Bremen, Germany: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2025

Bremen
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Jürgen Howaldt

Bremen is a city in northern Germany, located on the Weser River. It is the capital of the state of Bremen, which is made up of two cities, Bremen and Bremerhaven. Bremen has a rich history and is known for its Hanseatic heritage, as well as its role as a major port city. It has a population of around 570,000 people, making it the 10th largest city in Germany.

The city is home to many historic buildings and landmarks, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Bremen Town Musicians statue, the 15th-century Gothic-style Bremen Cathedral, the medieval Schnoor quarter, and the iconic Bremen Roland statue in the historic Market Square.

Bremen is also known for its cultural scene, with a variety of museums, theaters, and music venues, such as the Bremen Shakespeare Company, the Kunsthalle Bremen art museum, and the Bremen Music Festival. The city is also famous for its beer culture, with several breweries and beer gardens, and hosts one of the largest beer festivals in the world, the Bremen Freimarkt.

Overall, Bremen is a vibrant and historic city with a unique culture and attractions that draw visitors from around the world.

History of Bremen

Bremen: Early Beginnings

Bremen’s history dates back to the 8th century when it was founded as a small fishing settlement. The town’s strategic location along the Weser River contributed to its growth as a major trading hub.

Bremen: Hanseatic League

In the 13th century, Bremen joined the Hanseatic League, a powerful economic and defensive alliance of merchant guilds. This membership significantly boosted its trade and prosperity.

Bremen: Modern Era

Bremen became a free imperial city in 1646, allowing it to maintain a degree of independence within the Holy Roman Empire. Today, it is known for its maritime heritage and vibrant cultural scene.

Visiting Bremen for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Bremen on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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12 Best places to See in Bremen

This complete guide to Bremen not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Bremen and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Schlachte Promenade

Schlachte Embankment
The Schlachte Promenade, stretching along the Weser in the centre of Bremen, is one of the best places to visit in Bremen for travellers who enjoy riverside walks, lively dining spots, and touches of maritime history. With more than 800 years of stories behind it, this historic waterfront has evolved from a medieval harbour into a vibrant gastronomic mile buzzing…
Location: Schlachte 12, 28195 Bremen, Germany | Distance: 147.6km
Visiting Schlachte Promenade

We recommend to rent a car in Germany through Discover Cars, they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies. Book your rental car here.

Weserburg Museum of Modern Art

Weserburg Museum Of Modern Art
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Jürgen Howaldt
Sitting on a small island in the Weser River, the Weserburg Museum of Modern Art blends industrial heritage with cutting-edge contemporary creativity. Housed in the former Bremen Cigar Factory, the museum is one of the top attractions in Bremen for travellers who enjoy bold, thought-provoking, and boundary-pushing art. Its unique setting, near the city centre yet surrounded by water, gives…
Location: Weserburg | Museum of Modern Art, Teerhof, Bremen, Germany | Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday closed | Price: Adults €9 | Website | Distance: 147.6km
Visiting Weserburg Museum of Modern Art

Here is a complete selection of hotel options in Bremen. Feel free to review each one and choose the stay that best suits your needs.

Schütting

Schutting
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Godewind (talk)
Facing Bremen’s iconic market square, the Schütting is one of the best places to visit in Bremen for travellers interested in architecture, commerce, and the city’s deep-rooted Hanseatic traditions. Built in 1537–38 as the merchants’ guildhouse, it stands proudly opposite the Town Hall, symbolising centuries of trade, ambition, and economic independence. Its Flemish Renaissance façade, ornate gables, and historic coats…
Location: Schütting, Am Markt, Bremen, Germany | Distance: 147.6km
Visiting Schütting

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Bremen Town Musicians Statue

Bremen Town Musicians Statue
In the lively heart of Bremen’s Old Town stands one of the top attractions in Bremen: the Bremen Town Musicians statue, a whimsical and heartwarming tribute to the famous Brothers Grimm tale. Created by sculptor Gerhard Marcks and unveiled in 1953, the bronze sculpture depicts the donkey, dog, cat, and rooster standing atop one another, frozen mid-adventure as they set…
Visiting Bremen Town Musicians Statue

Explore Bremen at your own pace with our self-guided walking tour! Follow our curated route to discover must-see sights and local secrets that makes Bremen one of the best places to visit in Germany.

Böttcherstraße

Bottcherstrase
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Godewind (talk)
Just steps from Bremen’s market square lies Böttcherstraße, one of the best places to visit in Bremen for travellers who love architecture, art, and hidden craftsmanship. This narrow, enchanting street blends early 20th-century creativity with centuries of Hanseatic heritage, making it one of the most atmospheric corners of the Old Town. As you enter through its brick archway, you step…
Location: Böttcherstraße, Bremen, Germany | Distance: 147.6km
Visiting Böttcherstraße

Click here to read our blog about Exploring Germany’s Fairy Tale Route 2025: Complete Guide & Itinerary

Bremen Roland

Bremen Roland Statue
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Dietmar Rabich
Standing proudly in Bremen’s atmospheric market square, the Bremen Roland greets visitors with knightly confidence, copper armor gleaming against the backdrop of centuries-old architecture. This monumental figure is one of the top sights in Bremen, drawing travelers who want to uncover the stories woven into the city’s past. Its presence in front of the grand Town Hall gives the square…
Location: Bremen Roland, Am Markt, Bremen, Germany | Distance: 147.6km
Visiting Bremen Roland

Glockenspiel House

Glockenspiel House
Public Domain / Xocolatl
Nestled along the artistic and architectural wonder of Böttcherstraße, the Glockenspiel House is one of the top attractions in Bremen for travellers drawn to unique cultural experiences. Its red-brick façade, porcelain bells, and hourly musical performances make it an irresistible stop for anyone wandering through the Old Town. Watching the carillon chime while colourful wooden panels rotate to reveal seafarers…
Location: Glockenspiel House, Böttcherstraße, Bremen, Germany | Hours: Mon – Fr: 9.00 am – 6.00 pm Sat: 9.30 am – 5 pm Sun: 10 am – 4 pm | Website | Distance: 147.6km
Visiting Glockenspiel House

Bremen Town Hall

Bremen Town Hall
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Matthias Süßen
Standing proudly in Bremen’s atmospheric market square, the Bremen Roland greets visitors with knightly confidence, copper armor gleaming against the backdrop of centuries-old architecture. This monumental figure is one of the top sights in Bremen, drawing travelers who want to uncover the stories woven into the city’s past. Its presence in front of the grand Town Hall gives the square…
Location: Bremen Town Hall, Am Markt, Bremen, Germany | Distance: 147.6km
Visiting Bremen Town Hall

Bremen Cathedral

Bremen Cathedral
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Ralf Roletschek
Rising dramatically above Bremen’s historic market square, Bremen Cathedral (St. Petri Dom) is one of the top sights in Bremen and a place where centuries of craftsmanship meet quiet spiritual beauty. Its twin towers define the skyline, while its blend of Romanesque solidity and Gothic elegance reflects nearly a millennium of architectural evolution. Whether admired from the square or explored…
Location: Bremen Cathedral, Sandstraße, Bremen, Germany | Hours: 10am-5pm Mon-Fri, to 2pm Sat, 2-5pm Sun Oct-May, Mon-Fri & Sun to 6pm Jun-Sep | Price: tower adult/child €2/1, museum free | Website | Distance: 147.6km
Visiting Bremen Cathedral

Schnoor Quarter

Schnoor Bremen
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Lucas Kaufmann
Tucked between the Weser River and the bustling Old Town streets, the Schnoor Quarter is one of the best places to visit in Bremen for anyone who loves atmospheric neighbourhoods rich in history and character. With its narrow, winding lanes and beautifully preserved half-timbered houses, the area feels like a living museum of medieval craftsmanship. As you wander through cobbled…
Location: Schnoor, Schnoor, Bremen, Germany | Distance: 147.6km
Visiting Schnoor Quarter

Kunsthalle Bremen

Kunsthalle Bremen
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Jürgen Howaldt
Set in the peaceful cultural quarter near Bremen’s old city ramparts, the Kunsthalle Bremen offers a refined escape into centuries of European creativity. With a collection that stretches from medieval masterpieces to bold contemporary works, it is one of the top attractions in Bremen for travellers seeking depth, quiet contemplation, and beautifully curated galleries filled with artistic treasures. The museum…
Location: Kunsthalle Bremen, Am Wall, Bremen, Germany | Hours: 10am-5pm Wed-Sun, to 9pm Tue | Price: adult/child €9/free | Distance: 147.6km
Visiting Kunsthalle Bremen

Focke Museum

Focke Museum
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Jürgen Howaldt
Set within a leafy park in the Schwachhausen district, the Focke Museum offers an immersive look into Bremen’s heritage through art, history, and natural science. Spanning centuries of regional culture, it is one of the top attractions in Bremen for travellers who enjoy museums that tell a city’s story in a rich, accessible way. With its blend of historical artifacts,…
Location: Focke-Museum, Bremer Landesmuseum für Kunst und Kulturgeschichte, Schwachhauser Heerstraße, Bremen, Germany | Hours: Monday Closed Tuesday 10:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M. Wednesday – Saturday 10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Sunday 10:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. | Price: Adults: 6 | Website | Distance: 147.6km
Visiting Focke Museum

Best Day Trips from Bremen

A day trip from Bremen offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Bremen provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary. If you are looking to rent a car in Germany I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Hamburg

Hamburg Town Hall
Hamburg, located in the region of Hamburg (a city-state in northern Germany), is a vibrant, water-rich metropolis with a unique maritime charm. Hamburg is surrounded by Schleswig-Holstein on its north, west, and east sides and Lower Saxony to its south. The city is built around a network of canals, lakes, and the Elbe River, giving it a distinctive feel that…
Visiting Hamburg
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Bad Oeynhausen

Bad Oeynhausen Museumshof
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Ub12vow
Bad Oeynhausen is a spa town located in the Weserbergland mountains in the North Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany. The town is known for its thermal salt springs, which have been attracting visitors since the 19th century. One of the main attractions in Bad Oeynhausen is the Bali Therme, a large thermal spa complex featuring indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam…
Visiting Bad Oeynhausen

Celle

Celle
Celle, located in the Bremen & Lower Saxony region, is a delightful town that effortlessly combines fairytale architecture with a relaxed, walkable atmosphere. Its Old Town is filled with over 400 meticulously preserved half-timbered houses, creating one of the most charming historic centers in Germany. Strolling through the narrow streets, visitors will discover boutique shops, cozy cafés, and inviting squares…
Visiting Celle
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Hannover

Hannover
Hannover, located in the Bremen & Lower Saxony region, is a dynamic city that balances green spaces with urban energy. It’s a great destination for travelers who enjoy a mix of cultural attractions and outdoor experiences. The Herrenhausen Gardens are a standout, with their baroque design, fountains, and seasonal flower displays offering a peaceful escape within the city. Nearby, the…
Visiting Hannover
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Lüneburg

Luneburg
Lüneburg, situated in the Lower Saxony region, is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends medieval charm with contemporary vibrancy. The city's well-preserved architecture, characterized by red-brick Gothic buildings and narrow cobblestone streets, invites visitors to explore its rich heritage. Strolling through the historic Old Town, one can admire landmarks such as the Am Sande square, lined with impressive gabled houses,…
Visiting Lüneburg
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Hamelin

Pied Piper Fountain
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Illustratedjc
Hamelin (also spelled Hameln in German) is a town in Lower Saxony, Germany, located on the banks of the River Weser. The town is famous for its association with the medieval folk tale of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, which tells the story of a piper who lures away the town's children with his magical pipe after the townspeople refuse…
Visiting Hamelin
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Bodenwerder

Bodenwerder
Public Domain / Rabanus Flavus
Bodenwerder is a small town in the Breman and Lower Saxony region of Germany, located on the banks of the Weser River. The town is best known as the birthplace of Baron Münchhausen, a fictional character based on the real-life nobleman Hieronymus Karl Friedrich von Münchhausen who was famous for telling tall tales and exaggerated stories. In honor of the…
Visiting Bodenwerder

Emmen

Emmen
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Richard Broekhuijzen
Emmen, located in the province of Drenthe in the Northern Netherlands, is a lively town known for its blend of natural beauty and modern attractions. It serves as a gateway to some of the region’s most remarkable landscapes, including expansive heathlands, forests, and nature reserves. Visitors to Emmen can enjoy a refreshing combination of outdoor activities and cultural experiences, making…
Visiting Emmen
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Braunschweig

Braunschweig
Braunschweig, located in the Bremen & Lower Saxony region, is a vibrant city with a mix of historical landmarks and modern urban life. Its compact city center is ideal for walking, with highlights like Burgplatz, the impressive Brunswick Cathedral, and the iconic Lion Statue creating a strong sense of heritage and local pride. The surrounding streets offer a blend of…
Visiting Braunschweig
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Münster

Complete Guide To Munster
Münster, located in the Münsterland region of North Rhine-Westphalia, is a vibrant city known for its mix of modern life and relaxed, green surroundings. Visitors will find a compact city center that is easily explored on foot or by bicycle, with pedestrian streets lined with shops, cafés, and restaurants. The city’s layout encourages leisurely exploration, from the bustling Prinzipalmarkt with…
Visiting Münster
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Where to Stay in Bremen

Bremen’s Altstadt (Old Town) is the city’s historic heart, where cobbled lanes weave between Gothic churches and the majestic Rathaus. Staying here means you can step out directly onto the Marktplatz to admire the Town Musicians statue, then wander down Böttcherstraße to artisan shops and cafés. A refined choice is Best Western Hotel Bremen City, which offers comfortable rooms just a block from the Town Hall and Roland statue.

Just north of the Altstadt lies the Viertel, Bremen’s bohemian quarter known for its leafy streets, vintage boutiques, and lively nightlife. Here you’ll find an eclectic mix of bars, independent galleries, and street-food markets around the Osterdeich. A cozy, design-led stay is Hotel Cru Bremen, housed in a converted 19th-century warehouse with modern décor and easy tram access to other districts.

On the east bank of the Weser, Überseestadt has transformed former docks into a contemporary waterfront district. Glass-fronted loft apartments and sleek hotels line promenades overlooking moored ships, while innovative restaurants serve locally sourced seafood. For a riverside experience, consider east Hotel Bremen, which blends minimalist interiors with panoramic water views and a short walk to the Schlachte promenade.

For a quieter, more residential feel, the University neighborhood around the Stadtmusikantenplatz is ideal. University Lecture Halls, green parks, and student cafés give this area a youthful vibe by day and a relaxed atmosphere by night. A solid mid-range pick is ACHAT Plaza Bremen, offering spacious rooms on a tree-lined boulevard with tram links to the train station and city center.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Bremen. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Bremen Accommodation Map

Best Time to Visit Bremen

Bremen in Spring

Spring (March–May) paints Bremen’s parks and riverbanks in fresh greens and blossoms, perfect for strolling through Bürgerpark and along the Weser promenade. In April, the Osterwiese funfair takes over the Bürgerweide grounds with rides, food stalls, and live music, creating a festival atmosphere that heralds the warmer months. Mild temperatures and blooming magnolias around the Schlachte make spring ideal for riverside cafés and boat tours without the summer crowds.

Bremen in Summer (Best)

Summer (June–August) is widely regarded as the best time to visit Bremen. Long, sunny days invite picnics on the lawn outside the Universum Science Center or outdoor concerts at the ÖVB Arena. The annual Breminale arts festival in July brings open-air theatre, street performers, and pop-up galleries to parks and plazas across the city—perfect for soaking up Bremen’s creative spirit under clear skies.

Bremen in Autumn

Autumn (September–November) sees Bremen’s golden leaves lining historic lanes and squares. October’s Freimarkt—the “fifth season” of Bremen—transforms the Bürgerweide into Germany’s oldest folk fair, with roller coasters, gingerbread stalls, and beer tents that draw locals and visitors alike. Crisp mornings are ideal for exploring the old town’s Gothic cathedral and merchants’ halls before settling in a cozy tavern for hearty Labskaus stew and local pilsner.

Bremen in Winter

Winter (December–February) wraps Bremen in a festive glow as the Christmas market fills the square around the Rathaus with wooden chalets, glühwein, and hand-crafted gifts. Ice skating rinks pop up on the Marktplatz and near the Schlachte, while the Kunsthalle and Übersee-Museum offer warm retreats with art and natural history exhibitions. Though temperatures can dip below freezing, Bremen’s cafés serve steaming hot chocolate and hearty Bremer Knipp sausage to keep you toasty as you wander the historic streets.

Annual Weather Overview

  • January 5°C
  • February 7°C
  • March 10°C
  • April 16°C
  • May 19°C
  • June 22°C
  • July 24°C
  • August 25°C
  • September 21°C
  • October 15°C
  • November 9°C
  • December 8°C

How to get to Bremen

Traveling to Bremen by Plane

Bremen Airport (BRE) is well-connected to major European cities. From the airport, you can take a tram or taxi to the city center, which is about 15 minutes away.

Traveling to Bremen by Train

Bremen’s central train station (Hauptbahnhof) offers excellent connections to cities across Germany and Europe. High-speed trains make travel to Bremen convenient and quick.

Traveling to Bremen by Car

Bremen is accessible via the A1 and A27 motorways, making it easy to reach by car. There are several parking facilities available in the city center.

Traveling to Bremen by Bus

Long-distance buses connect Bremen with major cities in Germany and neighboring countries. The main bus terminal is located near the central train station.