Last Updated on January 30, 2025 by Soumya
Looking for the best things to do in Nuremberg, Germany? You’re at the right place.
One of the most beautiful cities in the Franconia region of Bavaria and a charming historic destination, Nuremberg, or Nürnberg, is filled with experiences and attractions that will delight you.
From scaling the majestic imperial castle and visiting the Nuremberg Trials Museum to checking out the beautiful old town and enjoying mulled wine at the Christkindlesmarkt, there are umpteen things to do in Nuremberg, Germany.
Every corner of Nuremberg tells a story. Let’s discover some of them in this epic Nuremberg travel guide.
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Top 12 Attractions in Nuremberg
Old Town & Main Square
Begin your trip in the heart of Nuremberg by exploring the Old Town. Strolling through the Old Town feels like stepping back in time. Wander along cobblestone streets lined with beautifully preserved half-timbered houses.
On the eastern side of the square, you’ll see the Frauenkirche or the Church of Our Lady. Every day at noon, the mechanical clock on the church’s facade comes alive and does a little show like the one in Marienplatz, Munich.
Don’t miss the Hauptmarkt, the central square home to a majestic fountain called the Schöner Brunnen or the Beautiful Fountain. Turn the brass rings of the fountain for some good luck.
Hauptmarkt also hosts the famous Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt in December. The Kids Christmas Market is just a few minutes away from here.
✦ Pro Tip: The best way to explore Nuremberg’s Old Town is by taking this guided walking tour with a local that will give you rich insights into local history and legends.
Hangman’s Bridge
One of the most iconic things to do in Nuremberg is to explore the Hangman’s Bridge or the Henkersteg.
Built in the 16th century, the Hangman’s Bridge has a fascinating history. Apparently, the executioner stayed on one side of the bridge during the medieval era. He was not allowed to have any contact with the other citizens, who were considered far more honorable!
Imperial Castle
The Imperial Castle of Nuremberg, or Kaiserburg, is located on a hill and provides some of the best views of the old town. The castle is also home to some beautiful gardens worth visiting in spring and summer.
Nuremberg was once an important city of the Holy Roman Empire. It is believed that many Roman Emperors stayed at this castle on their visits.
You’ll need to climb a little to get to the fortress. But the views from above are absolutely worth it! Find opening hours and ticket details here.
📖 Read Next: Best 10-day itinerary for Germany
Memorium Nuremberg Trials
One of the most important things to do in Nuremberg is to visit the Memorium Nuremberg Trials Museum. Many people I have spoken to have visited Nuremberg either for the Memorium or the Christmas Market.
The Nuremberg trials hold such a crucial place in world history. You’ll visit the actual courtroom, Courtroom 600, located in the Palace of Justice, where the trials were held. A video presentation gives you details of what happened and how things were conducted here. I recommend watching this video—it happens every 1.5 hours, starting at 10:00 am. The last show happens at 4:30 pm.
Then, explore the museum, which features powerful exhibits that recount the trial events and their significance in international law and human rights.
Check for opening hours here.
✦ Pro Tip: Book your Nuremberg WW II Tour here.
Nazi Party Rally Grounds
Take a tour of the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, or Reichsparteitagsgelände, another important site from the World War II era.
This is precisely where rallies and propaganda events of the Nazi Party were held between 1933 and 1938. There would be parades and military displays to convey power and control.
Discover the history of Zeppelin Field and its Grandstand. Zeppelin was the only parade ground to be completed during the Nazi era.
✦ Pro Tip: The best way to explore the Nazi Party Rally Grounds is with a local tour guide who can give you insights both into the history and the architecture of the place. This 2-hour guided walking tour is highly rated and excellent value for money.
Nuremberg Toy Museum
Nuremberg indeed has a lot of museums, and one of our favorites, as a family, was the Toy Museum.
I had no idea before I visited the museum that Nuremberg has a long history of toy manufacturing. The tradition goes back almost 600 years when people started making medieval dolls for kids to play with. Then came the era of pewter figurines and tin toys.
The Nuremberg Toy Museum, or the Spielzeugmuseum, features an extensive collection of toys from different eras. From dolls and dollhouses to model trains and vintage board games, this museum is perfect for families and anyone passionate about Nuremberg’s history.
Medieval Dungeons
As if Nazi party rally grounds and trial courthouses weren’t enough, I discovered that Nuremberg also has a set of medieval dungeons.
During the 14th and 15th centuries, these dungeons held prisoners in custody. There was also a torture chamber to extract confessions.
After visiting the Medieval Crime Museum in Rothenburg ob der Tauber and the Torture Museum in Prague, I did not have the stomach to see the Nuremberg dungeons. But if you want to, be sure to sign up for this highly-rated, budget-friendly guided tour.
German National Museum
Nuremberg’s German National Museum, or the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, is one of Central Europe’s largest museums of art and culture.
Over 170 years old, this museum houses a vast collection of art and cultural artifacts. Do not miss out on the works of Albrecht Dürer and Rembrandt.
Here are the details on opening hours and admission charges.
Nuremberg Train Museum
My son and husband love trains. No doubt, we end up exploring train museums in every possible city we visit.
If you have train enthusiasts in your group or are one yourself, you’ll appreciate the Nuremberg Train Museum (DB Museum), which is the largest railway museum in Germany.
Here, you can explore a fascinating collection of locomotives, carriages, and various railway artifacts that tell the story of rail transport in Germany over the ages. There are coal wagons, steam locomotives (including the famous “Adler”), express trains, and a model of ICE. You can also see the train of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, which is impressive.
Many interactive exhibits allow you to listen in to how things happened hundreds of years ago or experience how sitting in an old carriage felt like.
✦ Pro Tip: Visiting Bavaria? Check out our perfect Bavaria itinerary to plan your trip.
Nuremberg’s Churches
Nuremberg is home to several remarkable churches, each displaying stunning architectural details.
We have already spoken about the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady). This beautiful Gothic building features a mechanical clock and some of Germany’s oldest stained-glass windows on its facade.
The Church of St. Sebald, one of the oldest churches in the city, is known for its beautiful altarpiece.
Don’t miss St. Lawrence Church (Lorenzkirche) with its three-part pipe organ and some of the oldest bells in Germany.
Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
If you’re planning to visit Nuremberg during the holiday season, you’re in for a treat.
The main square hosts the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt (Christmas Market) every year. This is one of the world’s oldest and most famous Christmas markets and a must-do in Nuremberg.
The market fills the Hauptmarkt with stalls selling traditional crafts, delicious gingerbread, mulled wine, and festive decorations. You cannot miss this one if you’re here from the end of November to the 25th of December.
Food Tour in Nuremberg
No trip to Nuremberg is complete without savoring its iconic culinary offerings, such as the rostbratwurst, lebkuchen, and some asparagus.
Nuremberg rostbratwurst: These small, savory sausages are a local specialty. These are usually eaten by laying three sausages in an open bun.
Lebkuchen: A traditional gingerbread with an authentic taste of Nuremberg. You’ll find lots of them in the shops at the Christmas Market.
Franconian Asparagus: I love German white asparagus. It is delicious and the perfect veggie treat. Called “white gold,” asparagus is usually served with sausages or a salad.
And, of course, you cannot leave Nuremberg without trying some of its distinct local red beer.
Book this guided walking food tour for a taste of all iconic Nuremberg dishes.
Practical Tips for Visiting Nuremberg
Best Times to Visit Nuremberg
Like many other places in Bavaria, Nuremberg is a perfect year-round destination.
In spring, you can enjoy pleasant weather and blooming gardens. In contrast, summer is perfect for exploring outdoor attractions like the Imperial Castle and beer gardens.
My favorite time, however, is winter, when I can experience the magic of the Nuremberg Christmas Market and the festive atmosphere.
How to Get to Nuremberg From Munich
The best way to travel from Munich to Nuremberg is by train. The high-speed ICE trains connect the two cities in just about an hour.
Alternatively, you can drive (1.5–2 hours) or take a bus, which is the most budget-friendly option.
📖 Read Next: 10 Best Day Trips from Munich, Germany
Where to Stay in Nuremberg?
It is always a good idea to stay a couple of nights in the city because there’s just so much to do in Nuremberg. Also, you can do some quick day trips from here, such as one to the charming town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
We stayed at Premier Inn City Centre because of its excellent location and good value for money. It is very close to the central station. I absolutely loved their rooms, and the breakfast was not bad either.
Some other hotels that caught my eye were the Melter Hotel and Apartments and Park Plaza Nuremberg.
Helpful Nuremberg Travel Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the city’s cobblestone streets and walking trails.
- Purchase a Nuremberg Card for discounts on attractions and free public transport.
- Book guided tours of historical sites so that you go back with rich insights and fond memories. I highly recommend booking tours for the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, the Old Town, and a food tour if you’re looking to taste some regional delicacies.
- Pack layers if you’re visiting in winter. It can get super chilly here.
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