A Guide to Nuremberg
There’s really something for everyone to enjoy in Nuremberg.
Read our travel guide on Nuremberg, Germany. It includes the best things to do and see, tips on how to get, where to stay, and when to go.
Our amazing trip around Bavaria gave us an opportunity to explore some of the most stunning places this large German state has to offer. Our itinerary was full of amazing places, with Nuremberg being one of the most memorable ones. During the trip, we had the chance to explore cities, castles, national monuments, nature, and even an iconic amusement park. Still, Nuremberg, or Nurnberg in German, really stood out. Everything just clicked when we visited.
The weather was just great despite being there still in mid-April, and we could stay in a comfortable hotel with a convenient location right on the edge of the Old Town. Speaking of which, the historical part is truly stunning, even compared to the gems such as Bamberg or Rothenburg ob der Tauber. And then there's the history, both medieval and WW2, which is a chapter on its own.
Simply put, there are plenty of reasons to visit Nuremberg. By now, you've probably guessed that we had a great time while in the city. And you would be absolutely right. So here's everything you should know about Nuremberg before you go. We hope you will enjoy it same as we did.
Nuremberg Quick Travel Tips
Location | Nuremberg is a city with a population exceeding 500.000 in the State of Bavaria, in the southeastern part of Germany.
Get to/From | Nuremberg is well-connected with the rest of Germany and can be easily reached by car, train, bus, or plane.
See and Do | Nuremberg is known for its beautiful Old Town, the imposing Imperial Castle of Nuremberg, WW2 and German history, and an abundance of great museums.
Tours | One of the most popular tours in the city are a classic Old Town Guided Walking Tour and former Nazi Party Rally Grounds Tour.
Hotels | The best area to stay in Nuremberg is either Altstadt or Hauptbahnhof. Park Inn and Leonardo Royal Hotel are among the most popular hotels in the city.
We think Nuremberg is one of the best cities to explore in Bavaria.
What to See and Do
As mentioned at the beginning of this post, Nuremberg offers plenty of things to see and do for all types of travelers. It's one of those cities where you can easily spend several days without getting bored.
You can tour a former seat of Holy Roman emperors, walk along the Pegnitz River, visit one of the oldest sausage kitchens in the world, marvel at the half-timbered houses, explore local cafes and restaurants, and learn about the city's dark moments during the WW2. Above all else, Nuremberg is a perfect place for all history buffs, thanks to its rich and dramatic past.
We've already created a list of the fun things to do in Nuremberg that's an essential read for all those planning a trip to this city. Additionally, we share some of the highlights this city has to offer down below.
Learn About Nuremberg's History
Nuremberg was founded around 1050 CE and eventually became one of the most important cities during the Middle Ages. During that time, the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg was one of the most important seats of Holy Roman Emperors. Interestingly enough, the Holy Roman Empire never had a permanent capital city for the empire, and the emperors were always traveling around their empire.
One of the main reasons why Nuremberg became so important was that the Imperial Diet was held here from 1211 to 1543. The Holy Roman Empire was dissolved after the Napoleonic Wars, and Nuremberg became one of the most important cities in Bavaria in the following years.
During the 1920s and 1930s, Nuremberg became one of the symbols and centers of the German Nazi era. The reasons why Hitler chose this city were simple: Holy Roman Empire connection and central location. Several massive Nazi Party conventions, known as Nuremberg Rallies, were held here on the Zeppelin Field during this period.
Zeppelin Field at Nuremberg's Nazi Party Rally Grounds is free to visit.
The area known today as Nazi Party Rally Ground was used by Hitler's main architect Albert Speer, who came up with additional megalomaniacal projects such as Rome's-Colosseum like Congress Hall, Great Road, etc. This area is best explored by visiting museums of Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds and Memorium Nuremberg Trials.
The city was heavily bombed during WW2, and almost the entire area of the Old Town was destroyed. Nuremberg, similar to cities like Dresden, was beautifully restored after the war. Today, the history of Nuremberg can be experienced through the museums and guided tours.
Explore the Museums
The next travel tip is tightly connected to the history we've mentioned above, so we've already mentioned two places - Memorium Nuremberg Trials and Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds. However, that's just a start.
The next place you should visit is the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg, which we'll discuss in more detail later. Today, a large part of this medieval castle is technically a museum with plenty of information on the castle's history, the Roman Holy Empire, kings and emperors, weapons, armor, and much more.
Those interested in general history should head to the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, which contains thousands of years of German history, as well as Behaim Globe, the world's oldest globe. This unique item predates Columbus's journey to America, which resulted in a large patch of the sea instead of two continents that contain modern maps (or, like, the globe right next to it, which was finished a few years later).
Behaim Globe is housed in Germanisches Nationalmuseum.
Those who like art or the Renaissance should know that Nuremberg was home to Albrecht Durer, one of the most famous artists of this era. Albrecht Durer House is a must-see for all art lovers, plus it features a performance by a professional actress.
Then there is the Nuremberg Transport Museum, which is divided into the DB Museum and the Museum of Communications. As the DB Museum has some stunning trains on display, it is especially popular among families with kids.
The Fembo Haus has an exhibition on Nuremberg's history, while the house itself features the traditional architecture of a medieval merchant home. And that's not all. Nuremberg also has a Toy Museum, Nature Museum, Museum of Art and Design, and about a dozen more. As you can clearly see, Nuremberg is full of interesting museums for all ages and interests.
Discover the Altstadt
Nuremberg is a modern city, one of the largest in Bavaria. Despite it all, entering the Old Town feels like stepping into another world. The world of much smaller and quieter towns dotting the Bavarian countryside. So it is not surprising to say that wandering around the Old Town, which is surrounded by massive walls, is one of the best activities Nuremberg offers.
Situated in the heart of Nuremberg, the Old Town (Altstadt in German) is relatively compact, mostly pedestrian-friendly, and well-connected with the rest of the city (bus, tram, and metro). It's full of amazing architecture that features traditional half-timbered houses, cute squares, impressive churches, medieval walls, towers, gates, and charming stone bridges.
Weißgerbergasse in Nuremberg features traditional Bavarian half-timbered houses.
Speaking of bridges, River Pegnitz flows through the city before eventually meeting the Main near the town of Bamberg (as Regnitz), giving Nuremberg a unique atmosphere. The series of bridges connecting the southern part of the inner city with the north is a big reason why the Altstadt is so picturesque and fun to explore.
Must-See Places in the Altstadt
If you're wondering what some must-see attractions in Nuremberg's Old Town are, then you should see Beautiful Fountain (Schoner Brunnen), Hauptmarkt (known for Christmas Markets), Handwerkerhof (touristy medieval village), Weissgerbergasse (a street with traditional architecture), St. Lorenz Church, and the Nuremberg Castle.
Nuremberg Tours
Nuremberg offers several great tours - the classic Nuremberg City Walking Tour and the Medieval Dungeons Tour are among the most popular.
Tour the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg
Perched atop a hill in the northern part of the Altstadt, the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg is a staple on every itinerary. This 11th-century castle boasts more than 1000 years of history that you can explore through a combination of self-guided and guided tours. The history features the Holy Roman Empire, Imperial Diets, Emperor Charles IV, King Ludwig I, WW2 air raids, castle restoration, and much more.
The Imperial Castle of Nuremberg is the most famous historic landmark in the Altstadt.
The museum inside the castle provides an enjoyable journey through the centuries, revealing all the events and rulers that shaped its history. Part of the castle tour is a visit to Deep Well, which is, as the name suggests, a really deep well. This one is 47 meters deep, and it's inside an old house that is accessible with a guide.
Lastly, you can climb the Sinwell Tower, which is the highest structure in the castle complex. The 360-degree views from the top are stunning, and the exhibition with photos of Nuremberg's destruction during WW2, which you can compare with today's state, is pretty interesting.
If you want to see more castles in Bavaria, Neuschwanstein and Veste Coburg were our favorites.
How Long Do I Need to See Nuremberg?
You will generally need 1-2 days in Nuremberg, depending on your interests and travel style. One day in Nuremberg gives you enough time to discover all the major sights, explore the Altstadt, and even see a museum or two. We spent a night in Nuremberg, and that's why we believe two days sound about right for Nuremberg.
In two days, you will be able to spend enough time in all three important museums the city has to offer (Memorium Nuremberg Trials, Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds, and Germanisches Nationalmuseum) and also see all the major sights in the city center.
The Memorium Nuremberg Trials is one of those museums where you could spend the entire day.
Three (or more) days in Nuremberg are ideal for those who prefer slow travel, love museums, or just want to base themselves in the city and explore some nearby towns. We had a car, so we preferred to be on the move rather than being constrained to a single destination. But if you rely on public transport, this might be a good approach to see more destinations in one go.
By the way, a half-day for Nuremberg is simply not enough, especially if you're a history lover. We're not saying it's not doable if you're pressed for time, but your overall experience will feel rushed.
The Best Time to Visit Nuremberg
You can visit Nuremberg any time of the year, but you need to be prepared that each season brings a different experience. When it comes to weather, the best time to visit Nuremberg is from late spring to early fall. Spring and autumn are perfect for those seeking a more relaxing experience, thinner crowds, and longer daylight hours. Just be prepared that the weather can be changeable during this period.
We visited Nuremberg in April, and the weather was almost perfect. That said, the summer temperatures didn't last long, and by the time we reached Augsburg or Neuschwanstein, the temperatures dropped to just above zero degrees Celsius.
Visiting Nuremberg during the summer months (July and August) is ideal for travelers who prefer warm days with plenty of daylight and a lively atmosphere.
Thanks to the abundance of museums and restaurants, European cities are fun to explore, even during the winter months. Nuremberg is no exception. Nuremberg comes alive during December when the annual Christmas Markets are held there. January and February are ideal months to visit Nuremberg if you're looking for the lowest hotel rates and fewer crowds. Just be prepared to pack a winter coat and an extra layer or two to stay nice and warm.
What to Pack for Nuremberg
Pack comfortable shoes and clothes as you will do plenty of walking around Nuremberg. Nuremberg has hot summers, so pack light and breathable fabrics during this period. Temperatures vary during spring and autumn, so make sure you're prepared for all types of weather. In April, Lucie wore leggings with a T-shirt (and a light jacket in the evening), and I had just a T-shirt with travel shorts.
Also, don't forget to keep a good rain jacket in your daypack to stay dry on rainy days (or at least a travel umbrella). You will need a good-quality winter coat during the cold winter months that are common in Nuremberg. Lastly, we recommend checking the weather forecast for your trip before packing.
We loved how beautiful Nuremberg was in spring.
How to Get There
Nuremberg is located in the state of Bavaria, in the southern part of Germany. Getting to Nuremberg is easy whether you go by car, train, bus, or plane. As we mentioned earlier, we visited Nuremberg during our Bavaria road trip, so we arrived there by car. If you're considering a car rental, compare prices here.
By Car: The city sits on an intersection of three major highways (A3, A6, and A9), so it's well-connected with all major German cities. Nuremberg is about 170 kilometers north of Munich, 150 kilometers north of Augsburg, 200 kilometers west of Stuttgart, 100 kilometers west of Regensburg, and 220 east of Frankfurt.
In our case, Prague is about 300 kilometers from Nuremberg, and the journey takes less than three and a half hours.
Parking
You will find plenty of parking spaces within the Old Town, so you don't have to leave your car somewhere on the outskirts. Some of the most popular Parkhauses in the Altstadt are Sterntor, Jakobsmarkt, Parkhaus Hauptmarkt, Augustinerhof, and Adlerpark. Many parking garages are located within the city center, allowing you to start exploring the city right away.
Nuremberg's Old Town has many secure parking garages.
By Bus & Train: Germany has a great public transport network, meaning you can easily get to Nuremberg by a long-distance or regional bus and train. If you're traveling by train, check the Deutsche Bahn website. For buses, FlixBus is one of the most popular options for inter-city travel.
By Plane: Nuremberg has an international airport - Nuremberg Airport (Albrecht Durer Airport) - about 5 kilometers from the city center. It's the second busiest airport in Bavaria, after Munich Airport. Traditional airlines, such as Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Ryanair, etc., operate out of Nuremberg Airport.
If you want to get from Nuremberg Airport to the city center by public transport, take a metro (U2 line) from Flughafen station to Hauptbahnhof or one of the nearby stations.
How to Get Around
Despite being the third largest city in Bavaria, the Nuremberg tourist area is compact and walkable. Therefore, the easiest way to get around the city center of Nuremberg is on foot. This is one of the things we really liked about Nuremberg as it made the sightseeing much easier and more enjoyable. You can also rent a bike (or e-scooter) as the city has a good network of cycling lanes.
If you want to use public transport, note that Nuremberg currently has three subway lines (U-Bahn: U1, U2, U3), an extensive tram network, and an S-Bahn (train). On top of that, it has a great bus network which covers areas that are harder to reach by other means of transport.
U-Bahn is a subway in Nuremberg.
Nuremberg also has taxis that offer a comfortable way to get around the city. There are only a few places outside of Nuremberg's city center worth seeing. Luckily all the must-see places like Memorium Nuremberg Trials, Nazi Party Rally Grounds, Nuremberg Zoo (Tiergarten Nurnberg), etc. can be easily reached by tram or metro.
Where to Stay
When it comes to accommodation, Nuremberg offers good options for all kinds of travelers. The city has a wide variety of hotels, ranging from hostels, economy hotels, chain 4-start hotels, and luxury accommodations. If you want to know more, you will find everything you need to know about the best hotels in Nuremberg here.
If you want to stay close to the action, the best area Nuremberg offers is the walled city center known as Altstadt - St. Lorenz. Just south outside the Old Town is a main road (between Plarrer and Nurnberg Hauptbahnhof) lined with hotels for every budget. We stayed here, as we were able to find a great deal for a 4-star hotel room with the city center being just across the road. Here are the best hotels in Nuremberg.
Budget Hotels | The Cloud One Nurnberg - This modern hotel, located next to the main train station, offers affordable rooms with functional space, a convenient location, and a great breakfast.
Mid-range Hotels | Leonardo Royal Hotel Nurnberg - Situated right next to the Hauptbahnhof, Leonardo Royal Hotel is one of the best mid-range hotels in Nuremberg. Apart from its excellent location, this popular property has modern rooms with air-conditioning, buffet breakfast, and private parking.
Luxury Hotels | Le Meridien Grand Hotel Nurnberg - If you're looking for a traditional 5-star hotel in Nuremberg, Le Meridien is one of the most popular options. It's located near the Hauptbahnhof, within a short walk from the Old Town. It offers stylish rooms, a French-style restaurant, and immaculate service.
Our hotel was perfectly situated in the center, so we walked everywhere.
Is Nuremberg Safe to Visit?
Nuremberg is generally considered a very safe city to visit, no matter whether you're visiting as a family with kids, a solo female traveler, or a couple like us. After two days, that was exactly the impression we got from our recent trip to this German city. Nuremberg is generally safe to explore at night, but the rule of thumb is to stay in well-lit and busy areas.
When it comes to tourist areas, the only sketchy-looking street could be considered Frauentormauer (sex tourism) in the southwest corner of Nuremberg's walled city (and still, it's not Bogota or Medellin).
Still, even the safest destinations are not completely safe, and you should always use common sense and follow general safety advice. Petty theft and pickpocketing are pretty common in European cities (we know that from Prague), and Nuremberg is no exception. Always stay vigilant in crowded areas, and don't leave your phones or wallets in your back pockets.
If you're arriving by car, it's better to leave your vehicle in a secure parking garage (there are plenty of them in the city center) or a hotel parking.
We felt safe while walking around Nuremberg.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip. Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more. Travel smarter and safer!
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Is Nuremberg Worth Visiting?
Nuremberg was one of the highlights of our Bavarian road trip, so it's not surprising to say that the city is definitely worth seeing. It has great hotels, transportation options, and tons of history, both medieval and WW2. On top of that, the Old Town is gorgeous, and the Imperial Castle is fun to explore.
If you ask us what other city you should visit in Bavaria apart from the capital (check out how we spent three days in Munich), Nuremberg will most likely be our answer.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
