Back in the days of the capital, the flair was strongly characterized by diplomats and employees of political institutions. Now, however, numerous international institutions and their employees contribute to the open and friendly atmosphere. Bonn is not only the German seat of the United Nations, but also a popular host city for high-level international conferences and the headquarters of many German and internationally active non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

This internationality is nothing really new in Bonn. The city on the Rhine can look back on a long and eventful history. Starting with the first settlements in the Stone Age, people from different cultures have lived here on the banks of the Rhine for thousands of years. The settlement of a Roman military camp around 2000 years ago, as part of today's UNESCO World Heritage Site "Lower Germanic Limes", was particularly influential in the development of the city. It is no coincidence that evidence of Roman times can still be found in Bonn's present-day cityscape and numerous relics in museums such as the LVR-LandesMuseum Bonn.

Neolithic hand axes, Roman sculptures, Celtic jewelry and medieval writings are living testimony to the fact that people of different origins have always come, gone and stayed here on one of Europe's most important rivers and transport routes, the Rhine.

Against this backdrop, the proverbial Rhineland way of life developed, which treats other people and life itself with openness, curiosity and tolerance. First of all, people in the Rhineland generally assume that nothing can be changed in the course of events. "Et kütt wie et kütt" - "It comes as it comes", is a common saying in the Rhineland dialect. People are also convinced that everything will turn out well in the end. ("Et hätt noch emmer joot jejange" - It has always turned out well.) This acceptance of the inevitable, coupled with an unshakeable optimism, has accompanied the people of Bonn through eventful times.

Certainly, the era as an electoral residence city was one of Bonn's heyday, when magnificent buildings such as the electoral residence palace (now the main university building) or the Poppelsdorf Palace were built. This period is also inextricably linked with the life of Ludwig van Beethoven, the city's great son, whose music achieved world fame. His legacy is highly valued and kept alive in Bonn, as Beethoven was not only a gifted, brilliant artist, but also a passionate advocate of values such as freedom and fraternity that are still valid today. In addition to his world-famous birthplace, the Beethoven Orchester Bonn and the annual Beethovenfest ensure that he is present everywhere in the city and that his immortal music and cosmopolitan spirit have an impact on the world.

The people of Bonn regard the period of the newly founded Federal Republic of Germany as one of the highlights in their city's history (which continues to have an impact to this day). After all, hardly anyone would have predicted that this rather small city on the Rhine at the end of the 1940s would become the cradle of German democracy and the capital of the new Federal Republic after the end of the Second World War. For five decades, (modest) Bonn was the stage on which German politics and international guests of state performed. One downer in the joy of unification with the German Democratic Republic (GDR) was the Bundestag's decision to give Berlin the main role in governing again.

Painters, poets and composers such as Heinrich Heine, Victor Hugo and Robert Schumann could not get enough of the river and the unspoiled landscapes with castles, fortresses and vineyards that surrounded it.

Romantic enthusiasm for the Rhine laid the foundations for Rhine tourism, which blossomed as early as the 19th century with the introduction of regular steamboat trips. In the mid-19th century, around one million people a year are said to have enjoyed the beauty of Bonn as "the gateway to the Romantic Rhine" on board a ship. Even today, Bonn and its region are still a "must" for many European travelers.

Bonn has numerous sights to offer, such as the rococo-style town hall or the buildings of high politics. A special attraction is the cherry blossom in Bonn's "Altstadt", as the Inner Nordstadt is affectionately known. For around two weeks in spring, the "dream in pink" attracts crowds of enthusiastic people from near and far to Bonn. Different neighborhoods such as Südstadt with its Wilhelminian style houses or the Bad Godesberg-Villenviertel invite you to take a relaxing stroll. In Bonn, all of this can be reached on foot, by bike or with a short ride on public transport. This makes the city attractive for visitors and residents alike.

Bonn residents appreciate the high quality of life in their city, which offers many spacious green spaces and parks, beautiful Rhine promenades and a good cycle network, which is why people like to spend their free time outdoors.

Bonn residents feel a strong connection to the topic of sustainability. Under the motto "Think globally - act locally", Bonn has set itself the goal of implementing the 2030 Agenda in the City of Bonn. To this end, an urban sustainability strategy was developed and adopted in 2019.

Of course, this cannot be achieved without the involvement and participation of citizens. Citizen participation is expressly desired and is encouraged by the city. This is why the city relies on different ways of participation to drive urban development forward together at many different levels and in different projects. The people of Bonn are convinced that together they can make their lovable and liveable city fit for the future.

They warmly welcome all people who come to Bonn as guests or new citizens to experience why it was already said in the 16th century: "Bonna solum felix" - "Bonn, you happy soil".