Things To Do in Bremen in 48 Hours

When we think about Germany, we often think lederhosen, unnecessarily large beer steins, castles, cuckoo clocks, and sausages but the country is so much more.  Those that are seeking for something equally as beautiful, culture filled, but at the same time incredibly approachable, and easy to explore, make sure to add Bremen to that list.

With this list of things to do in Bremen in 48 hours, you can easily add this as one of your destinations for day trips from Hamburg.  Read more to find out what you can add to your trip itinerary as you plan your trip through Northern Germany.  Let’s dive into the best things to do in Bremen!

Things to do in Bremen, Germany

You might not know too much about Bremen but this is a city that played a pretty significant part in European history.  As a Free Hanseatic City from the 12th century, in Medieval times, this was a booming port city.  The Weser River was the lifeblood of trade that brought in trade from all corners of the globe.

Today, it might not be as prosperous as it once was, but there are still a lot of remnants of that history and a fascinating contrast of pre-war, post-war rebuilding, and modern developments to discover.

Now if you only have 48 hours in Bremen, here’s what I recommend that you try to tackle in the limited time that you have.  Hey, if I was able to do it, so can you!

#1 – Bremen City Hall/Town Hall

This is the centrepiece of Bremen’s Market Square and one of the most beautiful civic buildings in all of Europe.  Built in 1412, the Bremen Town Hall is over 600 years old and has since gone through its own evolution.  It started off as a brick Gothic hall and 200 years later, the Renaissance reliefs were added to give it its beautiful facade. Finally in 1910-1911, an extension was added to the rear of the hall.

Standing outside and walking around the entire building is enough to get you marvelling at all the intricate carvings, gables, arcades, and statues that achieved UNESCO World Heritage status in 2005.

However, what most people miss out on are all the details inside and outside that are truly exquisite and fascinating.  Highly recommended is the daily walking tours run by the city that take you inside to the Upper Hall, “secret” Golden Chamber, secret escape staircase, and ballroom.  It’s through this tour that you truly get an understanding of the city’s innovation when it came to government, and the relation between church and state.

#2 – Viertel

A neighbourhood with spunk, attitude, and no f*cks given.  While you have the old part of town for history, culture, and architecture, locals spend most of their time here to eat, drink, and live.  In that, there’s an unbounded energy to this area that’s grounded by the corner street where you’ll find my favourite cafe, Coffee Corner which I talk about in my Bremen and Bremerhaven itinerary.

Other things you’ll find in this neighbourhood is the awesome alley that I’ve coined “graffiti alley”, perfect examples of townhouse construction, Bermuda Triangle bar district, classic shops featuring art deco design, and the invention of the local favourite “rollo”.

In other cities, you’d call Viertel hipster but I think the locals would like to think of this spot as home.

#3 – Beck’s Brewery

I hope I’m not the only ignorant one that had no clue that Beck’s originated from Bremen, Germany.  This was certainly one of the big surprises of my visit and having done many brewery visits over the years, this is by far one of the best executed I’ve been to.

What makes this a great brewery tour is that unlike the Heineken tour in Amsterdam, this is not a theme park experience.  To gain entry, everyone has to wear a reflective work vest, and once you’re learning about how Beck’s makes their beer, you’re on the real production floor, with real beer being brewed, and real beer being bottled to be sold.

The other part that always makes a brewery tour fun is the end where you get to sample all types of beers that they make including the local Haack-Beck, and special variations that often never make it out of Germany.

#4 – Böttcherstraße & Haus des Glockenspiels

This small street may not be very big or long but this is the most unique part of the city that’s packed with so many little odds and ends in terms of stories, stores, hidden secrets, and architecture that almost feels out of place.

Let’s start with the architecture.   At the turn of the 20th century, it was Ludwig Roselius, the inventor of decaf coffee who bought all of the houses in this rundown street and rebuilt it to be this architectural masterpiece to connect the market square and the Weser river.  What makes Böttcherstraße unique is that it is primarily constructed out of red brick and assembled in an ornate art-deco fashion. What makes it almost whimsical here is that there are no specific rules that the design follows.  Bricks protrude out from the wall to create shapes that are meant for your own interpretation, you have domes, triangle roofs, concave indentations, and sculptures.

If you’re strolling, there’s a lot to see too with a mix of souvenir shops, boutique stores, big brands such as Le Creuset, a wonderful candy shop, museums, and a big glockenspiel near the end of the street.  Haus des Glockenspiels consists of 30 bells made of Meissen porcelain and play old folk songs.  If you pay attention, there are wood panels that rotate to the tune of the bells to show important voyagers of the past.

When it comes to secrets, the big one is the giant golden relief that you see at the entrance to the street.  While it innocently depicts a god-like figure slaying a dragon, this was actually a piece of work commissioned by Nazi’s that actually shows a representation of Hitler slaying down his enemies.  This became obvious when I zoomed in on the little people doing the Nazi salute.

If you’re looking for a guided tour of this street specifically, take a look at this Bottcherstrasse Walking Tour.

#5 – Town Musicians of Bremen

This fairy tale by the Brother’ Grimm follows 4 aging domestic animals who run away from their masters to become town musician in the city of Bremen.  They don’t actually make it to the city because of a chance encounter with a band of robbers but they eventually live happy for the rest of their days.

They’re the mascots for the city and it’s quite a fitting one because it’s a story that follows the theme of “strength in unity”, and “living a life of no regrets”.

Just outside of the Town Hall is this copper statue that has the rooster, cat, dog, and donkey on top of each other.  It’s smaller than you think but one of those sights in the city you have to stop by for a photo.

TIP: When taking a photo with the Town Musicians of Bremen, make sure to touch both legs of the donkey to make sure your wish is granted.

#6 – Schnoor Quarter

This is the oldest neighbourhood in Bremen and as such is full of character and winding and narrow cobblestone streets that are begging to be explored.

You might be surprised to hear however that this wasn’t always a charming place to be.  Situated right by the river, this was where the fishing community resided and was one of the poorest areas.  Here, you’d find maritime businesses that focused on making parts for the ship such as the rigging.  It was really the Toolbox of Bremen.

Today, classic timber-framed houses from the 15th and 16th century have survived and are occupied by galleries, cafes, bars, restaurants, and handicraft shops.

There’s a beautiful courtyard that has patio seating for the nearby cafes but if you pay attention, in the middle is a statue of literally a threesome in a bath.  This goes back to the seedy nature of this area back in the day and how city officials would take secret underground tunnels to access the “red light district”.

When you’re in Schnoor, also make sure to try to find the most narrow part of the neighbourhood at 53 cm.

If you have time, there’s a House of History museum (Bremer Geschichtenhaus) that’s quite interesting.  For a guided tour of Schnoor, there’s an easy 1 hour walking tour that you can book.

#7 – Guided Walking Tour

I know this isn’t exactly a specific attraction or place but to truly get a full appreciation of the city and to hear all the little anecdotes and stories from its storied past makes all the difference when it comes to

This walking tour is run by the tourism office so you know that all of their guides are legitimate and well-trained.  I was lucky enough to be guided by Pierre who not only had excellent easy-to-understand English but was incredibly knowledgable and full of energy.

The tour takes you through all the main areas of old town including the market square, Bottcherstrasse, and Schnoor Quarter where your guide will point out significant points in history, changes that have occurred, and things that look more than meets the eye.

If you’re looking for a different type of tour, take a look at Bremen Night Watchman Tour which is really good.  Just note that this tour is in German only.

#8 – Universum Bremen

I was attracted to this museum because of it’s futuristic structure.  Scaled with metallic tiles, it resembles a clam shell jutting out from the water that could also be easily mistaken for a flying saucer.   At night, lights shine on it which makes for really interesting photos.

Universum Bremen by day is a science museum with over 300 exhibits and designed in a way to be very hands on and challenge young minds to solving problems.  The three subject areas are Technology, Humans, and Nature.

There’s also a 27 metre high tower that offers great views of the city and more surprising exhibits to try and explore.

This is the perfect spot to go to on a rainy day or if you’re travelling with kids.

#9 – Markthalle Acht

If you’re the kind of person that doesn’t know what they want to eat until they see it or if you love food halls, Markthalle Acht is the place you want to be at.  With up to 20 food stalls at any given point in time, they’ve brought the collective geniuses of chefs and restaurateurs in one spot to highlight some of the best food from around the world.

You’ll find the market near the heart of the centre of the city and just a little off from Market Square.  I love the youthful vibe the space as, reclaimed from what used to be bank.  A lot of the materials used are reclaimed and reused which I love seeing.  A ton of light comes into the courtyard which has a transparent canopy that covers it all.

#10 – Craft Bier Bar

Okay yes I know craft beer and bars are all over Europe and really all the rage around the world but this one was such a great hidden gem of a find that I had to add it to the list.

Featuring 40 taps in total, there’s something for everyone here.  With an overwhelming number of labels to read, I just let the bartender know that I wanted something light and on the sweeter end of things and she recommended one from Cologne that turned out to be amazing.

What really rounds out this bar is the lounging space that they have here.  From high tables, to sit down corners, shuffle board, and an eclectic mix of giant pillows on big wooden steps, you’ll love being able to drop everything down and curl in a corner, sipping an epic pint.

#11 – Bremer Ratskeller and Cellar Tour

If you read the 4 Day Bremen and Bremerhaven Itinerary, this was the first spot I got to go to for lunch.  The Bremer Ratskeller (the reviews) is a highly regarded restaurant located underneath the famous Town Hall.  Here, you can have truly traditional German fare from the region.  In addition, what makes it truly famous is its largest collection of German wines in the world

It’s a bit more of a formal setting but here but this is your chance to try dishes such as Labskaus and Bremer Knipp.  They’re not the prettiest of dishes but you won’t be able to have them anywhere else.  Don’t forget to try their wines as well.

The Town Hall’s splendour extends beyond its upper floors and down into the vaulted cellars that are over 600 years old which is more reason why the whole site has UNESCO World Heritage status.

Beyond the restaurant, I highly recommend that you take a guided tour of how wine made its way into Bremen and what makes the Ratskeller so special.  This is your chance to walk into the historic Apostle Cellar where you’ll be greeted by a candle-lit room and you’re instantly surrounded by the aroma of Germany’s oldest barrel of wine that dates back to 1653.  Delve deeper underground and you’ll be able to get a rare glimpse into the Ratskeller treasury of wines.  During the tour, your guide will tell you untold stories and you’ll also be able to sample a small glass of wine.

A Quick Bremen Travel Guide

Money – Euros are welcome but credit card is widely accepted throughout the city.  You’ll also find ATM’s scattered around so you can withdraw money using your debit card in a pinch.

When is the best time? – High season is during the summer between June to August.  As with other destinations, shoulder seasons are always the best so think about going in the Spring (April – May) or Fall (September – November).

Getting here – Bremen has an international airport (BRE) that welcomes 30 non-stop flights from many countries in Europe and North Africa including London, Amsterdam, Paris, and Istanbul.  To put alerts on the flights and find the best deals, I recommend using Skyscanner.  If you’re already in Germany or neighbouring countries, the easiest way to get to Bremen and Bremerhaven by rail.

 How do I get around Bremen? – It’s really not necessary to rent a car in Bremen since it’s such a small city and there’s a good transit infrastructure of trams and busses.  I highly recommend that you pick up an ErlebnisCARD which is primarily a single-day or multi-day unlimited-use transit card with local discounts.

 Where should I stay? – The most comprehensive platform for accommodations based on personal experience is Booking.com.  They have everything from hotels, hostels, and guesthouses and you’ll easily find the perfect place to stay based on your style of travel and budget.  As an alternative, there’s also Agoda and VRBO.

Here are my recommendations for where you should stay in Bremen.

Do I need a visa? – The easy answer is that if you’re part of the EU, no visa is required.  If you’re not in the EU, visitBerlin has a handy list of countries that don’t require a visa if you’re staying less than 90 days and those that need a visa regardless.

Do I need travel insurance? – As always, travel insurance is highly recommended. My philosophy is that you want to make sure you’re covered in case the unknown happens.  Make sure to read our guide on choosing the right travel insurance for you. Overall, World Nomads has the best balance of price and coverage.

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How about you?  What are your top favourites from your travels in Bremen?  Do you have a question planning your upcoming trip?  Drop a comment down below.