The Haus der Geschichte (History House) of the Federal Republic of Germany is a must for all. Post 1945 German history is portrayed here in an interesting manner -with text captions, historical objects and photos illustrating historical events. The information here is not restricted to politics, the visitor also learns interesting facts about the history of society, art, culture as well as the economic situations. Technical aids such as screens, listening posts and info-drawers make the visit a relaxing journey through Germany's recent history. You can sit on one of the original seats from the plenary chamber to observe parliamentary debates from the fifties and sixties.
Bonn's green oasis is definitely the Rheinauenpark, ideal for long walks, picnics on one of the lawns, or a barbecue in one of the designated areas. In summer, you can also go rowing, or play with a remote-controlled boat on the Auen lake and if that's not enough, there is also an adventure play area for the kids and beer gardens for adults.
Botanische Garten der Universität Bonn is an oasis of peace and quiet in the middle of the city. The original gardens were re-landscaped in 1819 and still bear the typical English elements that were the flavor of the day in the early 19th Century. Visitors can admire a host of exotic plants ranging from Amazonian water lilies to orchids from the tropical rain forests. The giant North American trees are particularly striking.
This neo-classical building, which contains one of Germany's most important Zoological collections, was built at the beginning of the 20th Century. The Alexander Koenig Research Museum, with its preserved animals and exhibits, offers an exciting afternoon for families. Over 3000 animals are on display in their natural surroundings. From local birds to exotic mammals and huge skeletons of extinct ostriches, it's all here. The bird collection has 70,000 exhibits and is particularly extensive. The egg collection is just as important and unique. The corridor to the vivarium is also impressive, as a few living reptiles are on display.
The Arithmeum pays tribute to the rise and development of mechanical machinery that existed before the technological age. This mathematics museum in the heart of Bonn exhibits a unique collection of calculators and mathematical machinery. Bernhard Korte, the founder of Arithmeum included pieces of his own private collection to those at the museum bringing in a total of 1200 pieces that were used extensively before the age of computers. The calculators here include some of the biggest and most complex thus drawing a vast number of students and enthusiasts of mathematics to the museum.
The Rheinische Landesmuseum founded in 1820 is very centrally situated. Visitors to the museum can see exhibits and documents from various eras (from the Stone Age to the present day), as well as experience a bit of Rhenish history. A 50,000 year old skull of a Neanderthal, various Roman soldiers' grave stones as well as the huge rock altar of the Hercules Saxanus from the Brohltal are only a few examples of the extensive collection. The art collection includes work by the artists Barthel Bruyn Senior, Hann Trier, Leo Breuer and A.van Dyck. In addition, there is a section which exclusively deals with contemporary Rhenish art. The museum also houses a public library that boasts an extensive collection of books on archaeology and art history, and is open from Monday to Friday, 8a to 6p. Other features include a restaurant and a gift shop. Guided group tours of the museum can be arranged for schools and private groups.
Located on Schanzenstrasse within the Carlswerk building in Köln-Mülheim, Depot 2 is an alternative venue of the Schauspiel Köln situated nearby. It is a smaller counterpart of the adjacent Schauspiel Köln im Depot 1, and seats nearly 250. The venue hosts both contemporary and classical theater performances.
Metropol Theater situated on the busy Eifelstrasse in the heart of Cologne is a repertoire theater that performs classical theatrical productions for the fans of performing arts in the city. The talented ensemble at this theater collaborates with other theater companies in the city to come up with exciting performances. Musicals are performed at Metropol Theater in collaboration with top orchestras in the city. The intimate nature of this theater brings the performance to life and makes you feel part of it.
Freewalk Cologne is a tour company that organizes walking tours for both locals and tourists. Not only do you get the chance to explore the more famous tourist attractions, but the knowledgeable tour guides also show you around a few hidden gems. While providing visitors with all the facts and figures to the various tourist attractions, the tour guides also infuse the tours with a lot of humor ensuring that people have a great time. Although the tour is free, donations are expected.
The "Seven Mountains" are located to the east of Bonn, on the right side of the Rhine. From more than 40 hills, these seven are easy to recognize. All the hills are remains of the Siebengebirge volcano, which formed the shape of this area about more than 20 million years ago. The highest mountain in this range is the Große Ölberg, with the TV mast at its summit, but the best known mountain is the Petersberg on whose summit the former guest house of the government is located. Just as well known is the Drachenfels, which is a popular day trip. In addition, the Wolkenburg, Löwenburg, Lohrberg, Nonnenstromberg, Perlenhardt, and the Stenzelberg also belong to the Siebengebirge mountain range.
Volksbühne am Rudolfplatz, also called Millowitsch Theater, is famous for its comedy shows. This theater has been owned by the Millowitsch Family for generations. The great actor Willy Millowitsch even ran this legendary theater and now his son continues the tradition. The main theater building has been strikingly remodeled, with some of its historical elements wonderfully retained. Volksbühne has hosted folk theatrical acts from as early as the year 1936. It offers an eclectic line-up of events and has played host to a number of well-curated shows, including cabaret performances and classical music recitals by noted musicians like Lutz Görner and Bläck Fööss.