely the place to be seen, and I love their, almost, Mediterranean flair in summer. I used to work at Camarillo restaurant as a student, and I still enjoy eating there.

Ratskeller is Bremen´s best-known restaurant and located on Market Square. It´s Bremen´s fine dining address, and it has an exceptional charm.

The best French Fries are definitely to be found at CTK´s in the Obernstraße.

The Viertel also has many nice restaurants and is definitely a great place to dine (from fancy to fast food, you´ll get everything there). Die Gemüseküche (mostly vegan) is there as well as tons of other international delis/restaurants.

The most beautiful cafe is now in the city center (Sögestraße) and is called Creamlovers . It has just opened and has a lot of desserts and sweets and a cute interior design.

Read more: The best Germany travel tips
Would you like to visit more cities in Germany? Find out what to do in Dresden Germany

FINAL THOUGHTS ON BEST BRMEN ACTIVITIES

Bremen surely has a lot to offer – and while every German knows Bremen, it is still a hidden gem outside the country. From some of the most gorgeous historic sights to a lot of greenery – Bremen has all that and more.

Hopefully, this post has inspired you to visit the city, and also, you have now found out about the best things to do in Bremen – a beautiful hidden German gem!

Pin It on Pinterest

Home » Europe » Germany » 13 Fun Things to Do in Bremen, Germany

13 Fun Things to Do in Bremen, Germany

By Author Laura Longwell

Posted on Last updated: January 25, 2024

Bremen, Germany, is at once a modern university town and a port city with more than 1200 years of history. Its Old Town reflects its medieval and Renaissance past, but many of the old merchant houses are now restaurants, and neighborhoods where tradesmen lived have the same charming exteriors but are boutiques and art galleries inside. When the weather is nice, residents spill down the banks of the river at outdoor cafes and markets.

Historic merchant houses in Bremen Germany.

Bremen is close enough to Hamburg that it’s easy to visit but far enough away to make it just off the main tourist route for many international visitors, which is one of the many things that makes it a great place to spend a couple of days. Here some of our favorite things to do in Bremen on a short visit.

Visit Town Hall

Wish upon the bremen town musicians, see the statue of roland and marketplatz, tour the bremer ratskeller wine cellar, visit st. peter’s cathedral, wander in schnoor, enjoy the schlachte embankment, try traditional food, visit am wall windmill, visit beck’s brewery, breathe deeply at the flower market, browse the böttcherstrasse, see the glockenspiel house.

Red brick building with lots of windows,

Built in 1405, Bremen’s beautiful Gothic Town Hall (Rathaus) has witnessed six centuries of history in the Hanseatic City and is one of the top places to see in Bremen. On the outside, its detailed, red-brick façade made us feel like we’d stepped into a fairy tale. On the inside, we saw the vestiges of a powerful merchant city that hosted mayors, emperors, and other influential dignitaries beginning in the Middle Ages.

Room with replica ships hanging from ceiling.

Somehow, this brilliant building—now a UNESCO World Heritage Site —survived the fighting that destroyed much of the city during World War II. That means that its structure as well as many of its works of art and decorations have been preserved for visitors today. From Wilhelm II’s marble cabinet to the ornate Golden Chamber, there is still very much to see inside Bremen’s Town Hall .

Statue of donkey, dog, cat, and rooster.

One of the top attractions is the Bremen Town Musicians statue just outside of the Town Hall. This quirky statue, based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale of the same name, is essentially the symbol of the city.

The bronze statue features a donkey, dog, cat, and rooster—the band of musicians who set out together to make a living in Bremen. Touching the donkey’s front hooves is said to make wishes come true. You’ll find other statues and representations of the famous animals all over town (and even as far away as Bremen’s sister city, Riga, Latvia ).

Historic merchant houses in city square.

Bremen’s Marktplatz (Market Square) is the heart of the city’s Old Town. With its historic merchant houses now mostly transformed into shops and cafes, it is one of the most picturesque places we’ve ever seen to meet friends or have a cup of coffee. Or you may just lose yourself in staring at the beautiful buildings like we did.

During certain times of the year—namely late October, November, and December— Marktplatz is lit up with the lively Freimarkt , an ancient fair with a 1000-year history, and Bremen’s Christmas market.

Statue of a person with a shield in front of merchant houses .

On the side of the Marktplatz nearest the Town Hall is one of the most important city sights, the Bremen Roland statue, which shares the UNESCO designation with the Town Hall. The 33-foot-tall limestone statue built in 1404 depicts an important figure from the time of Charlemagne as a symbol of civic liberty and freedom from the dominance of the church.

Bremen is home to one of the most prestigious wine collections in Germany. Housed in the 600-year-old wine cellar at the Bremen Ratskeller are hundreds of bottles from across Germany’s 13 wine-producing regions. A tour here will show you many of the current bottles, the special vintages kept in the cellar’s “treasure chest,” and the massive wooden barrels that used to be the primary storage vessels.

We opted for a wine tasting of a wine specially selected by the cellar master. The tasting is worth it for the setting alone—you’ll be sipping alongside barrels filled with some of the best and oldest wines in Germany, including a priceless vintage that was last tried by Queen Elizabeth II. A visit here is definitely one of the best things to do in Bremen.

Cathedral with two towers and rose stained glass window.

Constructed in the 11th century, the medieval St. Peter’s Cathedral is an important city landmark. Partially destroyed during World War II air raids, the cathedral’s 320-foot-tall twin towers dominate Bremen’s skyline. You can visit one of them for great views of the city.

Major highlights of the cathedral include its striking choir, the organ, and the intriguing mummified bodies in the Lead Cellar.

Storefronts along a narrow, cobblestone street.

Schnoor—a maze of narrow, winding streets a few minutes from Marktplatz—is Bremen’s charming medieval neighborhood. The oldest part of the city, Schnoor was once the fishermen’s quarter. Today, its 15th-to-18th century buildings are full of cafés, boutiques, and galleries. It’s the perfect place to have lunch or do a bit of souvenir shopping. Our favorite lunch spot was Teestübchen im Schnoor .

Once one of Bremen’s harbors, the Schlachte Embankment is now popular for its restaurants, beer gardens, and river boats. Stroll down to the promenade along the River Weser to enjoy some of the most fun places in Bremen, especially during the spring and summer. If you’re lucky, you might even catch one of the eclectic weekend markets here.

Labskaus, a traditional dish of meat topped with fried eggs.

Thanks to its location near the North Sea, fish of all kinds are popular in Bremen. Since it’s Germany, beer (especially Becks) and sausage (especially a local variety called pinkelwurst) often make an appearance as do potatoes, kale, and cabbage.

There are also lots of international cuisine options, but trying the local food is a great way to get a sense for the place. We opted to try labskaus, a dish of pureed corned beef, potatoes, onions, and beets, topped with gherkin and fried eggs with herring on the side. Travel is nothing if not a culinary adventure!

Seeing windmills in a place like the Netherlands makes sense, but we didn’t expect to find them in Germany. Yet, walking from the train station to the city center, one of the first things to catch our eye was Am Wall windmill (Muhle am Wall). It’s one of the most interesting things to see in Bremen, especially if you haven’t seen one up-close before.

Located in the lovely Wallanlagen Park, the 19th-century windmill houses a restaurant and is open to tourists. The surrounding park is a great place to go for a walk or relax outside.

Just across the river from the old town, you can visit Beck’s Brewery. Brewing since 1873, Beck’s makes one of the most famous beers in Germany and around the world.

On Monday through Saturday, guests ages 16 and up can take a 3-hour tour of the brewery’s museum, the raw material room and the brewhouse to see the operation at work. Like all good tours, it ends with a tasting.

Flowers and bulbs for sale at an outdoor market.

It wouldn’t be a proper visit for us if we didn’t find a market. From tulip bulbs and mums to roses and orchids, just about every flower on your list can be found at the daily flower market. Outside the Church of Our Lady, this spot is a fun place to browse the colorful offerings and watch locals go about their daily business.

Originally occupied by coopers, Bremen’s narrow Böttcherstrasse was transformed into a street of art in the 1920s. The project, commissioned by Bremen native and inventor of decaf coffee Ludwig Roselius, led to the creation of museums as well as sculptures and works of art lining the street. You can’t miss the huge gold sculpture at the street’s entrance, which will lead you past unusual expressionist architecture and unique galleries.

Bells strung between rooftops at The Glockenspiel House on Böttcherstrasse in Bremen

The most impressive feature of the Böttcherstrasse is the Glockenspiel House. Stretched between the peaks of two rooftops, rows of 30 porcelain bells ring at regular intervals. To the left of the glockenspiel, panels depicting explorers, seafarers, and aviators rotate with the music, which plays for an impressive 8.5 minutes.

January through March, the bells play at noon, 3pm, and 6pm. The rest of the year, they play every hour from noon to 6pm.

Where to Stay Radisson Blu Bremen : Modern sophistication with prime location Dorint City-Hotel Bremen : Business hotel in the real heart of the city Designhotel UberFluss : Ultra modern hip hotel with a cool roof garden Atlantic Grand Hotel Bremen : Sleek and sophisticated

We were guests of the German National Tourist Board . All opinions of the charming and historic are our own.

Laura Longwell is an award-winning travel blogger and photographer. Since founding Travel Addicts in 2008, she has written hundreds of articles that help over 3 million people a year get the most out of their travel. In that time, she has visited nearly 60 countries on 5 continents, often returning to favorite destinations over and over again. She has a deep love of history, uncovering unexpected attractions, and trying all the good food a place has to offer.

In addition to Travel Addicts, Laura runs a site about her hometown of Philadelphia—Guide to Philly—which chronicles unique things to do and places to see around southeastern Pennsylvania. Her travel tips and advice appear across the web.

Share this post:

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Ryan K Biddulph

Saturday 6th of March 2021

I love the architecture Laura. Beyond magical.

Carrie McClung

Sunday 15th of September 2019

This is my hometown and I'm about to go back for a week after 20 years in Texas. You have done an excellent job describing the charming beauties of my great city. Thank you!

Katelynn Dorn

Wednesday 30th of May 2018

Love your post about Bremen, Germany. What time of year do you recommend going?

Between April and September is your best chance to have warm and sunny days.

Going Awesome Places

Detailed itineraries + travel guides

Things To Do in Bremen in 48 Hours

Last Updated April 26, 2023 William Tang

You are here: Home » Attractions & Experiences » Things To Do in Bremen in 48 Hours

When we think about Germany, we often think lederhosen, unnecessarily large beer steins, castles, cuckoo clocks, and sausages but the country is so much more. Those that are seeking for something equally as beautiful, culture filled, but at the same time incredibly approachable, and easy to explore, make sure to add Bremen to that list.

With this list of things to do in Bremen in 48 hours , you can easily add this as one of your destinations for day trips from Hamburg. Read more to find out what you can add to your trip itinerary as you plan your trip through Northern Germany. Let’s dive into the best things to do in Bremen!

#1 – Bremen City Hall/Town Hall

#2 – viertel, #3 – beck’s brewery, #4 – böttcherstraße & haus des glockenspiels, #5 – town musicians of bremen, #6 – schnoor quarter, #7 – guided walking tour, #8 – universum bremen, #9 – markthalle acht, #10 – craft bier bar, #11 – bremer ratskeller and cellar tour, a quick bremen travel guide, things to do in bremen, germany.

You might not know too much about Bremen but this is a city that played a pretty significant part in European history. As a Free Hanseatic City from the 12th century, in Medieval times, this was a booming port city. The Weser River was the lifeblood of trade that brought in trade from all corners of the globe.

Today, it might not be as prosperous as it once was, but there are still a lot of remnants of that history and a fascinating contrast of pre-war, post-war rebuilding, and modern developments to discover.

Now if you only have 48 hours in Bremen , here’s what I recommend that you try to tackle in the limited time that you have. Hey, if I was able to do it, so can you!

things to do in bremen in 48 hours town hall city hall

This is the centrepiece of Bremen’s Market Square and one of the most beautiful civic buildings in all of Europe. Built in 1412, the Bremen Town Hall is over 600 years old and has since gone through its own evolution. It started off as a brick Gothic hall and 200 years later, the Renaissance reliefs were added to give it its beautiful facade. Finally in 1910-1911, an extension was added to the rear of the hall.

Standing outside and walking around the entire building is enough to get you marvelling at all the intricate carvings, gables, arcades, and statues that achieved UNESCO World Heritage status in 2005.

However, what most people miss out on are all the details inside and outside that are truly exquisite and fascinating. Highly recommended is the daily walking tours run by the city that take you inside to the Upper Hall, “secret” Golden Chamber, secret escape staircase, and ballroom. It’s through this tour that you truly get an understanding of the city’s innovation when it came to government, and the relation between church and state.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Hours: Mon-Sat 4PM and Sun 12PM. 1 hour length.

Price: €6.50 per person, free for children aged 12 or under accompanied by an adult.

Meeting point: Meet at the Town Hall entrance nearest the cathedral, next to the statue of the knight on horseback (small door on the left, next to the display case)

Are cameras allowed? Yes they are but flash is not allowed.
Is there a cloak room/coat check? – The foyer has a place for your jackets and bags. In fact, backpacks and shopping bags aren’t allowed os you will have you leave them behind. It’s unattended but this is in quite the secluded part of the city hall so it’s pretty safe.
What language is this in? English.

Book the tour

things to do viertel bremen neighbourhood

A neighbourhood with spunk, attitude, and no f*cks given. While you have the old part of town for history, culture, and architecture, locals spend most of their time here to eat, drink, and live. In that, there’s an unbounded energy to this area that’s grounded by the corner street where you’ll find my favourite cafe, Coffee Corner which I talk about in my Bremen and Bremerhaven itinerary .

Other things you’ll find in this neighbourhood is the awesome alley that I’ve coined “graffiti alley”, perfect examples of townhouse construction, Bermuda Triangle bar district, classic shops featuring art deco design, and the invention of the local favourite “rollo”.

In other cities, you’d call Viertel hipster but I think the locals would like to think of this spot as home.

becks brewery tour bar sampling in bremen

I hope I’m not the only ignorant one that had no clue that Beck’s originated from Bremen, Germany. This was certainly one of the big surprises of my visit and having done many brewery visits over the years, this is by far one of the best executed I’ve been to.

becks brewery tour silos things to do in bremen

What makes this a great brewery tour is that unlike the Heineken tour in Amsterdam, this is not a theme park experience. To gain entry, everyone has to wear a reflective work vest, and once you’re learning about how Beck’s makes their beer, you’re on the real production floor, with real beer being brewed, and real beer being bottled to be sold.

The other part that always makes a brewery tour fun is the end where you get to sample all types of beers that they make including the local Haack-Beck, and special variations that often never make it out of Germany.

Hours: Mon-Sat 3PM, except holidays. 3 hour length.

Price: €13,90 per person

Meeting point: Beck’s and Haake-Beck Visitors’ Centre ( Am Deich 18-19 , 28199 Bremen, State of Bremen, Germany )

Are photos allowed? They are only allowed in the museum and tasting room. Once you’re in the main facility, no photos are allowed. The main reason given is because there are real people working.
How many beers can you sample? – You get to sample 4 types of beer. You also get pretzels to cleanse your palette.
Can you buy souvenirs? The visitor centre has a selection of Beck’s souvenirs you can purchase.

Tips:

You can save 10% if you have an ErlebnisCARD
Reservations are required.

bottcherstrasse historic street in bremen things to do 48 hours

This small street may not be very big or long but this is the most unique part of the city that’s packed with so many little odds and ends in terms of stories, stores, hidden secrets, and architecture that almost feels out of place.

4 day itinerary in bremen and bremerhaven germany bottcherstrasse street

Let’s start with the architecture. At the turn of the 20th century, it was Ludwig Roselius, the inventor of decaf coffee who bought all of the houses in this rundown street and rebuilt it to be this architectural masterpiece to connect the market square and the Weser river. What makes Böttcherstraße unique is that it is primarily constructed out of red brick and assembled in an ornate art-deco fashion. What makes it almost whimsical here is that there are no specific rules that the design follows. Bricks protrude out from the wall to create shapes that are meant for your own interpretation, you have domes, triangle roofs, concave indentations, and sculptures.

If you’re strolling, there’s a lot to see too with a mix of souvenir shops, boutique stores, big brands such as Le Creuset, a wonderful candy shop, museums, and a big glockenspiel near the end of the street. Haus des Glockenspiels consists of 30 bells made of Meissen porcelain and play old folk songs. If you pay attention, there are wood panels that rotate to the tune of the bells to show important voyagers of the past.

bremen lightbringing relief closeup on bottcherstrasse

When it comes to secrets, the big one is the giant golden relief that you see at the entrance to the street. While it innocently depicts a god-like figure slaying a dragon, this was actually a piece of work commissioned by Nazi’s that actually shows a representation of Hitler slaying down his enemies. This became obvious when I zoomed in on the little people doing the Nazi salute.

If you’re looking for a guided tour of this street specifically, take a look at this Bottcherstrasse Walking Tour .

If you want to catch the Haus des Glockenspiels in action, make sure you come at the right time.

Hours: Winter (Jan-Mar) at 12PM, 3PM and 6PM and Summer (Apr-Dec) every hour between 12PM to 6PM. The show lasts 8.5 minutes.

Location: The building which houses the glockenspiel is located at No. 4 Böttcherstraße.

Read the reviews

Get the ErlebnisCARD

Whether you have 1 day or 3 days, this is a city pass card that gets you unlimited access to the local transit and also discounts for everything from tours, shows, souvenir stores, and restaurants. The great part is that the free public transportation starts 6PM the day before the starting date. Note: Single ticket bus/tram rides are 2.80 EUR in Bremen.

things to do in bremen town musicians of bremen

This fairy tale by the Brother’ Grimm follows 4 aging domestic animals who run away from their masters to become town musician in the city of Bremen. They don’t actually make it to the city because of a chance encounter with a band of robbers but they eventually live happy for the rest of their days.

They’re the mascots for the city and it’s quite a fitting one because it’s a story that follows the theme of “strength in unity”, and “living a life of no regrets”.

Just outside of the Town Hall is this copper statue that has the rooster, cat, dog, and donkey on top of each other. It’s smaller than you think but one of those sights in the city you have to stop by for a photo.

TIP: When taking a photo with the Town Musicians of Bremen, make sure to touch both legs of the donkey to make sure your wish is granted.

schnoor quarter things to do in 48 hours in bremen

This is the oldest neighbourhood in Bremen and as such is full of character and winding and narrow cobblestone streets that are begging to be explored.

You might be surprised to hear however that this wasn’t always a charming place to be. Situated right by the river, this was where the fishing community resided and was one of the poorest areas. Here, you’d find maritime businesses that focused on making parts for the ship such as the rigging. It was really the Toolbox of Bremen.

Today, classic timber-framed houses from the 15th and 16th century have survived and are occupied by galleries, cafes, bars, restaurants, and handicraft shops.

threesome bath statue in schnoor bremen things to see

There’s a beautiful courtyard that has patio seating for the nearby cafes but if you pay attention, in the middle is a statue of literally a threesome in a bath. This goes back to the seedy nature of this area back in the day and how city officials would take secret underground tunnels to access the “red light district”.

When you’re in Schnoor, also make sure to try to find the most narrow part of the neighbourhood at 53 cm.

If you have time, there’s a House of History museum (Bremer Geschichtenhaus) that’s quite interesting. For a guided tour of Schnoor, there’s an easy 1 hour walking tour that you can book.

Here’s a little more about the House of History museum. Learn about the city’s colourful historical characters including Gesche Gottfried, the mass poisoner.

Hours: Mon 12PM-6PM, Tue-Sun 11AM-6PM. Last tour always at 5pm.

Location: Wüstestätte 10, 28195 Bremen / Schnoor

Price:

Adults €7.20
Children aged 6 and under free of charge
Family ticket €14.90
Seniors €6.80

Book online

guided city tour of bremen in must do activity 2 days

I know this isn’t exactly a specific attraction or place but to truly get a full appreciation of the city and to hear all the little anecdotes and stories from its storied past makes all the difference when it comes to

This walking tour is run by the tourism office so you know that all of their guides are legitimate and well-trained. I was lucky enough to be guided by Pierre who not only had excellent easy-to-understand English but was incredibly knowledgable and full of energy.

bremen night watchman guided walking tour

The tour takes you through all the main areas of old town including the market square, Bottcherstrasse, and Schnoor Quarter where your guide will point out significant points in history, changes that have occurred, and things that look more than meets the eye.

If you’re looking for a different type of tour, take a look at Bremen Night Watchman Tour which is really good. Just note that this tour is in German only.

When: Daily at 1:30PM May – December, Saturday at 1:30PM from January – April. 2 hours in length.

Price: €8.50 per person. Free for children under 12 years accompanied by an adult and persons with wheelchair are free of charge. Save €1 with the ErlebnisCARD .

Location: Meet on the right side in front of the Tourist Information, Glockenspiel House, Böttcherstraße 4.

Are reservations required? Yes.

I was attracted to this museum because of it’s futuristic structure. Scaled with metallic tiles, it resembles a clam shell jutting out from the water that could also be easily mistaken for a flying saucer. At night, lights shine on it which makes for really interesting photos.

Universum Bremen by day is a science museum with over 300 exhibits and designed in a way to be very hands on and challenge young minds to solving problems. The three subject areas are Technology, Humans, and Nature.

There’s also a 27 metre high tower that offers great views of the city and more surprising exhibits to try and explore.

This is the perfect spot to go to on a rainy day or if you’re travelling with kids.

Hours: Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM and Sat-Sun 10AM – 6PM

Children, students, seniors €11
Evening ticket (1.5 hours before closing) €5
Family (2 adults, 1 child) €40

Directions: Wiener Straße 1A, 28359 Bremen. Take Tram #6 to Universität-Süd stop.

Parking: There isn’t specific parking for the museum but there are car parks in the vicinity.

Is there a cloakroom? – There is a cloakroom that can be used. In addition, there are also lockers available (for € 1.00 or € 5.00 deposit).
Is there English? – All of their exhibit and panel texts in the permanent exhibition are also in English.

Buy tickets online

where to eat in bremen markthalle acht 48 hour itinerary

If you’re the kind of person that doesn’t know what they want to eat until they see it or if you love food halls, Markthalle Acht is the place you want to be at. With up to 20 food stalls at any given point in time, they’ve brought the collective geniuses of chefs and restaurateurs in one spot to highlight some of the best food from around the world.

You’ll find the market near the heart of the centre of the city and just a little off from Market Square. I love the youthful vibe the space as, reclaimed from what used to be bank. A lot of the materials used are reclaimed and reused which I love seeing. A ton of light comes into the courtyard which has a transparent canopy that covers it all.

Hours: Tues-Wed 11AM-7PM, Thurs-Sat 11AM-10PM, Closed Sunday and Monday.

Location: Domshof 8-12, 28195 Bremen, Germany

craft bier bar where to drink in bremen germany itinerary

Okay yes I know craft beer and bars are all over Europe and really all the rage around the world but this one was such a great hidden gem of a find that I had to add it to the list.

Featuring 40 taps in total, there’s something for everyone here. With an overwhelming number of labels to read, I just let the bartender know that I wanted something light and on the sweeter end of things and she recommended one from Cologne that turned out to be amazing.

What really rounds out this bar is the lounging space that they have here. From high tables, to sit down corners, shuffle board, and an eclectic mix of giant pillows on big wooden steps, you’ll love being able to drop everything down and curl in a corner, sipping an epic pint.

Location: Am Wall 175, 28195 Bremen, Germany

Hours: Tues to Fri 5PM -1AM and Sat at 5PM – 12AM

things to do in bremen bremer ratskeller 48 hour itinerary

If you read the 4 Day Bremen and Bremerhaven Itinerary , this was the first spot I got to go to for lunch. The Bremer Ratskeller ( the reviews ) is a highly regarded restaurant located underneath the famous Town Hall. Here, you can have truly traditional German fare from the region. In addition, what makes it truly famous is its largest collection of German wines in the world

It’s a bit more of a formal setting but here but this is your chance to try dishes such as Labskaus and Bremer Knipp. They’re not the prettiest of dishes but you won’t be able to have them anywhere else. Don’t forget to try their wines as well.

The Town Hall’s splendour extends beyond its upper floors and down into the vaulted cellars that are over 600 years old which is more reason why the whole site has UNESCO World Heritage status.

Beyond the restaurant, I highly recommend that you take a guided tour of how wine made its way into Bremen and what makes the Ratskeller so special. This is your chance to walk into the historic Apostle Cellar where you’ll be greeted by a candle-lit room and you’re instantly surrounded by the aroma of Germany’s oldest barrel of wine that dates back to 1653. Delve deeper underground and you’ll be able to get a rare glimpse into the Ratskeller treasury of wines. During the tour, your guide will tell you untold stories and you’ll also be able to sample a small glass of wine.

The restaurant information is easy to find but if you’re interested in the Ratskeller Cellar tour here are the details that you need to know.

Hours: January 4 – November 15 Friday at 4PM. 1 hour length.

Price: €15 per person. Save 1 EUR with the ErlebnisCARD .

Location: On the right side in front of the Tourist-Information / Glockenspiel House in Böttcherstraße No. 4.

Are drinks included? Yes you get a glass of wine (grape juice for children).
Are reservations required? Yes.

Money – Euros are welcome but credit card is widely accepted throughout the city. You’ll also find ATM’s scattered around so you can withdraw money using your debit card in a pinch.

When is the best time? – High season is during the summer between June to August. As with other destinations, shoulder seasons are always the best so think about going in the Spring (April – May) or Fall (September – November).

Getting here – Bremen has an international airport (BRE) that welcomes 30 non-stop flights from many countries in Europe and North Africa including London, Amsterdam, Paris, and Istanbul. To put alerts on the flights and find the best deals, I recommend using Skyscanner . If you’re already in Germany or neighbouring countries, the easiest way to get to Bremen and Bremerhaven by rail.

How do I get around Bremen? – It’s really not necessary to rent a car in Bremen since it’s such a small city and there’s a good transit infrastructure of trams and busses. I highly recommend that you pick up an ErlebnisCARD which is primarily a single-day or multi-day unlimited-use transit card with local discounts.

Where should I stay? – The most comprehensive platform for accommodations based on personal experience is Booking.com . They have everything from hotels, hostels, and guesthouses and you’ll easily find the perfect place to stay based on your style of travel and budget. As an alternative, there’s also Agoda and VRBO .

Here are my recommendations for where you should stay in Bremen.

I STAYED HERE

TOWNSIDE HOSTEL

Located in Viertel, this is a low-key hostel that comes with a fully equipped kitchen, and a mix of shared rooms and private rooms that are all newly furnished and renovated. A comfortable stay.

TripAdvisor

Booking.com

FERIENWOHNUNGEN HANKENSTRASSE

Newly renovated in 2016, this apartment has one bedroom with a double bed and another one with two single beds. Note that this is on the third floor with no elevator. Great property for an affordable price.

MOTEL ONE BREMEN

A brand that you can depend on – this is centrally located in Bremen’s Old Town. Free wifi is included and all rooms are furnished in a contemporary style. An excellent buffet breakfast is served but at an added cost.

inside bedroom suite of swissotel bremen

SWISSSÔTEL BREMEN

Located in a quiet location in Bremen city centre, it is also only 500m from Market Square. Rooms are elegantly furnished, spacious, and cozy. Free public transportation and wifi are included. Buffet breakfast is amazing.

Do I need a visa? – The easy answer is that if you’re part of the EU, no visa is required. If you’re not in the EU, visitBerlin has a handy list of countries that don’t require a visa if you’re staying less than 90 days and those that need a visa regardless.

Do I need travel insurance? – As always, travel insurance is highly recommended. My philosophy is that you want to make sure you’re covered in case the unknown happens. Make sure to read our guide on choosing the right travel insurance for you. Overall, World Nomads has the best balance of price and coverage.

How about you? What are your top favourites from your travels in Bremen? Do you have a question planning your upcoming trip? Drop a comment down below.

What you should read next

How to Spend 4 Days in Bremen and Bremerhaven in Germany – An Itinerary
Go Off The Beaten Path in New York City
Things to do in Buffalo – How to spend 24 hours in the city
Things To Do in St. Petersburg, Florida
1 Week in Cape Town Itinerary – Wine, Sharks, Lions, Tables, Townships, and more!

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

Find us on social media

Naby Keita suspended by Werder Bremen after he ‘chose not to travel’ for Bayer Leverkusen match

BREMEN, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 23: Naby Keita of SV Werder Bremen gestures after the Bundesliga match between SV Werder Bremen and 1. FC Köln at Wohninvest Weserstadion on September 23, 2023 in Bremen, Germany. (Photo by Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Former Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita has been suspended by Werder Bremen until the end of the season.

Bremen sporting director Clemens Fritz alleged on Saturday that the 29-year-old refused to travel for the club’s Bundesliga clash with Bayer Leverkusen after discovering he had been omitted from the starting line-up.

Keita refuted the accusation in a response on Instagram, claiming Fritz was attempting to “tarnish” his reputation.

Bremen announced on Tuesday that Keita has been suspended for the rest of the season and handed a “substantial fine”.

A club statement read: “After finding out that he would not be in the starting XI against Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Naby Keita chose not to travel to the ground with the team, and decided to go home instead.”

SV Werder Bremen have suspended Naby Keïta until the end of the season. The club have also handed the midfielder a substantial fine. The 28-year-old will no longer train with the team or be part of the first-team dressing room. #werder pic.twitter.com/CW1gTNKfMa — SV Werder Bremen EN (@werderbremen_en) April 16, 2024

It added: “SV Werder Bremen have suspended Naby Keïta until the end of the season.

“The club have also handed the midfielder a substantial fine. The 29-year-old will no longer train with the team or be part of the first-team dressing room.”

Fritz said: “As a club, we won’t tolerate Naby’s behaviour. He let his team down in a time of difficulty surrounding our recent run of form and squad availability, and put his own interests above those of the team. We can’t allow that.”

A combination of injuries and Africa Cup of Nations duty with Guinea has limited Keita to just five appearances in all competitions this term.

Keita joined the Bundesliga club last summer after a five-year stay on Merseyside.

He scored 11 goals in 129 appearances for the Reds after joining for a then club record £52.75million (now $65.3m) fee from RB Leipzig in 2018.

Naby Keita and Liverpool - what happened?

(Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Get all-access to exclusive stories.

Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Try a week on us.

Callum Davis is a deputy news editor for The Athletic, based in London. Prior to joining, he was senior editor at TNT Sports, having previously worked at The Telegraph. Follow Callum on Twitter @ Callum_davis89

Bremen suspend Keita for rest of the season

Medium Text

Get weekly news and analysis on the U.S. elections and how it matters to the world with the newsletter On the Campaign Trail. Sign up here.

Reporting by Pearl Josephine Nazare in Bengaluru; Editing by Christian Radnedge

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. New Tab , opens new tab

NHL: Chicago Blackhawks at Los Angeles Kings

Sports Chevron

Norris takes China sprint race pole from Hamilton

McLaren's Lando Norris seized pole position for the Chinese Grand Prix sprint race on Friday after a wet and chaotic qualifying at the Shanghai International Circuit.

Tigres UANL goalkeeper Nahuel Guzman has been banned for 11 matches by the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) after aiming a laser pointer at Monterrey stopper Esteban Andrada during a LIGA MX match on Sunday.

Zur Hauptnavigation
Zu Social-Media-Links
Zur Fußzeile
Mobility and Traffic

Public Transport Bremen: Bus and Tram

Sorry, there is no description for this photo available

In Bremen, the Bremer Straßenbahn AG (BSAG) ensures an adequate network of bus and tram lines, some of which also operate as night lines. Within the framework of the VBN, the timetables are adapted in the best possible way regionally and supra-regionally.

Every day, the Bremer Straßenbahn AG (BSAG) provides mobility in Bremen with around 380 vehicles - modern trams and buses. Well over 250,000 people use the service every day. More than 2,000 employees are at work day and night: behind the wheel, at the crank, in the workshops, in service and in administration.

You can reach the VBN's 24-hour telephone information service at the following number: +49 421 596059.

Bremer Straßenbahn AG

Your contact for all questions about buses and trams in Bremen.

Find the connection that suits!

Line 3 in Obernstraße, a flowering rhododendron in the foreground on the left.

Network Map

Park and Ride

FahrPlaner App

Get the VBN App

Bike and Ride

Tickets and Prices

In cooperation with the VBN, Bremer Straßenbahn AG offers various tickets for individual needs. From single tickets for short and long distances to bicycle transport and monthly tickets as well as solutions for frequent travellers such as BOB and MIA, numerous tickets are offered.

Freunde der Bremer Straßenbahn

Rides with historic trains and operator of the tramway museum "Depot".

BSAG Custumer Centers

Some things have to be done on site. If, for example, you need to hand in an MIA or semester ticket, you can do this at the BSAG customer centres.

Election 2024
Entertainment
Newsletters
Photography
Personal Finance
AP Investigations
AP Buyline Personal Finance
AP Buyline Shopping
Press Releases
Israel-Hamas War
Russia-Ukraine War
Global elections
Asia Pacific
Latin America
Middle East
Election Results
Delegate Tracker
AP & Elections
March Madness
AP Top 25 Poll
Movie reviews
Book reviews
Personal finance
Financial Markets
Business Highlights
Financial wellness
Artificial Intelligence
Social Media

Werder Bremen accuses Naby Keita of walking out on the team for Leverkusen game

Copy Link copied

LEVERKUSEN, Germany (AP) — Werder Bremen said Sunday that midfielder Naby Keita refused to travel with the team to the potential Bundesliga title-clinching game against Bayer Leverkusen because he wasn’t in the starting lineup.

Bremen indicated the former Liverpool midfielder would face unspecified consequences for making himself unavailable.

“After Naby found out yesterday that he wouldn’t play from the start, he decided not to board the bus but to go home instead,” said Clemens Fritz, Bremen’s head of professional soccer, in comments posted on X, formerly Twitter. “We will speak tomorrow with him and his adviser about the consequences and about how to proceed.”

Keita has only played five Bundesliga games since joining Bremen last year from Liverpool amid frequent injuries and illness.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Werder Bremen accuses Naby Keita of walking out on the team for Leverkusen game

Show more sharing options
Copy Link URL Copied!

Werder Bremen said Sunday that midfielder Naby Keita refused to travel with the team to the potential Bundesliga title-clinching game against Bayer Leverkusen because he wasn’t in the starting lineup.

Bremen indicated the former Liverpool midfielder would face unspecified consequences for making himself unavailable.

Keita has only played five Bundesliga games since joining Bremen last year from Liverpool amid frequent injuries and illness.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

The latest Padres, Chargers and Aztecs headlines along with the other top San Diego sports stories every morning.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the San Diego Union-Tribune.

More in this section

FILE - Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann during the international friendly soccer match between Austria and Germany at the Ernst Happel stadium in Vienna, Austria, Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has extended his contract beyond this summer’s European Championship by two years through the 2026 World Cup. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, File)

National Sports

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann extends contract through 2026 World Cup. Bayern left still searching

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has extended his contract by two years

McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain steers his car during the sprint qualifying session for the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, Shanghai, China, Friday, April 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Chinese Grand Prix could deliver drama to F1 and slow Verstappen’s victory march

The Chinese Grand Prix could deliver some much-needed drama to Formula 1

FILE - Michigan quarterback Alex Orji runs during the team's NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Oct. 21, 2023, in East Lansing, Mich. Michigan coach Sherrone Moore will have a lot of decisions to make in his first season, leading the defending national champions after Jim Harbaugh bolted to coach the Los Angeles Chargers. Whom he chooses to start at quarterback will be potentially pivotal. Moore has a lot of options, including the speedy Orji and experienced Jack Tuttle. (AP Photo/Al Goldis, File)

First-year Michigan coach Sherrone Moore might display some of his QB options in spring game

Sherrone Moore will have a lot of big decisions to make in his first season as Michigan’s coach, leading the defending national champions after Jim Harbaugh bolted to coach the Los Angeles Chargers

FILE - Michigan State football coach Jonathan Smith speaks during an introductory NCAA college football news conference Nov. 28, 2023, in East Lansing, Mich. Michigan State is breaking in a new football coach and quarterback this year. The Spartans may benefit from how familiar the pivotal people in the program are because they both were at Oregon State last season. Former Beavers coach Smith was hired in late November and quarterback Aidan Chiles joined him less than a month later. (Jake May/The Flint Journal via AP, File)

Michigan State’s new coach Jonathan Smith and QB Aidan Chiles know each other well from Oregon State

Michigan State is breaking in a new football coach and quarterback this year

NFL draft will include many Michigan men, maybe enough to break record set by 2022 Georgia Bulldogs

Dallas Mavericks' Kyrie Irving watches from the bench during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons, Friday, April 12, 2024, in Dallas. Irving did not play due to hamstring soreness. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)

Kyrie Irving is healthy and drama-free in Dallas as a playoff pairing with Luka Doncic dawns

Kyrie Irving is healthy and publicly free of drama heading into his first playoff game with co-star Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks

IMAGES

Wat te doen in Bremen?
13 Fun Things to do in Bremen, Germany (2023)
13 Ways to Experience the Appeal of Bremen, Germany
Wat te doen in Bremen?
Bremen: Truly both beautiful and charming
15 Top Attractions & Things to Do in Bremen, Germany

VIDEO

Bremen , Germany , Walking Tour
Bremen City Center
Our first travel vlog I Bremen to Bremerhaven I Germany @Nivisampellipustakam
The River Weser Bremen Germany #travel #germancity #germany #bremen
in Bremen #bremen #germany #travel #2024
(#119). 🇩🇪GERMANY: İn the city Bremen

COMMENTS

Bremen Tourism: Visit the Hanseatic City
Bremen's always worth a visit, no matter whether you're travelling with your best friend, your partner, the family, a group or on your own. In addition to its multitude of tourist attractions, this vibrant city in the heart of north-west Germany offers cultural and culinary delights, a laid-back Hanseatic atmosphere and an exuberant variety of activities and shopping opportunities.
THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Bremen
2023. 6. Universum Bremen. 520. Speciality Museums. In Universum® Bremen you go on an extraordinary journey of discovery into the world of science. More than 250 exhibits let you experience and understand scientific phenomena up close and with all your senses. The three subject areas Technology, Humans and Nature are waiting to be explored.
15 Top Attractions & Things to Do in Bremen, Germany
3. Take a Tour of Bremen Town Hall. Bremen Town Hall. Bremen Town Hall (Bremer Rathaus), also sometimes referred to as City Hall, is a beautiful brick Gothic structure located in the city's Marktplatz. Built in 1410, it's famous for its sumptuous Renaissance facade added later in 1612.
25 Best Things to Do in Bremen (Germany)
In the 1970s the graves of eight medieval bishops were discovered, and the finds from these excavations include rings, a staff, vestments and chalices. 3. Bremen City Hall. One of the most beautiful civic buildings, not just in Germany, but all of Europe, Bremen's City Hall earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 2005.
Bremen: Truly both beautiful and charming
48 hours in Bremen. Cityscape, Landscape, Riverscape: Bremen offers all this and much more. This picturesque city on the Weser river is also appealing from a cultural point of view. Take a stroll with us and enjoy the fresh air. Bremen, which is so beautiful, also has the scent of the sea. And the North Sea is not far away.
22 Top Things To Do In Bremen [Don't Miss Them!]
Haus Des Glockenspiels. Haus Des Glockenspiels. One of the things to do around Bremen that you'll find on Böttcherstraße is Haus des Glockenspiels (Glockenspiel House). This is the place to be just before the hour between 12 - 6pm in the warmer months.
Traveling to Bremen: Arrival and Useful Information
Bremen is known as a city of short distances. Many corners of the city can be discovered wonderfully on foot or by bike, the favourite means of transport for Bremen residents. Of course, the city by the Weser also has a well-developed public transport network. In addition, the centrally located main railway station and the ZOB (central bus ...
Bremen City travel
Bremen City. Bremen, one of Germany's three city-states (along with Berlin and Hamburg), is known for being among the country's most outward-looking and hospitable places, with a vibe that strikes a good balance between style, earthiness and good living. Nature is never far away here, but Bremen is better known for its fairy-tale character ...
Bremen
Bremen. The Free Hanseatic City of Bremen is a city in northern Germany with a major port on the River Weser. The population is 567,000 (2020). It is also the name of one of the states of Germany which consists of two separated enclaves on the River Weser; the other enclave, Bremerhaven, is covered by its own article.
Must-See Sights
You can find the Must-See attractions here: The Bremen Town Musicians Schoppensteel 1, 28195 Bremen. The town hall and Roland Statue Am Markt 21, 28195 Bremen. The Schnoor quarter Stavendamm 16, 28195 Bremen. Böttcherstraße Böttcherstraße, 28195 Bremen.
Best of Bremen in One Day Itinerary + Map
Bremen Roland Statue. The Roland Statue, one of the top attractions in Bremen, Germany, was erected in 1404 and can be found in the heart of Bremen in the market square.. Various cities have the Roland statues as a symbol of the city of civic liberty and freedom. This former Holy Roman Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire was deemed the hero of the Battle of Roncevaux Pass.
Bremen Germany: 2-day Itinerary and Map
Bremen's Liebfrauenkirche, located near the Rathaus, is the oldest church in the city. Bremen Cathedral, known as St. Petri Dom with its 98-meter towers, is another must-see in the old town. ... Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, and cancellations. It's a protection in case anything goes wrong.
Bremen and Bremerhaven
1,200 years worth of tradition and a cosmopolitan lifestyle come together here in Bremen, the Hanseatic city by the Weser. The splendid Weser Renaissance town hall and the venerable statue of Roland (UNESCO World Heritage Site) on the historical marketplace are the most distinctive landmarks.And, of course, the world-famous Town Musicians of Bremen from the Brothers Grimm fairytale.
Bremen, Germany: All You Must Know Before You Go (2024)
The second most populous town in North Germany, Bremen brings the high-tech, science and space industries together beneath a truly metropolitan backdrop. In a city where innovation, beauty and sophistication meet, it's impossible not to feel the life force. In this 1,200-year-old Hanseatic city, visit the Schlachte Promenade on the River Weser ...
25 Fascinating Things To Do in Bremen, Germany
Address: Böttcherstraße 6-10, 28195 Bremen, Germany. Weserburg Museum of Modern Art. Housed in the middle of the river on the Teerhof peninsula, the Weserburg Museum of Modern Art is a modern and contemporary art museum. ... It's basically a way to travel around the world to learn about people, culture, plants, and animals from the comfort ...
Bremen Travel Guide
Bremen was one of the Hanseatic trading ports of the middle ages, and the people used their wealth wisely, creating a stunning old quarter featuring fine buildings like the 15th-century Rathaus and the Markt. 2. Excellent Art Galleries. Bremen offers one of Germany's best galleries in the Kunsthalle Bremen.
Bremen blog
Bremen tram map. The company BSAG (Bremer Straßenbahn AG) operating tram and bus networks. Tram system has 4 lines and 46 stations, single ticket price for a single tram / bus trip is €2.80. You should buy unlimited travel day pass for €8 / day and 7-day pass for €22.80.
26 BEST THINGS TO DO IN BREMEN
To get the full experience, take part in one of the Rathaus guided tours offered by the Bremen Tourist Information Office for a fascinating insight into the city's history - and see the elaborate chambers, including its two-story high main hall, decorated with intricate wall designs and carvings.. Tourists flock from around Europe just to get an inside look at this majestic place.
13 Fun Things to do in Bremen, Germany (2024)
Visit Town Hall. The gorgeous Bremen Town Hall. Built in 1405, Bremen's beautiful Gothic Town Hall (Rathaus) has witnessed six centuries of history in the Hanseatic City and is one of the top places to see in Bremen. On the outside, its detailed, red-brick façade made us feel like we'd stepped into a fairy tale.
How to Plan a Bremen and Bremerhaven 4 Day Itinerary in Germany
4 Day Bremen and Bremerhaven Itinerary Highlights. Table of Contents. Your 4 Day Itinerary in Bremen and Bremerhaven. Trip Planning Map. Day 1 - Bremen and Beck's. Day 2 - Discover Bremen. Day 3 - Story of Emigration in Bremerhaven. Day 4 - Climate Museum in Bremerhaven. A Quick Bremen and Bremerhaven Travel Guide.
Things To Do in Bremen in 48 Hours
Read more about Germany. Bremen and Bremerhaven 4 Day Itinerary; 1 day Hamburg itinerary; Germany travel guide; How to get the best deals in travel. Hottest deals - Bookmark the travel deals page.; Car rentals - stop getting ripped off and learn about car rental coupon codes.; Hotels - Use corporate codes or get Genius 2 tier with Booking.; Flights - Have you ever heard of the ...
10 Magical Things to do in Bremen, Germany in Winter
Visiting Old Town Bremen tops our list of things to do in Bremen. Here are 2 famous sights not to be missed: Rathaus: Bremen's gorgeous town hall is a UNESCO World Heritage site and sits surrounded by other absolutely beautiful architectural masterpieces. The main market plaza is a 365-degree visual treat.
Naby Keita suspended by Werder Bremen after he 'chose not to travel
Bremen sporting director Clemens Fritz alleged on Saturday that the 29-year-old refused to travel for the club's Bundesliga clash with Bayer Leverkusen after discovering he had been omitted from ...
Bremen suspend Keita for rest of the season
Werder Bremen have suspended midfielder Naby Keita until the end of the season and fined the Guinean after he did not travel with the team for their Bundesliga match against Bayer Leverkusen upon ...
Werder Bremen suspend Keita for refusing to travel with team
Werder Bremen would go on to lose the match 5-0, a result which secured Bayer Leverkusen's first German league title in their 120-year history.. Talking after the match, Werner said Keita would ...
Public Transport Bremen: Bus and Tram
In Bremen, the Bremer Straßenbahn AG (BSAG) ensures an adequate network of bus and tram lines, some of which also operate as night lines. Within the framework of the VBN, the timetables are adapted in the best possible way regionally and supra-regionally. Every day, the Bremer Straßenbahn AG (BSAG) provides mobility in Bremen with around 380 ...
Werder Bremen accuses Naby Keita of walking out on the team for
Updated 8:38 AM PDT, April 14, 2024. LEVERKUSEN, Germany (AP) — Werder Bremen said Sunday that midfielder Naby Keita refused to travel with the team to the potential Bundesliga title-clinching game against Bayer Leverkusen because he wasn't in the starting lineup. Bremen indicated the former Liverpool midfielder would face unspecified ...
Werder Bremen suspend Keita for refusing to travel with team
Werder Bremen said the midfielder "chose not to travel to the ground with the team and decided to go home instead" after finding out he was not in Ole Werner's starting XI for Sunday's match in Leverkusen. Werder Bremen would go on to lose the match 5-0, a result which secured Bayer Leverkusen's first German league title in their 120-year history.
Werder Bremen accuses Naby Keita of walking out on the team for
Werder Bremen said Sunday that midfielder Naby Keita refused to travel with the team to the potential Bundesliga title-clinching game against Bayer Leverkusen because he wasn't in the starting ...

15 Top Attractions & Things to Do in Bremen, Germany

1. Explore Bremen's Historic Marktplatz

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

More on Germany

25 Best Things to Do in Bremen (Germany)

1. Bremen Cathedral

2. Cathedral Museum

3. Bremen City Hall

4. Marktplatz

5. Kunsthalle Bremen

6. Böttcherstraße

7. Haus des Glockenspiels

8. Schnoor Quarter

9. Schlachte

10. Schütting

11. Focke Museum

12. Ludwig Roselius Museum

13. Universum

14. Bürgerpark

15. Mühle am Wall

16. Das Viertel

17. Bremer Geschichtenhaus

18. Church of Our Lady

19. Übersee-Museum

20. Rhododendron Park

21. Botanika

22. Beck’s Brewery

23. Valentin Submarine Pens

24. Bremer Bonbon Manufaktur

25. Weser River Tours

25 Best Things to Do in Bremen (Germany):

22 Top Things To Do In Bremen [Don’t Miss Them!]

An Introduction To Bremen

Top 21 Things To Do In Bremen Germany

Bremen’s Old Town

Rathaus (Town Hall)

Roland Statue

Town Musicians Of Bremen

Dom St Petri (And Bleikeller)

Kirche Unser Lieben Fraue (Church Of Our Lady)

Böttcherstraße

Haus Des Glockenspiels

Paula Modersohn-Becker Museum

Ludwig Roselius Museum

Schlachte Riverside Walk

Wallanlagen Park

Weserburg Museum Für Moderne Kunst

Gerhard Marcks Haus

Wilhelm Wagenfeld Haus

Universum Science Centre

Beck’s Brewery

Weser River Cruise

Bunker Valentin

Bremen Things To Do In December/Winter

Bremen Christmas Market

What To Do In Bremen In One Day

Places To Visit In Bremen Germany Map

Best Place To Stay In Bremen

BEST – Designhotel ÜberFluss Review

VALUE – Select Hotel City Bremen Review

FUN – Segelyacht Bremen City Review

How To Get To Bremen

Bremen With Kids

Final Words

Related posts:

By Sharon Gourlay

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Your next trip starts here

Attractions

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Understand [ edit ]

Bremer Stadtmusikanten [ edit ]

Geography [ edit ]

Tourist information [ edit ]

Get in [ edit ]

By train [ edit ]

By bus [ edit ]

By car [ edit ]

Get around [ edit ]

By foot [ edit ]