Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Bonn, Germany. #Top Attractions

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Up for an adventure? Bonn, Germany has a lot to offer! Here is our hand-picked list of the top activities and attractions in Bonn, Germany, so you can make the most of your time there. Scroll down for the best things to do in Bonn, Germany, and the best places to visit in Bonn, Germany. Wondrous Drifter is a Web 3 travel company that aspires to disrupt the travel industry.

Alter Zoll

Alter Zoll, Bonn, Germany
Alter Zoll is one of the best places to go in Bonn, Germany

Do as the Germans do, take a hike, then grab a beer!

Climb up to a terrace atop the Alter Zoll, which was a bastion in the city’s walls on the Rhine’s left bank.

As the name suggests, the electoral customs house for collecting the Rhine toll used to be located here, in the southeast corner of the medieval city bounds.

The Old Customs House formed part of the city fortifications in 1642 under Elector Ferdinand as the so-called Three Kings Bastion during the Thirty Years’ War. 

Two cannons from the Napoleonic Wars serve as a reminder of the site’s prior military use.

In the beer garden of the Alter Zoll, you may enjoy one of Bonn’s most spectacular views of the Rhine and the Siebengebirge while also enjoying a cold beer.

The Siebengebirge, a range of volcanic hills, may be seen in the distance to the southeast.

Around the bastion, there are also many public art and monuments, such as a statue for writer Ernst Moritz Arndt and an abstract memorial by Ulrich Rückriem for Romantic poet Heinrich Heine.

A short distance from the bastion, A Biergarten also makes most of the beautiful views from the ramparts.

Climb up Alter Zoll on your next visit to Bonn.

Address:  Brassertufer, 53113 Bonn, Germany

Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall)

Altes Rathaus
Altes Rathaus / Thomas Luebke / Flickr

A historic town hall that’s met numerous famous people.

The city of Bonn welcomed countless state guests and crowned heads in the Gobelinzimmer during the Bonn capital era, who signed the city’s golden book and greeted the people of Bonn on the market from the outside stairway.

Bonn’s 18th-century town hall, which still houses the mayor’s offices and reception halls, is located on the eastern edge of Markt.

Bonn’s Altes Rathaus (town hall) is a perfect example of 18th-century Rococo grandeur in pink and gold. The mayor’s office is reached through a double staircase.

When Bonn was proclaimed the capital of West Germany, this majestic structure was the venue of all official business.

Suppose you recall when Bonn was the capital of West Germany. In that case, you may remember seeing this pink and grey facade and staircase during state visits to the Altes Rathaus.

To name a few, John F. Kennedy, Charles de Gaulle, and Mikhail Gorbachev were all welcomed here.

See this beautiful Roccoco-style structure now in Bonn. 

Address: Markt 2, 53111 Bonn, Germany

Arithmeum

Arithmeum
Arithmeum, Bonn / Better Than Bacon / Flickr

Math lovers, assemble!

Arithmeum may not be for you if you have nightmares about math class.

If they don’t, you might find this wide variety of mechanical calculating equipment fascinating, ranging from the abacus to early computers by Hollerith and Babbage.

Changing art shows complement the science side, usually with a geometric constructivist bent.

The Arithmeum is a science and technology museum specializing in mathematics that the University of Bonn runs.

Bernhard Korte, the director of the university’s Research Institute for Discrete Mathematics, donated his own collection of adding machines.

There are now 4,500 adding machines, 800 items of art, 2,000 books, and 500 antique computers in the collection.

The permanent exhibition follows the evolution of machine arithmetic, from abacuses to sophisticated tools like the WWII Enigma cipher machine.

Herman Hollerith’s pioneering punched card tabulator from the 1890s is also displayed. Work your way down from the enormous minimalist glass-and-steel cube’s top floor.

Visit this fantastic museum of mathematics now.

Address: Lennéstraße 2, 53113 Bonn, Germany

Beethoven House

Beethoven House
Beethoven House / Thomas Depenbusch (Depi) / Flickr

“Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life.” – said Beethoven.

The renowned Ludwig van Beethoven was born in Bonn, and visitors may find a memorial to him on Münsterplatz.

Visit Beethoven-Haus if you want to show even more homage to Bonn’s most renowned descendant. 

In 1893, a museum dedicated to his life and accomplishments was established.

Rare objects and records from his life, such as an original portrait of his family, personal letters, and hand-written sheet music, are shown behind a modest façade.

Also, the museum combines two structures: the street-front facade and the back building where Beethoven was born and raised.

Meanwhile, try to examine his equipment, including a death mask and an ear trumpet for his impaired hearing.

All of his best work, including rare recordings, is housed at a digitalized research center with an interactive 3-D exhibition.

Overall, it adds up to the world’s most extensive Beethoven collection.

Pay homage to one of the greatest composers who ever lived by visiting Beethoven’s house now.

Address: Bonngasse 22-24, 53111 Bonn, Germany

Bonn Botanic Gardens

Bonn Botanic Gardens 
Bonn Botanic Gardens  / Francisco Anzola / Flickr

Experience strolling through beautiful lush gardens in Bonn. 

On the grounds of Poppelsdorf Palace lie the Botanic Gardens of Bonn.

There is a lot of history here, going all the way back to 1340.

In fact, it was once the Archbishop of Cologne’s castle grounds.

The castle’s construction, which replaced a previous palace, began in 1715. 

The grounds were redesigned in the Renaissance style that complemented the Baroque palace.

After the damage to the gardens throughout World War II, they were gradually reconstructed between 1979 and 1984.

Presently, this 16-acre park is now accessible to the public and is free on weekdays.

It is home to more than 8,000 plant varieties, including endangered plants like Lady’s Slipper orchids.

Among other things, there is a greenhouse, fern house, Mediterranean house, and a carnivorous plant home. The mineralogy museum is a must-see too!

Overall, the Poppeldorf Palace concerts, which take place at the front of the palace throughout the summer, are a must-attend for any visitors.

Bring your curiosity when you come and visit Bonn’s Botanic Gardens.

Address: Meckenheimer Allee 169, 53115 Bonn, Germany

Bonn Minster

Bonn Minster
Bonn Minster / Kartlyn / Flickr

A beautiful cathedral dating back to the 11th century.

Bonner Münster or Bonn Minster is one of the finest examples of a Romanesque cathedral in the Rhine region.

Bonn’s magnificent cathedral epitomizes the city, with five towers reaching high.

Both a Roman palace and a Christian church had stood on this land.

In fact, it was built between the 11th and 13th centuries. It is one of Germany’s oldest churches and is one of the best preserved.

Admire Gothic elements and Baroque decoration within and around the present restorations.

You might just find the tomb of Siegfried von Westerburg, Archbishop of Cologne from 1275 until 1297, is one of the most recent discoveries.

See this magnificent cathedral that spans centuries.

Address: Gerhard-von-Are, Gangolfstraße 14, 53111 Bonn, Germany

Bundeskunsthalle

Bundeskunsthalle
Bundeskunsthalle / Kartlyn / Flickr

It’s mission? Liv­ing cul­ture and pro­mot­ing cul­tur­al ex­change.

One of the most popular cultural attractions in the country is immediately next to the Kunstmuseum on the Museum Mile.

The Bundeskunsthalle, or Federal Republic of Germany’s Art and Exhibition Hall, is a modern museum dedicated to 20th-century art.

This is the world’s most extensive collection of Rhenish Expressionism, including work by August Macke and Joseph Beuys.

It hosts world-class temporary exhibitions in the disciplines of art, science, technology, and commerce congresses, concerts, film screenings, and annual festivals.

To give you an idea of what goes on, there are up to ten exhibitions at any given time with recent topics.

Take a look at the Kaltes Quadrat or the Cold Square outside the entry.

It is where artist Tom Fecht has laid cobblestones in memory of cultural giants who died due to the AIDS epidemic, including Miles Davis, Michel Foucault, Rock Hudson, and Freddie Mercury.

Pay a visit to this fascinating exhibition hall on your next trip to Bonn.

Address: Helmut-Kohl-Allee 4, 53113 Bonn, Germany

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Haus der Geschichte

Haus der Geschichte, Bonn, Germany
Haus der Geschichte is one of the best places to go in Bonn, Germany

Head back to the past when you visit this museum.

From the end of World War II to the present, Haus der Geschichte presents a thorough look at current German history.

The museum’s vintage cinema lets you experience what it was like in the 1950s. You can also witness the dialogue taking place in the Bundestag.

Since the museum is up-to-date, its exhibits are updated annually to reflect the latest thinking on topics, including reunification and globalization.

You can also tour the museum’s underground exhibits, including Chancellor Konrad Adenauer’s first postwar Mercedes and the official railway parlor used by chancellors until about the 1980s.

Not to mention, you are free to peek at the Roman studio from the 2nd century that was found during museum construction in the 1980s. It is now on display in the museum’s basement.

Learn more about German history when you visit Haus der Geschichte.

Address: Willy-Brandt-Allee 14, 53113 Bonn, Germany

Kunstmuseum Bonn

Kunstmuseum Bonn
Kunstmuseum Bonn / guddb / Flickr

An Axel Schultes Architectural Masterpiece that attracts visitors globally. 

In 1947, Kunstmuseum Bonn was built for the sole purpose of preserving modern and contemporary art.

It focuses on August Macke, one of several founders of Der Blaue Reiter, and his work.

You can go through the world’s most outstanding collection of different works in the style in of Macke.

Moreover, Hanne Darboven Georg Baselitz and Blinky Palermo are among the postwar German artists included.

The Kunstmuseum dedicates three rooms to Joseph Beuys. His work makes up a significant portion of the museum’s collection of over 5,000 different prints.

Furthermore, video art pioneers such as Klaus von Bruch, Dennis Oppenheim, and Joan Jonas are also shown at the exhibition.

Check this interesting museum out now to see beautiful modern contemporary art.

Münsterplatz

Münsterplatz, Bonn
Münsterplatz / Thorsten Hansen / Flickr

The largest town square is located in the heart of the city.

The area opposite Bonn Minster is the city’s largest, yet the church isn’t the only exciting thing to see here.

You must photograph the Beethoven Monument, designed by Ernst Hähnel and built by Jacob Daniel Burgschmiet in 1845. The statue was inaugurated during a festival directed by Franz Liszt, which lasted several days.

There are musical forms, including phantasy, fidelio, spiritual, and eroica represented at the base of Beethoven’s statue.

Furthermore, there is a Palais de la Poste, a bright yellow neoclassical post office that sits behind the monument.

Bonn’s city life currently revolves around this square.

In the autumn, the yearly Bonn-Fest is held, and in the winter, a wonderful Weihnachtsmarkt is held (Christmas Market). 

From December 1 through Christmas Eve, the Rathaus is transformed into a massive Advent calendar, opening new windows every day.

Plan a trip to Bonn now and visit the Münsterplatz.

Address: Münsterpl.53111 Bonn, Germany

Museum Koenig

Museum Koenig, Bonn, Germany
Museum Koenig is one of the best places to go in Bonn, Germany

Exciting natural exhibitions for all ages.

The Alexander Koenig Zoological Research Museum is one of Germany’s most important natural history museums. It focuses on researching and understanding the world’s diverse species.

To begin with, the atrium of the building housing Bonn’s world-class zoological museum hosted a historic event in 1948: the inauguration session of FDR’s parliamentary council.

The museum is named after Alexander Koenig, a Bonn-born naturalist. He embarked on journeys to the Arctic and Africa in the nineteenth century.

“Our Blue Planet – the Living Network,” the primary display, describes complex ecological processes in a way that both children and adults can understand. 

This uses convincing dioramas of tropical rainforests and polar regions.

It continues via tropical deserts, polar ice worlds, and back to central Europe. The program is completed with special exhibitions. 

Visit one of Germany’s most significant natural museums now.

Address: Adenauerallee 160, 53113 Bonn, Germany

Poppelsdorf Palace

Poppelsdorf Palace, Bonn, Germany
Poppelsdorf Palace is one of the best places to go in Bonn, Germany

Marvel at the grandeur of this beautiful baroque-style palace.

An astonishing Baroque palace was constructed on the ruins of Poppelsdorf Castle in 1715.

However, it was destroyed in the 1580s Cologne War.

This beautiful site, which dates back to 1340, was once the Archbishop of Cologne’s castle grounds.

The castle’s construction, which replaced a previous palace, began in 1715.

The grounds were redesigned in the Renaissance style to complement the Baroque palace.

In fact, the University of Bonn has owned the building and grounds for about 200 years.

Moreover, a steeply pitched roof, quoins, and a double stairwell decorate the building’s French classical exterior.

Wander down through the charming circular courtyard, constructed in an Italianate style.

Stroll through the palace grounds now, and you’ll have a great time.

Address: Meckenheimer Allee 171, 53115 Bonn, Germany

Rheinisches Landesmuseum Bonn

Rheinisches Landesmuseum Bonn, Bonn, Germany
Rheinisches Landesmuseum Bonn is one of the best places to go in Bonn, Germany

Head down to the Museum der Geschichte, one of Germany’s oldest historical institutions.

Rheinisches Landesmuseum Bonn houses a variety of critical historical busts and figurines dating back to the Roman era.

This museum explores the Middle Rhineland’s archaeological, cultural, and artistic history in a distinctive edifice encased by a glass cube shell. It had a significant renovation in 2003.

From the time of the Neanderthals to the current day, you will be guided through seven themed exhibition areas that everyone of all ages will enjoy.

Moreover, the museum’s primary focus is antiquity and the Bronze Age.

You’ll find the Waldalgesheim chariot burial, a cache of gold rings, a bronze pot from a Celtic cemetery from 400 BC, or the museum’s many Roman steles and sculptures.

The Sun God and Zodiac Mosaic, which dates from 270 and is in perfect condition, depicts Sol Invictus driving his chariot through the sky, surrounded by zodiac signs.

See all this museum has to offer when you visit Bonn.

Address: Colmantstraße 14-16, 53115 Bonn, Germany

 Schloss Drachenburg

 Schloss Drachenburg
Schloss Drachenburg / Natalie Maguire / Flickr

You’ll get the chance to go around a gothic renaissance castle.

Schloss Drachenburg, positioned above the Rhine and an accessible day excursion from Bonn, is built in the Gothic Revival style.

In fact, Stephan von Sarter, a rich banker, ordered the construction of this castle near Drachenfels around 1884.

However, he actually never resided there, and the castle changed ownership multiple times before being declared a historical landmark.

Even more so, the inside of the house is decorated out in grandiose Baroque splendor.

Even still, the views of the Rhine and Bonn are what really make this a must-see.

It’s a European Garden Heritage Network site, and the stairways and statues make it easy to get about the hilly area.

Furthermore, a long trek up beyond the castle to an earlier ruin are two options for trekkers looking to get to the summit of the mountain.

Plan an adventure to Bonn now, and don’t forget to visit this pretty castle.

Address: Drachenfelsstraße 118, 53639 Königswinter, Germany

Wildpark Venusberg

Wildpark Venusberg, Bonn, Germany
Wildpark Venusberg is one of the best places to go in Bonn, Germany

A nature getaway a few mins from the city.

The Waldau forest, on the southern slope of the Venusberg hill in Bonn’s south, is well-known for its animal habitats, which can be visited via a woodland trail.

Wildpark Venusberg is one of Bonn’s most popular recreation areas and public parks.

It is a perfect place to get away from the city’s hustle and bustle without traveling far.

Moreover, it boasts a magnificent restaurant, Waldau, within its grounds, play places for youngsters, plenty of pathways to bike or walk, and the most popular feature, the animal cages.

Forested areas of the park are home to a variety of wildlife, including species of deer like red and fallow deer and also wild boar.

Overall, the site includes an information center that highlights the ecosystem of the vast Kottenforst.

When in Bonn, plan a trip to Wildpark Venusberg, especially if you are on a budget!

Need more reasons to visit Bonn, Germany? Visit reasons to visit Bonn, Germany, at least once in your lifetime here.

Address: An der Waldau, Bonn, Germany, 53127

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