Bonn to Stuttgart train

Located on the banks of the Rhine river, Bonn is known for being the birthplace of the legendary composer Ludwig van Beethoven. The city was the capital of West Germany from 1949 to 1990, before the German Reunification moved the capital back to Berlin. Bonn is full of cultural landmarks and architectural marvels in line with its rich history and traditions.

The Old City Hall of Bonn is an architectural marvel with lavish Rococo style. The square in front of the building, Marktplatz, is the site of a local outdoor market with stalls selling fresh produce, bread, and other delicacies. Several restaurants and bars surround the plaza, so you can grab an outdoor table to people-watch in the centre of Bonn.

The historical sights in Bonn are nearly endless, but you definitely shouldn't miss Drachenburg Castle, Catedral de Bonn, and Poppelsdorf Palace; the latter includes botanical gardens and a mineralogical museum! Or engage with more recent history at the Kunstmuseum Bonn, a modernist art museum focused on post-war German art.

Bonn shares an airport with its neighbor to the north, Cologne. Coaches connect travelers from the city to the airport, but you can also take a coach to your next destination in Germany, or even farther. For example, FlixBus and Sindbad serve routes to Berlin, Prague, Paris, London, and more. The train network is similarly robust, and Deutsche Bahn provides the bulk of train trips to and from Bonn.

Though less recognizable than other German cities like Munich or Berlin, Stuttgart is no less fascinating to visit. Plus, since it's less famous than other destinations, you might find more authentic culture and less touristy prices.

Your first stop should be Schlossplatz. This palace square is located right at the city centre, in the shadow of the Baroque New Palace and the 10th-Century Old Palace. The square is a lively area, with events hosted year-round, most notably Stuttgart's Christmas market; check out our itinerary of 10 famous Christmas markets in Germany for more.

Got a car fan in your travel party? The famed Mercedes-Benz Museum celebrates the beloved German vehicle, and the Porsche Museum showcases legendary racing cars.

The Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Garden will entice you with acres and acres of open spaces for everyone to enjoy, plus several thousands of different animal and plant species. It's on the grounds of another castle if you haven't seen enough German castles yet. Next, stop at the Markthalle to embrace your inner foodie and try a spread of international and local delicacies. The huge public market has over 33 stalls that offer all kinds of delicious goodies.

Deutsche Bahn, DB Intercity, and Railjet trains make it easy to reach Stuttgart from cities like Strasbourg, Zurich, and Frankfurt. Coach options abound, too, with FlixBus, Sindbad, Union Ivkoni and more providing routes in the area. Stuttgart Airport is only about 20 minutes outside of the city, so flying is definitely an option, too.