When it comes to exploring Germany, there are many famous cities but two cities in the north that are known to most people are Hamburg or Bremen. They’re less famous than Munich or Berlin but they both have their unique charm and offer plenty of decent experiences for visitors. I actually really enjoyed it here. If you’re in North Germany and you are wondering which city to visit then this article will give you the answer.
Hamburg
Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city so it’s bigger than you think. In the northwest of Germany it is known as the “Gateway to the World,” it offers plenty of activities, a nice waterfront, a good foodie scene, and plenty of proper German culture. It has an iconic harbour, world-class museums, and lively nightlife, I’d liken some of the vibe to Amsterdam (minus the canals), so Hamburg has certainly got that big-city excitement. It also has a popular airport so transfers through here are very regular in Europe.
Bremen
Bremen is lesser known but is a city full of history and charm, it is also located in northwest Germany about 80 miles (128km) from Hamburg and 85 miles (137km) north of Hannover. Its fantastic architecture, UNESCO-listed sites, and Schnoor Quarter make it a haven for history enthusiasts. Bremen also offers family-friendly attractions, cultural events, and a good food scene, making it another great European city destination.
Here we compare Hamburg vs Bremen to see which city is better to visit. The scoring goes across six categories to help you decide what’s best for you.
- Activities and things to do
- Scenery
- Families
- Restaurants
- City life and culture
- Nightlife
1. Activities and things to do
Like most big cities Hamburg has plenty of activities for all interests. Explore the iconic Miniatur Wunderland, the world’s largest model railway, or go down to the Port of Hamburg and take a harbour tour to take in the maritime atmosphere.
Visit the historic Speicherstadt district, the largest warehouse district in the world, filled with warehouses, museums, and cafes. The St. Pauli district is famous for its nightlife and the renowned Reeperbahn Street. This area also allows entrance to a cool 426m long free, pedestrian tunnel made in 1911 called the Alter Elbtunnel.
There are 2 football teams Hamburger SV and St Pauli that have a large following of highly passionate fans, so the local matches in the Hamburg stadiums offer a great experience if you can get to one.
Bremen, on the other hand, is a city rich in history and cultural heritage. You can check out the UNESCO-listed Bremen Town Hall and the historic Markplatz. The Medievela Schnoor Quarter is a cool place to wander, with its narrow alleys and picturesque houses. Bremen’s Science Center, Universum, is a fantastic place for interactive learning and exploration. Bremen’s Christmas market was the best Christmas market I’ve seen which takes up a large amount of the city centre covering all of the historical areas in Christmas stalls and rides.
Despite that Hamburg on the whole has more to do for a wider audience.
Winner: Hamburg
2. Scenery
Hamburg is situated on the banks of the Elbe River and boasts a stunning waterfront. The city’s harbour is busy with activity, massive ships and sailboats are everywhere. The Alster Lakes provide a tranquil retreat within the city, where you can enjoy boat rides or simply relax by the water.
Bremen, although not directly on the coast, is known for its beautiful architecture and picturesque landscapes. The Market Square has some striking Renaissance-style buildings, which make you feel like you’ve stepped back a few hundred years. The Bürgerpark, a large urban park, offers green spaces, gardens, and big lakes, ideal for a leisurely walk or picnic. Because of the waterfront scenery, this one goes to Hamburg
Winner: Hamburg
3. For families
Hamburg is a great destination for a family visit. The city offers numerous family-friendly attractions, such as the Hagenbeck Zoo, where you can see animals from around the world. The Miniatur Wunderland and the Hamburg Dungeon provide exciting and educational experiences for kids of all ages.
Bremen is equally welcoming to families. The Universum Science Center offers interactive exhibits that are both fun and educational. I tried the planetarium which I thought was educational and cheap. The Botanika Bremen, a botanical garden and nature exhibition, is a great place for children to explore the wonders of the natural world. But if you want a peak for kids then visit during the Christmas market season in November and December as this Christmas market really is hard to beat and you will see me giving it approval below.
While Hamburg has lots to do I felt more areas of the city are a bit too chaotic for families, whereas Bremen still options and the city is more calm to navigate through overall.
Winner: Bremen
4. Restaurants
Hamburg, despite being home to the Hamburger, is a foodies paradise in Germany, known for its diverse food scene. From traditional German cuisine to plenty of international dishes, you’ll find an array of options to satisfy your taste buds. Don’t miss trying the famous Hanseatic seafood dishes or the local specialty, Fischbrötchen (fish sandwich). The city also has a few Michelin-starred restaurants for the fine dining crowd.
Bremen, although smaller, still offers a range of excellent dining experiences. The city’s traditional cuisine features hearty dishes like Labskaus and Knipp (meat and veg with gherkin, potatoes, egg, and beets), which are worth a try. Bremen’s Viertel district is a good spot to head for foodies, with its trendy cafes and international restaurants, and bars. Despite Bremen’s strong options, Hamburg has a higher, more diverse level in the food stakes in the Hamburg Vs. Bremen ‘food-off’ .
Winner: Hamburg
5. City life and culture
Hamburg, as such a large city, is buzzing with life. The city has plenty of surrounding neighbourhoods, which have their own unique character, from the trendy Schanze district to the posh Eppendorf area. Hamburg is also home to world-class museums, including the Hamburger Kunsthalle and the International Maritime Museum. Hamburg nightlife is famous across Europe and has the world-renowned Reeperbahn for the more crazy nights out. The harbour offers a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle too so there are more contrasts to be had and you get spend more days here overall.
Bremen, although smaller, has a rich cultural heritage. The city hosts big events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Freimarkt, one of Germany’s oldest fairs. Bremen’s theatres, including the Goethe Theater and the Theater am Goetheplatz, provide excellent performing arts experiences. The city is a bit more quiet and relaxed if that’s your vibe but Hamburg has a lot more options.
Winner: Hamburg
6. Nightlife
Hamburg’s nightlife scene is legendary. The St. Pauli district, with its numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues, offers a memorable nightlife experience. The Reeperbahn, Hamburg’s famous entertainment street, comes alive at night on another level, offering a mix of bars, theatres, and adult entertainment venues. This is a place that I found where you couldn’t struggle to find a good set of bar options close together unlike some other cities.
Bremen, although not as renowned for its nightlife as Hamburg, still has plenty to offer. The Viertel district is the city’s vibrant nightlife hub, with trendy bars, cozy pubs, and live music venues. You can still have a lively one in Bremen but Hamburg is on another level for nightlife and clearly wins this one.
Winner: Hamburg
Conclusion – Which is better Hamburg or Bremen?
Hamburg or Bremen is an intriguing one as both Hamburg and Bremen have their unique attractions and experiences to offer. Hamburg excels in terms of activities, restaurants, and its lively urban atmosphere. On the other hand, Bremen charms visitors with its rich history, relaxed green scenery, and cultural side. In this case, it depends on what you’re after but Hamburg is the clear winner across multiple categories so would be the city I chose if I could only visit Hamburg or Bremen.