Münsterplatz, the nucleus of post-Roman Bonn and the heart of the large enclosed pedestrian zone, is home to the cathedral basilica with its fully preserved Romanesque cloister and magnificent Wilhelminian-style buildings as well as modern department stores whose façades blend in well with the historic cityscape. This is also the location of Bonn's most photographed monument to Ludwig van Beethoven. Its inauguration in 1845 was the occasion for the city of Bonn's first Beethoven Festival, now an annual fixture on the international music scene, in Bonn's largest concert hall, the Beethovenhalle.

In the summer months, open-air events take place in the Stadtgarten am Alten Zoll. Musicians from the region as well as international talents present themselves on a municipal stage.

Haus der Springmaus, to name just one of more than 20 venues, has developed into a cabaret address known far beyond the city limits.