We present

Insider tips for Bonn from Deutsches Haus

from Cora Huebner-Stauf

Deutsches Haus

Bonn in a different way: on tour with the night watchman

Promenade with a view: my suggestion for the morning

Invigorated by an extended and rich breakfast, we stroll through Bonngasse to Beethoven’s birthplace, today a museum. Then, we pass, via Sternstraße, the famous house with the chimes. Left hand, walking through Vivatsgasse, we traverse Altes Stadttor and finally reach Münsterplatz with the Beethoven monument. My very personal suggestion: don’t fail to have a short break at historic “Milchhäuschen” (now MIDI-Café) and enjoy the marvelous view over Bonn’s Minster!

After a delicious coffee or, alternatively, a cool drink, we stroll towards University of Bonn. Along the way, we cross Kaiserplatz with Kreuzkirche and enjoy the fantastic view over the entire Poppelsdorfer Allee. To the left, behind the university building, we turn to magnificent Hofgarten and continue walking towards Rhine promenade. Passenger boat “Filia Rheni” suggests a short excursion to Königswinter, along the former government district with assembly room, waterworks, and Langer Eugen. After arriving there, we continue walking towards the lower terminus of Drachenfelsbahn. Germany’s oldest rack-railway transports us on 220m high Drachenfels hill from where we enjoy a dreamlike view over the whole Rhine valley. Under fair weather conditions, even Köln is within sight.

Descent from Drachenfels

We take the way back to the valley. So we have many opportunities to marvel at the numerous points of interest by the wayside. Furthermore, there is the caringly restored Drachenburg Palace inviting hungry walkers to a break at the Bistro. Those wanting to learn more about the dreamlike surroundings can pay a visit to the attached museum of the history of nature protection. Then we continue descending at slow pace, through the picturesque lanes of Königswinter towards landing stage to take our boat in the direction of Bonn.

Traditional cake: my suggestion for the afternoon

What would be a vacation day in Bonn without delicious coffee and homemade cake? For the afternoon, I thus recommend some hearty refreshment at tradition-rich Caféhaus Kleimann. It’s quite easy to reach: from Bonn’s Rhine promenade, we stroll towards the Opera House, enjoy the historic sights of the city, and finally stop in the very snug ambiance of this traditional café. Owner family Jachmich produces cakes as if by magic – there is the agony of choice. Satisfied and happy, we stroll back to the hotel to have a short rest in our cozy room.

Rhenish charm at Brauhaus Bönnsch

For the evening, I suggest a really authentic experience: Rhenish charm in unadulterated form! Brauhaus Bönnsch at Friedensplatz is exactly the right place. Here one enjoys Rhenish savoir-vivre with home-brewed beer and regional delicacies. Thanks to its central situation and atmospheric ambiance, Brauhaus Bönnsch ensures best preconditions for a tranquil and snug epilogue of the evening. Try Rhenish specialties such as hearty roast meat or peas stew – freshly prepared according to seasons.

A slightly different city tour: on the way with the night guard

Up for a slightly different city tour? In this case, my suggestion for the evening should please you. At nightfall, we have an appointment with Bonn’s night guard who’s waiting for us at Alter Zoll/Brassertufer. We’ll make a magic time journey into historic-electoral Bonn of the 17th century. Strolling through the remote lanes and angles of the city, we have an idea of the dangers Bonn’s citizens were exposed to during that period of time. After am exciting tour of about two hours, we have deserved a small night-cup: at tradition-rich inn “Zum Gequetschten”, we conclude the evening with a good Koelsch and enjoy the amazing atmosphere. Fortunately, our way back to the hotel is quite short and there we can let ourselves be pampered after a beautiful day.