A picturesque Hanseatic city in northern Germany, Bremen is known for its maritime history and for being the home of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale The Bremen Town Musicians. The pretty Old Town is full of architectural gems such as the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Town Hall and St. Peter’s Cathedral. You can enjoy plenty of things to do in Bremen, such as walks beside the Weser River, and strolls in the picturesque Schnoor district. The city is also famous for being the home of Beck’s beer.
To experience the full fairy tale magic of the city, visit in December when Bremen hosts fantastic Christmas markets. They have decorative booths selling food and festive souvenirs, as well as an ice rink, live performances, and a medieval-themed section of the market. It’s also particularly lovely in May and September, when the weather is mild but you can avoid the big tourist crowds of July and August.
Most of Bremen’s highlights are easy to get between on foot. However, the city is all well served by public transport, including both tram and bus networks. In fact, the tram can take you from Bremen Airport to the city center in just 11 minutes. It’s also possible to rent bikes from bike shops around the city or from the railway station.
Don’t miss a stroll around the Schnoor district—a picturesque part of the city known for its boutique shops and cafes. If you have time to venture further afield, the Rhododendron Park—roughly 25 minutes by public transport or 11 minutes by car from the main train station—is well worth a visit. It has rose gardens, Azalea bushes, and a magnificent botanical garden with over 6,500 plants.
