Germany’s former capital is in the mid-west of the country, with Cologne to the north-west and Frankfurt to the south-east. It is perhaps best known as the birthplace of Beethoven. A train to Bonn will bring visitors to a culture-rich city with world-class museums and a picturesque location on the banks of the Rhine. Visitors can travel by train to Bonn from Cologne in just 22 minutes, and a train to Bonn from Dusseldorf involves a journey of 1h34mins, both with Inter-City trains. The main railway station is Bonn Hauptbahnhof, on the left bank of the Rhine, on the Cologne–Mainz line. The Deutsche Bahn network serves the station with Inter-City and Inter-City Express trains.
Visiting Bonn
A 4-minute walk north-east from the main station is all it takes to arrive at the Münsterplatz, which is a major square housing a monument to Beethoven. Then, a further 4-minute stroll, through the market square and via the Old Town, takes visitors to Beethoven-Haus, a museum commemorating the great composer. A refreshing breath of flowery fresh air is to be had in the nearby Hofgarten, where joggers, picnickers and strollers can enjoy the greenery. The park is located just behind the imposing facade of the Kurfürstliches Schloss (Electoral Palace), which is now the main building of the University of Bonn. Those visiting this city should not miss a stroll along the banks of the Rhine, on the purpose-built promenade.
Culture vultures will love Bonn’s “Museum Mile”, where Germany’s ancient and contemporary history museums sit alongside museums of zoology, national and international culture, and the collections of the Kunstmuseum Bonn (Bonn Art Museum), which shows works of internationally-recognised contemporary German artists.
When it’s time for a refreshment, visitors in Bonn city centre are spoilt for choice, with international dining opportunities available alongside traditional German specialities. Am Hof is a particularly good street to head for, thanks to all the bistros and restaurants for fine dining that can be found there, as well as numerous bars and Bierkellers to provide ample opportunity for a refreshing stein or two.