Bonn
INTERNATIONALITY MEETS LOCAL CULTURE

Bonn's Münster on Münsterplatz is a central meeting place for Bonn residents and students. © Bauz/DAAD
Bonn Minster© Bauz/DAAD

The city of Bonn is like a big family of very different children – famous artists, crazy Carnival lovers, international politicians and, in the midst of them all, about 47,000 students. This is where centuries of history come alive and where all serious businesspeople transform into cheerful Carnival revellers.

Facts

329,673 Inhabitants ¹

46,858 Students ²

3 Higher education institutions²

WELCOME TO BONN

During the years of German division between 1949 and 1990, Bonn was the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany. That’s why several federal ministries still have their headquarters here. Numerous political and public institutions provide the city its international flair, such as the UN Campus and 150 non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Bonn is home to several international corporations like Deutsche Telekom and the large postal and logistics company Deutsche Post DHL.

Bonn’s most famous son is the composer Ludwig van Beethoven, who was born here in 1770. His statue at the Münsterplatz watches over the daily life of Bonn’s residents. Right next to it, you’ll see the large minster, a Catholic church dating back to the Middle Ages. From here, you can follow Remigiusstrasse to the marketplace where you will discover the Old City Hall with its beautifully ornate façade.

Tip

It’s a warm summer evening and there’s still plenty of time before you have to hand in your next term paper? Then get together with some friends and have a beer at the Alter Zoll! With its large lawns and beautiful view of the Rhine, the Alter Zoll is an extremely popular place among students.

Carnival is a major event which takes place every year in Bonn. The Carnival days are sometimes referred to as the “fifth season of the year” culminating in six days in February or March. So don’t be surprised if you happen to be standing in the queue at the bakery behind someone in a cow costume. Dress up in costume too and join the party! Rhenish Carnival revellers are known for their friendly, open manner.

HUGO FROM BRAZIL

LIVING IN BONN

Although Bonn isn’t a very large city, there are plenty of cultural events to enjoy. Along the “Museum Mile” you can visit the , for example, and take an exciting tour of German history since 1945. Other popular museums include the , which regularly features major art and cultural history exhibitions, and the .

You can go hiking in the Siebengebirge. We recommend taking a tour of the Drachenfels castle ruins which are visible for miles around. From up top, you have a fantastic view of Bonn and the region.

When the weather’s nice, you can meet with friends at the Rheinaue, Bonn’s largest park, and lie out in the sun or play sports together. The large lawn at the Hofgarten in front of the university’s impressive main building is another great place to hang out. There are always a lot of students sitting there when the weather is good.

There are several good restaurants and places to eat on Clemens-August-Strasse in the Poppelsdorf disctrict.

Links

Bonn’s historic part of town is a popular meeting place for students. You’ll find numerous pubs with student-friendly prices, in other words, the drinks are relatively cheap.

How to find a room in Bonn

Many university and college towns have dormitories or student halls, and a room there is often the most affordable accommodation. To obtain a room in a dormitory or student hall, you have to apply to your college or university’s student union (). Our ‘Find Student Hall’ function can be of practical help. You only need to make a few mouse clicks to get to the online application form. Find a room and more information about dormitories and student halls in Bonn.

Sources
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² 

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