Nuremberg Itinerary For 1, 2, 3 Days (I’ll Let You Choose)

Among the major cities in southern Germany, Nuremberg is the one that kept me wandering its streets the longest. Its old town, filled with colorful half-timbered houses and landmarks that transport you back in time, is like Disneyland for adults. Absolutely charming!

If my friends were to ask me where to go in Southern Germany, Nuremberg would be at the top of my list of recommendations. Along with my recommendation, I would provide this Nuremberg itinerary, which I believe they would find useful.

If you need it too, this itinerary will give you an idea of the various ways you can spend time in Nuremberg. Whether you plan to spend only one, two, or three days in Nuremberg, I’ve got you covered!

If you’re not sure yet how long you’d like to stay in Nuremberg, you can find some tips here as well. Alright? Let’s go!

Nuremberg may not be as large or famous as other German cities like Munich or Berlin. However, this doesn’t mean that there are only a few fascinating things to do in Nuremberg. On the contrary, this city is brimming with beautiful tourist attractions. If you’re interested in history and medieval experiences, you’ll be more than amazed.

As I mentioned earlier, charming, quaint streets fill Nuremberg. Every turn in the old town seems to present something picturesque to photograph, from the city’s bridges to churches, narrow lanes to open-air markets, almost everywhere!

The tourist attractions and activities in Nuremberg can be overwhelming if you’re into history/culture. The city has more than 50 museums. In fact, the entire Nuremberg seems like an open museum! If I were to see every beautiful “detail” of Nuremberg, I would spend almost a week!

If you read my article about my reasons to visit Nuremberg, I bet you’ll also find it challenging to decide which place to see first. In that post, I discussed every beautiful thing I discovered in Nuremberg. It will provide you with a good insight into the itineraries you’ll find below.

Number of Days to Spend in Nuremberg

Budgeting your time is one of the hardest parts of planning a trip. Depending on your preferences, it can be quick or long. But if you’re planning to visit Nuremberg, here’s my take:

A day trip to Nuremberg is possible for sure. But, 2 days in Nuremberg is preferable as it will be enough to see the city’s best attractions. Give yourself another day in Nuremberg to visit more museums and to have more time for shopping. 

If you’re planning a trip to Nuremberg and haven’t yet secured accommodations, you might want to check out some of the best hotel deals in Nuremberg.

If you’re not satisfied with my answer, let’s delve deeper. Let’s see if one, two, or three days in Nuremberg fits you better. However, I just want you to know that you can always decide for yourself how many days to stay in Nuremberg.

The list of things to do in Nuremberg in the latter part of this post will help. I included the number of hours and minutes most visitors have spent on each attraction in the list. Choose which places you want to visit. Then, sum up all the time indicated for each.

A total of 6 to 8 hours make up a day in Nuremberg. Let’s say you want to visit 10 places, and the hours needed for each summed up to 20 hours… it means you’ll need 3 days to enjoy Nuremberg. It’s pretty logical, right? Yet, these are all estimates, and you should make an allowance for yourself. Depending on how fast you walk, how much time you need for lunch, things like that. Alright! Let’s proceed by answering the question: should you spend only one day in Nuremberg?

One Day in Nuremberg – Not Enough!

One day in Nuremberg is not enough to see all the unmissable parts of the city. Visitors planning to visit Nuremberg has unlimited ways to see the city. But generally, they may only be able to check the landmarks in the old town and visit one historical site or museum. 

Nuremberg’s medieval center must always be on any day trip Nuremberg itinerary. It has the most value you can have for free or for only a small fee.

Sum up the time to spend on each landmark in Nuremberg’s medieval city and you’ll find visiting them all can consume half-day already. That includes the churches, bridges, and picturesque streets. You can spend the remaining hours of your day trip on a museum visit or historic site tour. I have suggested 4 or 5 historical sites you can see in the things to do in Nuremberg.

You can find them later in this post after my suggested Nuremberg itineraries. Let’s move forward: How about 2 days? Is it the perfect length in Nuremberg?

The Ideal: Visiting Nuremberg for 2 Days

Two days are enough and the ideal length of a trip to Nuremberg. Sightseeing Nuremberg and its landmarks in leisure mode are possible in two days. Additionally, visitors can also tour a couple of museums and one historic site in that length of time.

You should spend 2 days and 1 night in Nuremberg for some reason. First, the city looks more spectacular during the Golden Hour and at night. It is! Especially during December’s Christmas Market, that’s so magical at night.

But, do you know what’s “important?” This may sound cliche, but by allocating two days for a trip to Nuremberg, you let yourself enjoy more. You’ll see the best parts of the city in leisure mode! When I only give myself a day to visit a destination, most of the time, I procrastinate seeing all the best parts. Sometimes I only take photos or a selfie and miss the essence of traveling.

You can check what you can include on your 2-day Nuremberg itinerary from the list of things to do later in this post. You may not need to do that since I have a sample 2-day Nuremberg itinerary on this post also. 

Before that: How about three days in Nuremberg?

A 3-Day Trip in Nuremberg? Can be.

Three days are more than enough to visit Nuremberg. On a three-day trip, you can already see all the best attractions in the city. That includes 4 museums, 1 historical site, 3 churches, and 6 other places in Nuremberg. I only suggest a three-day journey to Nuremberg if you plan to travel for 2 weeks in Germany. Bavaria has many tourist attractions, and they are worth visiting too!

If you ask me, you should stay in those places longer.

Check my list of things to do in Nuremberg to see if the city is worth of 3-days of stay. Every destination on the list is in my suggested 3-day Nuremberg Itinerary. 

Nuremberg Itineraries

In the previous sections, I shared my opinion of how long you should stay in Nuremberg.

Now, we will discuss how you can spend your time in Nuremberg depending on how many days you like to visit the city. Whether it is only a day, two, or three Nuremberg Itinerary – I have all sorted out everything for you here.

But we continue to the itineraries, be sure that Nuremberg is the city that fits your travel goals. You can proceed to the list of things to do in Nuremberg or read my article, 15 Reasons to Visit Nuremberg. The post will help you determine if Nuremberg is the place to be. The article will help you discover the best parts of Nuremberg you must see during your visit.

Here are links and shortcuts to the Nuremberg itineraries you want to see:

• Nuremberg Day Trip Itineraries
• 2-Day Nuremberg Itinerary
• 3- Day Nuremberg Itinerary

I just want to share my list of the most beautiful places in Southern Germany. In the list, you’ll discover more scenic (Oberammergau, GaPa, Mittenwald, Berchtesgaden), historical (Bamberg, Wurzburg, Rothenburg, Black Forest), and magical places (Neuschwanstein Castle, Lichtenstein Castle) in Southern Germany where the most unforgettable memories and memorable journeys are made. Click on the link to open an article on a new tab and read it later.

Nuremberg Day Trip Itinerary

Visitors can spend a day in Nuremberg in many ways. Being a city that offers different categories of experiences, it is, for sure. But, like what I’ve mentioned earlier, it’s the medieval town center which you must not miss to explore.

In making an itinerary, we always consider problems along the way. Many factors can affect our trip, like weather, maintenance, season… This is why we need not only one backup plan but two.

I will provide will you with three 1-day Nuremberg Itineraries:

• Best-places-to-visit-in-Nuremberg day-trip itinerary
• Unpleasant weather Nuremberg day-trip itinerary
• Christmas Season Nuremberg day-trip itinerary

Best-places-to-visit-in-Nuremberg day-trip itinerary

In this day-trip Nuremberg itinerary, we aim to see the most beautiful places in the city in a day. It will be about seeing stunning landmarks & streets and one historic site or museum. You will need at least 10 hours for this.

I optimized this itinerary for the visits during the non-Christmas seasons. Check the other itinerary if you will visit Nuremberg in December before Christmas.

Hour	Destination	Notes
8:30 am	Nuremberg train station	Get to Lorenzkirche with Line U1
9:00 am	Lorenzkirche	3-min walk to Museumsbrücke
9:45 am	Museumsbrücke	2-min walk to Hauptmarkt
10:00 am	Frauenkirche, Hauptmarkt and Schöner Brunnen	Explore the square. Frauenkirche is beside Hauptmarkt. Hauptmarkt is a 2-min walk to/from Sebalduskirche
11:30 am	Sebalduskirche
12:00 pm	Lunch	You can find shops and restaurants all around the city center.
2:00 pm	Nuremberg Imperial Castle / Toy Museum	Choose one. Both are within the medieval center of Nuremberg.
4:30 pm	Weissgerbergasse	Have refreshments
5:30 pm	Schlayerturm & Maxbrücke	Wait for the sunset/golden hour

I arranged the attractions in the itinerary within walking distance from one another. If you like, you can also walk instead of using public transit to get to Lorenzkirche. The distance between Lorenzkirche and Nuremberg train station is only a 10-minute walk.

Unpleasant weather Nuremberg day-trip itinerary

Are you planning to visit Nuremberg during the rainy months (around June)? Consider the itinerary below. Using this, you can maximize your day in Nuremberg even if it rains all day. 

Of course, you will need an umbrella to be sure. But as much as possible, we’ll spend more time indoors. I included the attractions near the transit stations on the itinerary. (we don’t want too many walks in the rain)

Hour	Destination	Notes
9:30 am	Nuremberg train station	– Get to Rally Grounds through Line 8 (20-25 minutes travel time) – Get to Germanisches Nationalmuseum / Nuremberg Transport Museum through U2/U3 subway lines. Unload at Opera House station. (a few-minute train ride + 1 min walk)
10:00 am	Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds / Germanisches Nationalmuseum / Nuremberg Transport Museum	Choose only one museum
1:30 pm	(Back to) Nuremberg train station	Lunch: shops and restaurants are located in and around the station. Or, get to Lorenzkirche with line U1 (more cafes and stores nearby)
2:30 pm	Lorenzkirche	Climb the tower if possible. 3-min walk to Museumsbrücke.
3:15 pm	Museumsbrücke	5-min walk to Toy Museum
3:30 pm	Toy Museum	2-min walk to Sebalduskirche
4:45 pm	Sebalduskirche	1-min walk to Hauptmarkt
5:15 pm	Frauenkirche, Hauptmarkt and Schöner Brunnen	Explore the square. Frauenkirche is beside Hauptmarkt. Hauptmarkt is a 2-min walk to/from Sebalduskirche

You can spend a big chunk of your time on a day trip to Nuremberg in the museums within the city. They can give you shelter in case of pouring rain. 

Though you can spend more time indoors, walking is inevitable when exploring the old city. And as you will notice, the afternoon destinations need more walking. 

Let’s say the weather forecast tells morning will have more pleasant weather. Then, swap the destinations in the afternoon with ones in the morning. 

Christmas Season Nuremberg day-trip itinerary

The Christmas Market is one of the reasons why people visit Nuremberg. It’s a magical place and a beautiful time to experience authentic German culture. Because of this, travelers must visit Nuremberg in a way, unlike ordinary months.

Hour	Destination	Notes
8:30 am	Nuremberg train station	Ride subway U3 or U2 to Opera House station (the station closest to Nuremberg Transport Museum)
9:00 am	Nuremberg Transport Museum	10-min walk to Schlayerturm
11:00 am	Schlayerturm	1-min walk to Maxbrücke
11:15 am	Maxbrücke	2-min walk to Weissgerbergasse
11:30 am	Weissgerbergasse	Lunch
1:30 pm	Toy Museum	10-min walk to Nuremberg Imperial Castle
3:00 pm	Nuremberg Imperial Castle	10-min walk to Sebalduskirche
5:30 pm	Sebalduskirche	1-min walk to Frauenkirche, Hauptmarkt and Schöner Brunnen
6:00 pm	Frauenkirche, Hauptmarkt and Schöner Brunnen	Enjoy the night in Nuremberg’s Christmas Market. See Museumsbrücke and Lorenzkirche too (only a few steps away)

2-Day Nuremberg Itinerary

If you decide to have a 2-day trip to Nuremberg, you made the ideal choice! With two days, you have enough time to see the best parts of Nuremberg without the “rush.” See the 2-day Nuremberg itinerary below to know why.

As you have 2-days in Nuremberg, you can be more flexible with your visit. If you ask me, the weather is the main factor to consider in making itineraries. Especially since there will be a lot of walking and some tourist attractions are open air. 

What amazed me while creating this itinerary? The location of the tourist attractions in Nuremberg. It seems locals built them in their current position for visitors wanting a 2-day trip to their city.

That’s a 2-day trip to Nuremberg, with a day for fantastic weather and another with otherwise. Most of Nuremberg’s open-air tourist attractions are north of the Pegnitz River. Then to the south of the river, we find the city’s fantastic Museums. 

This is how I created my suggested 2-day itinerary. Destinations are near to each other and can be weather flexible. 

I labeled the itineraries “Day 1” and “Day 2,” but don’t get confused! Day 1 doesn’t need to be for your first day in Nuremberg, and Day 2 for your second day. I set Day 1 for a pleasant weather day in Nuremberg. While Day 2 is for a bad-weather day.

You can swap Day 1 and Day 2 depending on the weather forecast in the city. If the weather forecast on your arrival is sunny, immediately try “Day 1.” Otherwise, “Day 2.”

Day 1 of The 2-Day Nuremberg Itinerary

For this day of a 2-day Nuremberg itinerary, we aim to do the following:

• See Nuremberg’s imposing landmarks
• Have a leisure stroll in the city’s picturesque spots
• Visit a historical site
• Discover Nuremberg Christmas Market (applicable only during the Christmas season).

Hour	Destination	Notes
8:00 am	Nuremberg train station	Get to Lorenzkirche with Line U1
8:15 am	Lorenzkirche	10-min walk to Schlayerturm or Maxbrücke. You can see beautiful houses along the way.
8:45 am	Schlayerturm & Maxbrücke	2-min walk to Weissgerbergasse.
9:15 am	Weissgerbergasse	Take photographs and eat in the cozy cafes. 1-min to the Toy Museum
10:15 am	Toy Museum
12:00 pm	Lunch
2:00 pm	Nuremberg Imperial Castle	7-min walk to Sebalduskirche
5:00 pm	Sebalduskirche	1-min walk to Hauptmarkt
6:00 pm	Frauenkirche, Hauptmarkt and Schöner Brunnen, Christmas Market, Museumsbrücke	Enjoy the Christmas Market or visit the landmarks around Hauptmarkt.

Day 2 of The 2-Day Nuremberg Itinerary

After (or before) sightseeing and exploring, we now focus on the museums. It’s time we learn something about the Germans and their history in our 2-day stay in Nuremberg. 

It’s the museums in the southern part of the city we now visit in this part of the 2-day Nuremberg itinerary. At the end of the day, we go shopping for souvenirs in one of the city’s most charming streets.

Hour	Destination	Notes
8:45 am	Nuremberg train station	Ride subway U3 or U2 to Opera House station (the station closest to Nuremberg Transport Museum)
9:00 am	Nuremberg Transport Museum
11:00 am	Lunch	Eat in the restaurants or shops near Germanisches Nationalmuseum. You have plenty of restaurant options around the museum.
1:00 pm	Germanisches Nationalmuseum
3:00 pm	(Back to) Nuremberg train station	Get to Rally Grounds through transit line 8 (20-25 minutes travel time)
3:30 pm	Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds
6:30 pm	Handwerkerhof Nuremberg	Explore and buy souvenirs. (This place is in front of Nuremberg Central train station)

3-Day Nuremberg Itinerary

Three days is the ideal length of a trip to Nuremberg if you want to discover even the slightest details of the city. The 3-day Nuremberg itinerary will be helpful to people traveling slowly. 

This span of time will allow you to stay more in the museums. Also, explore the medieval center without glimpsing at your watch. And witness different city scenes for various hours. 

If you plan to use this itinerary, you must read my article, 15 Reasons to Visit Nuremberg. It will give you the details of what to look for/try to get a complete experience of Nuremberg. The article should help you make your trip full of learning and discoveries.

The post will also give you ideas of more places to see in Nuremberg. That is when you finished early the 3-day Nuremberg itinerary I shared below.

Like the 2-day Nuremberg itinerary I shared with you a while ago, this, you’ll find below, follows no order. In no specific order, at least on the day level. 

It means…

You can try “Day 2” or “Day 3” on your first day in Nuremberg. It goes the same with your last day in Nuremberg – you can do “Day 1” or “Day 2.” Don’t get confused with the naming convention.

It’s a flexible itinerary – arrange it depending on what you like to visit first. 

But, of course, you must follow the sequence of the destinations for each day. They follow the opening/closing hours. Also, the best hour of the day to visit them.

Day 1 of The 3-Day Nuremberg Itinerary

Hour	Destination	Notes
9:30 am	Nuremberg train station	Get to Rally Grounds through transit line 8 (20-25 minutes travel time)
10:00 am	Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds
1:00 pm	(Back to) Nuremberg train station	Lunch: shops and restaurants are located in and around the station. Or, get to Lorenzkirche with line U1 (more cafes and stores nearby)
2:30 pm	Lorenzkirche	3-min walk to Museumsbrücke
3:15 pm	Museumsbrücke	Go inside Frauenkirche next. See interiors.
3:30 pm	Frauenkirche	2-min walk to Sebalduskirche. Explore Sebalduskirche’s interiors. Frauenkirche is in Hauptmarkt, but we’ll visit the rest of the square later at night.
4:00 pm	Sebalduskirche	1-min walk to Weissgerbergasse
4:30 pm	Weissgerbergasse	Eat snacks, take photos, and simply admire the scene.
5:30 pm	Hauptmarkt and Schöner Brunnen	Enjoy the Christmas Market (if December). Wait for sunset and watch/take photos of the square’s golden hour. You can revisit Museumsbrücke to see the picturesque views from the bridge during the sunset.

Day 2 of The 3-Day Nuremberg Itinerary

Hour	Destination	Notes
9:45 am	Nuremberg train station	Ride subway U2 or U3 to Opera house station (3-min ride). It is the nearest station to Germanisches Nationalmuseum
10:00 am	Germanisches Nationalmuseum	Cafes and restaurants surround the museum. You can immediately eat lunch after seeing the museum.
12:30 pm	Lunch
2:00 pm	Maxbrücke and Schlayerturm
2:45 pm	Weissgerbergasse	7-min walk to Nuremberg Imperial Castle
3:00 pm	Nuremberg Imperial Castle	Spend the afternoon, explore the garden, and see the overlooking view of Nuremberg during the golden hour.
7:00 pm	Handwerkerhof Nuremberg	Buy souvenirs and explore the city after. Try nightlife!

Day 3 of The 3-Day Nuremberg Itinerary 

Hour	Destination	Notes
9:00 am	Nuremberg train station	Ride subway U2 or U3 to Opera house station (3-min ride). It is the nearest station to Nuremberg Transport Museum
9:30 am	Nuremberg Transport Museum
12:00 pm	Lunch
2:00 pm	Toy Museum
4:00 pm	Prepare to visit another city/go back home.

Spend Days Nuremberg: Best Things to Do in Nuremberg

In this section…

We discuss the tourist destinations included in the Nuremberg itineraries above. If you do not like the itineraries I shared above, this list will help you make your own Nuremberg itinerary. 

Because, from this list of things to do in Nuremberg, you get what you need to spend your day in the city well. I include the following information for each tourist attraction:

1. Introduction to the best destinations in Nuremberg
2. The exact location of each landmark/museum in Nuremberg (via Google Maps)
3. The amount of time previous visitors spent on each landmark/museum in Nuremberg
4. The visiting information (i.e., opening hours and entry fee)
5. Links to the official website of each destination for entry requirements and announcements. 

The list below is a shorter version of Nuremberg Germany: 15 Reasons Why Nuremberg is Worth a Visit. Read the article for more information about each tourist attraction on the list.

Let’s kick off the list with one of the most beautiful churches in Nuremberg, Lorenzkirche.

Lorenzkirche

1/14 best things to do in Nuremberg

• Google Maps: Lorenzkirche
• Opening hours:
  • Monday to Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday – 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
  • Thursday – 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
  • Sunday – 10:00 am to 3:30 pm
• Entry fee (adult):
  • 1 EUR (5 EUR = climb the tower)
• Website: tourismus.nuernberg.de
• Time to spend: 30 minutes (.5 hour) to 1 hour

Lorenzkirche, or Saint Laurence Church, is one of Nuremberg’s beautiful churches. It is also one of the oldest, and its architecture awe-inspires visitors. Its facade will greet you with architectural spectacle as you emerge from the subway. It features an imposing 9-meter-diameter rose window that catches the eye. 

Lorenzkirche also has an elaborate portal. These two alone can explain why it’s one of Bavaria’s most beautiful Lutheran churches. It houses one of the largest three-pipe-organ in the world, come inside and behold it!

Museumsbrücke

2/14 best things to do in Nuremberg

• Google Maps: Museumsbrücke
• Time to spend: Less than 15 minutes (.25 hour)

A few-minute walk from Lorenzkriche or Hauptmarkt, we find Museumsbrücke. Here you can find one of the most iconic views in Nuremberg along the Pegnitz River. 

From Museumsbrücke, you can spot the Heilig-Geist-Spital/Holy Spirit Hospital. It is a structure built like a bridge along the Pegnitz River. You’ll love marveling at its medieval appearance, sometimes reflected by the river.

You should see the view from the bridge at different hours of the day. At night, the hospital has lights illuminating it. It can be a very romantic spot if you ask me. 

Frauenkirche

3/14 best things to do in Nuremberg

• Google Maps: Frauenkirche
• Opening hours:
  • Monday to Saturday – 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
  • Sunday – 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm
• Entry fee (adult): Donations
• Website: tourismus.nuernberg.de
• Time to spend: 15 minutes (.25 hour) to 30 minutes (.5 hour)

Frauenkirche is another beautiful church in Nuremberg. Its facade is an icon of the city – one of the unique architectural designs you’ll find in Nuremberg. Its elaborate porch, mechanical clock, and gorgeous portal are stunning!

This church is on the east part of the Hauptmarkt, the square where the Schöner fountain is also found. I created a different discussion about them you’ll see later. 

The Catholic church owns Frauenkirche, so you can expect to find medieval artwork in it. It should have contained more works of art if the reformation did not happen. Though it has Christian roots, believe it or not, it was once used as a synagogue way back early 14th century. 

Hauptmarkt and Schöner Brunnen

4/14 best things to do in Nuremberg

• Google Maps: Schöner Brunnen
• Time to spend: 30 minutes (.5 hour) to 2 hours (Market available)

The Hauptmarkt is Nuremberg’s primary square where the Christmas Market takes place. Aside from Frauenkirche and the Christmas Market, here also lies Schoner Brunnen. There are three beautiful fountains in Nuremberg, but this is the most famous.

From afar, Schöner Brunnen does not look like a fountain at all. Instead, it appears like a spire built on the ground. It will only be clear that it is a fountain when you come closer to it.

Often in the photos, Schöner Brunnen doesn’t look gigantic. But, in person, it is 19-meters tall! The fountain will surprise you with its size when you behold it up close.

Schöner Brunnen is an impressive 14th-century landmark and artwork, to be frank. Along with its height, you can find symbolic sculptures. These sculptures depict the most important characters of the Holy Roman empire.

Sebalduskirche

5/14 best things to do in Nuremberg

• Google Maps: Sebalduskirche
• Opening hours:
  • January to March – 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
  • April to December – 9:30 am to 6:00 pm
• Entry fee (adult): 2 EUR
• Website: tourismus.nuernberg.de
• Time to spend: 30 minutes (.5 hour) to 1 hour

Once the heart of the Holy Roman Empire, Nuremberg is definitely the place of many churches. Among them is Sebalduskriche, one of the city’s best and oldest. This church, also a marvel of architecture, is already more than 800 years old, dating 1215.

You will also love admiring the gothic architecture of Sebalduskirche. From its elaborate rose windows to the light effects they create inside the church. Don’t miss seeing the monument of Saint Sebaldus by Peter Visher.

Nuremberg Imperial Castle

6/14 best things to do in Nuremberg

• Google Maps: Nuremberg Imperial Castle
• Opening hours: Come 45 minutes before closing
  • April to October 3 – 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
  • October 4 to March – 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Entry fee (adult): 7 EUR
• Website: kaiserburg-nuernberg.de
• Time to spend: 1.5 hours to 3 hours

Sure, the streets and churches in Nuremberg are time-transporting places. But, nothing can give so much a vibe aside from Nuremberg Imperial Castle. It’s the most fairytale destination in the city if you ask me.

Kaiserburg Nürnberg (or Imperial Castle of Nuremberg) is also the highlight of a visit to Nuremberg. Talking about historical significance, the Imperial Castle stands out among the city attractions. 

It was once the seat of power of the Holy Roman Empire. Kings and emperors resided here for several decades or centuries. Discover its history by visiting different parts, from the Palas to the Imperial chapel, towers, etc.

It has a museum, quaint buildings, lovely gardens, and vantage points of the city. Definitely, it is a complete package you won’t miss when you visit Nuremberg. Learn many things from the Imperial Castle Museum in the castle’s bower.

Weissgerbergasse

7/14 best things to do in Nuremberg

• Google Maps: Weissgerbergasse
• Time to spend: Less than 15 minutes (.25 hour)

Nuremberg is a fantastic city to bring you back centuries ago into medieval times. But, those kinds of experiences are not only found in the city’s castles and churches. And you don’t have to pay to get the experience!

If you’re on a budget trip, Weissgerbergasse is the place to be. It is the most preserved medieval street in Nuremberg, full of quaint scenes and cute shops/cafes. Weissgerbergasse’s cobbled street and timber-framed houses will fill your camera during your stroll.

Weissgerbergasse has the largest ensemble of old artisan houses in the city. Though the visit to Weissgerbergasse can be short, the experience will be one of the most magical. Anyway… you can dine in its cafes and restaurants for some eye and tummy-satisfying moments. 

Maxbrücke

8/14 best things to do in Nuremberg

• Google Maps: Maxbrücke
• Time to spend: Less than 15 minutes (.25 hour)

Like most cities in Europe, Germans founded Nuremberg beside a river. And when there’s a river, there are bridges. Bridges… they are one of the reasons why Nuremberg is such a beautiful city to visit.

Aside from Museumsbrücke, Maxbrücke is another bridge you must visit in Nuremberg. It has the most pleasant scenes in the city, especially on a sunny day. Photographers will love the view of the quaint structures along the Pegnitz River.

Look northeast from Maxbrücke and you’ll see Wasserturm, Henkerbrücke, and Weinstadel. Together with the trees and River Pegnitz, they seem to be the most idyllic view you can find in Nuremberg. 

Schlayerturm

9/14 best things to do in Nuremberg

• Google Maps: Schlayerturm
• Time to spend: 15 minutes (.25 hour) to 30 minutes (.5 hour)

Which offers the most idyllic scene? I’m torn between Maxbrücke and Schlayerturm, to be honest. Schlayerturm is a bridge tower in the Pegnitz River. And like Maxbrücke, it comes with a view mixed with nature and medieval flair.

Schlayerturm is on the westernmost part of old town Nuremberg. It’s not visited by the crowd. And by the way, it has a metal hanging bridge beside it. There, you can behold the bridge tower up close.

At night, the lights illuminate Schlayerturm above the River Pegnitz. You must see it! It is a romantic view you can enjoy from Maxbrücke or from the benches along the river bank.

Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds

10/14 best things to do in Nuremberg

• Google Maps: Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday – 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Entry fee (adult): 6 EUR
• Website: museums.nuernberg.de
• Time to spend: 2 hours to 3 hours

If Nuremberg has a unique tourist attraction – it has to be the Document Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds. Visitors curious to learn something about recent history will find the museum intriguing.

Based on its name, I know you already know why. You’ll learn so much about Nazis here, from their causes to their demise. You’ll also get some insight into the events in Nuremberg from here.

This museum is inside a pretty immense structure called the Congress Hall. Its architecture and size will let you imagine the Nazi rally meetings. Yet, you don’t need to imagine. The museum will visualize everything. 

Germanisches Nationalmuseum

11/14 best things to do in Nuremberg

• Google Maps: Germanisches Nationalmuseum
• Opening hours:
  • Tuesday to Sunday – 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday – 10:00 am to 8:30 pm
• Entry fee (adult): 8 EUR
• Website: gnm.de
• Time to spend: 3 hours to 4 hours

Nuremberg lets you discover lots of things. From recent history to the very roots of German culture, this city offers you almost everything. With the city’s 50+ museums, I’m sure you will.

But, you don’t need to visit all the 50 museums. Because all that you need to discover lies in Germanisches Nationalmuseum. From what I learned, it has artifacts depicting the entire history of German culture.

From simple clothes to weapons used from the birth of the German culture until now – they’re here. Germanisches Nationalmuseum keeps many impressive artworks from medieval times also! Some have deep meaning, which can be so fascinating when you discover them. 

Toy Museum

12/14 best things to do in Nuremberg

• Google Maps: Toy Museum
• Opening hours:
  • Tuesday to Friday – 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
  • Saturday to Sunday – 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Entry fee (adult): 6 EUR
• Website: museums.nuernberg.de
• Time to spend: 1 hour to 2 hours

Among the 50+ museums in Nuremberg, there is one to remind you of your childhood. Apparent in its name, it’s the Toy Museum. You can relate whether you were born 20 or 600 years ago!

600 years because some of the toys here came from the medieval ages! The toys range from trains to dollhouses, toy soldiers to airplanes, and more. The best part is seeing the toys from the middle ages and the miniature toys, if you ask me.

It’s a headscratcher how they manufacture those kinds of toys. Like, thinking, there were no modern factories and meticulous robot arms at that time! Anyhow, visiting the museum should awaken the kid inside you.

Transport Museum

13/14 best things to do in Nuremberg

• Google Maps: Transport Museum
• Opening hours:
  • Tuesday to Friday – 9:00 am to 5:00 pm 
  • Saturday, Sunday – 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Entry fee (adult): 7 EUR
• Website: dbmuseum.de
• Time to spend: 2 hours to 3 hours

What do you think is also included in the package of experiences that Nuremberg offers? Well, it is an immersion in German Railway technology. Dive into it in Nuremberg Transport Museum.

Nuremberg Transport Museum is the museum of the national railway company of Germany. And it is not only a simple museum – it is one of Europe’s oldest technical museums. Almost all kinds of trains are here, from locomotives to bullet trains.

It has a wide range of exhibits and not only focuses on trains. You can find railway models (miniature), the development of train stations, and more. It’s a paradise for train enthusiasts – they’ll more than like it, of course!

Handwerkerhof Nuremberg

14/14 best things to do in Nuremberg

• Google Maps: Handwerkerhof Nuremberg
• Opening hours:
  • Monday to Saturday – 8:00 am to 10:30 pm
  • Sunday – 10:00 am to 10:30 pm
• Entry fee (adult): Free
• Website: nuernberg.de
• Time to spend: 1 hour to 2 hours

Handwerkerhof Nuremberg is another charming street in Nuremberg, like Weissgerbergasse. Yet, it is “more special.” It has lovely half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and cute locally made crafts.

Actually, Craftsmen’s Courtyard is the English term for Handwerkerhof. Its name explains why you’ll find cute locally made crafts here. If you want to shop for souvenirs, Craftsmen’s Courtyard is the place to be.

This magical place sells handmade crafts, ranging from wooden toys to glittering jewelry. There are wanderlust-sparking room decorations you can buy to put in your homes. Nuremberg’s specialties like bratwurst and gingerbreads are available here too.

Find more things to do in Nuremberg (click here)

Best Time to Visit Nuremberg

If you’re considering a trip to Nuremberg, the months from May to September offer the most favorable conditions.

During this period, you can expect pleasant, dry weather and ample sunshine, making it the perfect time for leisurely strolls through Nuremberg’s charming Old Town and exploring the natural beauty of the region.

However, for those seeking a balance between good weather and fewer crowds, spring (March to May) and autumn (late October to November) are also excellent choices.

While there’s no outright “bad” time to visit Nuremberg, the colder months present certain challenges, mainly due to lower temperatures and reduced daylight hours.

January, in particular, with its average low temperature of -2.3°C, limited sunlight hours, and potential for significant snowfall, can pose difficulties for travelers.

Nuremberg is a city that consistently buzzes with exciting events, and they can make your trip more memorable. Cultural happenings such as the Christmas Market, the Blue Night, and the Silvestival are integral parts of the city’s event calendar, alongside unique music festivals like Bardentreffen, Classic Open Air, and Rock im Park.

You can check the full calendar of events in Nuremberg here, but here are some that I find quite interesting:

• Stars at the Luitpoldhain: An enchanting summer evening filled with vibrant music and an exuberant audience.
• Stadt (ver)führungen ®: Germany’s largest series of guided tours offers a fresh perspective on Nuremberg.
• Nürnberger Volksfeste (Nuremberg Folk Festivals): The city’s fairs are a cherished part of local culture. The Spring Fair typically runs from March to April, while the Autumn Fair takes place in August and September.
• Nürnberger Altstadtfest (Old Town Festival Nuremberg): Germany’s most extensive and delightful Old Town Festival, featuring over 60 free events, is usually held in September and October.
• Nuremberg.Pop Festival: A meeting point for festival-goers, music enthusiasts, and art and culture aficionados, held in southern Germany’s largest club and showcase festival.
• Nuejazz Festival: A must-visit for jazz aficionados, the NUEJAZZ Festival has emerged as a key jazz event in Germany.
• The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt: Immerse yourself in the delightful scents of gingerbread, mulled wine, and grilled sausage at this renowned Christmas market, which typically runs throughout December.
• Nürnberger Trempelmarkt (Nuremberg Flea Market): Twice a year, the Old Town transforms into an enormous flea market, drawing both collectors and the curious. In 2024, mark your calendar for May and September.
• Fränkisches Bierfest (Franconian Beer Festival): Anticipated in late spring to early summer, this festival takes place in the enchanting setting of the Nuremberg castle moat.

How to Get to Nuremberg

If you’re planning a trip to Nuremberg, getting there is a breeze.

The city has its own airport, the Nuremberg Airport (NUE), which is just a stone’s throw away from the city center – only 8 km to be exact! But if you’re looking for more flight options, you might want to consider flying into Munich, Stuttgart, Frankfurt or Leipzig.

Munich is the closest of these options, and all of them have direct trains to Nuremberg that will get you there in about 3 to 4 hours.

Once you land at Nuremberg Airport, you can hop on the U2 subway line which will whisk you away to the city center in just 12 minutes. The subway runs every 10 minutes, so you won’t have to wait long.

If you’re coming from Munich International Airport, there’s a convenient bus service operated by FlixBus that runs five times a week. It’s a bit of a longer journey – about 1 hour and 55 minutes – but it’s a direct route to the Nuremberg central bus station.

If you’re planning a trip from Munich to Nuremberg, you’ll be pleased to know that the train service is not only available, but it’s also quite convenient. The fastest trains whisk you away to Nuremberg in just over an hour, covering a distance of about 150 kilometers.

Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, you’ll find a train that suits your schedule – the first one leaves Munich around 04:12 and the last one at 23:00. And this is not just on weekdays, but on weekends too! Last time I checked there are 6 trains running per day.

For more information, please visit Deutsche Bahn website.

Where to Stay in Nuremberg

When it comes to choosing accommodation in Nuremberg, consider these top three areas:

• Sebalder Altstadt (Old Town): This is the heart of Nuremberg, brimming with historical charm. You’ll find yourself within a short stroll of iconic landmarks such as Nuremberg Castle, Albrecht Dürer’s House, and the bustling Hauptmarkt square.
• Hauptmarkt: If you’re visiting during the Christmas season, Hauptmarkt is a must. It hosts the largest Christmas market in Germany, creating a festive and enchanting atmosphere.
• Nuremberg Central Train Station Area: For convenience in travel, this area is a smart choice. It provides easy access to the airport and trains, making it especially practical for travelers on the go.

Pros and Cons of Each Area:

• Sebalder Altstadt (Old Town)
  • Pros: Immerse yourself in history and culture, with major attractions at your doorstep. Ideal for sightseeing.
  • Cons: Expect crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons.
• Hauptmarkt:
  • Pros: Experience a vibrant atmosphere and the enchantment of the largest Christmas market in Germany.
  • Cons: It can get noisy and crowded, particularly during the Christmas market season.
• Nuremberg Central Train Station Area:
  • Pros: Enjoy convenience for travel, with easy access to the airport and train services.
  • Cons: While practical, it may lack the picturesque and historic charm of the Old Town.

You can find the best hotel deals in Nuremberg here.

Getting Around in Nuremberg

Nuremberg offers straightforward ways to explore its treasures. However, most tourist attractions are within walking distance from each other. If you’re more into using public transportation, Nuremberg boasts an efficient public transportation system that covers buses, trams, and subways.

While the Old Town, a major attraction, is compact and perfect for strolling on foot, the Verkehrsverbund Großraum Nürnberg (VGN) is your go-to option for venturing beyond the city walls or exploring its more distant corners.

The VGN network includes three underground lines (U1, U2, U3), three tramways, four S-Bahn (local train) lines, and numerous bus routes.

If you prefer an active mode of transport, cycling is an excellent choice. Nuremberg is a bike-friendly city with plenty of designated bike lanes and paths to explore.

While car rental services are indeed available in Nuremberg, it’s worth noting that renting a car is not a necessity for getting around the city. Nuremberg’s public transportation system is both comprehensive and convenient, and (again) many of the city’s attractions are easily accessible on foot.

However, if you plan to venture beyond the city limits or explore nearby towns, renting a car can be a practical choice.

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