One of the best things to do in the beautiful city of Bremen is to wander around the many different districts to see what you find. From historic buildings and interesting statues depicting local tales to boutique shops and modern architecture, there is so much to discover.

As you explore the narrow alleys and expansive marketplaces, learning the many things that make the locals proud of their city, you will see many bars and restaurants inviting you to take a break. Whether to fuel your ongoing discoveries or as somewhere to camp out and enjoy the atmosphere, here are some of the best restaurants to enjoy during your Bremen city break.

Schnoor Quarter – Kleiner Olymp

Image courtesy of Jan Rathke / BTZ Bremer Touristik-Zentrale

The Schnoorviertel is the oldest part of the city and features a maze of narrow alleys that are lined with charming shops, cafes and restaurants. As well as oozing with history, the quarter can offer many quaint dining venues for when you need a break from the shops. There are plenty to choose from but our pick here is Kleiner Olymp. Its promising reviews on TripAdvisor have placed it in the top five restaurants in the city and it’s clear to see why. The cosy atmosphere and characteristic setting are very inviting and the menu features a great range of fish dishes and Bremen specialities.

We recommend: Bremer Knipp – a local dish that’s a bit like white pudding.

Schlachte Embankment – Paulaner’s an der Schlachte

Image courtesy of Dietmar Banck / BTZ Bremer Touristik-Zentrale

This riverside promenade is one of the liveliest parts of Bremen, especially during the summer when festivals and maritime events take place on a regular basis. There is also a quayside craft market here every Saturday and the embankment is home to one of the city’s most loved Christmas markets during the festive season.

As for restaurants, there are many open-air bistros and brew houses in this area, which all offer the perfect place to sit and enjoy the views over the Weser. Paulaner’s is a brewery chain that originated in Munich but now has restaurants all over the world. Hearty German food fills the menu and there’s an array of local beers to wash it down with.

We recommend: Bergsteiger Schnitzel (pork schnitzel with Emmental cheese) accompanied by a Paulaner Hefe-Weißbier Naturtrüb (cloudy beer).

Vegesack District – Tinto

The Vegesack District is located further up the river from the city centre but can easily be reached via regular regional trains from Bremen Hauptbahnhof (RS1). This is where the first harbour in Bremen was built and is home to the last remaining fully-rigged German sailing ship, Schulschiff Deutschland. Away from the hustle and bustle of the typical tourist area, Vegesack offers a picturesque promenade in the form of the Maritime Mile. This beautiful riverside walkway is where you will find museums showcasing the history of this harbour, interesting statues and charming restaurants.

If you’re still looking for tasty German dishes, the Hotel Havenhaus and Grauer Esel are both great choices. However, for those looking for something different, our choice is Tinto. Set back a few streets from the river, Tinto offers a great selection of tapas within a warm setting. The prices are very reasonable and the light options are perfect for a mid-afternoon snack.

We recommend: Red peppers stuffed with cream cheese, Albóndigas (spicy meatballs) and lamb fillet skewers.

Überseestadt – Chilli Club

Überseestadt is almost the polar opposite to the Schnoor Quarter and is where you will find modern architecture and the latest trendy bars. After a period of regeneration, new shops, restaurants and leisure facilities now sit side by side with some of the charming old warehouses that would have been a hive of activity during Bremen’s maritime heyday.

There are many great choices along the river here, but we’ve gone for the Asian delights of Chilli Club. The place is a popular lunch haunt for the people working in the nearby offices but is also ideal if you find yourself walking through the Europahafen Marina and want a relaxed meal. There is a great selection of dishes from all over Asia - including curries, sushi and stir-fries - and a mixture of light and larger options.

We recommend: Sushi-Sashimi Boat – perfect for sharing with your travel companion and a great way to try a few of the different menu options.

Whether you are looking for hearty local dishes or something from further afield, there are so many great choices when it comes to dining out on your Bremen city break. The different neighbourhoods offer their own unique atmosphere and it’s interesting to discover the secrets they harbour (pun very much intended).

If you want to visit this fascinating city, we can tailor-make your holiday to include everything you want to do. Just tell us when you want to go and we’ll put together your personal itinerary. Call us on 0800 988 3369 to speak to our friendly team.