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Nuremberg: Uncovering its Hidden Gems

- Not all those who wander are lost!

GERMANY Nuremberg Architecture Building Facade House River

The city of Nuremberg lies in Bavaria, southern Germany. Known as Nürnberg to the locals, it is a city rich in heritage from the Middle Ages such as “The Beautiful Fountain” that depict allegorical figures, churchmen, electors, and heroes, the imperial castle, and the wall around the Old Town.

Visiting Nuremberg for the first time

We’ve asked the experts what should be on the list of things to do for tourists that visit Nuremberg for the first time. Here’s what they say…

Today the second largest city in Bavaria, Nuremberg has a complex but intriguing history. An Imperial City for the Holy Roman Empire and, partly because of this, a city chosen by the Nazis to hold their rallies. Visiting the Nuremberg Imperial Castle is a must. The oldest part dates to around 1000 AD, and together with the city walls, still standing in some places, this is considered one of the most formidable fortifications from medieval Europe. Away from the Altstadt, signs of the Nuremberg rallies also survive for those who are interested in 20th century history. The best way to see these is on a walking tour.

Trip duration & Best time to Visit

Four or five days during the summer is a comfortable length of stay. There are plenty of walking tours to choose from or join a group on a day trip. Scroll down for the things to do in Nuremberg.

Now, come December time, it is a different story. I suggest making a weekend of it. Explore the world-famous Christkindlesmarkt at your own pace and visit a museum or two. Enjoy the vibes and indulge in the tasty delights. It will be a weekend you remember for all the right reasons.

Travel Tip: The Christmas market usually opens by the Christkind on Friday evening before the first Sunday of Advent.

International Toy Fair

Nuremberg is known for hosting the world’s biggest toy fair, namely Spielwarenmesse (German). The annual International Toy Fair held in Nuremberg, Germany is a highly anticipated event for toy manufacturers, distributors, and enthusiasts from around the world. It is a platform for showcasing the latest trends and innovations in the toy industry, featuring a wide range of toys, games, and hobby products. With over 70,000 visitors and 2,800 exhibitors, the fair offers a unique opportunity to network, discover new products, and gain insights into the industry’s future direction. The event is held over several days in February and attracts both professionals and families looking for the newest and most exciting toys on the market.

Eat & Drink

Authentic German Cuisine

Where to eat in Nuremberg

Bratwursthausle (for traditional food) and Rathausplatz (the City Hall) are located in the center of town and are highly recommended.

I just love cozy spots to put down the shopping bags, enjoy a great glass of wine, and have a lunner (that’s my something for between lunch and dinner!).

So, I did just that at Maestro on Königstraße 53.  Excellent service, small and cozy, and great-tasting pizzas. A good sign was that everyone clung to their seats clearly enjoying every bite and the atmosphere was filled with pure pleasure.

Travel Tip: At 16h55 the church bells started ringing, stopping me in my tracks to take a quick video of my surroundings and the beautiful blend of old and new architecture and history

What to eat in Nuremberg

Spargelzeit (during the spring season).

Franconian asparagus.

Nuremberg Lebkuchen is a traditional gingerbread with a closely guarded recipe that includes nuts, honey, and a mix of different spices such as cinnamon, clove, and cardamom. (During the winter months, especially over Christmas.)

Schäufele, a typical regional dish, is a roasted shoulder of pork served with dumplings and red cabbage.

Bavarian food & Beer

Nuremberg: Private 1.5-Hour Tour with Brewery Visit

Our most recommended things to do in Nuremberg

Nuremberg: Sightseeing Train Tour

1. Sightseeing Train Tour

Explore the historic city of Nuremberg on board a picturesque tourist train. Enjoy a ride through the city center,…

Nuremberg: PLAYMOBIL®- FunPark

2. PLAYMOBIL®- FunPark

Explore the PLAYMOBIL-FunPark which spreads over an area of more than 90,000 m² and is specially designed for children…

Nuremberg: Old Town Guided Walking Tour

3. Old Town Guided Walking Tour

The prosperous city of Nuremberg provided the ideal basis for an active cultural and intellectual life, as well…

Nuremberg: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

4. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Enjoy a day of city-sightseeing in Nuremberg in the comfort of a hop-on hop-off double-decker bus. See the city’s most…

Nuremberg: 1.5-Hour Private Tour through Historical Old Town

5. 1.5-Hour Private Tour through Historic Old Town

Explore Nuremberg, one of the largest German cities during the Middle Ages at…

 
From Munich: Nuremberg Day Trip by Train

6. From Munich: Day Trip by Train

In Nuremberg the Third Reich strutted in all of its pomp in the city’s grandiose marching grounds, and years…

Nuremberg: Private 1.5-Hour Tour with Brewery Visit

7. Private 1.5-Hour Tour with Brewery Visit

Explore Nuremberg on a guided walk with a visit to a brewery. Discover the most beautiful…

Nuremberg 2-Hour Old Town Walking Tour in English

8. 2-Hour Old Town Walking Tour in English

Enjoy an English-speaking 2-hour guided walk in a beautiful and prosperous medieval walled city….

Nuremberg: Medieval City Exploration Game

9. Medieval City Exploration Game

Explore Nuremberg and its famous locations while playing an engaging phone game. Visit highlights of the city…

Nuremberg: Self-Guided Audio Tour

10. Self-Guided Audio Tour

Explore Nuremberg at your own pace with this self-guided audio tour. Simply download the mp3 audio guide and use the…

Attractions & Sightseeing

  • Barockgarten St. Johannis
  • Ehekarussell
  • Nuremberg Zoo
  • Meander in the beautiful old town.
  • River Cruise 
  • Documentation Centre Nazi Party Rally
  • Imperial Castle of Nuremberg
  • Memorial Nuremberg trials
  • Handwerkerhof Nuremberg 
  • The Frauenkirche, also known as the Church of Our Lady, is worth a visit. Especially if you combine it with a musical event such as a lunchtime concert. They feature an updated list of musical events on their website. Check it out!
  • The toy museum is iconic of Nuremberg as it has not only been known as the toy city since the Middle Ages, but it is also the seat of the world’s largest International Toy Fair

Biking in Nuremberg

Travel Tip(s)

Maximize luggage space and stay organized by using packing cubes to separate and easily find your belongings while traveling.

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Packing Cubes for Suitcases, Travel Essentials for Carry on
Packing Cubes
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Compression Bags
travel tips, keeps gadgets safe
Gadget Organizer

Plan your trip to Nuremberg

Nuremberg Airport

Nuremberg Airport (IATA: NUE, ICAO: EDDN) is also known in Germany as the Albrecht Dürer Flughafen Nürnberg. It’s the second-busiest airport in Bavaria after Munich Airport.

Address:  Flughafenstraße 100, 90411 Nürnberg, Germany

Nuremberg best places to stay

From personal experience, the city center is the most convenient and within walking distance of many attractions, if not the most. Alternatively, there are taxis at the drop of a hat. And the choice of places to stay is immense. 

The Leonardo is a great choice covering comfort and location needs.