The capital of the German state Free Hanseatic City of Bremen is the second largest city in Northern Germany and eleventh largest in the country. Bremen is the smallest state in Germany, located by the River Weser which is also the longest river running through the country. After Hamburg, Bremen has the second largest port in Germany, being active since the 19th century but most people know the city after the Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale Town Musicians of Bremen or the world’s famous beer Beck’s, or even the fact that Bremen is home to three of the world’s most important space companies.
If this doesn’t already convince you to visit Bremen then let’s dive into the 12 places to visit in the city and things to do there on a budget-friendly trip!
Market Square
The best place to start exploring Bremen is from Market Square, located in the heart of the city’s center. Historically used as a trading spot until the middle of the 20th century, it is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe with magnificent architecture all around it. The Market Square can be admired also from the few cafes located at the square where you can sit and enjoy some drinks or food right in the middle of the bustling center and admire the views from your comfort. While exploring the square, you will also find a statue of Roland, an admired monument by many that represents a knight symbolizing Bremen’s rights and freedom since 1404. But if you happen to visit the city during Christmas time, you can also enjoy holiday markets held in the square and explore the historic site with a festive ambiance.
Town Hall
While visiting Market Square, you cannot miss the impressive Town Hall. Since 2004, along with the statue of Roland, the Town Hall has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites with the exceptional Weser Renaissance and Brick Gothic architecture. Originally built in the 15th century and later reconstructed, it houses the President of the Senate and Mayor of Bremen. With the Roland Statue, the Town Hall represents civic freedom and autonomy since the 15th century, making these sights truly worthwhile to visit.
The Town Hall is also open for visitors where you can join guided tours but alternatively, you can enjoy a short virtual tour of the rooms here: https://www.rathaus.bremen.de/virtual-tour-2308
Not only that, you can also visit Bremen’s Ratskeller – vaults that house traditional restaurants with the largest selection of exclusive German wines. Having over 600 years of history, it’s also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and provides a truly memorable experience. You can book tours to the cellars here on their official website: https://ratskeller.de/
Town Musicians of Bremen
One of the most iconic landmarks that Bremen is famous for undoubtedly is the statue of the Town Musicians of Bremen. Constructed in 1953 by German artist Gerhard Marcks, it depicts four animals – a donkey, a dog, a cat, and a rooster. The statue acknowledges the popular German tale about four animals that run away from a farm where they became redundant and set off to become town musicians which was collected and published in 1819 by the Brothers Grimm who have gathered and published many popular folklore tales. The statue is one of the main attractions just by the Market Square and one that is a must-see sight while in Bremen.
The 2 meters tall statue is always busy by many admirers but if you have a chance to get close to it, there’s a belief that by rubbing both of the donkey’s legs at the same time and making a wish, it will come true. Whether it’s true or not, come visit and see for yourself!
St. Peter’s Cathedral
Another remarkable site just by Market Square is the Bremen Cathedral, also known as St. Peter’s Cathedral. The impressive Bremian Evangelical church will leave you taken aback by its greatness and remarkable Gothic Revival and Romanesque Revival architectural styles. The two tall towers are not only visible from afar but also one of them is open to visitors providing outstanding views of the city. Historically, the first church that has been confirmed to have been constructed in the same place dates back to 789 and in the 11th century a basilica was built that set the structure of today’s cathedral. Over multiple reconstructions, the final ones occurring between 1972 and 1985, the cathedral got its final look and now is one of the most impressive sights in the city.
Not only the over 90-meter-high church tower is open to visitors but also the cathedral’s museum where you can learn about its long and eventful 1200-year history and admire historical artworks. For a different experience, you can also visit the Lead Cellar where you can take a look at eight mummies whose mummification is still a mystery to scientists and historians. Entry to the museum is free, however the entrance to the Lead Cellar costs 5 Euros, and 4 Euros to climb the tower. The cathedral hosts a wide range of musical events that you can find more information on their official website here as well as any other details about visiting the church: https://stpetridom.de/englisch/
Böttcherstraße
The 100-meter-long Böttcherstraße is a very interesting stop just outside the Market Square. Lined with expressionist-style buildings, the narrow street is filled with many fascinating spots such as the world’s first museum dedicated to a female painter, Paula Modersohn-Becker Museum, many artistic shops, sweets and food stores like the Bremer Bonbon Manufaktur as well as some dining options. Built by Ludwig Roselius between 1922 and 1931, it dates back to the Middle Ages when the street was an important passageway between Market Square and the Weser River.
During World War II the buildings suffered under bombing and reconstruction was finished only in 1999, becoming one of the most beautiful places in Bremen with unique elements adorning the buildings and creating an exceptional atmosphere. While visiting the Böttcherstraße, make sure to stop by the Glockenspiel House which has 30 Meissen porcelain bells that ring a few times a day – from January to March at 12 p.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., and from April to December at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Die Muhle am Wall
A beautiful and worthwhile stop while exploring Bremen is the Am Wall Windmill in Wallanlagen Park which you can find in the city center. Dating back to 1699 when the first windmill was constructed in the same spot, the current one was constructed only in 1898. Today, the windmill doesn’t serve its original purpose but is rather a popular destination where visitors can enter the site and enjoy a delicious break at the restaurant. Interestingly, in the city, there are in total five windmills that have been preserved from the 17th and 18th centuries and this one is one of the most popular ones, being surrounded by a beautiful park setting and conveniently accessible while exploring the historic center of Bremen.
Schlachte promenade
One of the most romantic spots in Bremen is the Schlachte promenade that stretches along the Weser River in the city’s old town. While in the 13th century, the Schlachte served as a harbor until the 19th-century beginning, in the 20th century it became a pedestrian zone that overlooks the river and is accompanied by many restaurants and bars on the way. In summertime, you can expect many beer gardens and festivities being held but also in wintertime, you can enjoy a unique Christmas market experience while tasting some traditional foods and drinks. Whilst having a stroll on the promenade, you will also see some boats and cruise ships that offer tours down the river and make you fall even more in love with the city. This scenic place is not only beautifully romantic but also essential to experience the full charm of Bremen.
Schnoor Quarter
One of the best things to do in Bremen is visiting the stunning quarter of Schnoor, the oldest area of the city with houses from the 15th and 16th centuries. Located in the city center just a short walking distance away from Market Square, the quarter offers a tranquil and picturesque escape from the lively streets where you will find no cars or public transportation. Dating back to the 13th century, the quarter was used by craftsmen and fishermen but in the 19th century, the area became one of the poorest ones in Bremen.
With financial support from the city, in the 1970s the quarter retrieved its beauty and charm, becoming now one of the most visited places in Bremen. The quarter is not only worth visiting for the historical allure but also with the many small and charming boutiques, souvenir shops, art galleries, lovely cafes, and restaurants with the most amazing meals, as well as the narrow streets that look straight from a fairytale. The Schnoor Quarter is truly one of the best places in Bremen where you can spend a couple of hours surrounded by artistic beauty and have the best time.
The Viertel
Another quarter worth visiting in the city but that’s completely different from the Schnoor, is the Viertel or simply – the Quarter. A combination of two districts, Ostertor and Steintor, just outside the historic center of Bremen, offers vibrant and colorful streets with unique street art, a wide variety of boutiques, shops and vintage stores, cafes and restaurants with quirky atmospheres. The Viertel is popular for being an artistic center with many art projects, exhibitions, theater, and opera, as well as cinema and gallery options.
If you are looking for a great nightlife experience, this is also a place with many fun bars and clubs to have a colorful evening in the best setting. This is also the perfect place to admire the exquisite architecture of Bremen’s houses that you can see in different neighborhoods of the city. Having a stroll through the streets with the gorgeous houses was actually one of my favorite activities in Bremen and one that I highly recommend trying as well!
Bürgerpark
Not far from the city center, you will find the largest park in Bremen, covering about 200 hectares and offering a relaxing pause after exploring the city. Created in the 19th century, it has a wide range of activities to enjoy – bike riding or jogging, renting a rowing boat, visiting the small animal farm, having a meal or drink in the four restaurants located in the park, being entertained in the warmer months by musical performances or even booking a room at the stunning park’s hotel with greenery all around it. I would highly recommend planning at least a couple of hours to go for a calming stroll, enjoy Bürgerpark’s beauty without any rush, and feel immersed by nature.
Rhododendron Park and Botanical Garden
Another green oasis in the city is the gorgeous Rhododendron Park and Botanical Garden in the eastern part of the city, just half an hour by public transport from the city center. The Rhododendron Park, completed in the middle of the 20th century, is the perfect place to admire the largest collection of rhododendrons and azaleas in the world, being at its blossoming peak in May every year. After that, you can explore the Botanical Garden with over 6500 plants from different places around the world with information on them found at different signs.
In 2003 Rhododendron Park opened Germany’s largest nature center Botanika with exhibits and multimedia presentations on nature as well as statues and other objects. In Botanika you can also purchase honey from the park’s bee colonies that are being sold in the months from March to October. The park is open every day for visitors without any entrance fee but a full adult ticket to Botanika costs 11 Euros. This certainly is one of my favorite places in Bremen considering that it’s not that central, therefore less touristy, with absolutely charming greenery and calmness like no other place in the city – this truly is a must-visit spot when visiting Bremen!
Flea Market
One of the most fun things to do in Bremen is visiting flea markets and one that I highly recommend stopping by is at the Bürgerweide area from May to September and behind the Hansa Carre shopping mall from September to April. The entrance costs 1 Euro and is so worth it – there are many used but unique items ranging from clothing, jewelry, books, and toys to bikes, electronics, and even some power tools. It was the best flea market that I have visited so far in Germany where I got a digicam for a couple of Euros that I still use (some pictures in this post are also created with that camera) as well as some lovely earrings. The market is open every Sunday and I recommend visiting it if you love vintage items and are curious to find something one-of-a-kind.
Cafes that I enjoyed
When I visit new cities, one of the most anticipated activities I do in every one of them is visiting new cafes in search of a great cup of coffee. In Bremen, I visited a couple that I liked a lot so let’s dive into them!
Located in Bremen’s Ostertor district, you will find the small and cozy Harbour Coffee with amazing coffee and one of the best cinnamon rolls I have tasted. During weekends the cafe can get pretty busy and finding a seat inside or outside the cafe can be difficult but it’s worth it nonetheless.
Foodies is actually a stand bar and we found it not in search of coffee but delicious sandwiches and wraps. Being a favorite place by many locals, it’s such an affordable option while exploring the city on a budget. Finding the food stand can be a little bit tricky since it’s located in Bremen City Library but it’s easily accessible for anyone without the need to enter the library rooms. You will also find many other food options at the same place ranging from seafood to vegan soups and I highly recommend giving this place a try.
Right in the city center, just a few couple of minutes away from Market Square, you will find Woyton Bremen Brepark. Frankly, the coffee wasn’t my favorite but the cakes and other foods that they serve are amazing. Besides that, the ambiance of the cafe is perfect for relaxing or if you have some work to do, there are many tables where oftentimes you can find a free spot with electricity outlets and free wifi. This was our favorite place to come and do some work in the middle of exploring Bremen and every time it was just perfect.
Final thoughts
I had heard before visiting Bremen that the city is marvelous and after my visit, I can agree that it’s certainly worth all the praise. Not only is the historical center worth the admiration but the architecture in the rest of the city, the completely different atmosphere than other cities have, the blend of various cultures and lively neighborhoods provide unique experiences, and the parks and green zones are completely another level. Bremen is a beautiful, vibrant, and highly developed city that everyone should visit at least once. Before you go, check out my other blog posts on Germany!
And if you’re looking for great activities while in Germany, book one of these amazing free walking tours.
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