bremen tourist office

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Tourist Information Office

© WFB / Melanka Helms-Jacobs

If you're looking for a reminder of your trip to Bremen, we stock a good selection of souvenirs, including books about Bremen, T-shirts, postcards, mugs, Bremen Town Musician soft toys and lots more.

Opening times

Mon - Fr: 9.00 am - 6.00 pm Sat: 9.30 am - 5 pm Sun: 10 am - 4 pm

Visit our city-centre Tourist information office in Böttcherstrasse 4 (Glockenspiel house), close to the market square and the famous Bremen Town Musicians . The popular guided walks start on our doorstep.

What awaits you on site

Our Tourist information team not only give you plenty of handy tips, they also offer lots more:

• Tourist information about Bremen
• Brochures and event listings
• Information about the arts, shopping, restaurants and cafés
• Hotel reservations at up-to-the-minute rates
• Booking service for guided tours of the city, tours of the town hall, sightseeing tours and riverboat cruises
• Tickets for museums and events
• BremenCARD (discovery card) on sale
• Audio guides for hire (in German, English, Italian or Spanish)

Wheelchair hire

Even though Bremen is a compact city, it can still take a long time to make your way around it because there is so much to see. If you struggle to get around on foot, you can borrow a wheelchair free of charge from the tourist information office. All we request is a refundable deposit of €50 and a copy of your ID card or passport. Specifications:

• Seat width 48cm, seat depth 42cm
• Backrest height 43cm, seat height 50cm
• Max. 130kg body weight
• Incl. drum brakes for use by companion or carer

You might also be interested in...

Customer Advisory and Sales

We are your local partner and we will help you plan your trip.

© WFB/Jonas Ginter

Accommodation

Book your Accommodation in Bremen

© Detmar Schmoll / Studio B

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Bremen Tourismus: Urlaub in der Hansestadt

Die Bremer Stadtmusikanten sind nicht nur weltbekannt. Ihr guter Plan, nach Bremen zu gehen, ist auch heute noch eine richtig gute Idee. Bremen fasziniert mit urbaner Vielfalt, gelebter Toleranz und lebendiger Kultur. Wir empfangen euch mit Kunst, Musik und Erlebnis, mit Genuss- und Wissenswelten, mit historischem Welterbe und vor allem – mit offenen Armen!

Inspiration für euren Städtetrip

Bremen ist zu jeder Jahreszeit eine Reise wert: Das pulsierende Herz Nordwestdeutschlands erwartet euch mit zahlreichen Sehenswürdigkeiten, kulinarischen und kulturellen Genüssen, hanseatischer Lebensart sowie zahlreichen Gelegenheiten zum Shoppen und vielerlei abwechslungsreichen Aktivitäten. Damit ihr bestens auf eure Reise nach Bremen vorbereitet seid, findet ihr hier Tipps und Inspiration.

Urlaub in Bremen online buchen

Ob Erlebnisse, Hotels oder Pauschalen - wir haben das passende Angebot für euch.

© WFB / Jonas Ginter

Tipps rund um die Reiseplanung

Lasst euch vom aufkommenden Fernweh mitreißen, plant eure Reise nach Bremen und erlebt die Hansestadt live und in Farbe. Unsere Stornobedingungen haben wir für euch gelockert , so dass ihr ganz ohne Risiko eure Reise und die dazu passenden Erlebnisse buchen könnt. Pauschalreisen sind immer bis acht Tage vor Anreise kostenlos stornierbar. Unsere Stadtführungen sind bis einen Tag vor Anreise kostenlos stornierbar und viele Hotels bieten dies sowieso bis zum Anreisetag. Also los geht's: Plant eure Reise nach Bremen!

Beratung und Wissenswertes von den Bremen-Profis

Wünscht ihr euch eine persönliche Beratung für eure Reise nach oder euren Aufenthalt in Bremen? Seid ihr auf der Suche nach konkreten oder inspirierenden Tipps? Dann sind die Bremen-Profis für euch da. Ob im Gespräch oder mit unterschiedlichen Publikationen - hier seid ihr immer gut beraten!

Spart mit der BremenCARD

Erlebnisgutschein

Bremen verschenken

© Klemm Design/Jonas Ginter

Tour durch Bremen

© BTZ / Maike Bialek

Entdeckt mit der AR-App BremenGo die Bremer Altstadt!

Die Stadtmusikanten werden zu euren persönlichen Tourguides.

© WFB / Radiusmedia KG / Jonas Ginter

Bremen für...

• 1.1 History
• 1.2 Bremer Stadtmusikanten
• 1.3 Geography
• 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.

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.

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What you should not miss in the Hanseatic city of Bremen

Homepage > States > Bremen > What you should not miss in the Hanseatic city of Bremen

A colorful art alley, the traditional Schnoorviertel, a mega-cult neighborhood, and highlights around the beautiful market square - there is much more to discover in Bremen than just the famous animal town musicians. Here are five sights that everyone must have seen .

Table of contents 1. The UNESCO World Heritage City Hall and Roland 2. The Bremen Town Musicians 3. The Schnoor, Bremen's oldest quarter 4. The Böttcherstraße Art Mile 5. The alternative quarter "quarter

The UNESCO World Heritage City Hall and Roland

It is the jewel on the market square, the "good parlor" of Bremen: the over 600 years ago built and City Hall almost unchanged until today . The Gothic building was erected between 1405 and 1409 and the Renaissance facade set in front of it was completed in 1612 with lavish stonemasonry, with reliefs, mythical animals and figures as far as the eye can see. The interior is no less magnificent. A must-see: the Güldenkammer, designed by artist Heinrich Vogeler in the purest Art Nouveau style. The Upper Hall is Bremen's banqueting hall and today serves, among other things, as the backdrop for the famous Shepherd's Meal , the oldest brotherly feast in the world.

Since 2004, the town hall has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, just like its neighbor, Roland. This 10-meter-high sculpture stands in the middle of the market square, wearing wavy hair, chain mail and a sword - this is how it has watched over the freedom and rights of the city since 1404. It represents Charlemagne's nephew, who was celebrated as a folk hero in the Middle Ages, and was declared the most beautiful Roland monument in Germany by UNESCO experts. To finish, you can then well visit the Bremen Ratskeller visit - German wines have been served there since 1405.

The Bremen Town Musicians

Everyone wants to see them, these oddball music freaks. West of the town hall stands the famous animal pyramid of donkey, dog, cat and rooster. It symbolizes the fairy tale of four domestic animals who set out to find happiness. This was at a time when escaping to the city was considered a way out of servitude. In 1819, the fairy tale of the Bremen Town Musicians was first noted down by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. The story of the four wild journeymen made Bremen famous - even though the animals in the legend did not even make it to the Hanseatic city.

As a result, visitors repeatedly wandered through the city in vain search of the famous four. In 1951, the Bremen Tourist Office therefore commissioned the sculptor Gerhard Marcks (1889-1981) to create a sculpture. Today, the Bremen Town Musicians are among the number one sights and the first selfie stop. By the way, if you embrace the donkey's two bronze front legs, it's said to bring you luck. Whereby one should not disregard hygienic measures...

The Schnoor, Bremen's oldest quarter

The name Schnoor means something like string in Low German. No wonder, because here burgher houses from the 15th to 18th centuries are strung together like a string of pearls. Only a good 300 meters as the crow flies from the market square lies Bremen's oldest district . In the narrow streets, small stores, artisan studios, cafes and restaurants provide a charming flair. In the desert No. 5, for example, you will find the historic "Wedding House" - in the Middle Ages, couples from the countryside used this address for marriage. With its just 48 square meters, today it is one of the smallest hotels in the world.

Entertainment in the Schnoor is provided, among others, by the Packhaustheater, the Theatership Bremen as well as the Story House . The latter has the nickname "living museum". Visitors are accompanied here during the tour by actors who represent old Bremen personalities. Among them is also Heini Holtenbeen (wooden leg), who lived in Schnoor from 1835 to 1909 and spoke only Platt. Due to an accident he had a stiff leg, which earned him his nickname - and he was well-known in the city because he always bummed tobacco on the market square. Today, near the Weser, a monument commemorates this original.

The Böttcherstraße Art Mile

Bremen's expressionist art alley was initiated by local coffee merchant Ludwig Roselius. The man who invented decaffeinated coffee in Bremen wanted an ensemble of commerce, art and pleasure for his city. Between 1922 and '31, his wish was realized by two architects and sculptor Bernhard Hoetger. The houses on the 108 meter short Böttcherstraße were largely dilapidated at the time and were actually to be demolished. Roselius had them gradually repaired, thus transforming the street into a synthesis of architecture and traditional craftsmanship.

In the old Bremen patrician house of the 16th century with the house numbers 6 to 10 is hidden today the Ludwig Roselius Museum , which displays arts and crafts from the Middle Ages to the Baroque. Also the Paula Modersohn-Becker Museum has a permanent place here; the painter (1876-1907) is considered a pioneer of modernism and was the first woman in the world to be given her own permanent exhibition in Böttcherstrasse. Also nice to look at and listen to is the house of the carillon - every full hour sounds 30 Meissen porcelain bells , and in parallel ten carved wooden panels rotate on the front of the house, depicting ancient seafarers.

The alternative quarter "quarter

If you like it less touristy, you should go to the "Quarter" walk. From Ostertorsteinweg, we enter this alternative neighborhood. A colorful spray-painted chameleon on the front of a house near the Bremen Theater makes it clear: This neighborhood is colorful! Street art can be found everywhere there.

Individual stores, cafés, vegan restaurants, second-hand stores, cultural centers and art-house cinemas abound here. Many Bars and pubs attract partygoers in the evening. The "Bermuda Triangle" consisting of the streets Fehrfeld, Römerstraße and Humboldtstraße is one of the top nightlife areas, the density of pubs and the liquor variations are enormous here. Bremen newcomers absolutely must try a Krabeldiwandenuff at the "Eisen" - that's the name of a pub at Sielwall 9, which has been playing punk and rock'n'roll for over 25 years and, just like the schnapps, is a real one-off.

How to get to Bremen by train: Plan arrival .

City Hall and Roland

The schnoor, the "quarter, all information about the highlights in bremen.

Cover photo: The animal pyramid of the Bremen Town Musicians west of the historic town hall is the landmark of the Hanseatic city on the Weser © WFB/Michael Bahlo

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City of many faces

1,200 years of tradition and openness characterize Bremen, the Hanseatic City on the Weser. The magnificent Weser Renaissance Town Hall and the venerable statue of Roland on the historic market square (both UNESCO World Heritage Sites) remain unmistakable. And of course there are the world-famous figures of the Bremen Town Musicians from Grimm's fairy tales.

Bremen is the tenth largest city in Germany, a European center of aerospace, a city of science, and the site of one of Europe's largest urban development projects, the Überseestadt. Whether in the Universum Bremen, in the botanika or in the Überseemuseum Bremen - here one understands to bring information and entertainment in perfect harmony.

The proximity to the river and the green nature characterizes the life of the people of Bremen. The seafaring flair is still alive today, and Bremeners and their guests enjoy a walk by the Weser river: on the Schlachte waterfront promenade.

Cologne sways in carnival, Munich celebrates the Oktoberfest. And Bremen celebrates all year round. Germany's oldest folk festival - the Freimarkt, the Festival Maritim, musical and theater highlights, important art exhibitions, the traditional Christmas market ... kiek mol rin! 

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The Bremen Town Musicians

The worldwide known figures from the fairy tale of the Brothers Grimm decorate as the most famous statue the west side of the town hall at the Bremen market place. Their characteristics such as cooperation, team spirit and spirit of adventure are representative of the historic Hanseatic city.

Town Hall and Roland

The people of Bremen are particularly proud of their over 600-year-old town hall. Its uniqueness has been confirmed by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee since 2004. "The Town Hall and Roland in Bremen are a unique testimony to civic autonomy and sovereignty as they developed in the Holy Roman Empire," says the expert report on which the decision is based.

Focke Museum

For enthusiasts of art and cultural history, a visit to the Focke Museum is an excellent way to immerse yourself in Bremen's history. On display are exhibits from the prehistory and early history of the Bremen area as well as the early Middle Ages. Shipping is also not neglected. The program is constantly updated with topics on crafts and design as well as photography and art.

Weser Promenade Schlachte

On the Weser Promenade Schlachte, people meet directly on the river when the weather is nice. From the terraces and gardens of a diverse gastronomy, you can enjoy the view of the water. Historical and modern ships line the quay. The Martinianleger at Schlachte is the place to go on a big or small trip: In summer, the passenger ships sail daily up or down the Weser.

St. Peters Cathedral

On the east side of the town hall stands the St. Petri Dom (St. Peters cathedral), dating from the 11th century, with its towers rising 99 metres into the air. According to the Gospel of Matthew, Peter, the patron saint of the cathedral, possesses the keys to the kingdom of heaven. One of them has adorned Bremen's coat of arms since the Middle Ages.

Service Center of the Bremer Tourismuszentrale +49-(0)421-3080010 [email protected]

Tourist information offices Böttcherstraße 4, and in the mainstation https://www.bremen-tourism.de/the-bremen-experts

Travel options

Whether by car, bus, train or plane - Bremen is easy to reach by many routes. Travel comfortably by train directly to the city center of Bremen. Bremen International City Airport near the city center connects Bremen with important German and European hubs, just twenty minutes by streetcar from the city center. By car, it is also easily accessible due to its connection to the federal highways 1 and 27.

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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

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.

See also: Where to Stay 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.

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.

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Trains Take away the Strain : Thanks to its fast, efficient, comfortable, clean, and extremely punctual railway network, Germany is a delight to explore by train. Just an hour away from Bremen by rail, the port city of Hamburg boasts plenty of fun things to see and do . Highlights include exploring its vast port area with its many fine tourist attractions. Be sure to make time for the International Maritime Museum, as well as its inner city lakes, the Inner and Outer Alster.

Also easy to get to by rail, lovely Hanover offers amazing historic architecture to explore, from the Old Town Hall and churches in the Marktplatz, to the elegant New Town Hall and majestic Opera House.

Although further afield, the three-hour train ride to the university city of Düsseldorf is worth it for the chance to stroll along the beautiful Königsallee, widely regarded as Germany's most elegant avenue.

Medieval Architecture : The Germans have done a tremendous job of preserving, or even rebuilding, the many fine examples of medieval architecture found within their borders. The beautiful town of Augsburg , for example, features many magnificent medieval-era buildings, one of the finest examples being its 11th-century cathedral.

Then, of course, there's Nuremberg , which boasts one of the largest collections of medieval structures anywhere in Europe, including its famous castle and Old Town Walls.

However, no destination in Europe quite matches Rothenburg when it comes to the sheer quantity of well-preserved medieval architecture. Here, you'll find everything from the beautiful 13th-century Town Hall (Rathaus) and the nearby 14th-century Council Tavern, numerous old churches, and many fine old half-timbered houses, which together make Rothenburg one of the prettiest of German towns.

Big City Escapes : Germany's many big cities have also done their bit to preserve their past. Some of the best examples, of course, can be found in the country's capital, Berlin , where in the space of a few minutes' walk you'll find the splendid Brandenburg Gate, the opulent Charlottenburg Palace, and the city's famous Museum Island, home to five of the country's oldest and most important museums.

Other big city destinations to consider visiting include Frankfurt , where you can wander one of the largest public squares in Europe while taking in its many beautiful half-timbered homes and merchant buildings, now home to great restaurants and boutique shops, and Cologne (Köln) , famous for its magnificent cathedral and well-preserved Old Town.

More on Germany

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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, unique Expressionist quarter and one of Germany’s most exciting football teams. It's also one of Europe's leaders in science and technology, home to the Airbus Defence and Space headquarters and a major Mercedes Benz plant.

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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…

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• Travel Planning Guide

Should You Visit Bremen?

Are you thinking about visiting Bremen, Germany? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.

• Is Bremen Worth Visiting?

Reasons to Visit Bremen

• In the Summer?
• In the Autumn?
• In the Winter?
• In the Spring?

What is Bremen most famous for?

• What is Bremen most known for?

What is the most famous sight in Bremen?

• How touristy is Bremen?

How long should I spend in Bremen?

Is bremen worth visiting.

Yes, it's worth visiting this city for two to four days because of the many great activities. Bremen is a beautiful, historic town that sits on the Weser River. It has a long running history in maritime trade and today it has beautiful architecture and many impressive landmarks, particularly around the famous Marktplatz.

Food The food is hearty and filling with many meat heavy dishes. Vegetarians may struggle to find local options. Traditional regional dishes include Kohl und Pinkel (kale and sausage), Labskaus (meat and stew), and fried smelt.

Authenticity Bremen has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.

Is Bremen worth visiting in the Summer?

Summer is the high season for travel in Bremen, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is fairly touristy, and in the high season it's busier than usual.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 17°C (63°F).

You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums, browse around the old town, and grab some drinks at a bar.

Is Bremen worth visiting in the Autumn?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Bremen. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.

The weather in Bremen can be quite cold during autumn, and averages around 10°C (50°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. During this season it's fun to experience the beautiful scenery, the historic old town, and the museums and landmarks.

Is Bremen worth visiting in the Winter?

The weather in Bremen can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 1°C (33°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

The low season for travel in Bremen is during the winter. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.

You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. This is a great time of year to wander through the museums, sample the delicious cuisine, and admire the historic sights. Also, you'll be able to enjoy the evening activities.

Is Bremen worth visiting in the Spring?

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Bremen. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.

The weather in Bremen can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 8°C (46°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

The scenery of the town this time of year is absolutely beautiful. Admire the gardens, parks, and fantastic architecture, too. Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, browse through museums, and admire the wonderful scenery. Also, you can experience the historic old town and the nightlife.

Bremen is most famous for its beautiful historic center and its role as a cultural hub in Germany. The city is very popular for its historical sights. Also, it's known for museums, nightlife, and shopping. Many people love the food, too. It is often described as historic, beautiful, colorful, and lively.

The most popular sight in Bremen is The Historic Marktplatz . You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Bremen on our travel costs page .

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Historic Marktplatz and other attractions here .

How touristy is Bremen? Is it a popular city to visit?

Bremen is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• Bremen Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $224
• Bremen Schnoor Area Tour: $24
• Bremen Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $53
• Bremen : Private Walking Tour With A Tour Guide ( Private Tour ): $52
• Bremen City Exploration Private Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.62
• Guided Historical Walking Tour in Bremen: $11
• Bremen Christmas Market Tour With A Professional Guide: $199
• Guided Walking Tour of Böttcherstraße: $13

The ideal length of time for a trip to Bremen is two to four days. Since Bremen has a variety of activities such as historical sights, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Bremen? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Bremen? .

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It's on: 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. But the city with its beautiful Hanseatic houses actually stretches along the Weser river. And because maritime life in Bremen is concentrated particularly at the Schlachte harbour, this is where your morning excursion will begin. So the day starts in a relaxed way, with a walk along the promenade. Here, excursion boats gently bob in the river and the stately harbour complex is a reminder of Bremen's historical importance. It's great that there are many restaurants and pubs here too. Why not stop here for lunch? Afterwards, do as the people of Bremen do. Rent a bicycle and go for a ride.

Bremen: Weserpromenade Schlachte bei Sonnenuntergang ©BTZ (Jonas Ginter)

Tracing Bremen's History

Remember, practically all the sights are within walking distance. Whether on a bike or on foot, you can spend your afternoon in the inner city. Experience more of Bremen's history in the market square. The old Town Hall is particularly impressive with its detailed facades from the 17th century. This is also the site of the approximately ten-metre-high and 600-year-old Roland statue, a symbol of freedom and free trade. The Town Hall and Roland statue are both classed as UNESCO World Heritage Sights. Beneath the Town Hall you will find a quaint pub, the Ratskeller. A little further on is St Peter's Cathedral and from its viewing platform a hundred metres above the ground you get a great view of the city and the surrounding area. On the west side of town you can find another Bremen landmark, the animal Town Musicians of Bremen.

Where to in the evening ? Back to the Schlachte. On the way to the Weser promenade, you will pass through the narrow Böttcherstrasse with its expressionist brick buildings. This small alleyway holds a mix of art, gastronomy and culture. Of course, you could just stay here for the evening as well.

Bremen: Paar auf dem Marktplatz bei den Bremer Stadtmusikanten ©BTZ (Jonas Ginter)

Day 2 in Bremen. Good Morning

Today Bremen's oldest district, the Schnoor is on the morning agenda. Here, the city's 1,200-year history is brought particularly to life. Strolling through the former fishermen's and craftsmen's quarter with its small colourful houses is always a lot of fun.

Those who want to vividly experience Bremen's past can visit the Geschichtenhaus. Here, actors in historical costumes re-enact scenes from the past three hundred years. Those who would prefer to look at art can head to the Paula Modersohn-Becker Museum . The artists were among the early representatives of Expressionism in Germany.

There is a lot of information to digest, so let's take a quick breather. Those who would prefer to do a bit of shopping can also do so in this district.

Rich in Contrasts: Bremens Überseestadt

The afternoon belongs to the Überseestadt . This former docklands area is one of the biggest development projects of urban planning in Europe. Old brick warehouses stand in striking contrast to the modern architecture here. Parts of Überseestadt are still port areas and are still actively managed. It is worth seeing the listed Roland-Mill with its silos and warehouses, as well as the old fire station at the head of the harbour basin. From here you can get a wonderful view of the hustle and bustle on the harbour. Tip: those who would like to experience Bremen and the Weser more personally and intensely, rent a small boat there and sail along the river.

For those who prefer to relax, the stair-shaped seating at the head of the pool overlooking the small marina is perfect for this. And because you will find many cafes and restaurants in this area, you can spend the rest of your evening here.

It's a shame the trip isn't over three days, isn't it? There are still so many exciting museums waiting. So come back again! See you soon!

Bremen: Schnoor Viertel ©BTZ (Ingrid Krause)

Explore the surroundings

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.

The Train Diaries

26 best Bremen tourist attractions: top things to see in the Hanseatic city

Are you looking to explore Bremen, the gem of northwest Germany? With its charm, culture and historical attractions, what better way to spend a vacation than enjoying all that this beautiful city has to offer? Travellers are spoilt for choice, because there is no shortage of amazing Bremen tourist attractions.

Whether you’re after some cultural immersion in museums like the Focke-Museum or are just seeking out the best restaurants and pubs in town, we’ve got it covered. Best of all, you can easily reach the city by train from many other destinations in Germany.

Our comprehensive guide will provide you with insight into the very best activities that this enchanting city has hidden up its sleeve. So grab your comfortable shoes, bring plenty of energy and get ready to experience a part of Germany like never before!

Table of Contents

Universum Bremen

Universum Bremen is a must-see for anyone looking for an educational and enjoyable experience. Located in northern Germany, Universum is a science centre designed to explore various scientific and technological innovations. 

With over 200 interactive exhibits, visitors can take part in lectures, guided tours , and even complete projects with the help of experts. Designed for all audiences – from children to adults – this centre looks to invigorate people’s curiosity by exploring the world of science, technology and engineering in innovative ways. 

Whether you want to focus on the physical sciences or are looking for a more hands-on experience with robotics, Universum Bremen has something great to offer everyone!

Galería de arte de Bremen

Bremen’s art gallery, Galería de arte de Bremen, is one of the premier spots for appreciating German art and global culture alike. Also known as Kunsthalle Bremen, it houses a wide variety of priceless pieces from all areas of the world and showcases the works in well-curated, dynamic exhibitions. 

The gallery’s permanent collection features several hundred works from the 19th century through contemporary times by various artists from throughout the country. In addition, the gallery also hosts visiting shows and regularly changes out its displays to provide patrons with a fresh experience whenever they visit. 

With its remarkable collections and stimulating programs, Galería de arte de Bremen is sure to be an amazing cultural experience one won’t soon forget.

Schnoor historic district

The charming Schnoor Historic District in Bremen, Germany, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is widely celebrated as a fascinating example of traditional architecture. 

Floating atop the watery canals that once acted as the city’s fortifications, it has withstood history’s many tests and come out even more steeped in Old-World charm. It still showcases buildings from centuries gone by among its cobbled streets – merchants’ homes, workshops, pubs and more.

The Schnoor district is also a great place to pick up some unique souvenirs that tell stories about days gone by — you won’t find anything like them in other stores!

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The Weser river

The Weser river in Bremen has been a hallmark of the city for centuries. The river is an integral part of the city’s culture, playing host to countless local festivals and events like the Breminale. It also provides a picturesque backdrop to many of Bremen’s iconic landmarks. 

Winding through the heartland of Germany, the Weser provides waterway access all the way to Bremerhaven on the North Sea. This makes it an important throughway for ship passengers headed northward or eager to experience life on a cruise. 

However, it’s not only those on ships that can have fun here. The Weser is home to two different beaches, namely Cafe Sand and Waller Sand. You can set up shop here and add a real vacation feel to your visit.

While strolling its promenades and riverbanks, be sure to stop by and appreciate the beautiful sunset.

Schlachte embankment

The Schlachte Embankment, located along the Weser river is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Stretching 600 metres along the bank of the Weser, it features numerous trendy pubs, art galleries, and shops. 

With stunning views of the river and bridges connecting both sides of town, it’s no wonder that this spot has become one of the most visited highlights in Bremen. Visitors can enjoy typical German cuisine and wine from nearby restaurants or take a romantic stroll on an evening adventure. 

With plenty to explore and experience, the Schlachte Embankment is worth checking out if you’re ever in the area.

Alexander von Humboldt ship restaurant

The Alexander von Humboldt, a ship restaurant, is the Schlachte Embankment’s green jewel and a truly unique experience. Once a 20th-century cargo ship, it has since been converted into an elegant and inviting restaurant situated in the Weser river, docking on the Schlachte Embankment. 

Right on the water, diners can enjoy sea views while they tuck into classic German dishes, although the menu changes every month. Enjoying a candlelit dinner with fine wine aboard the historic vessel takes visitors back to another time.

Your time here doesn’t have to end with just food, though. The restored old sailing ship also serves as accommodation thanks to 38 bunks, complete with Wi-Fi, ensuite bathrooms, and more.

Weser Renaissance Town Hall

The Weser Renaissance Town Hall, built in 1404, is an incredible example of German architecture. Located in the city of Bremen, it boasts intricate stonework and detailed sculptures over both the interior and exterior walls. 

The expansive old town hall was once used as a meeting room for civic gatherings and theological discussions. Today, it stands as a reminder of the skill and craftsmanship of past architectural generations. 

Visitors to the area can wander through this impressive relic, revelling in the grandeur found in the different rooms. This includes the senate hall, a ballroom, and the red-wall fireplace room.

Roland statue

The Roland statue in Bremen is an iconic symbol of justice, freedom, and independence that dates back to 1404. Located in the Market Square, it represents a holy knight that stands guard over the city.

The Bremen roland statue is said to have been built to create a symbol of civic autonomy and righteously defeat evil forces. This symbolic statuette has seen many historic moments in its long lifetime, including Napoleon’s imperial coronation in 1805. It was initially made of wood, but the original was destroyed in 1366 and was replaced by the now-stone statue. 

Fun fact: legend says that Bremen will be free and independent as long as Roland is there to watch over it. So just in case, there is allegedly a spare statue hidden in the town hall vaults should the original fall.

Bremen marktplatz

Step into another world when you visit the Bremen Marktplatz! Located in the heart of Bremen, Germany, this lively square has something for everyone. This ranges from the 15th-century town hall to over 350 shops, restaurants and cafés. With a rich history, it’s one of the oldest public squares in the city and covers and area of 3,484 square meters.

This public square is noteworthy for its beautiful Renaissance buildings, ranging from the 15th to the 19th centuries. It’s easy to imagine what it was like so long ago as you admire the traditional façades of these striking structures. Along with Bremen’s town hall, you’ll be in awe at the beauty of the city cathedral here.

Once the hub of the city’s maritime trade, today the Marktplatz hosts exciting events like the annual Kleine Freimarkt, and of course the famed Christmas markets.

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Bremen town musicians

Do you know the story of the Bremen Town Musicians? It is an old German folktale by the Brothers Grimm about a donkey, a dog, a cat, and a rooster who set out to live together with music as their profession. Unsuccessful in fulfilling their dreams, their fortunes seemed doomed until they stumbled across some robbers and scared them away with their singing. 

The reward? An endearing statue constructed in 1953 with the animals on top of each others’ backs. In the midst of all this, they appear to be singing together, and this makes for a fantastic photo op — unless you’re a robber, that is. It wasn’t built to pay homage to this fairytale, though; it was also made to lift the people’s spirits after World War II.

Don’t forget to hold the donkey’s two front legs for good luck!

Böttcherstrasse

Böttcherstrasse in the city of Bremen is certainly an attraction worth exploring. This captivating street was built in the 1920s by an art collector and coffee merchant Ludwig Roselius. He hoped to create a beautiful landmark for the local community. 

With its unique architecture and craftsmanship featuring brickwork and woodwork, this area has become quite the tourist spot and is a gem of the hisoric old town. There are museums showcasing art and home decor ranging from from the Middle Ages to the Baroque period.

Böttcherstrasse also has a range of stores, cafes and galleries located along the street for those looking for an unforgettable shopping experience. In all, Böttcherstrasse is a must-see when visiting Bremen — so be sure to take some time to marvel at this incredible sight!

The Maritime meile

The Maritime Meile in Bremen is a gem among the many attractions along Germany’s River Weser. This picturesque promenade spans 4 km and offers stunning views of the river, with quayside restaurants, cafés, and shops embracing those who walk the boards. 

It is an ideal spot for a stroll or a leisurely lunch in one of the eateries. Visiting The Maritime Meile lets you experience one of Germany’s most charming waterfronts with all its wonderful sights, sounds, and tastes.

The Überseestadt

The Überseestadt is an ambitious effort to transform a former industrial port in the city of Bremen into a modern and vibrant urban district. Spanning nearly six million square metres, it is one of the largest transformative projects in Europe. 

It includes plans for galleries, parks, hotels, businesses, and cultural areas for people to enjoy. The founder of the project has set lofty goals for this multi-million dollar undertaking: making the city more sustainable and financially viable while encouraging civic growth and engagement with the region’s ecology. 

Many of these projects have been implemented and have started welcoming visitors and locals alike. This includes the remarkable Waller Sand beach and the Molenturm viewpoint.

St. Peter’s Cathedral

Located in the Bremen Market Square, the St. Peter’s Cathedral is a marvel to behold. It is arguably one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe. It features a lovely spire that stands majestically at a height of over 130 metres, gloriously visible from all parts of the city. 

Originally built as a place of worship by Charlemagne back in 798 AD, the cathedral of St. Peter has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004 due to its rich architectural and historical significance. Nowadays, the cathedral remains an important part of Bremen’s spiritual culture, receiving thousands of visitors and pilgrims each year.

Markthalle Acht

Foodies shouldn’t miss a visit to Markthalle Acht, and indoor food market packed with small stands serving up cuisine from all over the world. Whether you want a stone-baked pizza, Spanish tapas or traditional Korean dishes, you’re sure to find something to tickle your tastebuds.

Along with delicious good, Markthalle Acht also frequently hosts live musicians and other events such as flea markets. It’s a great spot to soak up the community feel in Bremen, and it’s also a great choice for a rainy day in the city.

Spitting stone

Looking for something unique to do in Bremen? Why not try spitting on a stone? Located on the pavement of Domshof Square, the Spitting Stone is an unusual and fun activity that should be experienced when visiting.

This local attraction has been around for over a century and serves as a reminder of the execution of Gesche Gottfried . She’s an infamous serial killer who poisoned 15 people using arsenic. Locals have since been spitting on the stone, located where she was executed publicly, to express disgust at her actions.

Hole of Bremen

The spitting stone isn’t the only unique thing in Bremen, there’s also the Hole of Bremen. This is an underground collection box where you can drop coins and all proceeds go to charity.

What’s cool about the Hole of Bremen is that when you drop a coin, you’ll hear one of the four Bremen Town Musicians thanking you.

Mühle am wall

When it comes to Bremen’s unique historical attractions, Mühle am Wall is one of the most popular and oldest. Located in the city centre, this beautiful windmill was built back in 1590 as a paper mill. It’s probably the first thing tourists see when they enter Bremen.

Today, you’ll find that the windmill has been converted into a café on the bank of the Weser river. The views from here are spectacular, providing stunning panoramas that can’t be found elsewhere. 

The Loriot sofa

The Loriot sofa in Bremen provides a unique seating experience for visitors to the city. Made of bright red recycled materials and textiles, the sofa sports vivid stripes and patterns that light up any space with its whimsy. 

It’s a replica of the Loriot sofa made famous by the Loriot television series . Not only is it an amazing attraction to look at, but it’s also a fantastic photo op for Instagram. The pug that sits on the sofa beside you will be sure to steal the show.

The Bürgerpark is a stunning, green spot to spend a sunny day. This vast open space is a great place to find a moment’s peace in the city, and is one of the few almost completely preserved garden creations from the 19th century. With its grand old trees and majestic lake, you could spend hours there simply wandering around, absorbing the tranquility of the gardens. 

This charming park includes plenty of playgrounds and picnic spots too, making it a great place to come with friends or family for some relaxation time and fun. Visitors can enjoy a game of mini golf or hire rowing boats to take in the park’s beauty in a different way.

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Rhododendron Park

Like Bürgerpark, Rhododendron Park is another place to be if you love nature. Housing the world’s largest collection of rhododendrons, the park’s perfectly nestled between the Weser and Lesum Rivers, meaning its surroundings are as tranquil as tranquil can get.

It features beautiful scenery with over 250 species of rhododendrons and azaleas, making for brilliant flowerbeds splashed in vibrant colours. You can see this while strolling through the park or have all the beauty packed in a single location at the “Botanika”. This botanical garden is home to plant species from all over the world, from native flora to shrubs from America, Asia and Australia.

Das Viertel

Das Viertel is one of the most impressive neighbourhoods in the city, and it has something to offer everyone. 

For the artist, there are galleries, performance spaces and studios where their talent can be nurtured and shared. For the foodie, there are a huge number of cafés, bars and restaurants that offer a variety of international cuisines. While Germany is often seen as the sausage capital, you’ll find some fantastic German vegetarian options here .

Here, you can explore great landmarks like the Schnoor quarter with its timber-framed houses. There’s also the Paula Modersohn-Becker House Museum, a house-turned-museum where the painter lived and worked. You’ll find some of her best work in the museum.

The locals proudly showcase their regional specialties, such as herring sandwiches and Apfelwein (apple cider), so it’s definitely worth trying them out for some traditional flavour.

Focke Museum

The Focke Museum is a treasure trove of cultural and artistic history, with collections spanning over 6,000 years. There’s something for everyone, whether it’s Dutch Old Masters, German Expressionism, or ancient artefacts that tell the story of civilization’s past. This museum is especially beloved for its innovative special exhibitions, featuring everything from African masks and sculptures to works by 20th-century German masters.

While wandering through the many galleries, you’ll find yourself discovering an array of artefacts hailing from all over the world. Apart from the permanent exhibitions, the museum also hosts a variety of temporary showcases frequently.

Bremer Geschichtenhaus

If you’re looking to learn about history in a more fun and engaging way, head to the Bremer Geschichtenhaus. This interactive museum is designed to give visitors of all ages an opportunity to learn about the city’s history in a way that feels exciting and hands-on. 

Through various whimsical installations and multimedia displays, guests can explore the art and culture of this region. You can take a trip back in time by heading inside replicas of historical buildings and by just listening to the guides. There are even actors who’ll get dressed up in old Bremen fashion and play out the city’s most memorable experiences.

Just be aware, most shows are acted out in German unless you make reservations ahead of time.

Bremer bonbon manufaktur

Forget about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and say hello to the Bremer Bonbon Manufaktur. This is a family-owned business that specialises in producing old-world candies and confections. 

With over 100 years of experience, you know they’re doing something right. Since its inception, the company’s remained committed to making the same delicacies while keeping with modern trends. Tantalise your tastebuds with treats like Marzipan balls, caramel toffee, and spekulatius cream-filled chocolates.

What’s even better is that you can get a behind-the-scenes look at how their confectioners bring these delicious bits to life.

Beck’s Brewery

The storied history of Beck’s Brewery in Bremen, Germany, dates back over 160 years and is a major tourist destination for beer lovers. The brewery, whose portfolio consists of distinctive Pilsner beers, offers guided tours highlighting the traditional brewing process, including malt roasting and hop storage. 

Visitors can also check out the interactive multimedia area with 21st-century presentations about Beck’s Brewery’s history—or sample some delicious beer in the on-site bar. Although founded by local law in 1869, the brewery quickly developed an international reputation for quality, and with good reason. It imported only the finest barley from northern Germany and shipped hops around the world.

For those looking to try some lesser known beers, you’ll find plenty of options in the city’s many beer gardens. Take a look at Craft Beer in Bremen for a comprehensive look at the local tipples.

Final Thoughts on the Best Tourist Attractions in Bremen

Bremen is full of attractions for the whole family, from the historic Town Hall and Roland statue to modern facilities like the Universum Bremen. No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something to love in Bremen. 

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!

Beth is a freelance writer and creator of The Train Diaries. When she's not writing, she can usually be found petting dogs, watching horror films or creating her true crime podcast, Case Remains.

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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!

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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 .

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Tourist’s guide to Bremen – what to see and what to do

Bremen, a city-state located in the northwestern part of Germany, is included in the list of the most popular tourist routes in the country. Despite the fact that the Brothers Grimm, who wrote a fairy tale about wandering musicians, brought him world fame, Bremen is known not only for this. It contains a huge number of monuments, medieval buildings, museums, parks and other attractions that deserve the closest attention.

General information

Bremen in Germany, one of the oldest coastal cities in the country, arose in 782 on the site of a former fishing village. Perhaps he would have remained an unknown village, if not for Charlemagne, who decided to equip his residence here. In 1186, Bremen received several privileges at once, and after 150 years it became the most important trading port of medieval Prussia. However, the Free Hanseatic city of Bremen acquired its special status, and with them its current official name, only at the beginning of the 19th century. Today it is Germany’s tenth largest metropolis – according to 2017 data, its population is about 600 thousand inhabitants, and the border length reaches 130 km.

Looking at the photos of the city of Bremen in Germany, you will see that it lies on both banks of the Weser River and is divided into 5 large areas: North (Nord), South (Süd), West (West), East (Ost) and Central (Mitte). Almost in each of them there is one or another university offering favorable educational conditions. In this regard, more than 30 thousand students are present in Bremen every year, which makes it attractive not only to lovers of antiquity, but also to ordinary youth.

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The map of Bremen with landmarks in Russian, attached at the end of the page, shows that most of them fit in the Old Town, which can be easily walked around. This is what we will do!

The construction of the historical quarter, located 300 meters from the Market Square, began in the middle of the 13th century. Despite such a long history of his existence, he managed to maintain a unique look and unique medieval atmosphere. At the same time, the Gothic Church of St. Johann is considered to be the oldest Schnoor Viertel building, with street artists, artisans and musicians constantly gathering at its walls.

In ancient times, ropes were made in the Schnoor quarter. Today it is a popular tourist destination, filled with shops, souvenir shops, restaurants, pubs, museums and art galleries.

How to find on the map: 28195 Altstadt, Bremen, Germany.

If you don’t know what to see from the sights of Bremen, take a look at Marktplatz, the central square of the city, considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. The architectural ensemble, standing in its surroundings, was built in the Middle Ages. Oddly enough, neither the burgher houses, nor the historical monuments, which will be discussed later, did not suffer at all during the Second World War, having wiped out more than 90% of urban buildings from the face of the earth.

The most significant objects of the Market Square include the large Hanseatic cross, the Schütting building, which in the old days gathered the merchant guild, and the 10th statue of Roland, guarding the historic center of the city. In one hand he holds a shield with an imperial eagle, and in the other – a sword of justice. Among local residents, it is believed that as soon as this medieval knight disappears from the face of the earth, Bremen will lose its independence. Belief in it turned out to be so strong that during the Second World War, Roland was the most protected city monument. Moreover, the Brazilian city of the same name, founded by the Bremen settlers, was named after him.

Another interesting Marktplatz feature is the Bremer Loch or Bremen Hole. This is a small gateway located behind the city hall building right in the middle of the sidewalk. From this opening music or animal voices are regularly heard. You should not be scared – this is how gratitude sounds for every coin thrown inside.

One of the most important historical sights of Bremen is the City Hall, towering in the middle of the Market Square. The monumental building, built over several centuries, combines elements of two different styles – Gothic and Weser Renaissance.

The building of the Bremen City Hall consists of 2 adjacent buildings: the Old, which has been forming local politics for more than 600 years in a row, and the New, annexed at the beginning of the 20th century. Being the main symbol of a free and exorbitantly rich city, the Town Hall impresses not only with a beautiful facade made of glazed brick, but also with its interior design. Among the numerous premises that make up this building, the Senate Room, the Golden Chamber and the Great Hall, whose wall paintings reflect plots from the Solomon Court, are of the greatest interest.

The legendary Ratskeller Pub, located on the basement of the Town Hall, deserves no less attention. The institution includes several halls and cellars, which store the oldest wines in Germany – some of them were bottled back in 1653. They say that at one time many famous people visited here – dukes, emperors, composers, writers, etc. The Bremen Town Hall is active – the city hall is still located in it. In the summer of 204, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Address: Am Markt 21, Bremen, Germany.

Opening hours:

• Mon – Thu .: from 09:00 to 15:00;
• Fri .: from 09:00 to 13:00.

Among the tourist photos describing the sights of Bremen, you can also find a bronze statue of the Bremen musicians, established in the 50s. last century. The famous four, wandering around the world and being one of the main symbols of the city, is located on Marktplatz near the local administration. A donkey, a dog, a cat and a rooster are standing on each other, forming a pyramid and repeating exactly the frame from the cartoon, based on the fairy tale of the same name. The idea to perpetuate the work of the Brothers Grimm in bronze belongs to the famous German sculptor Gerhard Marx. Curiously, a similar monument can be seen on the Böttcherstraße. In addition, he is in Riga – the twin city of Bremen.

And with Bremer Stadtmusikanten there is one interesting belief. It is believed that if you take a donkey by the front paws or rub his nose and make a wish, it will come true. Apparently, not only locals believe in this legend, but also numerous guests of Bremen, since the paws and nose of a bronze animal shine no worse than a Russian samovar.

Where to find: on the main square of Bremen near the walls of the City Hall.

St. Peter’s Cathedral, located in the very center of the city, is a magnificent building, erected in 1041 on the site of an old wooden church. Being one of the oldest religious buildings in Germany, it amazes not only with external but also with its interior.

So, the cathedral facades are decorated with sculptural images of Charlemagne and several biblical characters, the eastern crypt contains a lot of medieval elements, and 2 symmetrical towers towering over the city allow you to see it from a bird’s eye view. To do this, in one of them, the south, is equipped with an observation deck, which operates from April to October. However, in order to admire the surroundings and take a photo of the city of Bremen from a 100-meter height, you will have to overcome 265 steps, rushing up a narrow staircase. As for the interior, the greatest value in it is the Romanesque font of 12 tbsp. and a baroque carved pulpit donated by the Queen of Sweden in 1638.

In addition, in St. Petri Dom is a museum with liturgical objects of past times, artifacts found during the next reconstruction, and a lead cellar, in the walls of which are stored 9 mummified remains (each in an open coffin). And there is also a small botanical garden in which 120 plants are mentioned, mentioned in Holy Scripture.

Address: Sandstrasse 10 – 12, Bremen, Germany.

Talking about the sights of the city of Bremen, we just can not help but recall the legendary Bottcherstrasse, located between the Market Square and the Weser embankment. Despite its rather modest size (only 108 m), the street named after the famous German inventor is the focus of a number of architectural monuments, medieval courtyards, museums, craft and creative workshops, restaurants, beer bars, hotels and casinos.

Among the most popular tourist sites of this place are the museum of the artist Paula Becker-Moderson and several unusual houses – Atlantis, Seven Lazy, Robinson Crusoe, Carillon and Roselius. But the last 2 are of most interest. In one of them famous porcelain bells are made, in the other there is a museum exposition dedicated to the masterpieces of North German art.

The entrance to the Bottcherstrasse is guarded by a bas-relief depicting the archangel Michael fighting the Dragon, and the exit is by crowds of tourists who come here to enjoy the sound of those very bells and see color pictures from the history of Bremen that appear in the tower’s drop-down windows. Bottcherstrasse also has a large number of small shops offering not only traditional Bremen souvenirs, but also exclusive products such as Scandinavian glass and Remember designer products.

Among the most famous sights of the city of Bremen in Germany is the Burgerpark, laid in the 20th century around a luxurious 5 * hotel. The lake with crystal clear water, green spaces and cozy alleys occupy more than 200 hectares. This is a great place for those who want to relax from the bustle of the city, sit in a cozy restaurant, have a picnic or go rollerblading and cycling along specially equipped paths.

True, it is far from always quiet in Buergerpark, because concerts, festivals, shows and other celebrations are regularly held here. In addition to rental points, there is a mini-golf course and a small zoo.

Location on the map: Hollerallee, Bremen, Germany.

When you get acquainted with a photo of Bremen in Germany, you will surely notice one of the most informative sights of this city. This is a museum of natural sciences, which occupies a huge cetacean building.

The halls of this scientific center store up to 300 interactive exhibits dedicated to the development of space, earth and humanity.

Here you will learn about a wide variety of phenomena related to chemistry, physics, geography and other natural sciences. You will be told about the origin of the Earth and the Big Bang Theory, the nature of the occurrence of earthquakes and the formation of tornadoes. Having visited Universum Bremen, you can look into the depths of the ocean, make a journey into outer space, find yourself on a mountain peak or in the very center of natural disasters.

In addition, the complex has a 27-meter tower, which in addition to several scientific expositions has an excellent observation deck. And most importantly, each exhibit of the museum can be touched, try on yourself and take pictures.

Address: Wiener Str. 1a, the city of Bremen, Germany.

• Mon – Fri .: from 09:00 to 18:00;
• Sat – sun. and holidays: from 10:00 to 18:00

Ticket price:

• Adult – 16 €;
• At a discount – 11 €;
• Family – 40 €.

An overview of the most important sights of Bremen in Germany is completed by the historic Schlachte embankment, built in the mid 13th century. Initially, it served to strengthen the shores of the Weser, then the main river port was located here, receiving ships from all over Europe. Nowadays, Shlyakhte is a favorite place for walking, 600 meters of which there are many restaurants, shops, entertainment centers and other urban infrastructure (including a beer garden with 5 thousand seats).

On the promenade of Bremen, it is never quiet. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., it is filled with street food stalls and traders with traditional flea market goods. River trams and large ships mooring in the local harbor continually scurry through the water. And here every year Christmas fairs, river regattas, sea weeks and other celebrations are held. The main pride of the Vezerskaya embankment is the old houses made in different architectural styles, as well as copies of ships belonging to past eras.

Location: Old Town, Bremen, Germany.

Food in the city

The main distinguishing feature of Bremen is a large number of gastronomic establishments of the most different price categories. So:

• a visit to an inexpensive cafe will cost 20-25 € for two,
• 3-course set lunch in a mid-level restaurant – at 50-55 €,
• a snack in a fast food establishment – at 14 €.

At the same time, Viertel and Schlachte are considered the most popular chain restaurants in Bremen. It serves traditional Northern German dishes: mashed potatoes with onions, corned beef, beets and fried eggs (Labskaus), grilled pork sausages (Grunkohl mit Mettwiirstchen), chocolate with peppermint filling (Kluten) and fried haddock in mustard-yogurt sauce .

On a note! The best local chocolate is sold at the Hachez store. Traditional city coffee houses are called Knigge – a cup of coffee in them costs a little more than 2 €. The best cafes and restaurants of the city are located next to the main attractions of Bremen – in the historical district, as well as on the promenade and Market Square.

Where to stay?

Being one of the most tourist cities in Germany, Bremen offers many accommodation options – from apartments and guest houses to hostels and budget hotels. Among them there are both ordinary urban-type establishments and large chain hotels with outdoor swimming pools, spas and wellness centers. As for prices, the cost of daily living in a double room of a 3 * hotel is from 40 to 260 €, in 5 * – at least 120 €.

All prices and the schedule in the article are for July 2019.

Interesting Facts

There are many interesting facts connected with the city of Bremen in Germany. Here are just a few of them:

• Bremen is the capital of the smallest German land, which apart from itself includes only Bremenhafen. But in terms of population this land takes first place in the country. In addition, a record number of millionaires live in it.
• Freimarkt Fair Festival, held here since 1036, is one of the oldest fairs in the world.

• At different periods in its history, Bremen managed to be part of Sweden and France.
• It is here that the six-hundred-kilometer German Road of Fairy Tales ends, beginning in the home of the Grimm brothers in Hanau.
• Bremen is the oldest of all city-states of Germany;
• Werder, the local football team, became the country’s champion as much as 4 times.
• One of the most significant natural attractions of the city is the rhododendron park, whose area is 46 hectares.
• Bremen, a city in Germany, is the birthplace of Robinson Crusoe, the literary character of Daniel Defoe.

The sights of Bremen described on this page are marked on the map in Russian.

What to see in Bremen in one day:

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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!

Read more about Germany

• Bremen and Bremerhaven 4 Day Itinerary
• 1 day Hamburg itinerary
• Germany travel guide

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In This Article

#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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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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.

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