Thrust into the limelight as the new capital of West Germany in 1949, Bonn is a beautiful riverside city. Famed for its abundance of heritage landmarks and cultural attractions, it has long been a favourite destination for arts and history-minded travellers from within Germany and further afield. The city’s fantastic choice of accommodation options reflects its unique fusion of old and new; our list of the best places to stay in Bonn includes everything from an art nouveau townhouse to a futuristic riverside design hotel.

Appealingly compact, with a well-preserved Old Town and an impressive ‘Museum Mile’, Bonn is great fun to explore on foot or two wheels. Guided tours come highly recommended, as there’s so much history to discover. Admire grand state buildings, now transformed into spectacular exhibition spaces, and world-class museums including the Kunstmuseum, Bundeskunsthalle and a plethora of great galleries. Don’t miss stepping into the enormous Münster Basilica on Münsterplatz, where the city was originally founded, for a sense of Bonn’s turbulent history. Germany’s recent past is charted at the Haus der Geschichte, whilst 20th century technology is detailed at the Deutsches Museum Bonn.

Music lovers will already know Bonn as the birthplace of Beethoven. The house in which the composer was born in Bonngasse is now a fantastic small museum — definitely a highlight! Other sites of interest include the university complex and the Poppelsdorfer Schloss, surrounded by manicured botanical gardens. Keen ramblers and cyclists will find myriad paths in and around the city, and boat trips on the Rhine are a delight on long summer evenings. The Christmas Market is charming, and the annual Beethoven Festival enormously popular — book your room at one of the best places to stay in Boon well in advance!

The Best Places to Stay in Bonn

For a City Break

• Collegium Leoninum began life — as the name suggests — as a college. Now a comfortable modern hotel with 70 guest rooms and an elegant restaurant, it's a brilliant choice for a city break. The superb central setting is ideal for exploring on foot, and rates are reasonable.
• Sternhotel, also wonderfully located near the marketplace and town hall, has more indulgent interiors. Think large sash windows, big cosy beds and contemporary furnishings. The best rooms have soaking tubs, and generous breakfasts are served each morning. Families are welcome.
• Living Hotel Kanzler is a swish spot with stylish guest rooms decorated in cream and burgundy. Suites have writing desks and kitchenettes, and big marble bathroms are lovely. Set on Bonn's 'Museum Mile' this is a culture-focused favourite. Previously a government building, and now boasting a gym, spa and sauna, plus a helpful concierge service.

For a Tranquil Boutique Base

• Villa Godesberg comprises two impressive art nouveau villas on the outskirts of the city. Surrounded by leafy gardens, this boutique bolthole boasts 24 guest rooms, all decorated in soothing tones. Savour hearty breakfasts in the conservatory, kick back in the gardens or hop aboard complimentary bicycles to explore this quiet part of Bonn.
• V Hotel, set within a small forest close to the city, is an unusual wood and glass building. Offering 42 guest rooms within the main building and surrounding treehouses, this is an appealingly laid-back retreat. Design-led interiors are cool and contemporary, with big windows framing forest views. Promising the best of city and country to couples and families alike.

For Riverside Luxury

• Kameha Grand is an ultra-modern design hotel perched on the banks of the River Rhine. Reminiscent of a spaceship, this glittering glass and metal structure has a futuristic feel, with spacious, individually appointed guest rooms, curved walls and a striking rooftop pool. Restaurants onsite include a fabulous Japanese eatery. For contemporary luxury on the riverbank.
• Rheinhotel Dreesen, just 8km along the Rhine from Bonn, has a more classic look. Elegant guest rooms with high ceilings and private balconies with river views are wonderful for unwinding. Opulent banquet halls host fabulous celebrations, and there's a large beer garden for soaking up the sunshine in the summer months. Classic, romantic and luxurious.

FOR A PRIVATE HOUSE OR APARTMENT

• If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private house, visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Bonn is easily accessible from Cologne Bonn Airport, just 25km from the city centre. Excellent transport links make travelling into the city by bus or train swift and simple.
• The North Rhine-Westphalia region is great for a road trip! Contact our partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Peak season falls in July and August, when visitors can expect the most sunshine. However this is also when the city is at its most crowded and accommodation is likely to be more expensive. Bonn is also wonderfully charming in winter, and the Christmas markets are a highlight!

STILL NOT SURE?

• Expand your search to see the best places to stay in Cologne.
• Alternatively, explore our pick of the best places to stay in North Rhine-Westphalia.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.