Introduction

Located on the Rhine, Bonn was once the capital of West Germany, and remains an important player in the country's political scene. Its most famous resident was Ludwig van Beethoven, but Bonn is highly regarded today for its high-quality universities, vibrant culture and stunning architecture.

City Center

Bonn's city center is characterized by the pedestrian district, with its many shops in the Sternstraße. There is also a weekly Marktplatz, the Münsterbasilika and the large University. Numerous pubs, breweries and restaurants also make the city center a popular place. The Beethovendenkmal, Lennehaus and Abgeordneten-Hochhaus are rich with historical importance and are popular stops among visitors.

Beuel

This district on the eastern side of the Rhine is connected to the city center by the Kennedy Bridge, and is well known for its "fifth season" Bonner Karneval. Today the memorial to the laundry women honors the pioneers of Weiberfastnacht (Women's Carnival) in 1824. The plaque on the Synagogenplatz in Beuel is a reminder of the Beuel Synagogue that once stood there. The Heimatmuseum Beuel is devoted entirely to the local customs and rich history of Beuel.

Endenich and Ippendorf

This area is particularly known for the Schumannhaus, where famed composer Robert Schumann once lived. Today there is a music bookshop here as well as a memorial room. The Springmaus in the Frongasse is famous for being the place where many local performers get their start.

If you're attracted by nature, then the Ippendorf area should please you; the Bonn city forest can be found there. It is a recreation area containing Waldau, a children's area in which the animal enclosure is the most popular attraction. A visit to the Haus der Natur (House of Nature) is also delightful. It houses many kinds of animals and plants that can be found in the local forest, and features a large, outdoor herbgarden.

Bonn Altstadt (Old Town)

The Old Town extends to the council office buildings to the north, and has a distinctly urban feel. Here there is a multitude of pubs and restaurants for those who like a bit of fun. If you're inclined towards art, then you should visit the Kunstcarre (Artists' Square) as well as the Bonn Art Society, Art Forum, Women's Museum and the August-Macke-Haus.

The Plittersdorf district has rather different sights to offer. The Deutsche Museum Bonn is found here, as well as the headquarters of the Voluntary Organisation of the United Nations, which is situated right by the Rhine. Bordering Plittersdorf is the Rheinaue Freizeitpark (Leisure Park) with the Ausee Lake. A large flea market takes place here every third Sunday of the month. Also popular is the Pützchens Markt, which is also the site of a popular folk festival.

Poppelsdorf, Muffendorf and Schweinheim

The Poppelsdorf is a classical Bonn district. With its lovely art nouveau houses dating all the way back to 1871, this area is popular among families for its safe, mostly residential streets. Around the Poppeldorfer Castle and Botanical Gardens there are many nice cafes, restaurants and pubs.

Often undiscovered, since it is quite far from the center, is the magical city district of Muffendorf, with pretty half-timbered houses and picturesque courtyards. This area was once a wine growing industry, though today only a few wine bars are reminders of this time. A look at the Kommende is also worthwhile. Schweinheim is west of the Kottenforst nature park and east of Bad Godesberg; be sure to go for a nice walk or visit the Marienforst cloister here.

Bad Godesberg

Bad Godesberg itself, known as a health resort, is of course worth a visit, and the Godesburg is not its only attraction. The Kurpark spa gardens lies close to the city and the Kurfürstenbad spa borders the nice facades of the Ballrooms and Town Hall. In addition, Bad Godesberg has a popular chamber theater and a small theater in the park. A side trip to the Aennchenplatz and a break at the Lindenwirtin is also delightful.

The Museum Mile and government quarter features a multitude of museums and political institutions. The Museum Alexander Koenig, Haus der Geschichte (House of History), Art Museum and the Federal Art & Exhibition Hall can be visited here. Or stop by the Adenauerdenkmal, a memorial to Konrad Adenauer on the Bundeskanzlerplatz, the Palais Schaumburg and the Villa Hammerschmidt.