Fairytale heritage and a pavement tour guide: Bremen

A buzzing modern city with a great maritime past. Its roots are what have made Bremen the international and cosmopolitan centre that it is today. Traditions of liberalism and tolerance developed over centuries define the way its people engage with one another. It's evident at every turn: Bremen is a great place to be! Preserving the past while breaking new ground – this is a principle that has always served Bremen well.

History up close and a donkey that makes wishes come true
Bremen's history goes back 1,200 years and is perfectly encapsulated by the baroque and Renaissance ensemble on the market square, which comprises the Town Hall and Roland statue, patrician town houses and the Schütting, Bremen's historical guildhall. Sightseers won't even need a map to find their way around. Two thousand nails made of brass and steel guide visitors from the courtyard of the Church of our Lady via the market square to Böttcherstrasse. Once a tradesmen's alley, this narrow lane is now a centre for art and culture, and a jewel in the crown of European cultural history. The pavement route also leads to the statue of the Bremen Town Musicians. The fairytale by the Brothers Grimm is known around the world and is as closely associated with Bremen as the town hall and Roland statue. It's said to be lucky to touch the donkey's legs, and anyone who does it right is granted a wish. The legs must be rubbed lightly with both hands. As far as the locals are concerned, the incorrect version using only one hand is simply a case of two donkeys shaking hands.

The best of Bremen on land and on the water
The people of Bremen appreciate the finer things in life – internationally renowned coffee, chocolate of the finest quality, rare spices, tasty fish specialities and, of course, world-class beers. All these wonderful things can be found in more than 1,000 cafés, restaurants, bistros and bars, and in delightful stores where time seems to have stood still.

In the heart of Bremen, just a stone's throw from the market square and the Bremen Town Musicians, is the newly rejuvenated Schlachte promenade along the Weser. There are always people milling around by the water, especially when the sun is out, and the terraces and green spaces offer great views of the river. In summer, the beer gardens and outdoor areas along the waterfront have seating for around 2,000 people – and that's until midnight. St. Martin's quay, also on the Schlachte, is served by riverboats large and small, many offering tours of the river and harbour. You can also sample the local food and drink on the water: the ships moored on the Schlachte offer a wide range of culinary experiences, from pirate-themed dinners to kale and pinkel tours – a celebration of northern Germany's signature dish.

Bremen's seafaring traditions are being preserved in the Vegesack district a little way downriver. Charming captains' houses, the harbour quarter, maritime festivals and charter cruises on the Weser and Lesum rivers – a visit to Vegesack promises so many new experiences. The training ship Deutschland, the only remaining tall ship from Germany's naval history, has been anchored in Vegesack since 1996. Not only can you take a look around, you can also stay overnight to fully immerse yourself in the nautical experience.