Bonn, Germany
The former capital of West Germany is a compact city offering the visitor an easy to explore world of historic buildings and modern art.
The former capital of West Germany is a compact city offering the visitor an easy to explore world of historic buildings and modern art.
With a thriving art scene, perhaps bolstered by its student population, Bonn makes the perfect place for an alternative city break.
Traditions and culture in Bonn
Prior to the reunification of Germany in 1990, Bonn acted as the capital of West Germany, which means the city is packed to the rafters with beautiful diplomatic buildings, sweeping pavements and lush open spaces.
Today, the city is a haven for artists, musicians and students, thanks to the rather impressive university. The study of art is actively encouraged and promoted, which means that visitors are inundated with public works and installations on almost every street corner.
Of course, religion is another historically significant part of life in Bonn. The city's cathedral and plethora of imposing churches are testament to this.
Food is typically German and comprises of plenty of meat, vegetables and beer. A bratwurst in the market square, an ice cream in Kaiserplatz and a pint of regional ale in the trendy Old Town are all must-dos when it comes to food.
Recommended in Bonn
One of Europe's largest flea markets takes place at the Rheinaue Park between April and October. Held on the third Saturday of the month the event is a haven for treasure-seeking tourists.
Of course getting to Bonn requires a cheap flight to Cologne and this may encourage visitors to take a detour to the larger city for a trip to its impressive cathedral. The gothic edifice is immense and conveniently situated just outside the train station.
The old town of Bonn with its winding cobbled streets and independent art galleries at every turn is well worth a visit. Explore the galleries and stop by the street-side cafes during the day and spend the evenings playing a game of chess or discussing the great German philosophers with locals in one of the area's many backstreet bars.
Then there is the house where Beethoven was born, several amazing museums, the picture-perfect Kurfurstliches Schloss and the chocolate-box style Town Hall.
Weather in Bonn
Like the rest of Germany, weather in Bonn is rather similar to that in the UK – if only a touch warmer. Season's are clearly defined, meaning that is gets rather warm in the bustling summer months and quite cold during winter. Expect snow towards the latter part of the year and pleasant temperatures from the start of spring onwards.
Destination checklist for Bonn
The official language is German and the currency in use is the Euro. The country dialling code for Germany is +49 and Bonn is one hour ahead of GMT.
