Ludwig van Beethoven was born in Bonn in 1770. Even though the composer was drawn to Vienna at a young age, where he went on to achieve international fame as an artist of the Viennese classical period, the city of his birth never tires of honouring his musical genius. Beethoven House – the composer's birthplace and now a museum, the large Beethoven collection at 'Haus zum Mohren', Beethoven Hall – one of the most important buildings from the early days of West Germany, and the annual Beethoven festival all confirm quite clearly that Bonn is the true home of Beethoven.

The 160-hectare park south of the former government quarter is one of Bonn's most famous landmarks. Covering an area almost as big as the entire city centre, it is a popular attraction both with locals and visitors. At the weekends, and in the summer especially, it is teeming with young people and anyone wishing to spend some time outdoors. There are barbecue areas, a skateboarding park, an adventure playground, beer gardens, restaurants and places to play sports. Other attractions include the beautifully laid out Japanese gardens, rose garden and apiary. During the summer months a huge flea market is held here at the weekends.

The large permanent exhibition and a number of special themed exhibitions chart the political, economic and social history as well as important trends in art, culture and everyday living conditions. Countless exhibits – from the 'Adenauer-Mercedes' to the first Green Card for a foreign worker – along with documents, photos and films explain the historical and political context and bring back many memories.

Victor Vasarely's Juridicum facade, Henry Moore's 'Large Two Forms' in front of the former Federal Chancellery, Eduardo Chillida's 'De Musica IV' outside the minster and 'Die Wolkenschale' by Hans Arp at the university library are just a few of the many outstanding works of art on public display in Bonn. Outside the Schürmann building there is also a series of exquisite works: 'Feast of Neptune' by Sokari Douglas Camp, 'Ich und der Hahn - Hören und Sehen' by Babak Saed and 'Communicación cruzada' by Manuel Marin.

The World Conference Centre in Bonn is located on the banks of the Rhine, in the heart of the former government district. It really is an extraordinary venue: the former plenary chamber of the German Bundestag, one of the world's most beautiful parliament buildings where the representatives met from 1992 to 1999, can accommodate events for up to 1,275 people. Smaller meeting rooms are also available for events with 45 to 184 participants. The glass and steel structure, which lets in plenty of natural light, is ideal for conferences and seminars as well as lavish product launches and exclusive evening events.

Mount Petersberg stands 331 metres high to the east of Bonn-Bad Godesberg. From 1955 to 1969, and again since 1990, the Petersberg Grand Hotel has hosted a number of state visitors to the Federal Republic: practically every head of state and government leader in the world has stayed here at some point. The hotel can also be hired out by private individuals. For instance, Michael Schumacher and his wife Corinna held their wedding in the Petersberg chapel. The mount first achieved significance from 1949 to 1955 as the seat of the Allied High Commission, which comprised the highest-ranking representatives of the victorious powers after the Second World War.

The Rhine in Flames firework spectacular takes place every year from May to September along the most beautiful sections of the Rhine. The event on the section of river close to the former German capital is known as the 'Rhine in Flames in the Siebengebirge hills'. An incredible firework display lights up the skies above the riverbank promenades and places of historical interest, while Bengal lights bathe the entire scene in a magical red glow. A fleet of around 60 illuminated riverboats steam down the river under a magical canopy of colour: a romantic and unforgettable experience for the whole family.

With one of the most important international collections of German art, the museum has an unparalleled reputation throughout the country, not least due to its major collection of works by August Macke. The Bonn Museum of Art makes no attempt to document German art in an encyclopaedic way, but instead concentrates on a manageable number of eminent artists, and then purchases entire groups and ensembles of their work.

Ludwig van Beethoven is the most famous son of the city of Bonn, which feels closely associated with the world-famous composer to this day. The place of his birth has long been the emblem of Bonn. Ludwig van Beethoven was born there in December 1770. The house is the only surviving residence of the Beethoven family and is largely in original condition. Every year, around 100,000 visitors from all over the world visit the house in Bonngasse 20, which has ben furnished as a museum and houses the world's largest Beethoven collection. In the historic Im Mohren house next door the Digital Beethoven-Haus provides an innovative, interactive visitor experience.