9 Best Things to Do in Bremen

The Schnoor Quarter is Bremen’s oldest neighborhood. Settled on the banks of the Weser River, 250 meters south of the Market Square, it’s a maze of narrow, cobblestoned lanes lined with well-preserved 15th- and 16th-century buildings. Taking a walk in this quaint, vintage district gives you the opportunity to discover a nice arts and crafts scene, jewelry and clothing shops, as well as cafés and restaurants where you can stop for a break. Bremen people call it “the living room of our town”, which says a lot.

Originally built in wood at the end of the 8th century, the Bremen Cathedral was demolished and rebuilt many times during its long history. In turn Romanesque then Gothic, the cathedral as we see it today blends a bit of both styles, plus a few remains of Neo-Byzantine paintings. From the crypt to the towers, the cathedral is a huge, magisterial piece of architecture. Get to the top of one of the towers to get a breathtaking view of Bremen, but beware of the very steep, narrow stairs.

The heart of Bremen’s historical district, the Marktplatz (Market Square) has been used since the 8th century. The bygone buildings which surround the square are considered some of the most beautiful historical edifices in Germany. The Town Hall, Bremen Cathedral, the Schutting and the Bremen Parliament really give a timeless feel to this iconic square. Restaurants with terraces offer cool places for a break, while landmarks such as the Roland Statue and the Bismarck Monument give Instagrammers nice photo opportunities.

Boettcherstrasse (the Coopers’ Street) is a 100-meter-long pedestrian street lined with craft shops, quaint cafés and restaurants. Erected in the early 20th century by a wealthy Bremen-based businessman, the street has a stunning Brick Expressionist-style. One of the major tourist attractions in Bremen, the street is home to an art museum and to landmarks such as the carillon at the Glockenspiel house. The carillon chimes 3 times a day (12 noon, 3pm and 6pm) from January to March, and 2 times a day (12 noon and 6pm) the other months.

If you’re looking for an unpretentious neighborhood boasting a laid-back Bohemian atmosphere, then head to Das Viertel. Established between the mid-19th century and the early 20th century, this district just east of the Old Town blends architectural styles and hosts a pleasant scene of boutiques, bars and restaurants. Referred to as “the cultural mile”, Das Viertel is also the place where you’ll find Bremen’s main theatre, as well as 3 museums respectively dedicated to European Middle Ages paintings, contemporary sculpture and design.

Get on board one of the many boats that cruise the Weser River. You can join a short tour along Schlachte Embankment and Bremen’s docks to discover the industrial aspect of the city. You can also opt for a longer cruise down to Bremerhaven, Bremen’s seaside resort on the Baltic Sea. The boat takes you for a relaxing journey through the serene countryside of northwest Germany. It depart from St. Martin Quay, in front of the evangelical church of the same name.

The Universum Bremen is a science museum 5 km north of the city center, near to the university. Settled in a 2,000 sq m UFO-shaped edifice made of 40,000 shiny steel plates, it’s a fascinating place that hosts over 200 exhibits related to technology, humanity and nature through interactive displays. One of the highlights is the chance to experience a simulated earthquake, though Universum Bremen will also teach you and your children a lot. The complex hosts 1 restaurant and you should not miss the Sky Window at the top of the 27-meter-high Turm der Lufte (the Airs Tower). You can catch a great view of Bremen from up there.

Opened in 1873, the Brauerei Beck (Beck’s Brewery) is one of the most notorious companies established in Bremen. It’s said that 3,000 bottles of Beck’s beer are opened every minute in the world. You can join a 2-hour tour of the vast factory and learn about the art of making beer. As instructive and interesting as the guided visit can be, the climax of the tour for most people is the sampling session at the end. The tour is available in English, but you need to request that when you book.

The Schlachte is a 750-meter-long promenade on the east bank of the Weser River. Lined with beer gardens, bars and restaurants, it’s a popular place to hang around at night. Paulaner's an der Schlachte, feldmann's Bierhaus, and Pannekoekschip Admiral Nelson are among the most recommendable venues along this lively strip. Expect a classic German ambience filled with pretzels washed down with excellent, hearty beers. On warm days, the restaurant terraces offer very pleasant settings for an evening along the river.