Bremen: The Complete Guide

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 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.

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.