Bonn to Cologne 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 center 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. Buses connect travelers from the city to the airport, but you can also take a bus 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.

There's no shortage of sights, culture, history, and adventure in Cologne, an alluring city on the Rhine. One of the most famous landmarks of the city is the Cologne Cathedral. This Gothic building and UNESCO World Heritage site remains the most iconic structure in the city. In fact, the Cologne Cathedral is the most visited landmark in Germany. Next door, the Museum Ludwig contrasts the cathedral's sense of history with an impressive collection of modern art, including works by Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.

Cologne's breadth of museums also caters to a younger crowd. Families with children should head to the Cologne Chocolate Museum along the river or the Cologne Zoological Garden for memorable, kid-friendly experiences.

Foodies, rejoice! Cologne is home to mouthwatering German delicacies and upscale restaurants. Start your day with breakfast at Café Sehnsucht. For lunch, visit Herings Im Martinswinkel, and for dinner, head over to Bei Oma Kleinmann to feel like you're visiting your long-lost German grandmother.

Trains like Deutsche Bahn, DB Intercity, and FlixTrain connect Cologne to other major European cities, including Munich, Paris, and Vienna. You can also catch a bus from Cologne on FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Sindbad, Union Ivkoni, or Columbuzz. Plus, the Cologne Bonn Airport is a large, well-outfitted airport with daily international flights for travelers coming from afar.