Bremen

The Osterdeich embankment is the most popular place for Bremen locals of all ages to meet up and relax. Conveniently situated between the city centre and the Weserstadion stadium, the Osterdeich is the ideal location for barbecues, meeting friends or simply sitting and watching the sun go down. In summer, it's the venue for the Breminale: a five-day festival of music and culture held along the banks of the River Weser. And if you want to get that "holiday feeling", simply take the Sielwallfähre ferry across the river to the Café Sand: you will find a sandy beach and leisure activities, such as beach volleyball, which make it a popular destination for day trips. However, as any Bremen local knows: there's no telling what the weather will do.

Are you keen on drinking beer and trying traditional food? Then you'll feel right at home in Bremen's oldest pub brewery, where traditional hospitality is alive and well. Not only can you drink the extremely palatable beer, but you can also watch it be-ing brewed before your very eyes. Take a seat at one of the long wooden tables and wash down a hearty meal of local ingredients with a beer (or two) in the very best pub tradition.

Bremer Braumanufaktur is where you'll find regional beers that are something out of the ordinary. Situated in the Überseestadt (the New Harbour District), this brewery is entirely dedicated to craft beer and sustainability. The hops used in its beers are grown right next door, in special raised beds in a local urban farming project. If you've always wanted to brew your own beer or experience a day in the life of a master brewer, this is just the place for you. The Bremer Braumanufaktur also runs brewing seminars where you can create your own beer, with expert help and advice from the professionals.