Bonn may have a relatively small population today, but its importance to Europe and the world can’t be understated (if only because Ludwig van Beethoven was born here in 1770 and his three-storey stucco house draws more than 100,000 visitors annually).
One of Germany’s oldest cities, Bonn was founded two millennia ago as a strategic outpost for the expanding Roman army. As the capital of West Germany from 1949 to 1990, it was among the world’s most important decision centres, becoming the seat of government of the reunited Germany from 1990 to 1999. Today, the federal government still maintains a substantial presence in the city – with a third of all national ministerial jobs based here – as well as 20 United Nations institutions, the most in the country. The office market is, unsurprisingly, a beneficiary.
The city’s fortunate residents enjoy some of Europe’s highest rankings in our Top 100, from Standard of Living (#14) and Economic Output (#15) to Walkability (#11), Biking (#9) and Green Space (#13).