Bremen City State Bremen, Germany Travel Guide
Organize your preparations in stages to manage tasks effectively.
Break down your preparations into manageable phases for an easy trip.
Check your passport validity. Ensure at least six months of validity beyond your intended return date from the Schengen Area. Determine visa requirements for your nationality and apply if needed. Schengen visa processing takes several weeks, so start early.
Reserve international flights to Bremen (BRE) or Hamburg (HAM) and secure your main accommodation.
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance, covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost luggage. World Nomads is an option.
Plan your detailed itinerary, including any day trips or specific activities. Book major train tickets (especially ICE services for long distances), specific tours (e.g., Beck's Brewery), and any fine dining restaurants you wish to visit.
Arrange for an International Driving Permit (IDP) if if you are going to rent a vehicle and your national license is not in English or German. Review health recommendations and ensure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Consult your doctor.
Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans. This prevents card issues or fraud alerts.
Confirm all flight, accommodation, train, and tour reservations. Pack climate-appropriate clothing, remembering layers for Bremen's changeable weather.
Organize all required documents (passport, visa, insurance, driver's license), ensuring you have both physical and digital copies stored separately. Download essential apps like VBN FahrPlaner for public transport and a translation app, like Babbel.
Convert some currency to Euros or plan your initial ATM withdrawal upon arrival. Arrange for mail collection, pet care, or house-sitting if necessary.
Knowledge about your destination enriches your travel.
Ensure peace of mind about your home while you are away.
A quick review of all travel documents ahead of leaving your home prevents last-minute stress. Double-check expiration dates and validity for all passengers.
The first few hours in a the new town can be disorienting. This checklist helps you settle in smoothly.
Clear immigration and customs procedures.
Locate an ATM to withdraw local currency (Euros) or confirm that your bank cards function. Connect to airport Wi-Fi or activate your local SIM/eSIM for mobile data.
Locate your planned transportation to your accommodation (e.g., Tram 6 from Bremen Airport to the city center). Travel organization products from Eagle Creek can assist with a smooth arrival.
Collect a no-cost city map from the Tourist Information Office (available at the main train station or Marktplatz).
Consider a hop-on-hop-off bus tour for an initial overview of the city's layout and major attractions. This helps in getting your bearings.
Visit a tourist information center for personalized advice and brochures.
Use ATMs at the airport or train station for your initial cash needs.
Avoid airport currency exchange counters; they often offer less favorable rates.
Purchase tickets for public transportation (e.g., a TagesTicket or Kleingruppen-Ticket) for your immediate what you need for your trip.
The VBN FahrPlaner app facilitates purchasing and validating tickets.
From Bremen Airport (BRE): Tram line 6 is the most direct option to the city center and Hauptbahnhof. Taxis are also readily available.
From Bremen Hauptbahnhof: Trams and buses provide extensive connections to all parts of the city. Consult the VBN FahrPlaner app or a map for the best route to your hotel.
Bremen's compact nature and effective public transportation mean getting to your accommodation from any entry point is straightforward. Pre-planning your route reduces time and potential stress.
A smooth departure concludes your Bremen adventure on a positive note.
Timely departure prevents unnecessary stress.
Before you leave where you are staying, double-check which you have not left anything behind.
Look in drawers, closets, and under beds for forgotten items.
