10 FREE THINGS TO DO IN BREMEN, GERMANY
Northern Germany. The Hanseatic City of Bremen offers a lot of stuff to do! Sun or rain, cloudy or damp, hail or snow, don't be afraid of going out - otherwise it's likely you'd lie in your bed for ever. You'll be astonished by the beauty of this town!
1. The Marktplatz
Surely the main hotspot of the city. The Roland statue, which I like to nickname 'Playmobil' (you can easily understand this when you are standing in front of him), dominates the square. Few meters away, the Rathaus and the statue of the Bremer Stadtmusikanten. There is also the gate to Boettcherstrasse, a cute alley where you can find many shops and eateries, above all the Bremer bonbon Manufaktur. Close to the Marktplatz you'll Bremer Ratskeller: it worth a meal just for the wine-cellar location. A must be for who's visiting the city even for an afternoon sightseeing.
2. The Burgerpark
Literally the 'park of citizens', it's an amazing place where to rest and have a walk. Many activities are running inside the park. There is a farm plenty of animals, some bars and restaurants, several playgrounds; you can rent a canoe or a boat and row through the canals, or you can enjoy a cold beer at the Biergarten Haus am Walde, at the NE corner of the park.
3. On the way to the lake!
Although the North Sea is still far away, they managed to create a place where to enjoy the rare sunny days. Many lakes (See in German) get plenty of people during summertime. The most frequented is the Werdersee (see where it is here), where you can freely barbecue, play frisbee and amuse yourself. Another one is the Unisee aka Stadtwaldsee, close to the University campus. A less popular one is the Waller Feldmarksee in the Walle neighborhood. All of them worth a visit and a half-day of relax, weather permitting!
4. Worpswede
Worpswede is an artist colony where today you can still find many artists working and ateliers. From the second half of the XVIII century, it was considered one of the last pristine place in Germany where to enjoy still untouched nature. It is now a pretty touristic place, but it worth a visit! Public transportation is available but my suggestion is to take the bike and ride there. Bremen is the bike-friendliest city I've ever been and that's one reason I love it! Bike paths are available all along the track. It's 25 km from the city center, but the landscapes you'll see on the way will make you appreciate my advice!
5. Flemarkets
If you are like me a fleamarket lover, in Bremen you can't miss this two Flohmarkt. On Saturday morning (h. 7.00 - 15.00) you can find stalls and hawkers along the Weser river. I find the location amazing! But the biggest one is held every Sunday: from April to October at the Burgerweide, from October to April at the Hansa Carré. Here you can find many stalls, and a variety of items: from vynils to retrogames, from pottery to clothes, from Lego (apparently Germans get mad with those bricks) to books. Kiosks, a coffee-bike and an ice cream vagon will tempt you for a sweety morning break.
6. Viertel
Viertel is probably the most known neighborhood in Bremen, at least by students and teenagers. Hub of the nightlife, with great pubs (Litfass, the Lagerhaus, Fehrfeld), clubs (Lila Eule), and eateries (try Arabic if you want a tasty 'rollo' or the burrito shop few meters ahead).Most part of them are Raucherkneipe, so smoking inside is allowed. There is also a red light street - remember that women are not allowed! If you are on a budget, you can buy drinks at the kiosks or at the supermarkets (Rewe is open until 23.00). this is definitely the place to go if you want some fun :)
8. Breminale
irThis awesome music festival takes place every year the third week of July. It draws people from all Northern Germany and further. And it is completely free! You don't have to pay for any concert or exhibition; on the other hand, food and drinks are quite expensive, but you can bring your own. 5 days of music and events along the river! If you want to be updated, follow the Breminale Facebook page clicking here or their website.
7. Rhododendron Park
The Rhododendron Park is a bit out of the city's traffic jam, still you can head there by bike or public transport. This beautiful park blossoms in late April - beginning of May and it's awesome! A car park is available as well as a coffee shop. Don't miss this spot if you happen to be in Bremen in Spring.
9. Schnoor
Schnoor is the oldest neighborhood of Bremen and although it has been partly refurbished over the years, you can still feel a middle-age atmosphere. It can be accessed by the riverside as well as by the city center. Many souvenir shops, ateliers and several bars and restaurants are present in this tiny, cute part of the city. Get lost on its alleyways, this is my personal advice! It's not unusual to encounter street artists singing and playing.
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10. Findorffmarkt
It takes place every Saturday morning in Findorff, one of the most beautiful district in Bremen! Not just because I'm living there. Here you can find typical products, freshly hand made pasta, fresh baked bread, fruit, vegetables, the famous Kartoffelpuffer with apple sauce, a florist and much more. After that, go to the Burgerpark for a walk!
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