Standing at the heart of Bavaria, Nuremberg tells a thousand stories through its stone walls and towers. Each morning, the smell of fresh pretzels mixes with the bells of medieval churches, while craftsmen work in their shops just as they did 500 years ago.
Step into a city where kings once ruled from a mighty castle, and where the world’s oldest globe sits just streets away from Europe’s most famous Christmas market. Whether you’re watching toy makers at work, sampling original Nuremberg bratwurst, or walking the same streets as medieval artists, this guide shows you the best of what makes this German city special.
🏡 Where to Stay in Nuremberg:
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Karl August - a Neighborhood Hotel
- ✨ 5-Star: NH Collection Nürnberg City
- 🏨 4-Star: Melter Hotel & Apartments
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Design-Boutique Hotel Vosteen
- 💸 Cheap: Motel One Nürnberg-Plärrer
- 🏢 Apartment: Melter Hotel & Apartments
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Gideon Hotel
- 🏩 For Couples: Hotel Central
👩🏫 Best Guided Tours:
- Nuremberg WWII and Courtroom 600 Tour from € 133 (⭐ 4.8/5)
- Nuremberg Nazi Sites and Old Town Private Tour from € 205 (⭐ 4.9/5)
- Nuremberg City Tour by Tourist Train from € 11 (⭐ 4.7/5)
- Nuremberg Like a Local: Private Tour from € 48 (⭐ 4.8/5)
Best Things To Do in Nuremberg
1. 🏰 Nuremberg Castle & Imperial Castle Complex
Medieval Grandeur. Perched atop a hill overlooking the historic city, this impressive castle stands as one of Europe’s most formidable medieval castles. The complex includes the Knights’ Hall, Double Chapel, and Deep Well, offering panoramic views across the city’s rich history in stone. The castle played a pivotal role as a residence for German kings and emperors.
Historic Legacy. The imperial castle of Nuremberg served as a symbol of the Holy Roman Empire, with the Sinwell Tower providing spectacular views of the medieval architecture and city walls. The well-preserved medieval castle museum offers both guided tours and self-guided tour options with audio guide.
⭐ Best Activities
- Nuremberg Nazi Rally Sites, Old Town, History Walking Tour: Comprehensive walking tour combining Nuremberg’s medieval heritage with WWII history. Visit the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, Documentation Center, and explore the charming Old Town’s highlights including the Market Square and Castle.
2. ⛪ Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirke) & Hauptmarkt Square
Gothic Masterpiece. This iconic church in Nuremberg, a twin-towered 14th-century Gothic church, dominates the city center. Its magnificent organ, one of the largest such instruments in the world, and stained glass windows showcase the cultural significance of this testament to the city’s religious heritage.
Market Traditions. The Hauptmarkt, located in the heart of the old town, hosts one of the most famous Christmas markets in Germany. The Schöner Brunnen fountain stands as a beloved landmark near the historic town hall.
3. 🏛️ Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds
World War II History. Located in the Congress Hall, this center provides insights into Nazi party rallies and their impact. The permanent exhibition includes original documents and interactive displays examining this dark period.
Architectural Significance. The building serves as a stark reminder, with modern interactive exhibits creating a powerful educational experience about Adolf Hitler’s regime.
⭐ Best Activities
- Nuremberg Nazi Sites and Old Town Private Walking Tour: Personalized private tour covering both Nazi-era sites and medieval attractions. Get in-depth historical insights from your dedicated guide while exploring at your own pace.
4. ⚖️ Nuremberg Trials Memorial & Museum
Historical Justice. The Memorium Nuremberg Trials, located in the historic courtroom where the Nuremberg trials took place, offers both guided tours and self-guided tour options. The Palace of Justice’s Courtroom 600 remains largely unchanged since 1945, a testament to the city’s historical significance in world history.
Memorial Exhibition. History buffs seeking to immerse themselves in WWII history will find original documents and interactive exhibits detailing this pivotal moment. The courtroom features period furniture and comprehensive audio guides in multiple languages.
⭐ Best Activities
- Nuremberg: Former Nazi Party Rally Grounds Private Tour: Focused private tour of the Nazi Party Rally Grounds with an expert historian. Learn about the rise of the Nazi regime and Nuremberg’s role in WWII through detailed commentary and original sites.
5. 🕊️ St. Lorenz Church
Gothic Wonder. This twin-towered 14th-century Gothic church, the largest church in Nuremberg, showcases magnificent Gothic architecture. The stained glass windows and magnificent organ represent hidden gems of medieval craftsmanship. The Tucher Altar stands as one of the church’s most precious artifacts.
Artistic Heritage. Built for the richer classes during the Holy Roman Empire, this iconic church in Nuremberg played a pivotal role in the city’s religious life. The baroque organ remains one of the largest such instruments in the world.
⭐ Best Activities
- City tour through Nuremberg with the Bimmelbahn: Family-friendly sightseeing tour aboard a mini-train through Nuremberg’s historic center. Perfect way to see major attractions while resting your feet, ideal for children and seniors.
6. 🏛️ Germanic National Museum
Cultural Treasury. As Germany’s largest museum of cultural history, it houses over 1.3 million objects spanning from prehistoric times to the present. The collection includes the world’s oldest globe, the Behaim Globe from 1492. The museum’s medieval art collection ranks among Europe’s finest.
Artistic Evolution. The museum complex seamlessly blends historical architecture with modern design. The collection features works from every major period of German art history, including rare pieces like the Golden Hat of Schifferstadt.
7. 🎨 Albrecht Dürer’s House
Renaissance Legacy. This five-story timber-framed house served as both home and workshop to Germany’s most famous artist from 1509 to 1528. The living quarters have been meticulously restored to their 16th-century appearance. Original printing presses and tools demonstrate Renaissance artistic techniques.
Interactive History. Costumed guides demonstrate Dürer’s printing and painting techniques using period-accurate materials. The workshop contains reconstructions of Dürer’s most famous works and his innovative printing equipment.
⭐ Best Activities
- Nuremberg Nazi Rally Sites, Old Town, History Walking Tour: Comprehensive walking tour combining Nuremberg’s medieval heritage with WWII history. Visit the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, Documentation Center, and explore the charming Old Town’s highlights including the Market Square and Castle.
Things to do in Nuremberg with Kids
1. 🧸 Toy Museum
Playful History. Housing the world’s largest collection of historical toys, this museum spans four floors of a Renaissance mansion. The collection includes rare dollhouses, tin figures, and wooden toys dating back to the Middle Ages. Interactive displays allow children to play with replicas of historical toys.
Traditional Craftsmanship. The museum showcases Nuremberg’s 600-year history as Europe’s toy-making capital. Live demonstrations of traditional toy-making techniques occur daily in the workshop area.
2. 🎡 Playmobil FunPark
Interactive Adventure. This unique park features life-sized versions of Playmobil playsets spread across 90,000 square meters. The HOB Center offers year-round indoor activities regardless of weather. Children can climb, build, and play in themed areas representing different Playmobil worlds.
Creative Play. Each zone encourages active participation rather than passive entertainment. The park includes a water play area, climbing structures, and building stations.
3. 🚂 DB Railway Museum
Rail Heritage. Germany’s oldest railway museum showcases 160 years of rail history through original vehicles and interactive exhibits. The museum houses 40 historical locomotives and royal carriages. The simulator allows visitors to experience driving a modern ICE train.
Technical Innovation. The KIBALA children’s section offers hands-on learning about railway technology. The outdoor area features a miniature railway for children to ride.
4. 🎨 Neues Museum
Modern Art. This contemporary art museum contrasts beautifully with Nuremberg’s medieval architecture. The curved glass façade houses rotating exhibitions of contemporary art and design. Interactive installations particularly appeal to younger visitors.
Design Focus. The museum’s collection emphasizes contemporary design and multimedia art. Regular workshops for children encourage creative expression through modern art forms.
Free Things to Do in Nuremberg
1. 🏰 Medieval City Walls
Historic Defense. Nearly 4 kilometers of original 14th-century walls encircle the Old Town. The walkable sections offer unique views of the city’s medieval architecture. Five original gates and 80 towers remain intact.
Architectural Marvel. The walls represent one of Europe’s most extensive medieval fortification systems. The covered walkway provides shelter while exploring the historic defenses.
2. 🏠 Weißgerbergasse Historic Houses
Medieval Street. This perfectly preserved street features 20 colorful half-timbered houses from the 14th-16th centuries. Original craftsmen’s signs still hang from many buildings. The street represents Nuremberg’s best-preserved medieval artisan quarter.
Historic Architecture. Each house displays unique architectural details and traditional construction techniques. The former leather-makers’ district showcases typical medieval urban planning.
3. 🌉 Hangman’s Bridge
Historic Crossing. This wooden bridge dates from 1457 and connects to the former executioner’s tower. The adjacent Weinstadel building once served as a wine warehouse and leper hospital. The bridge offers perfect photo opportunities of historic waterfront buildings.
River Views. The location provides scenic views of the Pegnitz River and medieval water mills. Traditional love locks now adorn the bridge’s railings.
4. 🏰 Handwerkerhof Courtyard
Artisan Quarter. This recreated medieval courtyard houses traditional craft workshops and stores. Local artisans demonstrate historical crafting techniques daily. The courtyard specializes in traditional Nuremberg products like gingerbread and metalwork.
Cultural Heritage. The half-timbered buildings create an authentic medieval atmosphere. Small shops sell locally made crafts and traditional foods.
5. ⛲ Tiergärtnerplatz Square
Historic Center. This picturesque square sits beneath Nuremberg Castle’s walls. The Beautiful Fountain and historic buildings create a perfect medieval ensemble. Dürer’s House forms one corner of this atmospheric square.
Cultural Hub. Traditional beer gardens operate in summer months. The square hosts regular cultural events and markets.
Seasonal Activities
1. 🎄 Christmas in Nuremberg
Festive Tradition. The Christkindlesmarkt runs from November 24 to December 24 annually on the Hauptmarkt square. Over 180 wooden stalls sell traditional crafts and seasonal treats. The famous Nuremberg gingerbread and mulled wine draw visitors from worldwide.
Winter Magic. The market opens with the Christkind prologue on the Friday before the first Advent. The Children’s Christmas Market runs simultaneously with special activities and rides.
2. 🎪 Summer Festivals and Events
Cultural Celebrations. The Old Town Festival takes place in September (September 13-24), transforming the historic center into a medieval celebration. Rock im Park occurs during the Pentecost weekend (early June). The Blue Night Cultural Festival illuminates the city on the first Saturday in May.
Festival Atmosphere. Summer beer gardens open from May through September. Traditional folk festivals feature local music and dance performances.
3. 🌸 Spring Blooms in Royal Parks
Natural Beauty. The Stadtpark bursts with spring flowers from March through May. Nuremberg Castle Gardens showcase medieval herb gardens and flowering plants. The Hesperidengärten features baroque garden design with peak blooming in April and May.
Garden Heritage. Historical gardens follow traditional planting patterns. The rose garden in Stadtpark reaches full bloom in June.
4. 🍂 Autumn Activities
Fall Colors. The City Wall Circuit offers the best autumn foliage views from September through October. The Pegnitz River path features golden colors during October. Castle Hill provides panoramic views of the autumn cityscape.
Seasonal Events. The Old Town Autumn Market runs through October. Traditional wine festivals celebrate the harvest season in September.
Day Trips from Nuremberg
1. 🏰 Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Medieval Marvel. Located 1.5 hours from Nuremberg, this perfectly preserved medieval town sits along the Romantic Road. The complete 14th-century town walls remain intact and walkable. The Medieval Crime Museum and Christmas Village museum offer unique historical perspectives.
Time Travel. The Night Watchman’s Tour runs daily at 8 PM (April-December). The town’s famous Christmas market operates from November 30 to December 23.
⭐ Best Activities
- Rothenburg Private Day Tour from Nuremberg: Experience Germany’s best-preserved medieval town on a private guided tour. Walk the intact city walls, explore the historic Market Square with its Renaissance Town Hall, and visit St. Jakob’s Church featuring the famous Riemenschneider altar. Perfect for photographers and history enthusiasts.
2. 🏛️ Bamberg
UNESCO Heritage. Just 45 minutes from Nuremberg, Bamberg boasts a perfectly preserved medieval old town. The cathedral houses the only papal grave north of the Alps. The Old Town Hall, built on an artificial island, dates to the 14th century.
Beer Culture. Home to nine historic breweries producing the unique smoked beer. The Rose Garden offers panoramic views from May through October.
3. 🍷 Würzburg
Baroque Splendor. One hour from Nuremberg, the Residence Palace showcases UNESCO-listed baroque architecture. The Marienberg Fortress provides panoramic views of surrounding vineyards. The Old Main Bridge, built in 1473, features baroque statues.
Wine Region. Wine festivals run throughout summer, with the main festival in late September. The Court Garden blooms from April through October.
4. 🎓 Erlangen
University City. Just 20 minutes from Nuremberg, Erlangen hosts Germany’s largest beer festival (Bergkirchweih) from June 1-12. The Baroque Palace Gardens remain open year-round. The Botanical Garden features 4,000 plant species.
Cultural Hub. The Poetry Festival occurs annually in August. The Palace Square hosts regular cultural events throughout summer.
5. 🌉 Regensburg
Roman Heritage. Two hours from Nuremberg, this UNESCO site features the oldest stone bridge in Germany (built 1135-1146). The Gothic Cathedral houses the world’s largest hanging organ. The medieval old town contains over 1,500 listed buildings.
Danube Views. The Historic Sausage Kitchen has operated since 1146. Document Neupfarrplatz museum showcases 2,000 years of city history through underground excavations.
FAQ❓
How do I get from the train station to the city center?
Deutsche Bahn connects directly to Nuremberg’s main train station, located just a 5-minute walk from the historic city center. Interested in visiting the main attractions, you can easily reach them by following the narrow cobblestone streets or taking a short tram ride.
What’s the best time to visit Nuremberg?
For history buffs seeking to immerse themselves in medieval architecture, visit between April and October when walking tours operate regularly. The famous Nuremberg Christmas Market makes December another peak season, though hotel prices tend to be higher.
Where should I stay in Nuremberg?
Hotel Drei Raben and other boutique hotels located in the heart of the old town offer convenient access to major attractions. Most well-preserved medieval buildings turned hotels are within walking distance of the town hall and main tourist attractions.
How long should I spend in Nuremberg?
The town of Nuremberg deserves at least 2-3 days to explore its rich history and main sights properly. A self-guided tour of the city’s highlights, including castles in Germany and the model railway exhibits, can be comfortably completed in this timeframe.
What are some hidden gems in Nuremberg?
North of Nuremberg’s main attractions, the Sebaldus Church offers magnificent organ performances and unique architectural details. The city of Nuremberg’s history of toy manufacturing can be discovered at smaller, lesser-known museums away from the main tourist path.
Is the Nuremberg Card worth buying?
The Nuremberg Card provides free entry to many tourist attractions including interactive displays and model trains at various museums. The card also includes public transportation and is particularly valuable if visiting multiple sites over 2-3 days.
What’s unique about Nuremberg’s cuisine?
The town of Nuremberg is famous for its traditional Bratwurst and gingerbread, with Brezen Kolb being a local favorite for authentic pretzels. The richer classes of medieval times developed many of the city’s signature dishes that are still served today.
Can I combine Nuremberg with other destinations?
Rothenburg ob der Tauber makes an excellent day trip, and many visitors combine their stay with other historical cities. The Deutsche Bahn network makes it easy to explore multiple destinations, with many tourists having visited Nuremberg as part of a larger Bavaria tour.
