Bonn Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany)

While Bonn served as the German capital until reunification, it also offers plenty of great tourist attractions worth a visit in their own right. True highlights include many impressive churches and historical buildings, which commemorate Bonn's most famous sons and daughters.

Outdoor fans will enjoy the numerous open-air swimming pools and the nearby attractions within the nature reserve, while the ancient market place still sees lively trading.

Poppelsdorfer Schloss (Poppelsdorf Castle)

Address: Meckenheimer Allee 171, Bonn, D-53115, Germany, DE
Tel: +49 0228 73 2761
Construction on this fine Bonn castle began in 1715, initiated by Elector Joseph Clemens. Clemens August finally completed it some 40 years later, making it the most eye-catching structure in Poppelsdorf Allee's west end. Standing on an open plot of land, it is reminiscent of French and Italian styles, with its round, curved court and four wings. The castle itself is surrounded by the beautiful horticultural attractions within the Botanic Gardens.
Open hours: Wednesday - 15:00 to 17:00; Sunday - 10:00 to 12:00
Admission: charge

August Macke Haus (House of August Macke)

Address: Bornheimer Strasse 96, Bonn, D-53119, Germany, DE
Tel: +49 0228 65 5331
This classical residence within the city of Bonn was home to August Macke, the expressionist painter who stayed here from 1911 onwards with his family. The city bought the house in 1989, renovated it to its original condition and declared it open to the community. It certainly merits a visit, not just for the reason that it serves to keep the memory of the painter alive, but it portrays an interesting account of his life. He is remembered through all the items and contemporary documents and similar attractions on show here. The attic contains his studio, where almost 400 of his art works were created.
Open hours: Tuesday - Friday 14:30 -18:00, Saturday and Sunday 11:00 - 17:00
Admission: charge

Kreuzbergkirche

Address: Stationsweg 21, Bonn, D-53127, Germany, DE
Tel: +49 0228 28 999
The well-known Kreuzbergkirche is situated in the charming Poppelsdorf district of Bonn. The site attracted many pilgrims until the Baroque church was constructed here in early part of the 17th century. Elector Clemens August officiated the adding of the entrance. The celebrated draughtsman Balthasar Neumann designed the superb stone staircase, which takes you to the altar and past a number of impressive period attractions. In the mid-1990s, the church was restored at a cost of around one million euros, as was the partially missing original decoration from the mid-18th century.
Open hours: daily, April to October, 09:00 - 18:30, November to March, 09:00 - 17:00
Admission: no charge

Hardtbergbad

Address: In der Dehlen, Bonn, D-53125, Germany, DE
Tel: +49 0228 62 6218
The open-air Hardtbergbad is located on a mountain and is Bonn's highest swimming pool. In good weather, is it even possible to enjoy views of the nearby Cologne Cathedral from this elevated setting. This is also the only combo-swimming pool in the region, featuring an indoor swimming pool along with other pools, as well as those set aside for teaching. The outdoor pool is particularly large and impressive, and always popular in good weather. Children will enjoy the attractions of the paddling pool, with water jet, splash area and a 30-metre / 98-foot long water slide. In the late 1980s, the prestigious European Water Polo Championships for women were held here.
Open hours: daily 06:30 - 19:30
Admission: charge

Marktplatz (Market Place)

Address: Markt, Bonn, D-53111, Germany, DE
This market place dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was Bonn's trading centre. Today vendors still put up stalls here, selling fruits and vegetables. The square hosts many events and crowd-pulling attractions in the summer, such as music, charity and multi-cultural festivals. The majority of these open-air events can be attended for free. People also visit the Market Square for its numerous cafés and restaurants, which often boast outdoor tables. Three cinemas and various shops line the edge of the square.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: no charge