Bremen is famous for being a prime cultural and economic hub with a long history. Sat along the Weser River, the city centre is considered one of the most beautifully preserved historical neighbourhoods in Germany. A member of the mighty Hanseatic League in the Middle Ages, Bremen has successfully built on its glorious past to become one of the largest and most prosperous cities in northwest Germany.

Home to dozens of historical landmarks and museums, large public parks, universities and the offices of multinational companies, Bremen is a multi-faceted city in which you have great chances to find something to your taste. Read on for our guide to the best things to do in Bremen. 

What are the best things to do in Bremen?

  • 1

    Bremen Cathedral

    Get to the top of a majestic church to see a unique view of Bremen

    Bremen Cathedral
    • Budget
    • History
    • Photo

    Originally built in wood at the end of the 8th century, the Bremen Cathedral was demolished and rebuilt many times during its long history. In turn Romanesque then Gothic, the cathedral as we see it today blends a bit of both styles, plus a few remains of Neo-Byzantine paintings. From the crypt to the towers, the cathedral is a huge, magisterial piece of architecture. Get to the top of one of the towers to get a breathtaking view of Bremen, but beware of the very steep, narrow stairs.

    Location: Sandstraße 10-12, 28195 Bremen, Germay

    Open: Hours vary by season

    Map
  • 2

    Marktplatz

    Step back into the past in this historical square

    Marktplatz
    • Budget
    • History
    • Photo

    The heart of Bremen’s historical district, the Marktplatz (Market Square) has been used since the 8th century. The bygone buildings which surround the square are considered some of the most beautiful historical edifices in Germany. The Town Hall, Bremen Cathedral, the Schutting and the Bremen Parliament really give a timeless feel to this iconic square. Restaurants with terraces offer cool places for a break, while landmarks such as the Roland Statue and the Bismarck Monument give Instagrammers nice photo opportunities.

    Location: Am Markt 2, 28195 Bremen, Germany

    Map
  • 3

    Schnoor Quarter

    Relax in Bremen's oldest neighbourhood

    Schnoor Quarter
    • Budget
    • History
    • Photo
    • Shoppers

    The Schnoor Quarter is Bremen’s oldest neighbourhood. Settled on the banks of the Weser River, 250 metres south of the Market Square, it’s a maze of narrow, cobblestoned lanes lined with well-preserved 15th- and 16th-century buildings. Taking a walk in this quaint, vintage district gives you the opportunity to discover a nice arts and crafts scene, jewellery and clothing shops, as well as cafés and restaurants where you can stop for a break. Bremen people call it “the living room of our town”, which says a lot.

    Location: Schnoor, 28195 Bremen, Germany

    Map
  • 4

    Böttcherstraße

    Walk along an extremely popular narrow street

    Böttcherstraße
    • Budget
    • History
    • Photo

    Boettcherstrasse (the Coopers’ Street) is a 100-metre-long pedestrian street lined with craft shops, quaint cafés and restaurants. Erected in the early 20th century by a wealthy Bremen-based businessman, the street has a stunning Brick Expressionist-style. One of the major tourist attractions in Bremen, the street is home to an art museum and to landmarks such as the carillon at the Glockenspiel house. The carillon chimes 3 times a day (12 noon, 3pm and 6pm) from January to March, and 2 times a day (12 noon and 6pm) the other months.

    Location: Boettcherstrasse, 28195 Bremen, Germany

    Map

    photo by Fred Romero (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 5

    Das Viertel

    Find quaint boutiques and cafés on Bremen's cultural mile

    Das Viertel
    • History
    • Photo
    • Shoppers

    If you’re looking for an unpretentious neighbourhood boasting a laid-back Bohemian atmosphere, then head to Das Viertel. Established between the mid-19th century and the early 20th century, this district just east of the Old Town blends architectural styles and hosts a pleasant scene of boutiques, bars and restaurants. Referred to as “the cultural mile”, Das Viertel is also the place where you’ll find Bremen’s main theatre, as well as 3 museums respectively dedicated to European Middle Ages paintings, contemporary sculpture and design.

    Location: Das Viertel, 28203 Bremen, Germany

    Map

    photo by Bin im Garten (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 6

    Weser River

    Enjoy a serene journey through Lower Saxony

    Weser River
    • Couples

    Get on board one of the many boats that cruise the Weser River. You can join a short tour along Schlachte Embankment and Bremen’s docks to discover the industrial aspect of the city. You can also opt for a longer cruise down to Bremerhaven, Bremen’s seaside resort on the Baltic Sea. The boat takes you for a relaxing journey through the serene countryside of northwest Germany. It depart from St. Martin Quay, in front of the evangelical church of the same name.

    Location: Martinistrasse, 28195 Bremen, Germany

    Map

    photo by Allie_Caulfield (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 7

    Universum

    Learn a lot at this captivating science museum

    Universum
    • Families

    The Universum Bremen is a science museum 5 km north of the city centre, near to the university. Settled in a 2,000 sq m UFO-shaped edifice made of 40,000 shiny steel plates, it’s a fascinating place that hosts over 200 exhibits related to technology, humanity and nature through interactive displays. One of the highlights is the chance to experience a simulated earthquake, though Universum Bremen will also teach you and your children a lot. The complex hosts 1 restaurant and you should not miss the Sky Window at the top of the 27-metre-high Turm der Lufte (the Airs Tower). You can catch a great view of Bremen from up there.

    Location: Wiener Strasse 1A, 28359 Bremen, Germany

    Open: Monday–Friday from 9 am to 6 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm

    Map
  • 8

    Beck's Brewery

    Learn about the art of making beer and sample a few delicious brews

    Beck's Brewery
    • Food

    Opened in 1873, the Brauerei Beck (Beck’s Brewery) is one of the most notorious companies established in Bremen. It’s said that 3,000 bottles of Beck’s beer are opened every minute in the world. You can join a 2-hour tour of the vast factory and learn about the art of making beer. As instructive and interesting as the guided visit can be, the climax of the tour for most people is the sampling session at the end. The tour is available in English, but you need to request that when you book.

    Location: Am Deich 20, 28199 Bremen, Germany

    Open: Monday–Saturday in English at 3 pm (closed on Sundays)

    Map
  • 9

    Schlachte

    Enjoy a pleasant evening along the Weser River

    Schlachte
    • Food
    • Nightlife

    The Schlachte is a 750-metre-long promenade on the east bank of the Weser River. Lined with beer gardens, bars and restaurants, it’s a popular place to hang around at night. Paulaner's an der Schlachte, feldmann's Bierhaus, and Pannekoekschip Admiral Nelson are among the most recommendable venues along this lively strip. Expect a classic German ambience filled with pretzels washed down with excellent, hearty beers. On warm days, the restaurant terraces offer very pleasant settings for an evening along the river.

    Location: Schlachte, 28195 Bremen, Germany

    Map
Stephan Audiger | Compulsive Traveller