Bonn, Germany

What makes this pretty town on the Rhine so attractive is a mixture of the personal flair of a small town and the large, versatile range of cultural entertainment usually found in a big city. In Bonn's city center there are cinemas, museums, nightclubs and theaters. The suburbs of Bad Godesberg and Beuel also have plenty to offer.

Cinema

Bonn's biggest and most modern multiplex cinema is the Kinopolis, in Bad Godesburg. Premieres of international films are held here, and some are shown in English. In the city center, at Beethovenplatz, you have a choice of three cinemas: the Comet, the Rex and the Metropol. Bonn's cheapest cinema is the WOKI at Bertha-von-Suttner-Platz. Many real classics are shown, but also the latest releases, and all that for around EUR 3.

Museums

Bonn's many museums are not to be missed. Museum Mile, which stretches from the southern end of town up to Bad Godesberg, offers a variety of changing exhibitions. The Museum Alexander König holds an important zoological collection of preserved animals of all kinds. The Haus der Geschichte entertainingly informs visitors about Germany's history after 1945, with many photographs and exhibits. Bonn's Kunstmuseum is also worth mentioning. It focuses on 20th century expressionist art and attracts many visitors.

There are also other museums outside the Museum Mile, such as Deutsche Museum Bonn in Bad Godesberg. It specializes in the major technological developments in Germany, and features many hands-on exhibits.

Clubs and Discos

Bonn's nightlife is not to be underestimated. There are three discos in the city center, which attract a younger crowd. The Carpe Noctem close to the station mainly plays rock music, and the Falle spins a rather good mix of soul and hip hop. In the Halli Galli at Bertha-von-Suttner-Platz, party vibes à la Mallorca can be enjoyed—if you're into that kind of atmosphere. The Pantheon at the Bundeskanzlerplatz is to be particularly recommended, as it is a multi-functional center for either disco nights, comedy shows or concerts. For a night out dancing during the week, the N8schicht is the place to be.

Theaters

Bonn has a good selection of small and larger theaters in the city center, but also in all other parts of town. The best place for cabaret is the Springmaus in Beuel. The Seidenfädchen in Bad Godesberg is a marionette theater and performs especially for young children. A few years back the University of Bonn founded the Bonn University Shakespeare Company and now regularly performs plays by the great English poet. If you prefer traditional theater, see a play at the Kammerspielen or in the Gustav-Heinemann Haus.

Sport

Aside from numerous sport associations, there is a wide range of opportunities for sports enthusiasts. The Beueler Hallenbad you can swim in summer or winter. An ideal place for relaxation is the Kurfürstenbad in Bad Godesberg. The basketball team Telekom Baskets Bonn play in the national league and offers fans exciting live games. For your own health and fitness, the Tennis- und Squash Park in Pützchen is a good location. They offer ten courts for a low price. After an exhausting match you can go straight to the sauna.

There are many lodging options available in Bonn. You'll find the most variety in places to stay throughout the city center, Bad Godesberg and, further afield, in the area around the Siebengebirge mountains.

City Center

If centrally located hotels are your preference, then Hotel Bristol by the Poppelsdorf Palace is ideal. There is a swimming pool and comfortable, well-appointed rooms. The Hotel Residence on the Kaiserplatz is also a good option, with a sauna, solarium and complimentary breakfast buffet available to guests. The Savoy Hotel and the Hotel Beethoven both offer guests easy access to the bustling pedestrian zone. The view of the Siebengebirge from the balcony at the Beethoven is also a major draw. Don't miss the traditional German offerings created by the remarkable staff at the Savoy's bistro. Be sure to look into the centrally-located Hotel Collegium Leoninum, which features stunning neo-classical architecture and sleek and modern refurbished rooms.

The Holiday Inn is always a good choice for those looking to save some money, and the Hotel Europa is a nice option if you want to stay in the city center. You can also take advantage of a package stay, with options like travel tickets to Phantasialand in Brühl or a three day cycling tour. The Ibis Hotel and the Hotel Consul are popular with business travelers, while the Hotel Baden evokes an elegant, 18th century décor that couples and families appreciate.

Bad Godesberg

Deluxe accommodation can be found at the Maritim Hotel in Bad Godesberg, where an entire fitness area is at your disposal. If you can live without lavish amenities, you'll definitely be able to find a room in a four-star hotel in Bonn. The Rheinhotel Dreesen has been around for the last 100 years. Like the Best Western Kaiserhof, which has been around since 1902, the house has a great view of the Siebengebirge mountains. The Hotel Burgblick offers comfortable rooms equipped with water-beds, and a little something extra: a free three-day public transit pass with their rooms. The hotel is located in a secluded area, and so is a popular alternative to the accommodation that can be found in the city center, since it is still just steps away from the central station.

One hotel that comes highly recommended is the Hotel Eden, which is situated on the Redoute close to the Godesburg. The Hotel Flora is just as good a choice. Emphasis here is placed on exquisite furniture and the atmosphere is in keeping with the building: a Jugendstil villa. The cafe on the outdoor terrace at the Insel Hotel offers a haven of relaxation for those looking to kick back and relax. Check their website for route planning services, to ensure you get the most out of your stay.

Poppelsdorf and Old Town

The Amber Hotel President is close to the Botanical Gardens and the Poppelsdorf Palace. Tourists will find it convenient, as many major transit lines are located just a few blocks away. The Kaiser Karl Hotel is situated in a central location and decorated with classic Jugendstil furniture. Guests also enjoy the traditional English-style bar and indulge in the gourmet cuisine at the in-hotel restaurant. The elegant courtyard at the Hotel Avalon features a lush garden, perfect for taking a relaxing stroll through. Balconies come with every room, which are decorated with 17th century-style furnishings.