Bremen, Germany

Bremen

It’s worth losing a few pounds before visiting the old city state of Bremen. Girth doesn’t matter in the roomy Market Square where the 15th century Rathaus (city hall), the St. Petri Cathedral and the medieval statue of the legendary hero Roland leave space for cafés, puppet theater and festivals. 

South of the Market, though, things get narrower in the Böttcherstrasse, the wonderful Art Nouveau/Art Deco lane created in 1931 by the inventor of decaffeinated coffee, Ludwig Roselius. Expressionist art abounds in the galleries and shops tucked into the red brick facades. A brilliant golden relief shines over the northern entrance to the street. 

Southeast of the Böttcherstrasse, thin people have the advantage in the Schnoor quarter. Once living space for fishermen and tradespeople in the Renaissance, the Schnoor is now a nest of small lanes – some so tiny, many visitors have to go through sideways. Today, it’s filled with art galleries, antique shops and cafés. 

On second thought, forget about watching your figure. If you did, you’d have to miss out on some of the best German chocolate there is, supplied by Bremen’s own Hachez Chocolatier, located just off the Market Square. If you prefer to get your calories from beer, cross the Weser River to Beck’s Brewery.

By: Globus