Germany · 2026 itinerary
Bonn 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Bonn: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
Historic customs house on the Rhine quay. Take the pedestrian ferry across to the Siebengebirge hills for €1.70 one-way.
🕐 Ferry: daily 07:30-20:00 (winter limited hours); site open 24/7
Free entry💡 Bring a small umbrella – it can rain suddenly. The ferry runs till 8pm in summer.
Hotels near Alter Zoll & Rheinfähre →The central square houses the Bonn Minster, a Romanesque basilica with twin towers. Climb the tower for views over the old town.
🕐 Minster: daily 10:00-18:00; tower access variable, ask at the information desk.
Free entry💡 Tower climb costs €1 – exact coins needed. Best light for photos is late afternoon.
Hotels near Münsterplatz & Bonn Minster →Rheinlust · ££
Stadt-Café · ££
Deeper Into Bonn
A huge riverside park with meadows, lakes, and a Japanese garden. Good for picnics and cycling.
🕐 24 hours
💡 Hire a bike at the Hauptbahnhof and cycle along the Rhine to the park. The Japanese garden is busiest at weekends.
The birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven, now a museum with original instruments and manuscripts. Entry is €10, but on the first Saturday of each month it's free from 1-5pm.
🕐 Mon-Sat 10:00-18:00, Sun & holidays 11:00-18:00
💡 Arrive before 1pm on free Saturdays to avoid the queue. The garden out back is a quiet spot.
Café Hünten
Asia Wok 2
Final Favourites & Departure
Museum of modern and contemporary art, with strong collections of Rhenish Expressionism. Entry is €9 but free on the first Wednesday of each month.
💡 Go on free days; the permanent collection is well-curated. Check their website for temporary exhibitions.
Casino Deutsche Welle
HT Asia Fusion Food & Fine Sushi
Getting Around Bonn
Buy a ticket from the VRS machine (zone 1b). From Bonn Hbf, take tram 61 or 62 two stops to 'Bonn, Stadthaus' for the hotel.
Use the same VRS ticket as the S-Bahn. The tram runs directly outside the hotel—exit the Hbf south entrance to catch it.
Slower than the train but runs door-to-door. Buy a day ticket (€8.50) if you plan more travel. From ZOB the hotel is a 10-minute walk.
Flat-rate taxis from the airport rank cost about €30; avoid unlicensed drivers offering rides inside the terminal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Bonn?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Alter Zoll & Rheinfähre and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Bonn?
See our full best time to visit Bonn guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Hotel zur Post, Kaiserhof, Hotel zum Adler. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.