Bonn is a former capital and home to numerous international organizations. It also makes for a great day trip from Cologne, Düsseldorf, Koblenz and other nearby towns. Bonn was also the birthplace of the famous composer Beethoven. And it is a perfect staring point for cruises along the Rhine river.
Ready to explore? Here are the best sustainable things to do and see in Bonn, Germany.
- Why Visit Bonn?
- Best Things to Do and See in Bonn
- Food and Drinks in Bonn
- City Travel Costs
- Getting to Bonn
- Sustainable Hotels & Hostels in Bonn
- Getting Around
- Best Time to Visit
- A 1-Day Itinerary in Bonn
- Free Wifi Hotspots
Why Visit Bonn?
Nestles in the beautiful Rhine Valley, Bonn is a small relaxed town with a big cultural and historical past. The former capital, Bonn still has numerous palaces and is home to international and German organizations, such as United Nations and Deutsche Welle.
Bonn was the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven. You can find his home right in the city center and see his last piano among other peculiar things.
The city also hosts numerous events, such as “Rhine in Flames” fireworks during the Beethoven Festival or a bustling Christmas market.
It is also an ideal starting point for river cruises and day trips.
Best Things to Do and See in Bonn
Walk Around Altstadt
Altstadt is just a few minutes away from the main train station. Exit through the front doors and head straight until you reach the Münsterplatz with the Bonner Münster and grand baroque buildings.
The Münsterplatz is perfect for a leisurely stroll and people-watching from one of the many cafes. Make sure to take a look inside the Bonner Münster to see beautiful gardens hidden from crowds.
Explore the Food Market at the Altes Rathaus
Right in front of the Altes Rathaus, you will see a small Bonn Market if you arrive any day except for Sunday. Here, you can buy fresh produce and flowers and try local food.
Beethoven-Haus Bonn
Visit the humble townhouse where Ludwig van Beethoven was born in 1770.
The museum offers insights into the composer’s life and work, for example, you can see original letters and instruments, such as the piano that Beethoven used during his life.
Kunstmuseum Bonn
This museum features 20th-century works, particularly by August Macke and other Rhenish expressionists, along with post-WWII avant-garde art.
Next to Kunstmuseum Bonn, the Bundeskunsthalle hosts major exhibits that cover art, history, science, and technology.
Deutsches Museum Bonn
Discover German innovations like the airbag and MP3 technology at this museum dedicated to German research and technology post-WWII.
August Macke-Haus
Explore the house where expressionist painter August Macke lived and worked before his death in WWI, including his recreated studio.
Botanical Gardens
Located at Poppelsdorfer Palace, these gardens are home to over 3,000 plant species. Admission is free.
Take a Boat Tour
Experience the picturesque Rhine Valley by taking a scenic boat tour. You can head to nearby small towns, and one of the most popular tours is to Drachenburg Schloss
Visit Drachenburg Schloss
A short trip from Bonn, this castle offers stunning views and historical insights. It is featured in many publications among the most beautiful castles in Germany. If you are lucky, you will hear live music while visiting the castle interiors, all adding up to an incredible atmosphere of the castle.
Outside, there are well-kept gardens and a restaurant offering stunning views over the Rhine.
Food and Drinks in Bonn
Eat at Brauhaus Bonnsch
Enjoy a local Bonnsch beer, a lemony unfiltered ale, paired with hearty German comfort food like currywurst and schnitzel.
Try Local Beer at Alter Zoll
Visit the Alter Zoll beer garden on the Rhine River’s terrace for refreshing Kolsch beer and stunning river views.
Shop at Haribo
Bonn is the birthplace of the gummy bear. Visit the Haribo store to indulge in these sweet treats. It is located right next to Bonn University.
City Travel Costs
- Hotel: From €80 per night for a 3-star hotel
- Hostel: Affordable options available
- Public transport: Well-connected and economical
- Bike rental: Widely available
- Beer: Reasonably priced
- Coffee: Affordable at local cafes
- Lunch: Variety of options to suit different budgets
Getting to Bonn
Bonn is easily accessible via Cologne Bonn Airport or Frankfurt/Main Airport, with efficient train and bus connections to the city.
Sustainable Hotels & Hostels in Bonn
- Beethoven Hotel: From €80 per night
- Dorint Hotel Bonn: From €110 per night
- Kameha Grand: From €130 per night
Getting Around
By Public Transport
Bonn is compact and pedestrian-friendly. It will take you a few of hours to explore all major sights on foot, so if you want to save time, make sure to use the public transport.
By Bike
Cycling in Bonn is facilitated by dedicated bike lanes and bicycle streets where cyclists have priority. The city’s cycling infrastructure, with 300km of cycling routes, supports active mobility and reduces emissions.
Best Time to Visit
Visit Bonn in April to experience the breathtaking cherry blossoms. The city becomes a pedestrian haven, perfect for leisurely strolls and photography. And you will see many Japanese people who visit Bonn when nostalgic about cherry blossom in Japan.
A 1-Day Itinerary in Bonn
Start your tour at Bonn Central Station and walk to Münsterplatz to see the Old Postal Office and Bonn Minster.
Head to the market square to explore the vibrant market and the Old Town Hall.
Visit Beethoven House on Bonngasse and then stroll along the riverbank from Kennedybrücke.
Walk through Hofgarten Park towards the University of Bonn and Poppelsdorf Palace, ending your day at the Botanical Garden.
Free Wifi Hotspots
- Telekom hotspots: 30 minutes free daily, more at www.hotspot.de
- Bonn.Nett: Available at various city buildings
- Freifunk: Over 1,000 hotspots in the Bonn-Cologne region, more at freifunk.net
Bonn combines rich history, cultural significance, and a commitment to sustainability, making it a must-visit destination for the eco-conscious traveler. Enjoy your trip to this enchanting city!
My Green Trips 
Leave a comment