Bremen has long made its mark as one of Germany’s most progressive cities - it has clung firmly to its independence over the centuries and today is still one of Germany’s independent city-states, defined by its liberal attitudes. The old quarter houses an array of architectural treasures, such as the Renaissance City Hall, built in the early 15th century, and St Peter’s Cathedral, an ornate early Gothic building with a voluminous vaulted interior. For nightlife, head to the beer gardens on the riverside promenade known as the Schlachte or to the vibrant bar district of Viertel, which has been going strong since the 19th century.