1. Schüttinger Gasthausbrauerei: Bremen and beer belong together like pen and paper. Bremen has a long tradition of beer brewing and Schüttinger‘s right in the centre of the old town reimangined the old guest houses of the past with its long wooden tables and medieval charm. They brew their own beer so you get authentic truly local beers. They also offer a restaurant and a terrace, so you can relax after a long day of sightseeing and enjoy some good food.
2. Bolero Bar Schlachte: Another bar and restaurant. This time we leave the old town and head for the river. This is a great location for summer evenings, because you can enjoy your food and drinks right at the river promenade and look at the ships passing by. Really the best location to enjoy views with your drinks. They are really popular and offer trendy food, snacks and drinks.
3. Hegarty‘s: what’s a bar list without an Irish Pub? I love them (I am also a huge fan of Ireland and Scotland, so who would’ve thought) and Hegerty‘s is right in the middle of Bremens most exciting quarter, lovingly called „The Viertel“. Hegerty‘s is in fact such an authentic pub, that all the Brits in Bremen I know frequent there. And folk bands do sing songs about them. Note: I don’t recommend the Viertel to female solo travelers at night, so make sure you stay safe.
4. Blauer Fasan: Directly in the old town of Bremen this is a pretty modern cocktail bar. They offer a relaxing atmosphere and are directly in the famous Böttcherstraße. Actually right around the corner of Schüttinger.
5. Brill No 6: Now this is actually my absolute favourite bar in Bremen and I did consider not listing them, because its a small place and is so full on weekends. Brill No 6 is a speakeasy, a modern one, looking quite unassuming, but offers modern classic cocktails in a beautiful cozy industrial styled setting. You’ll find no frilly drinks there, but perfectly served cocktails, made by a competitive bartender. They offer water service and popcorn and are directly across a main public transportation hub (which you need, because the don’t really offer non-alcoholic drinks). They also offer cocktail courses if you want to learn how its really done. (And no, this is not a paid ad).

Bremen: where fairytales come to life! Explore this magical city and find out why it should be on your travel list!

Most people have never heard of this city in Northern Germany and with approx. 2.5 million visitors in 2024 it’s still a hidden gem and absolutely underrated. This is your chance to visit before it becomes too popular.

Why is Bremen a fairytale city?

I called Bremen a city of fairytales and that is quite literal! Bremen features in the Brothers Grimm tale „The town musicians of Bremen“, a fairytale about four domestic animals heading out to become musicians in Bremen. The fairytale is from 1819 and has been adapted by Disney in 1922 amongst others. I still remember watching the movie repeatedly as a child.

As fairytales tend to teach us about morale and social concerns, the tale features topics like aging, social injustice, migration, tolerance and freedom.
So topics that are still very much relevant today and its a really beautiful story on top.

Do you believe we can still learn from fairytales?

In 2025 Bremen will open the Stadtmusikantenhaus (lit. Town Musicians House). I for one am curious to see it.

A city of literature

Bremen became a UNESCO city of literature in 2023. Cities of literature are part of UNESCO’s creative cities network that „aims to promote the social, economic and cultural development of cities“ (UNESCO).

The famous town musicians are of course part of the reason Bremen was awarded this status. But not only that. Bremen offers multiple libraries, theatres and hosts book fairs through out the year. A true culture and literature lovers heaven.

I personally like to visit the state and university library on campus or one of the book shops in the city centre.

Apart from cute cafes you can enjoy your book at the river banks of the Weser or in one of Bremens beautiful parks. The city offers lots of relaxing spots.

A city of magic

Bremen also has a magical atmosphere to it.

The old town with its historical buildings like the town hall of the cathedral create their own magical feeling, especially during the evening.

And the famous Schnoor quarter and the Böttcher street let you immerse yourself into the world of Harry Potter. They just feel like Diagon Alley to me.

She looks like she might lift the veil that prevents muggles to see the magical sight to the street, right?

Listen to the bells in Böttcher street or visit one of the tiny stores in Schnoor and watch magic happen at the manufacturers there.

Visit the city

Want to experience the magic yourself? Bremen is beautiful all year round, as there is always something happening in the city. From Christmas markets to summer fairs or sports events.

Want to know more about visiting my birth place? I created a guide for a weekend in Bremen.