Beethoven’s Birthplace Self Guided Tour through Bonn’s Old Town

Bonn , Germany

Beethoven’s Birthplace Self Guided Tour through Bonn’s Old Town

Active

1h - 1h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore Bonn’s rich history on this self-guided walking tour, starting at Münsterplatz. Discover the birthplace of Beethoven and see how the city has evolved from Roman times to its role as the capital of West Germany. You’ll visit Bonner Münster, where Beethoven once played, and explore key sites like the baroque City Hall and Beethoven’s house. As you wander through the Old Town, you’ll learn about the city’s Roman roots, its surviving architecture, and Bonn’s musical heritage. Along the way, sample local treats, admire historic buildings, and enjoy stories of Bonn’s vibrant past. This hour-long tour offers a captivating journey through one of Germany’s oldest cities.

Available options

Beethoven’s Birthplace Self Guided Tour through Bonn’s Old Town

What's included

Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it

The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Audio and written guide (English and German)

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

Pass by this 11th-century church where Beethoven once played the organ. Discover its Romanesque architecture and the legend of Cassius and Florentius, martyrs buried underneath.

Marvel at this statue on Münsterplatz, a tribute to Bonn’s most famous son, the composer Ludwig van Beethoven.

Walk past the house where Beethoven was born. You can choose to explore the museum that delves into his life and musical legacy.

Admire this baroque gem on Marktplatz. It once served as the city’s administrative center and is a classic example of Bonn’s historical architecture.

View the baroque palace, now the home of Bonn University. This magnificent building has been part of the city since 1818.

See the last remaining gate from Bonn’s medieval city walls, offering a glimpse into the city’s defensive past.

Pass by this sweet spot where you can sample iconic gummy bears from the brand founded in Bonn.

Admire this beautifully restored 17th-century church, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.

Stroll through this lively square with its fountain and learn about St. Martin, a beloved figure in German tradition.

Pass by this historic restaurant, dating back to 1636, where you can stop for a meal in one of Bonn’s oldest establishments.

Smell the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon buns as you pass this bakery, a local favorite with historical roots.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour

Available languages

Audio guide

DE EN

Written guide

DE EN

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The Münsterplatz is in the very center of Bonn's Old Town. It's a five-minute walk from the main train station.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE 
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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1. Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
2. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
3. Create an account
4. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
5. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE 
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT 
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Bonn

Bonn, located on the banks of the Rhine River, is a charming city known for its rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty. As the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven, the city offers a unique blend of historical landmarks, vibrant arts, and picturesque landscapes along the Rhine.

Top Attractions

Beethoven-Haus Bonn

The birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven, this museum offers a deep dive into the life and work of the famous composer.

Historical 1-2 hours €7.00

Rheinauhafen

A modern harbor area with contemporary architecture, including the iconic Post Tower and the World Conference Center Bonn.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free to explore

Bonn Minster

A stunning Romanesque church with a rich history, offering beautiful architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.

Religious 30-60 minutes Free entry, donations welcome

House of the History of the Federal Republic of Germany

A museum dedicated to the history of Germany since 1945, offering interactive exhibits and a comprehensive overview of recent history.

Museum 1-2 hours €5.00

Botanical Garden of the University of Bonn

A beautiful botanical garden with a wide variety of plants, offering a peaceful escape from the city.

Nature 1-2 hours Free entry

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rheinischer Sauerbraten

A pot roast that can be made from a variety of meats, marinated in vinegar, wine, spices, and juniper berries.

Main dish Contains meat, can be adapted for dietary restrictions

Halve Hahn

A rye bread roll topped with a thick layer of double cream cheese, mustard, and onion.

Snack Vegetarian

Kölsch

A traditional German beer from the Cologne region, known for its crisp and refreshing taste.

Drink Contains gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking in Siebengebirge Cycling along the Rhine Boat tours on the Rhine Picnicking in the Botanical Garden Visiting Beethoven-Haus Exploring Bonn Minster Swimming in the Rhine Ice skating in the city center

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Bonn, with pleasant weather and numerous outdoor festivals and events. The Rhine River is particularly beautiful during this period.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: German
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

CET (GMT+1), CEST (GMT+2) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Bonn is generally a safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with unsolicited offers or requests

Getting there

By air

Cologne Bonn Airport • 15 km from city center

By train

Bonn Hauptbahnhof

By bus

Bonn Hauptbahnhof, Bonn-Bad Godesberg

Getting around

Public transport

The tram network is efficient and covers most of the city. It's a convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Taxi Bonn, Free Now

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Bonn-Center Bad Godesberg Beuel

Day trips

Cologne

25 km • Half day to full day

Cologne is a vibrant city known for its stunning cathedral, rich history, and lively cultural scene.

Königswinter

10 km • Half day

A picturesque town near Bonn, known for its scenic views, hiking trails, and the famous Drachenfels hill.

Siebengebirge

15 km • Full day

A beautiful mountain range offering stunning views, hiking trails, and a peaceful escape from the city.

Festivals

Beethovenfest • September Bonn Christmas Market • December Bonn Jazz Open • May

Pro tips

Visit the Beethoven-Haus early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful experience
Take a boat tour on the Rhine for stunning views of the city and surrounding landscape
Explore the Botanical Garden for a peaceful escape and beautiful scenery
Attend a performance at the Bonn Opera for a cultural experience
Visit the Rheinauhafen for modern architecture and scenic views