Looking for a German city with charm, character, and a big dollop of quirk? Say hallo to Bremen. This northern gem mixes storybook scenery with arty vibes, medieval lanes and a proper taste of bratwurst bliss.


Highlights

  • 🐴 The Bremen Town Musicians – A statue based on the Brothers Grimm tale that’s basically the city’s mascot (touch the donkey's hooves for good luck!).

  • 🏰 UNESCO-listed market square – Gothic gables, the mighty Roland statue and one seriously photogenic Rathaus.

  • 🌿 Schnoorviertel – A maze of candy-coloured houses and tiny artisan shops.

  • 🍻 Beer + bratwurst bonanza – Traditional pubs and riverside beer gardens serving all the German goodies.


Getting around

Bremen is compact and super easy to explore. The city’s centre is delightfully walkable, but if you fancy giving your feet a rest, hop on the super-reliable tram or bus network that zips you around town and beyond. The airport’s just 15 minutes from the centre (dreamy!), and for longer trips, the central station connects you to Hamburg, Berlin, and beyond. Plus, this is Germany – the public transport is punctual, clean and does exactly what it says on the tin.


Things to do for families in Bremen

Family city breaks can be a minefield, but Bremen keeps the whole gang grinning. Start at Universum Science Centre, where hands-on exhibits and mind-boggling experiments will have even the grown-ups geeking out. Little ones will love a wander through the Botanika gardens – a mix of lush greenhouses, koi ponds and interactive play areas. And then there’s the iconic Bremen Town Musicians statue, perfect for that obligatory holiday snap (plus a bit of fairy-tale storytelling). Round it off with a boat trip down the River Weser or a ride on the vintage mini train at Bürgerpark.

Things to do for couples in Bremen

Couples, this one’s got romance written all over it. Begin with a slow meander through the Schnoor Quarter, hand-in-hand under fairy lights and window boxes, popping into sweet little cafés or jewellery shops tucked in medieval buildings. Feeling fancy? Head to the Rathaus Cellar – Germany’s oldest wine cellar – for a cosy date night under vaulted ceilings. Come sunset, take a scenic riverside walk along the Schlachte Promenade before grabbing cocktails at a trendy riverside bar or watching the city sparkle from a river cruise. It’s cute, cultured and effortlessly cool.

Things to do for groups in Bremen

Planning a city break with your mates? Bremen brings the fun. Get the squad climbing the St. Petri Cathedral tower for Insta-worthy views, then dive into the Kunsthalle Bremen for a mix of classical and modern art. After that, unleash your inner street artist in the Viertel district, packed with murals, indie shops, and bars that don’t close until you’re done dancing. Feeling brave? Book a guided craft beer tour or brewery tasting at the Beck’s brewery (it’s based here!) and sample the goods straight from the source. Game nights, pub crawls, rooftop cocktails – Bremen’s got all the group energy you need.

Things to do for foodies in Bremen

Bremen’s food scene? As tasty as it is diverse. Start the day with buttery franzbrötchen from a bakery (think cinnamon bun meets croissant), then hit the Domshof Market for fresh pretzels, cheeses and spicy sausage stalls. The Schlachte Embankment is your riverside go-to for everything from schnitzel to seafood. Fancy fine dining? Bremen’s home to a couple of Michelin-recognised spots serving up modern German cuisine. Don’t miss a chance to try Labskaus, a northern German classic, or wash everything down with a cold Beck’s (obviously). Sweet tooth? You’re in marzipan country—grab a box for the trip home. Or don't share at all. No judgement.

Popular Bremen hotels

View destination on a map