Bremen Market Square
Bremen Market Square (Bremer Marktplatz) with the Town Hall in Bremen, Germany

Bremen Market Square

Bremen · Germany

4.7(6,489)
Open 24 Hours
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Explore Bremen Market Square

Bremen Market Square (Bremer Marktplatz) is located in the heart of Bremen's old town in Bremen, Germany. It has been the city's central landmark from the Middle Ages to the present day. The square is surrounded by the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bremen City Hall (Rathaus), the Brick Gothic St. Petri Dom, and the Bremen Roland statue symbolizing the city's freedom. As the political, commercial, and cultural center of Bremen, it not only holds great historical value but also offers visitors the perfect vantage point to experience the charm of northern German cities.

Visiting Tips

  • Free and open all day, visit anytime for a tour or photography
  • Early morning or late afternoon is recommended for the best lighting on the City Hall and Roland statue
  • The square is part of Bremen's pedestrian zone, perfect for a slow stroll and exploration
  • Plenty of traditional German restaurants and cafes nearby

Highlights

  • World Heritage: Bremen City Hall is one of the most important Gothic and Renaissance buildings in northern Germany, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.
  • Symbol of Freedom: The Bremen Roland statue stands in front of the City Hall, symbolizing the city's freedom and rights, and is an iconic sculpture of Bremen.
  • Central Location: Located in the center of Bremen's old town, within walking distance to the Weser River promenade, St. Petri Dom, and other surrounding attractions.
  • Explore further: a short walk from the square leads to the Town Musicians statue, the expressionist Böttcherstraße and the historic Schnoor quarter.

About Bremen Market Square

Bremer Marktplatz is an important historic landmark in the center of Bremen, managed and maintained by the City of Bremen.

Highlights at Bremen Market Square

Four landmarks make Bremer Marktplatz one of the most rewarding town squares in Germany. Here is what to look for when you visit:

Bremen Town Hall & Roland Statue (UNESCO World Heritage)

The Town Hall on the eastern side of Bremer Marktplatz was built between 1405 and 1410 and is regarded as one of northern Germany's finest Gothic and Weser-Renaissance buildings. In front of its richly ornamented facade stands the 5.5-metre Roland statue of 1404, Germany's oldest surviving free-standing statue of its kind and a symbol of the market and trade freedoms granted to the city. Together, Town Hall and Roland were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004. The building still serves as the seat of Bremen's government, so join a guided tour to admire the historic Upper Hall and the opulent Golden Chamber.

St. Peter's Cathedral (St. Petri Dom)

The twin towers of St. Peter's Cathedral anchor the north-eastern corner of the square. The present brick basilica grew over five centuries on the site of a 9th-century wooden church, and its Romanesque vaults and Gothic choir can be explored free of charge. Make sure to visit the famous Bleikeller, a lead cellar known for its naturally preserved mummies. Feeling energetic? Climb the southern tower for sweeping views across the red roofs of the old town.

The Town Musicians of Bremen (Bremer Stadtmusikanten)

Since 1953, Gerhard Marcks' bronze sculpture of the donkey, dog, cat and rooster from the Brothers Grimm fairy tale has stood at the western end of the Town Hall. It is one of Bremen's most photographed landmarks - locals believe that rubbing the donkey's nose and front hooves brings good luck, so expect a short queue. The statue is also the natural starting point for a fairy-tale themed walk through the old town.

Annual Bremen Christmas Market (Bremer Weihnachtsmarkt)

From late November each year, Bremer Marktplatz is transformed into one of Germany's most beloved Christmas markets, with more than 170 festively decorated stalls gathered around the Town Hall, the Roland statue and the cathedral. Sip mulled wine (Glühwein), snack on roasted almonds and listen to live choirs beneath the gabled merchants' houses. The market traditionally runs until 23 December, while the nearby Schlachte riverside adds a second stretch of stalls, food stands and fairground rides.

History, Background & Legends

More than a thousand years of Bremen history have left their traces in and around this square. A little background turns a stroll across the cobbles into a journey through time.

From market rights to Hanseatic city

In 965, the East Frankish ruler Otto I granted Bremen the right to hold a market - the foundation on which today's square grew. The settlement on the Weser became a major trading city and, from the 14th century, a member of the Hanseatic League, whose merchants built the gabled houses that still frame the square. Today's Town Hall was erected between 1405 and 1410 and has served as the seat of Bremen's government ever since, making it one of the oldest town halls in Germany still in political use.

The Roland statue and the legend of Bremen's freedom

Since 1404, the statue of the legendary knight Roland has stood in front of the Town Hall. Roland - said to be a nephew of Charlemagne - had become the medieval symbol of municipal rights: a hero who stood up for the freedom of the citizens. With his drawn sword he guards the square, and a Bremen saying goes: as long as Roland stands, the city will remain free. The figure itself is about 5.5 metres tall; together with its canopy the monument reaches roughly 10 metres. Since 2004 the Roland, together with the Town Hall, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Town Hall - facade, halls and an old wine cellar

Behind the richly decorated Gothic and Weser-Renaissance facade, the Town Hall hides two highlights that are usually only visible on a guided tour: the historic Upper Hall, where the city's senators once deliberated and guests are still received today, and the sumptuous Golden Chamber. Beneath the building lies one of the best-known historic wine cellars in Germany - a vaulted tradition that has continued for more than 600 years, ever since Bremen merchants stored wine brought up the Weser from the Rhine region. The carillon in the east tower rings out over the square several times a day.

The Town Musicians - a fairytale with local roots

Donkey, dog, cat and rooster set out for Bremen to become town musicians - the Brothers Grimm collected this story from oral tradition. Since 1953, the bronze sculpture by Gerhard Marcks has stood at the west side of the Town Hall. Local custom says that anyone who rubs the donkey's nose and front hooves will one day return to Bremen. Look closely: the donkey's nose is already shiny from the many hands that have come to visit. The statue is also a popular meeting point for guided city walks.

The legend of Countess Emma - a gift of pasture

One of Bremen's oldest legends tells of the noble widow Emma of Lesum, who was loved for her generosity. When she promised the citizens as much pasture as a man could walk around in one hour, her brother-in-law, a duke, cunningly sent a beggar who could not walk. Countess Emma blessed the man - and he crawled surprisingly far. This is how the Buergerweide (citizens' meadow) came into being. The tale is still remembered as an example of Bremen's civic tradition of fairness towards ordinary people, and the name Buergerweide lives on in the city to this day.

For further reading, official sources are recommended: the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Bremen's World Heritage office (welterbe.bremen.de) and the city's official tourism portal.

Bremen Weather: Today & 7-Day Forecast

Current weather outlook for Bremen city centre - handy for planning your time on and around Bremer Marktplatz.

15°C

Clear sky

Feels like

13°C

Wind

15 km/h

Humidity

82%

Precipitation

0.0 mm

Today

19° / 14°

Rain chance 75%

Tomorrow

21° / 11°

Rain chance 3%

Mon

24° / 13°

Rain chance 25%

Tue

19° / 14°

Rain chance 53%

Wed

16° / 13°

Rain chance 38%

Thu

17° / 12°

Rain chance 32%

Fri

15° / 12°

Rain chance 48%

Data status: Sep 5, 2026, 02:45

Practical Information for Visitors

Everything you usually want to know before arriving at the square - facilities, costs and local customs. We describe types and typical options, not specific businesses.

Public Toilets (WC)

There are no public toilets directly on the square itself. You will find public restrooms a short walk away: near the central railway station, in larger shopping centres and at some tram stops. In Germany many public WCs are coin-operated (around EUR 0.50-1.00). Cafes and restaurants along the square generally reserve their toilets for guests.

Parking & Parking Garages

The old town around the square is largely pedestrianised. The easiest option is a public multi-storey car park (Parkhaus) at the edge of the old town, from where the square is a 5-10 minute walk. On-street parking is limited and paid. Parking garages typically charge about EUR 1-2 per hour, while park-and-ride sites at the city entrance are often cheaper. Most garages today also offer electric vehicle charging bays.

Dining & Restaurants

On and around the square you can choose between traditional North German restaurants, historic cellar restaurants, cafes and bakeries, and simple snack stands. Typical Bremen specialities to try are Labskaus, Knipp or, in winter, Grunkohl with Pinkel. Portions are generous and most places offer vegetarian options. Tables fill quickly on weekend evenings and during the Christmas market, so reservations are recommended in the popular season.

Where to Stay

For a short visit, choose accommodation within walking distance of the old town: historic hotels in the centre, design and business hotels, guesthouses (Pensionen), holiday apartments or hostels. Staying near Bremen Central Station is a practical alternative - the square is about 10 minutes away on foot or by tram. Prices rise noticeably during the Christmas market and major events, so it pays to book early.

Supermarkets & Daily Shopping

Shops in the old town are generally open Monday to Saturday (supermarkets often until about 20:00-22:00, smaller shops usually until 18:00-20:00); most are closed on Sundays and public holidays. For groceries and everyday items you will find supermarkets and drugstores on the main shopping streets around the square. A farmers' market with fresh regional produce takes place on most weekday mornings on the neighbouring Domshof square, directly behind the cathedral.

Fuel & Electric Charging

The pedestrianised old town has no petrol stations; the nearest are on the ring road and main access roads, about 5-10 minutes away by car. If you drive an electric car, charging points can be found in many public parking garages and at some on-street spots across the city. Fast-charging and battery swap hubs are mainly located at larger traffic junctions outside the centre. Plan refuelling or charging before entering the medieval core - many streets there are closed to cars.

Please note: prices and opening hours change over time. Always check official city information before you travel - this page provides general guidance only.

Basic Information

Official Name

Bremer Marktplatz

Attraction Type

Tourist Attraction

Country

Germany

City

Bremen

Plus Code

3RG4+7V Bremen Germany

Phone

+49 421 321676

Google Rating

4.7/5 (6,489)

Address

Am Markt 2, 28195 Bremen, Germany

Opening Hours

Entire Square

Free and open all day, no ticketed indoor pavilions, no seasonal restrictions

Nearby Attractions

Bremen City Hall Interior Tour

St. Petri Dom

Usually 10:00-17:00

Square Events & Markets

Farmers' market most weekday mornings on the neighbouring Domshof; the famous Christmas market fills the square during Advent

Early mornings and late afternoons are the most peaceful times, perfect for walking and photography

Ticket Information

Bremen Market Square (Bremer Marktplatz)

Free all day

Nearby Paid Attractions

Bremen City Hall Guided TourRequires an admission ticket, please refer to official announcements for specific prices
Nearby MuseumsFees apply according to each venue's rules
Parking FeesPaid street parking is available around the old town, a 5-10 minute walk to the Market Square

Transport Tip

Located in the city center, walking distance to nearby dining and shopping areas

Transportation

From the Airport

Nearest airport: Bremen Airport (BRE) (approx. 3.5 km, 15 minutes drive). From the airport, you can take the tram or taxi to the city center.

Driving

Bremen is located at the intersection of A1 and A27 highways, with convenient transportation. It is recommended to park in public parking garages (Parkhaus) in the old town, such as near Obernstraße or Sögestraße.

Public Transport

Bremen Central Station (Bremen Hauptbahnhof) is about 1 km from the Market Square, about 10 minutes walk, or 2 minutes by tram (Straßenbahn).

Short-Distance Travel

Attractions in Bremen's old town are close together; from the Market Square you can walk to the Weser River promenade, St. Petri Dom, and the famous Beck's Brewery.

Cycling

Bremen is a cycling-friendly city in Germany, with well-developed bicycle lanes in the old town and surrounding areas.

Travel Tips

Bremen is located in northwestern Germany and is one of the Hanseatic League cities. Nearby famous cities include Hamburg and Münster, making it an excellent hub for exploring northern Germany.

Visiting Route

Bremen Old Town Walking Route

1

Arrive at Bremen Market Square and admire the City Hall and Roland statue

2

Visit Bremen City Hall (Rathaus) and experience the architectural charm of this World Heritage site

3

Visit St. Petri Dom (St. Petri Dom) and learn about Bremen's religious history

4

Stroll through the surrounding alleys (Böttcherstraße) and admire the exquisite architecture and art works

5

Head to the Weser River promenade (Schlachte) and enjoy the riverside scenery and food

6

Taste traditional German pork knuckle, sausages, and local beer (Beck's) in the old town

Visiting Notes

  • The Market Square is a public space, free and open all day, no reservations needed
  • Parking in the old town is limited, it is recommended to park in designated public parking garages (Parkhaus)
  • Interior tours of Bremen City Hall require a guided tour, it is recommended to check the schedule in advance

Photo Spots

1

City Hall Facade

Capture the ornate Gothic and Renaissance facade of the City Hall

2

Roland Statue

Capture the Roland statue symbolizing Bremen's freedom, with the majestic City Hall in the background

3

St. Petri Dom

Look up at the majestic architecture of St. Petri Dom from the square

4

Dutch-style Gabled Buildings

Capture the beautiful Dutch-style gabled buildings around the square

Photography Tips

Morning sunlight on the facade of the City Hall creates the best lighting for photography at the Market Square.

Visitor Reviews

Review information can be viewed via Google Maps (external link).

H
Hans Müller
2 months ago

An amazing historic square! The architecture of the City Hall is breathtaking, and the Roland statue is full of history. This is the best place to feel the soul of Bremen. Highly recommended.

A
Anna Schmidt
1 month ago

One of Bremen's most beautiful landmarks! The historic buildings around the square are stunning. Be careful though, the Christmas market gets very crowded, so try to avoid peak hours.

M
Michael Weber
3 months ago

An amazing place. The square isn't huge, but the surrounding architecture is exquisite. Had a great traditional German meal at a restaurant by the square. The only issue is that parking isn't very convenient.

S
Sophie Fischer
Over 6 months ago

A very romantic and charming place. We walked around here, and the night view of the City Hall is absolutely stunning. Completely fell in love with it!

L
Lukas Schneider
1 year ago

The scenery here really lifts your mood. You can see the exquisite City Hall and the ancient church blending together. The square itself is charming with many cafes around.

L
Laura Wagner
Over 6 months ago

Well worth a visit! It's very easy to walk here from Bremen Central Station. Recommend wearing flat shoes due to the cobblestone paths. Locals are friendly, great spots for photos.

T
Tim Becker
3 months ago

Feels like stepping back in time! Every stone and every sculpture has its story. Sitting at a cafe by the square watching people come and go makes you feel like time has stopped. A must-visit in Bremen.

J
Julia Hoffmann
2 months ago

Beautiful beyond words. Whether it's the architecture of the City Hall or the surrounding historic districts, you won't want to leave. Highly recommend joining the guided tour of the City Hall interior. Although there's an admission fee, it's well worth it.

View More Reviews on Google Maps

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the questions most visitors ask about Bremen Market Square.

Where is Bremen Market Square located?
Bremen Market Square (Bremer Marktplatz) lies in the centre of Bremen’s old town, Germany, at Am Markt (postal code 28195). The UNESCO-listed Town Hall and the Roland statue stand beside it, with St. Petri Cathedral just steps away. It is about 10–15 minutes on foot from Bremen Central Station and easy to reach by the city’s tram and bus network.
Is the square free to visit?
Yes. The square is a public, open-air space and can be visited free of charge at any time, all year round. The surrounding historic buildings are separate venues: entering St. Petri Cathedral is generally free, while guided tours of the Town Hall and its famous cellar (Ratskeller) may involve a ticket or tour fee.
What are the opening hours of the square and its sights?
The market square itself is open 24 hours a day. Individual sights follow their own schedules – the Cathedral, Town Hall tours, the Ratskeller and nearby museums open at different times and may close on public holidays. Up-to-date opening hours are published on the official Bremen tourism pages linked in the Sources section below.
When does the Bremen Christmas market take place?
The traditional Christmas market on Bremen Market Square is held every year, usually from the last week of November until 22 or 23 December, in the square and the adjoining streets. Exact dates change from year to year, so please confirm the dates for your travel year with Bremen Tourism.
Which landmarks are around the square?
Within a few minutes’ walk you can see the UNESCO World Heritage Town Hall and Roland statue, the Brick Gothic St. Petri Cathedral, the historic Schütting guild house and the statue of the Town Musicians of Bremen. The Böttcherstraße and the Schnoor quarter are also close by.
Are there public toilets and parking facilities nearby?
Public toilets are available in the city centre, usually operated for a small coin fee; many cafés and restaurants also let guests use their facilities. Parking garages are located around the edge of the old town, and park-and-ride lots on the outskirts connect to the tram network. Please see the Practical Facilities section above for details.
When is the best time to visit and take photos?
Early morning is the quietest time and offers beautiful light on the Town Hall facade. In the evening, the square is pleasantly lit – and during the Christmas season the market lights make it particularly atmospheric. Weekday mornings are also when the regional produce market brings life to the nearby Domshof.

Sources & References

This guide is produced by an independent, non-profit visitor information project. Facts, history and practical details are checked against the following official and cultural sources:

Bremen Tourism – official visitor portal

Current opening times, events and practical visitor information for Bremen.

UNESCO World Heritage – Bremen Town Hall and Roland (welterbe.bremen.de)

Official information about the World Heritage site on the market square.

UNESCO World Heritage Centre

Official World Heritage List entry No. 1087 – Town Hall and Roland on the Marketplace of Bremen.

State Office for the Preservation of Monuments Bremen

Heritage authority responsible for the protected monuments of the Bremen market square.

Germany Travel – German National Tourist Board

Official city page for Bremen by the German National Tourist Board.

Location & Interactive Map

Bremen Market Square (Bremer Marktplatz) sits in the heart of Bremen's old town. Use the map and the details below to plan your visit.

Visit Bremer Marktplatz

AddressAm Markt 2, 28195 Bremen, Germany
Plus Code3RG4+7V Bremen Germany
Phone+49 421 321676
View on Google Maps