Bremen: The Complete Guide

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!

This website uses affiliate links which earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Powered by GetYourGuide

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 Embankment

Schlachte Embankment
The historic waterfront promenade on the Weser in Bremen's old town is known as Schlachte. It is located in the heart of Bremen directly along the Weser - has seen a lot in its 800-year history and has displayed many different faces. The Schlachte, originally Bremen's harbor square, it has been transformed into today's maritime gastronomic mile with numerous restaurants,…
Location: Schlachte 12, 28195 Bremen, Germany | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Schlachte Embankment

Explore Bremen yourself with our self-guided walking tour!

Weserburg Museum of Modern Art

Weserburg Museum Of Modern Art
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Jürgen Howaldt
The Weserburg Museum of Modern Art is a contemporary art museum located in Bremen, Germany. It is known for its diverse collection of modern and contemporary art and its unique location in a historic building. The museum is situated on a small island in the Weser River, near the city center of Bremen. Its building, the former Bremen Cigar Factory,…
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: 0.4km
Visiting Weserburg Museum of Modern Art

Click here to read our blog about Exploring Germany's Fairy Tale Route

Schütting

Schutting
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Godewind (talk)
The Schutting, formerly a merchants' guildhouse in Bremen, now serves as the chamber of commerce. Its construction took place in 1537/38 under the supervision of Johann den Buschener, drawing inspiration from the Renaissance architecture of Flanders. In 1594, during a decorative renovation of the building's front facing the market, the merchants' coat of arms was incorporated above the entrance, alongside…
Location: Schütting, Am Markt, Bremen, Germany | Distance: 0.5km
Visiting Schütting

Bremen Town Musicians Statue

Bremen Town Musicians Statue
The Bremen Town Musicians statue is a beloved symbol of the city of Bremen, located in the heart of the old town. The statue depicts the iconic characters from the Brothers Grimm fairy tale "The Bremen Town Musicians," which tells the story of a donkey, dog, cat, and rooster who set out on a journey to become musicians in Bremen.…
Visiting Bremen Town Musicians Statue

Böttcherstraße

Bottcherstrase
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Godewind (talk)
Böttcherstraße is a unique and historic street in the heart of Bremen, Germany. It is renowned for its architectural beauty, cultural significance, and artistic charm. Located in the city's old town, Böttcherstraße is a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike. The street was originally built in the early 20th century by a Bremen-based coffee merchant named Ludwig Roselius. Inspired…
Location: Böttcherstraße, Bremen, Germany | Distance: 0.5km
Visiting Böttcherstraße

Bremen Roland

Bremen Roland Statue
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Dietmar Rabich
The Bremen Roland is a statue and an important symbol of the city of Bremen, Germany. It stands in the market square opposite the Bremen Town Hall and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The statue depicts Roland, the legendary knight and nephew of Charlemagne, who served as protector of the city and symbolizes the city's freedom and independence. The…
Location: Bremen Roland, Am Markt, Bremen, Germany | Distance: 0.5km
Visiting Bremen Roland

Glockenspiel House

Glockenspiel House
Public Domain / Xocolatl
The Glockenspiel House, also known as the Haus des Glockenspiels in German, is a historic building located in Bremen, Germany. Situated at No. 4 Böttcherstraße in Bremen's old town district, it is a prominent landmark and a popular tourist attraction in the city. The Glockenspiel House gets its name from the glockenspiel, a musical instrument consisting of a set of…
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: 0.6km
Visiting Glockenspiel House

Bremen Town Hall

Bremen Town Hall
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Matthias Süßen
Bremen Town Hall or Bremer Rathaus is a historic building located in the centre of the city of Bremen, Germany. It was built between 1405 and 1410 in Gothic style and is known for its intricate façade, richly decorated with ornate sculptures and reliefs. The town hall has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004, as it…
Location: Bremen Town Hall, Am Markt, Bremen, Germany | Distance: 0.6km
Visiting Bremen Town Hall

Bremen Cathedral

Bremen Cathedral
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Ralf Roletschek
Bremen Cathedral, officially known as St. Peter's Cathedral (St. Petri Dom), is a beautiful medieval cathedral located in the heart of the city of Bremen, Germany. It was built in the Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles and is widely regarded as one of the most important cultural monuments in northern Germany. Construction of the cathedral began in the 11th century…
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: 0.7km
Visiting Bremen Cathedral

Schnoor

Schnoor Bremen
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Lucas Kaufmann
Schnoor is a charming and historic neighbourhood in Bremen, Germany. It is located in the city's old town, not far from the Weser River, and is known for its narrow, winding streets and well-preserved medieval architecture. The name "Schnoor" is derived from the Low German word "Snoor," which means string or cord. The neighbourhood is aptly named because the streets…
Location: Schnoor, Schnoor, Bremen, Germany | Distance: 0.9km
Visiting Schnoor

Kunsthalle Bremen

Kunsthalle Bremen
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Jürgen Howaldt
The Kunsthalle Bremen is an art museum located in Bremen, Germany. It was founded in 1823 by a group of private citizens, and today its collection contains over 2,500 paintings and sculptures, as well as a significant collection of prints and drawings. The museum's collection includes works by major European artists from the 14th century to the present day, including…
Location: Kunsthalle Bremen, Am Wall, Bremen, Germany | Hours: 10am-5pm Wed-Sun, to 9pm Tue | Price: adult/child €9/free | Distance: 1.1km
Visiting Kunsthalle Bremen

Focke Museum

Focke Museum
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Jürgen Howaldt
The Focke Museum is a museum located in Bremen, Germany. It is named after Johann Focke, a Bremen entrepreneur, and was opened in 1924. The museum's collections cover a broad range of topics, including art, cultural history, and natural history. The art collection consists mainly of works from the 19th and 20th centuries, with a focus on artists from Bremen…
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: 4.4km
Visiting Focke Museum

Where to Stay in Bremen

Staying in the Altstadt (Old Town) offers access to Bremen’s historic sites, including the Town Musicians statue and Schnoor district. For a modern experience, hotels in Überseestadt provide waterfront views and trendy cafés.

Bremen is best explored in 2 days, covering its UNESCO-listed landmarks, riverfront, and vibrant food scene. A 3-day stay allows for a day trip to Bremerhaven or Worpswede.

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

Visiting Bremen in Spring

Spring in Bremen brings mild temperatures and blooming flowers, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities like strolling through the Bürgerpark or exploring the city’s historic sites.

Visiting Bremen in Summer

Summer offers warm weather and longer days, perfect for enjoying Bremen’s numerous festivals, river cruises on the Weser, and the bustling atmosphere of the Schnoor Quarter.

Visiting Bremen in Autumn

Autumn provides cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage. It’s a great time to visit Bremen’s museums, take scenic walks along the river, and enjoy the local cuisine in cozy restaurants.

Visiting Bremen in Winter

Winter in Bremen is magical with festive Christmas markets, ice skating at the Stadtwerder, and exploring the historic buildings adorned with holiday lights.

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.

Similar Blogs