Half a Day in Bonn: The Perfect Mini-Itinerary

If you’re short on time but want to experience the charm of one of Germany’s most historic cities, spending half a day in Bonn is a perfect choice. Once the capital of West Germany, Bonn is a city with deep cultural roots, cozy streets, and a laid-back riverside atmosphere. It’s also the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven, making it a must-visit for music lovers.

Thanks to its compact size, Bonn is easy to explore on foot, and you can see many of its highlights in just a few hours. Whether you’re visiting as a day trip from Cologne (only 30–40 minutes by train) or stopping by on your way through the Rhineland, this mini-itinerary will show you the best things to do in Bonn in half a day.

Morning (or Afternoon) Highlights – What to See in Half a Day in Bonn

Beethoven’s House (Beethoven-Haus)

Beethoven is the most famous person from Bonn, and it shows. You’ll see a lot of Beethoven sculptures and merchanize everywhere around the city center (there’s a sculpture of him in the main square). Obviously, his house is the most famous landmark. You can buy the tickets in the store right in front of the house, and then enter the museum. It’s an old house, with creeking floors and narrow steps. There’s quite some of his things – including letters (many fascimiles), devices to help with his deafness, and even one of his pianos. There’s also a room where you can hear some of his compositions from the young ages, and the music room plays the Moonlight Sonata while showing the original sheetmusic. The entrance in 2025 is 14€ for an adult.

Bonn Minster (Bonner Münster)

The Bonn Minster is one of the oldest churches in Germany and a landmark of the city. Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, it is a fine example of Romanesque architecture. It’s located right next to the square with the statue of Beethoven.

Old Town (Altstadt) Walk

Bonn’s Old Town (Altstadt) is compact, charming, and easy to explore on foot. As you wander through the cobblestone streets, you’ll pass colorful houses, independent shops, and lively squares. The Market Square (Marktplatz) is the heart of the Altstadt, home to the elegant Old Town Hall with its pastel pink façade. When I was there, there was a few vendors selling street food, and there was also a scenary being built. This area is also full of cafés and bakeries, and quite some restaurants, so there’s plenty of food options around.

Haribo store

Haribo is originally from Bonn, and it’s a shortening of the founder’s name Hans Riegel Bonn. This popular store was started in 1921, and nowadays you can buy candy in the city center and in some locations more on the outskirts. It’s a cute store to visit, and a danger if you like candy.

Botanical Garden

If you’re looking for a calmer escape, head to the Botanical Garden of Bonn University, which takes around 20 min walking from the main station. The frst sight is that of the Poppelsdorf Palace, a building completed in 1740, which currently contains a mineral collection. Behind the Palace, you will find the Botanical Gardens, with greenhouses, and seasonal flower displays. It’s a lovely place for a short stroll, especially in spring and summer when everything is in bloom. I particularly liked the water lillies, as they had a lot of different types.

Final Thoughts: Is Half a Day in Bonn Enough?

While Bonn has a beautiful city center, the area containing the points of interest is quite small, so half a day is plenty to see the main sights unless you plan to visit several museums. However, the Beethoven museum alone is worth the trip to Bonn. The trip to Bonn can be easily combined with a trip to Cologne, which is only 30-40 min away by train.