Sandwiched Between Amsterdam And Hamburg Lies One Of Europe's Best Hidden Gem Cities

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Discovering hidden gems while traveling Europe is one of the best parts of making your way through the continent. Joining a pretzel making class in Bavaria or stumbling across the best cheese store in the Netherlands are experiences you'll surely remember. Typically, popular cities like Rome, Munich, Paris, and London get millions of visitors every year, but what if we told you that situated between Amsterdam and Hamburg you'll find one of Europe's best hidden and historic German cities?

During my travels through Germany a decade ago, I made it my mission to visit a few cities that were off the regular tourist trail. The city of Bremen stole my heart with its Gothic architecture, great food, friendly locals, and of course, Becks beer. This stunning European destination is a secret you should know if you're traveling through Germany, but remember to bring a set of warm clothing with you. Due to Bremen's position in northern Germany, it can get chilly and windy at times, making it the ideal sweater weather location. Situated about an hour southwest of Hamburg by train, Bremen is one of those cities that will transport you back in time with its history, architecture, and bustling shopping streets.

Germany is one of the world's most visited countries, and each year tourists flock to Munich and Berlin, which makes sense since they're both great modern destinations. Taking a day trip to Bremen from Hamburg is certainly doable. Bremen is teeming with so much to see and do that spending at least one full day to explore all the districts, green spaces, and culture is the best way to experience this Hanseatic city.

One of the greatest memories I have of exploring Bremen was putting down the map and getting lost in the tiny laneways within the Schnoor neighborhood, Bremen's oldest district. As you make your way through the main square, you'll be transported back in time to tightly packed streets lined with 15th and 16th century buildings that are so small and colorful it'll feel like you're walking in a fairytale.

The Schnoor's buildings are filled with unique art galleries, cozy cafés, family run shops, and some incredibly beautiful restaurants. While walking around the district (which was minimally damaged during World War Two) you'll come across quirky sculptures and art pieces throughout the narrow streets. Stop in at Goldschmiede Stichnoth, a unique shop selling handcrafted jewelry that makes the perfect souvenir or gift. After wandering around, stop in for a relaxing tea and delicious cake at the cute little café Teestuebchen im Schnoor.

Another Bremen attraction that cannot be missed is the stunning Marktplatz. Surrounded by Gothic architecture, Bremen's main square is a feast for the eyes. In the center of the square, you'll find the 18-foot tall statue of Roland, Bremen's most famous knight, which was built in 1404 and remains a city symbol for freedom and rights. Other notable attractions in the Marktplatz are the numerous shops in ornate buildings as well as the impressive Bremen Town Hall and towering Bremen Cathedral. Don't forget to stop by the Bremen Town Musicians bronze statue outside of Town Hall, created in 1953 by Gerhard Marcks as a tribute to the famous Brothers Grimm fairytale.

After spending some time taking in Bremen's Old Town and strolling around its charming streets, make sure to fuel up by indulging in some delicious German cuisine. Beneath Bremen Town Hall, you'll find the exquisite Ratskellar restaurant, which is as impressive as its 600 year old history. As you open the large doors, you're greeted by an underground cave-like setting filled with old bookcases that are now used as private dining rooms, massive wooden wine casks that are decorated with ornate crests, and gorgeous vaulted ceilings.

One of my favorite places to relax in Bremen was in the gardens of the Mühle am Wall mill. Situated on a hill in Wallanlagen Park surrounded by colorful flowers, what was once used as a flour mill is now home to a wonderful restaurant in one of the most picturesque settings in Bremen. One of the best times of year to wander around the park is during the autumn months when the green trees turn into bright hues of orange, red, and yellow. A quick break in Bremen is a great way to ensure you make the most out of your food tourism experience while visiting a true hidden gem of a city.

A full day of exploring Bremen deserves a comfy place to rest your head. A stay at Kangarooms start at $117 per night for two people and has a beautiful modern interior that is a close stroll to the city center. If you want to stay in the cozy Suite Dreams Bremen directly in Schnoorviertel, you can score a whole apartment for $165 per night.