Bremen vacation packages

How to get to Bremen

• Airport transfer: Bremen's international airport is located 3.7 miles south of the city center. You can take tram #6 or bus #52 to the Hauptbahnhof in about 15 minutes.

• Cost: A single tram ticket from the airport to the city center costs about $3. A taxi fare will range between $11 and $16.

Best time to visit Bremen

Your ideal time to visit Bremen will depend on your planned activities and the specific seasons of some events. Weather can also influence your decision.

• April to June: Spring brings milder temperatures ranging from 50°F to 64°F, though it's often rainy, so it's a good idea to bring a jacket. You'll see about 6–7 hours of sunshine daily.

• July to August: This is the high season, so expect slightly larger crowds and somewhat higher accommodation costs. It's warm and sunny, with temperatures around 72°F to 77°F. You can get about 7–9 hours of sunshine each day and limited rainfall (around 1.5–2.4 inches).

• September to November: It's cooler but still very enjoyable, with temperatures between 50°F and 68°F. September is a great time to explore Bremen's parks and cultural attractions.

• December to March: Winters in Bremen can be cold, with temperatures ranging from 28°F to 43°F. However, the Christmas markets are a must-see, bringing a festive charm to the city. Snow is probable, especially in January and February, so pack appropriately.

Practical information

• Languages spoken: German is the official language, but English is commonly spoken throughout the city.

• Local customs: When tipping in a café, it’s customary to round up your bill to the next $0.50 or $1 and give that total to the server directly. In restaurants, 10% of the bill as a tip is common. If in a group, wait until everyone has their drink before you start and clink glasses.

• Health and safety: Bremen is as safe as any other city, but be mindful of your belongings, especially on public transportation. In emergencies, call 112 for ambulance services.

• Currency: Germany uses the Euro (€), and credit/debit cards are accepted in most establishments.

• Getting around: For attractions outside the center, consider using buses and trams (three-stop short distance tickets are $1.70; single tickets are $3.20–$4 depending on the zone; day passes cost $9–$11). The tourist board’s BremenCARD may offer even better value.

• Electricity and plugs: Germany uses 220 volts, so US travelers will need an adapter for two-pin round continental plugs.

• Time zone: Bremen follows Central European Time (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of GMT.

• Travel documentation: US travelers can visit Germany visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Best things to do in Bremen

Experience the relaxed charm of Bremen, a small city with a friendly atmosphere. With a medieval village, whimsical Art Nouveau street, stunning town square, and lively bar district all within a short walk of each other, Bremen is a delightful destination for travelers.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• St. Peter’s Cathedral: Climb the cathedral’s south tower for breathtaking aerial views of the market.

Best districts

• Marktplatz: One of the finest squares in Northern Germany, showcasing impressive Hanseatic architecture with patrician homes in Rococo and Renaissance styles.

• Schlachte: This vibrant harborside promenade is a Mediterranean-style hot spot during summer weekends with its array of restaurants and bars.

• Schnoorviertel: As Bremen's oldest residential district, Schnoor is a picturesque quarter filled with upscale boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. Though touristy, it's utterly charming.

Museums

• Weserburg: Situated in former coffee warehouses, this museum focuses on modern art with collections ranging from the 1960s, including Fluxus and Pop Art, to contemporary pieces.

• Beck’s Brewery: Experience Bremen's brewing tradition with a tour of Beck's Brewery, including the museum, storehouse, and brewhouse, topped off with tastings of their famous brews.

• Kunsthalle: Home to Bremen’s art collection, the Kunsthalle features a notable gallery of French and German Impressionism.

Parks and gardens

• Bürgerpark: Offering over 2 square kilometers of scenic lawns, meadows, and forests, Bürgerpark is a perfect place for an afternoon escape.

Historical monuments

• Bremen Town Hall: Renowned for its Gothic structure and Hanseatic brickwork, this building is adorned with a striking Weser Renaissance facade.

• St. Peter’s Cathedral: Discover its elegant sandstone organ gallery, Romanesque sculptures, and a fascinating museum full of treasures.

• Atlantis-Haus: Now the Radisson Blu Hotel, it boasts a stunning Art Deco staircase and the renowned blue-themed Himmelsaal hall.

Day trips in the area

• Hannover: Known for its exquisite Baroque gardens, art galleries, and lively entertainment districts.

• Lüneburg: A charming town with picturesque red-brick buildings and lovely squares, exuding provincial charm.

Family activities in Bremen

Bremen is a great destination for family fun, offering a wide range of activities that kids will love. From interactive museums to parks and zoos, there are plenty of options to entertain the whole family.

• Boat trips: Hal Över Schreiber and Weisse Flotte offer enjoyable cruises on the Weser River, including harbor tours and scenic trips to Bremerhaven.

• Aquariums and zoos: The Zoo am Meer in nearby Bremerhaven is home to penguins, polar bears, and Arctic foxes, among others, with a playground making it very child-friendly.

• Interactive museums: At the Bremen Story House, actors bring the city’s history to life with engaging performances and storytelling.

Free things to do in Bremen

For budget-conscious travelers, Bremen offers a variety of free activities, from exploring parks and promenades to discovering historical sites.

• Promenade walks: Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Schlachte Promenade, lined with cafés, bars, and beer gardens. Join a guided night walk, the Starwalk, to discover the city’s historic waterfront under the stars, learning about its history and architecture.

Nature and outdoor activities in Bremen

Bremen’s mix of green spaces and waterways makes it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Cycling: Start at Bürgerpark and embark on the scenic 27 km Blockland-Runde cycling route through rural areas. For a longer journey, follow the Weser Cycle Path along the river through charming villages and beautiful landscapes.

• Walking: Bürgerpark is perfect for a peaceful walk or an energetic hike. With over 200 hectares of parkland to explore, including meadows, lakes, and forests, it’s a delightful way to spend an afternoon.

Local dishes in Bremen

Whether you’re enjoying fresh seafood by the river or warming up in a local tavern with a plate of Heidschnucken roast, you’ll find plenty of delicious food during your vacations in Bremen.

Some typical dishes

• Heidschnucken roast: Made from the meat of the Heidschnucke, a type of moorland sheep found in Lower Saxony, this dish is slow-cooked and served with rich gravy, potatoes, and vegetables.

• Sauerbraten: A marinated pot roast slow-cooked in a vinegar-based marinade, served with red cabbage and dumplings.

• Potato soup: A creamy potato soup made with vegetables, bacon, and sausage, this is a comforting winter dish.

Meat dishes

• Saxon bratwurst: The Saxon version of this famous sausage is made with finely ground pork and grilled to perfection.

• Pork knuckle: A huge crispy knuckle that could have graced a medieval banquet table, usually served with potato dumplings or sauerkraut.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Matjes: Pickled herring served with onions, apples, and a creamy sauce-this has quite a tang.

• Plaice Finkenwerder style: Pan-fried plaice, a flatfish that's common in the waters around Bremen, cooked with bacon, onions, and lashings of butter.

Street food

• Frikadellen: Patties made from a mix of minced meat, onions, and spices, served in a sandwich or on their own, but always with a dollop of mustard.

• Chicken ragout: Poultry (usually chicken) served in a creamy sauce, invariably doled out at local markets and street stands.

Sweets and desserts

• Bremer Klaben: Similar to Stollen, this dense fruitcake is packed with raisins, almonds, and a hint of rum, making it a festive treat.

• Eierschecke: A layered cake made with a yeast base, quark (curd cheese), and a custard topping.

Local drinks

• Beck’s beer: Bremen is the birthplace of Beck’s. Try it at the source from Beck’s Brewery, where they also offer tours and tastings. The range includes Beck’s Original, Beck’s Gold, and seasonal varieties.

• Bremen punch: A hot, spiced drink made with red wine, rum, and a mix of spices. This delicious beverage is best enjoyed while wandering the stalls of Bremen’s Christmas markets.