Bonn was an earlier capital of the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and is situated by the river Rhine some 20 km south of Cologne. The city is a popular spot for large scale exhibitions and conferences. It is such a nice city to be explored on bike and there rental bikes are too available at the train station from Deutsche Bahn at platform. There many important landmarks are located at Bonn, which are very popular with perspective of a tourist’s visit and out look.

•    University Main Building, Regina Pacis Weg: It is in the former residential palace of the Archbishop and Kurfürst of Cologne. It was developed by the Enrico Zuccalli from 1697-1705. It spreads across from from Kaiserplatz to the Rhine. It gates therefore are named as Stockentor and Koblenzer Tor. Though its building looks impressive and beautiful outside, however it requires a renovation from inside.

•    Kreuzbergkirche: It is a beautiful church and is made in baroque architectural style. Presently it serves both as a church and a German language and culture school, however is best known for “Heiliger Steige.” The church was constructed in 1627/1628 on the orders of the archbishop to replace an older chapel. In 1746 Elector Clemens August von Bavarian donated the “Heiliger Steige”, or holy staircase, which, according to legend has pieces of the cross the crucified Jesus set into the stone.

•    Poppelsdorfer Schloss and Botanical Gardens: This was developed as a resort in rococo style for the Archbishop of Cologne Clemens August from 1715 to 1753 by Robert de Cotte and present has the university’s mineral collection, several science departments and the botanical gardens. Its palace though is not open for public; however, its botanical gardens next to the palace are a peaceful and beautiful place to relax. In the garden there are existing nearly about 8,000 plant species. Its green house is under reconstruction and would be completed by 2011. It is free to visit on Sunday and holidays.

•    Alter Friedhof, Berliner Platz: It is an old cemetery created in 1715 with many old graves, amongst them counting to be the graves of Robert and Clara Schumann, Ernst Moritz Arndt, Friedrich Schiller’s wife Charlotte von Schiller and their son.

•    Doppelkirche: These are  double church St. Maria (upper level) and St. Clemens (lower level) constructed around in 1151 and because of its rich ceiling paintings of saints and apocalyptic scenes it is one of the most extraordinary churches in Germany to visit in Germany.

•    Deutsche Welle World Headquarters and Radio: It is Germany’s international media outlet and is now situated in Germany’s parliament’s home. After the German government decided to move the building was taken over by DW to become its world headquarters and home to its radio operations.

•    Kottenforst: It is a big nature park between Bonn and up to the cities Euskirchen and Wachtberg. It is approximately 4.000 ha in area and is famous for walking tours. The nearest walking tours starts at Waldesruh on Venusberg and another route for tour exists at  Bahnhof Kottenforst, where you can reach by taking a train to Euskirchen, however, train there stays only for weekends.

•    Palais Schaumburg: Until 2001 this building was came into use as office of Germany’s chancellor and the chancellor’s cabinet however with new development and a new place to work in Berlin, it is now used as the second headquarters for the chancellor.

•    Beethoven-Haus: This museum is a birthplace of the great music composer and now is dedicated to his life and works. The museum even keeps lock of Beethoven’s hair for exhibition. However, Beethoven somehow developed sort of dislike for his hometown, yet his hometown still showing respect fore him.

•    Haus der Geschichte: This museum remains open for limited hours during Christmas season. It provides an interesting explanation to German history after 1945 and remains updated regularly. For understanding the artifacts as been shown in the museums can be learnt from booklets presented with English translations about the museum.

•   Akademisches Kunstmuseum: This academic museum of antiquies is located in Bonn at the other end of the Hofgarten Park and is situated opposite to the main building and entrance. It is a beautiful building made between from 1823-1830 and is designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel and Hermann Friedrich Waesemann. It shows up the largest collections of plaster casts of ancient Greek and Roman sculptures in the world.