Things to do in Bremen
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Böttcherstrasse
If Bremen's Markt is striking, the nearby Böttcherstrasse (1931) is unique. A charming laneway with a golden entrance, staggered red-brick walls and a spiral staircase with colourful inlaid glass, it's a superb example of Expressionist/Art Nouveau styling.
This 110m-long street was commissioned in 1931 by Ludwig Roselius, a merchant who made his fortune by inventing decaffeinated coffee and founding the company Hag in the early 20th century. Most of the street's design was by Bernhard Hoetger (1874-1959), including the Lichtbringer (Bringer of Light), the golden relief at the northern entrance, showing a scene from the Apocalypse with the Archangel Michael fighting a dra…
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Bremer Stadtmusikanten Sculpture
In the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, the Bremer Stadtmusikanten never actually make to it Bremen, but when you do arrive in the city, you might enjoy a quick reminder of what the fuss is about. Starting with a donkey, four overworked and ageing animals, fearing the knacker's yard or the Sunday roasting pan, run away from their owners. They head for Bremen intending, like many young dreamers, to make their fortune as musicians.
On their first night on the road, they decide to shelter in a house. It turns out to be occupied by robbers, as our heroes discover when they climb on the donkey to peer through the window. The sight of a rooster atop a cat, perched on a dog, which is …
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Rathaus
Although the ornate and imposing Rathaus was first erected in 1410, the Weser Renaissance balcony in the middle - crowned by three gables - was added between 1595 and 1618. It's besides the 1200-year-old Dom St Petri. In front stands the 13m-high Knight Roland statue (1404). This is Germany's tallest representation of this just, freedom-loving knight, and his belt buckle is certainly in an interesting position.
However, it's the statue tucked away on the Rathaus' western side, in front of the Kirche Unser Lieben Frauen (Church of our Beloved Lady) that people more readily identify with this city. Sculptor Gerhard Marcks has cast the Town Musicians of Bremen (1951) in thei…
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Markt
With tall, old buildings looming over a relatively small space, Bremen's Markt is one of the most remarkable in northern Germany.
The twin towers of the 1200-year-old Dom St Petri (St Petri Cathedral) dominate the northeastern edge, beside the ornate and imposing Rathaus (town hall). Although the Rathaus was first erected in 1410, the Weser Renaissance balcony in the middle - crowned by three gables - was added between 1595 and 1618.
The one obviously modern building on the Markt is the Haus der Bürgerschaft (State Assembly; 1966), whose geometrical steel-and-concrete structure features artfully moulded pieces of metal attached to its façade, helping it to blend in with t…
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Stubu Dancehouse
This long-term Bremen institution has spread its wings and now offers five different spaces over three floors, from the traditional 'music club' in the basement to the new Skyline area, with house, funk and chart hits. Stubu is on a street of wall-to-wall clubs, including the huge, ex-multiplex La Viva (cnr Rembertiring & Auf der Brake). Many Bremers, however, dismiss this area as largely for 'teenies'.
Clubbing in Bremen is relatively cheap; expect to pay around €4 to around €8 at the door for regular nights, although special events may cost more.
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Theater Bremen
Bremen's main theatre company is Theater Bremen, which performs across three venues. The main theatre, which stages opera, operettas and musicals, is Theater am Goetheplatz, where the famous 1970s film director, Rainer Werner Fassbinder honed his craft with the company. In the attached Neues Schauspielhaus you'll find new interpretations of classics and avant-garde drama, while the Brauhauskeller, the smallest venue, is used for anything from Elvis musicals to Edward Albee.
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Cafe Kweer
Bremen's gay scene is, like the city itself, relatively small but friendly. The lesbian scene is very small and centres on Cafe Kweer, part of the information centre for gays and lesbians. It becomes a lesbian cafe from 9pm every third Saturday of the month, and from 3pm to 6pm each Sunday (with football screenings if Werder Bremen happens to be playing). Other events are also held here for gays and lesbians, so it's worthwhile checking out the website.
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Hal Över Schreiber Reederei
Hal Över Schreiber Reederei operates a 75-minute Weserand harbour tour up to five times daily between April and October. It also runs the ferry across the river to Café Sand. The tourist office has a full schedule of candlelight cruises and boat trips to the islands of Helgoland and Sylt. Hal Över Schreiber Reederei also runs scheduled services along the river in summer.
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2raumlounge
This is the jiving lynchpin of the Auf den Höfen scene. Sitting in the space-age orange chairs, you can gaze at the regularly changing art on the walls and even buy a piece if you feel inclined to do so. Though the crowd is largely mid-20s, a few older regulars dig in here, especially when football team Werder Bremen is playing - Werder matches are always screened here. Thursday is student night.
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Beck's Brewery
Germany has well over 1200 breweries, and about half of these are found in Bavaria, not the north. The beer of one brewery in particular, though, has long washed beyond the shores of Germany to establish itself as an international brand. You can see where the wares come from during a two-hour tour of the Beck's brewery. Take tram 1 or 8 to Am Brill. Prost!
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Kunsthalle
For art lovers, Bremen's Kulturmeile (Cultural Mile) boasts the Kunsthalle, which at the time of research was being given two new wings and a revamped cafe. When it reopens, you can expect to find a large permanent collection of paintings, sculpture and copperplate engraving from the Middle Ages into the modern, as well as changing exhibitions.
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Casablanca
The emphasis is on the 'Casa' in this homey Bremen institution, where goths, grannies and particularly students while away the hours within scuffed walls painted to look like marble, and under a ceiling that's a trompe l'oeil jungle canopy. Upstairs is a glass booth for smokers that begs for a 'Do Not Feed!' sign. It's usually open later weekends and on theatre nights.
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Luv
A friendly atmosphere reigns in this large, upbeat bistro with a menu strong on salads and pasta, which is complemented by more-substantial fare with a Central European focus. A Texas burger can be found alongside the Wiener Schnitzel and nouveau hearty dishes, some with good old Bratkartoffeln (pan-fried potatoes).
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Weser Stadion
After the FIFA Football World Cup 2006, local team Werder Bremen (www.werder.de) became hugely popular, thanks to its inclusion of Miroslav Klose, the winner of the tournament's 'Golden Boot' award for most goals. National footballers Torsten Frings and Tim Borowski also play for Werder Bremen, whose home games are at the Weser Stadion.
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Stromburg
This retro restaurant is relaxed and chilled, with pink, purple and beige overtones, plus tasty international cuisine. Try the king prawns on Asian greens with mushrooms, mint, coriander and lime sauce, or see if they're still offering the Sunday evening 'surprise' menu, where you can pay only what you think their invention was worth.
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Übersee Museum
The ÜberseeMuseum takes you to all continents of the world and offers an insight into natural evolution with its dazzling collection of exotic artefacts, brought together in the tradition of a Hanseatic city. It can call on about 1.1 million objects, including African art, tropical plants and gold from South America.
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Universum Science Center
Bremen has a strong aerospace industry, and space buffs will enjoy the eye-catching, oyster-shaped Universum Science Center, where you can make virtual trips to the stars, as well as to the ocean floor or the centre of the earth. Take tram 6 from the main train station to Universität/NW1 stop.
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Ständige Vertretung
An offshoot of Berlin's best-known restaurant for homesick Rhineland public servants, this large, bustling place thrives on its political theme and solid cuisine washed down with Rhineland wines and beer - the photos of movers and shakers on the walls will keep you guessing.
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Botanika
Plant-lovers shouldn't miss a trip to Botanika and its replicated Asian landscapes from the Himalayas to New Guinea. Admission to the rhododendron park itself, where you find 2000 rhododendron and azaleas, is free. To get here, take tram 4 to Horner Kirche.
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Schröter's
A modern bistro with artful decoration, Schröter's is known for its antipasti and abundant Mediterranean mains, from risotto to fish. It is a veritable warren of rooms, including a Toulouse-Lautrec room upstairs, decorated with plenty of copies of the painter's pictures.
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Schnoor Teestübchen
If you can ignore the hint of twee tourist shop about it, this is a great place to indulge in Frisian tea-drinking rituals - putting huge crystals of sugar into your cup with tongs, or twirling honey into your char. Some local blends are wonderfully smooth, too.
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Salomon's
This designer restaurant in a former law courts building is smart enough to impress a business partner or date, but there are a few bench seats where you won't feel alone dining on the Eurasian cuisine. A bar, courtyard and club are found in the same complex.
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Haus der Bürgerschaft
The one obviously modern building on the Markt is the 1966 Haus der Bürgerschaft, whose geometrical steel-and-concrete structure features artfully moulded pieces of metal attached to its façade, helping it to blend in with the historic square.
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Modernes
South of the river in Neustadt, this converted old movie theatre also hosts live music, and remains Bremen's best club, bar none. The centrepiece is the domed roof that can be opened to let in some much-needed air towards the end of the evening.
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Piano
Another enduringly popular cafe, this bustling place serves pizza, pasta, steaks and vegie casseroles to a broad neighbourhood mix, from media types checking proofs to young mums. Breakfast can also be ordered until 4pm Saturday and 5pm Sunday.
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