Facts
Name of the city: Nuremberg (German: Nürnberg)
Location: Franconia, Bavaria, Germany
Population: 518,365
Next international airport: Nürnberg Airport (NUE)
Next airport flying to Asia: Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Munich Airport (MUC)
Do not miss the historic medieval city with its important center for art and culture during your stay in Germany. Nuremberg is the second largest city in Bavaria. Discover the harmonious combination of historic buildings, modern architecture, traditional culinary delights and the exciting new spirit of trendy urban districts.
The history of the city is long. It was home to Europe’s first printing press. Further, it was a center of astronomic studies. In 1543 Nicolaus Copernicus published famous works. The city is stuffed with architectural wonders. Famous artists were attracted to the city, for example Albrecht Dürer was born in Nuremberg.
The old center of Nuremberg is characterized by timber-framed houses coupled with traditional markets. Even though it is a big city (for German standards) with about 500,000 inhabitants you can explore the city easily within 1-3 days. You can walk to all major attractions within the city center.
I am living close by and curious about sharing the hidden-gems, off-touristic paths and local attractions with you. Enjoy the beautiful city of Nuremberg with its historical but also modern styles!
When to visit Nuremberg?
As most of Germany, Nuremberg experience differs from the seasons and weather in each one. The best time for a good balance between weather and fewer tourists is spring or autumn. The months of March to May and also October to November are nice for outdoor sightseeing.
However, take also the festivals into consideration. The months of late November and December are specially worth a visit as the famous Christmas market takes place. Refer to detailed information below. If possible, try to plan your visit according to Nuremberg’s festivals. Below you find an overview of the most famous festivals.
- June:
- Rock im Park: Rock music festival on Dutzendteich area
- Summer of Muisc in Serenadenhof (courtyard): Classical music in a unique ambience in the courtyard. The orchestra presents all facets of classical music. Also jazz and soul are on the programme
- July:
- Bardentreffen: one of the biggest music festivals in Germany
- September:
- Altstadtfest: Local specialities are offered in small booths on the island Schütt, accompanied by traditional brass band music
- Herbstmarkt: Traditional market on the Hauptmarkt area with about 100 traders. Tableware, household goods, clothing, arts and crafts are offered
- December:
- World-famous Christkindlesmarkt: In small wooden booths traditional decorations and sweet treats are offered. Try the famous gingerbread and Spekulatius almond cookies
Nuremberg accomodations
I recommend staying in the Old Town to surround yourself with the main attractions and also good restaurant options. Within the city you find luxury hotels as well as hotels for budget travelers. Below you find my favorite choices within the city.
Melter Hotel & Apartments – a Neighborhood Hotel | 9.1 | €€€€
Karl August – a Neighborhood Hotel | 9.1 | €€€€
Le Méridien Grand Hotel Nürnberg | 7.8 | €€€€
Park Plaza Nuremberg | 8.7 | €€€
Sorat Hotel Saxx Nürnberg | 8.8 | €€€
the niu Leo | 8.6 | €€
Motel One Nürnberg-Hauptbahnhof | 8.7 | €€B&B Hotel Nürnberg-Plärrer | 8.0 | €
AZIMUT Hotel Nuremberg | 7.7 | €
Nuremberg attractions
The main attractions are located in the historic center of the city. This area is known as Altstadt. The Pegnitz river divides the Old Town into two parts. In the south lies Altstadt with St. Lorenz and in the north is Altstadt with St. Sebald. Both, St. Lorenz and St. Sebald are home of magnificent attractions. Have a look to the described landmarks below.
Climb up the Imperial Castle
The most important historical landmark is the Imperial Castle. The complex was a residence for the Holy Roman Emperor and dates back to 1050. Today, you can explore the courtyards, the castle museum and terraces as well as spectacular views over the city. Read the complete guide about the Imperial Castle, so that you do not miss any of its great attractions.
Stroll around Hauptmarkt’s daily market
On your way to the Imperial Castle you pass by the Main Market (Hauptmarkt). On this place a daily market takes place. Stroll around the market and see the colorful market stands. Fresh vegetables and fruits, bright flowers and local crafts are offered.
Starting from the Friday before the first Advent the famous Christkindlesmarket takes place at the square. Are you visiting Nuremberg during the Christmas season? Spend some time to visit the Christmasmarket with its festively decorated wooden stands. The Christmas Angle speaks from the balcony of the Gothic Church.
Besides the daily market, the Hauptmarkt is home to the famous fountain called Schoener Brunnen and the Gothic Church of Our Lady with its Little Men Dancing spectacle.
Good luck at the beautiful fountain
The beautiful fountain (Schoener Brunnen) was built from 1385-1396. It is 19 meter tall and includes four rows of 40 stone figures. See the stone figures in detail, they are reflecting the world-view of the Holy Roman Empire. Around the pool you see figures, which are representing the liberal arts and philosophy. One row above the four Evangelists as well as the four Church Fathers can be seen.
The fountain is specially known for its famous golden brass ring. Spin the golden brass ring for three times and it is said that you will become lucky. Make a wish while spinning the ring and the wish may come true.
The legend says that specially couples, who could not have children, were spinning the ring. The real story of the ring is that the master Kuhn, who made a protective layer of iron on the fountain, left two rings as a trademark on the fountain.
aioutravel tip:
Do you find the second black ring on the fountain? To ensure that I become lucky, I usually spin both rings: the golden as well as the black version 😊
Gothic Church of Our Lady
The Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche) is located on the eastern side of the Main Market. The Gothic Church was built between 1352 and 1362. Inside the church you can see many sculptures as well as Nuremberg’s three oldest stained glass windows.
aioutravel tip:
Every day at noon the carillon (so called “Männleinlaufen”) takes place. The animated procession of figures pay homage to Emperor Karl IV sitting on his throne. The carillon was created in 1509. Enjoy the short but entertaining show. It reminds me to the carillon in Munich.
Picturesque street – Weißgerbergasse
The Weißgerbergasse is located in the middle of the Old Town. Stroll through the small street, enjoy the half-timbered houses, the flower decorations and the historical styles. Do not miss to stop in one of the cafes and ice cream shops in the street.
The street’s name origins from the tanners lived in the street during the Middle Ages. In previous times, the leathermaking trade took place right here.
aioutravel tip:
If you visit the street early or late you can take pictures without the crowd. The street gets busy, once the cafes and shops are open.
Kettensteg – footbridge across the Pegnitz river
A stone throw away from the Weißgerbergasse, the Kettensteg and the Schlayerturm are located. The footbridge, called Kettensteg, is 68 meter long and is the oldest surviving iron bridge. The name origins from the 3-meter-long chains, which are called in German language “Ketten”.
Covered Walkway – view towards Imperial Castle and Albrecht Dürer House
Walk through the Castle Gardens and enjoy the view from the gallery. The covered walkway is my personal favorite place to enjoy the view towards the Tiergärtnertor square and Albrecht Dürer House. The lovely viewpoint is a fantastic photo spot as well.
Former Wine Depot (Weinstadel)
From 1571 onwards, the building was used as a wine storage. The building is one of the most important historical landmarks in the town. With 48 meters it is the largest half-timbered building in Germany. In 1950 the building was renovated and created as a housing for students.
Next to the former wine depot, you can see the Henkersteg, which is a bridge with a battlement walk. The bridge crosses the Pegnitz river and connected two halves of the city.
Hospital of the Holy Spirit
Konrad Gross, a wealthy patrician, established the Hospital of the Holy Spirit in 1332-1339. It was built to care for the elderly and needy. With the time, the building was extended over the Pegnitz river.
The Hospital is one of the most photographed places in the city. Walk along the bridge called Museumsbrücke and enjoy the view.
Enjoy art in Albrecht Dürer’s House
Germany’s famous artist Albrecht Dürer lived and worked in his hometown Nuremberg from 1509 onwards for almost 20 years. Albrecht Dürer worked during the Renaissance
The living house of the artist is located close to the Imperial Castle and is five stories high. It is made of sandstone in the bottom and in the top of wood. Today the house is a museum. The interior gives you insights to the life of the artist. Besides the displays of Dürer’s creations, a reproduction of the studio workshop allows you to see demonstrations of traditional painting. See more details about the museum on their page.
My personal favorite work of the artist is the Young Hare. It is one of the first masterpieces which deals with natural studies.
Explore the museum, learn more about the famous artist, his works but also about the history of the city.
aioutravel tip:
Do you want to feel like a local? Visit the square next to the artist’s House, grab a drink and enjoy the historical environment.
Do not be confused, the area is called by locals “Dürerplatz” as it is located just next to the artist’s house – originally the square is called “Tiergaertner Platz”.
Historical courtyard of Peller House
In 1600 Martin Peller bought the building from a Patrician family. Afterwards he had it departed and rebuilt. In 1929 the house was acquired by the city of Nuremberg to house the city archives. At that time, the building was already known as one of the greatest sights of the city. The courtyard was considered as magnificent and even as one of the most important architectural monuments in German art history.
The courtyard we see today was rebuilt and placed under monumental protection. Today, it is still under renovation but can be visited already. From 2025 onwards, the building shall become a major cultural and meeting place.
Opening hours:
Friday to Sunday: 2:00 – 5:00 pm
Address: Egidienplatz 23, 90403 Nuremberg
Neues Museum – art and design
The Neues Museum is the home of art and design works from the 1950s to present days. Enjoy painting, sculpture, video art, photography and installations.
Besides the fantastic artworks, the design of the building is noteworthy. The 100 meter long glass façade is gently curved. The spiral staircase is a hallmark and links the exhibition levels.
Read more about the Neues Museum for details about current exhibitions and opening hours.
Mediaeval Flair at the Artisans’ Yard
Are you interested in traditional craftsmanship and local products? Experience the Artisans’ Yard (Handwerkerhof) at Königstor. It was established in 1971. In small half-timbered houses the products and works are offered. Besides the works, culinary delights are available for you.
Shop your souvenirs, stroll around the traditional area, see half-timbered houses and watch other visitors passing by.
Address: Königstorgraben 9, 90402 Nuremberg
Different stages of married life – marriage carousel fountain
The marriage carousel (Ehekarussell Brunnen) shows the different stages of married life in the form of a bronze fountain. The structure of the fountain is based on a poem by the German poet Hans Sachs. Test your German language skills and read the poem on the fountain. The stages of love, fierce, arguments and loss are shown in the figures.
Walk along the Way of Human Rights
Walk through a triumphal arch and you will find yourself in the Way of Human Rights. Each concrete pillar is 8 meter high. It was created by an Israeli artist in 1993. It is a walkable public work of art and directly in front of the main entrance to the Germanisches Nationalmuseum.
Address: Kartäusergasse 1, 90402 Nuremberg
Tugendbrunnen – fountain of virtue
Germany is known in Chinese language as the country of virtue. Why not visiting in Germany the fountain of virtue (Tugendbrunnen)? You can see the figures representing faith, hope, charity, courage, patience, and temperance. On top of the fountain the figure of Justice is located.
In the past, the fountain was fed by its own waterworks. The fountain of virtue supplied the citizens living in the city center of Lorenz’s old town with water until a central water supply was established.
The fountain is located just next to the famous Lorenzkirche, that is the church in the center of Nuremberg.
Visit St. Lawrence Church
The Gothic Church is located in the center of the city and dates back to 1250. The St. Lawrence Church (Lorenzkirche) is characterized by its two tall twin towers. Walk around the church and enjoy the magnificent façade from the outside.
Afterwards have a look inside. The largest pipe organs in the world are worth a view. The organ contains 12,000 pipes. Walk towards the front of the church and see the scene of the biblical angel’s greeting from the artist Veit Stoß. The work shows how the angel Gabriel announces to the Virgin Mary that she will give birth to the Son of God.
Meistersingerhalle Nuremberg – concert hall
The Meistersingerhalle in well known to host concerts, conventions, fairs and balls. In my opinion the building is not very spectacular. However, some brilliant artists and orchestras are performing in the hall. Check out the Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra’s timetable and feel like a local hearing a concert.
St. Sebald Church
St. Sebald Church is one of the three most important churches of Nuremberg with the already described Churches of St. Lawrence and the Church of Our Lady. You find the church just in front of the old city hall. Inside the church you can experience the valuable collection of art.
Address: Albrecht-Dürer-Platz 1, 90403 Nuremberg
Eat & Drink
Visiting the Franconian region you can explore distinct food options. The culinary delights are something for everyone. Different options are available from sausages over pretzels to sweet gingerbread and the beer culture are worth a try.
Nuremberg sausage
Try the well-known Nuremberg sausages. You find options to try it every few meters walking through the city center. The Nuremberg sausage is maximum 9 centimeters long or maximum 25 gram in weight. It is made out of minced pork.
One of the favorite places to eat sausages in Nuremberg is the Bratwursthauesle. You will pass it while walking towards the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg. It is located just next to St. Sebald Church.
Pretzels
The pretzels (in German Breze) are everyone favorite option. I love eating pretzels with sweet or salty topping. You can eat it plain, with cheese, with butter, or marmalade.
Gingerbread
The delicious gingerbread (in German Lebkuchen) can be traced back to the 13th century. The sweet gingerbread are made out of flour, ginger, cloves, cinnamon and nuts. My favorite gingerbread brand is “Lebkuchen Schmidt”. Their store is located on the Main Market of Nuremberg.
Café: Finca & Bar Celona
The café Finca & Bar Celona is located next to the river Pegnitz. The breakfast options as well as their drinks are delicious. Specially during the summertime, the café is worth a visit. Sit outside next to the river and enjoy the food and drinks.
Address: Vordere Insel Schütt 4, 90403 Nuremberg
Café: Niu Asian Café
The Niu Asian Café is my latest favorite spot in Nuremberg. The food and drinks do not only look amazing they are also delicious! Check the cake creations such as the Crépe Cakes.
I have tried the Pistachio Crepe Cake (EUR 5.90 as of October 2022) and the dark Rainbow Chocolate (EUR 5.00 as of October 2022).
Address: Adlerstraße 32, 90403 Nuremberg
Cozy restaurant: Zeit & Raum
Once I have celebrated my birthday in the restaurant Zeit & Raum. The restaurant focuses on vegan and vegetarian cuisine as well as delicious breakfast. I can recommend the delicious breakfast options.
Address: Wespennest 2, 90403 Nuremberg
Have you ever been to Nuremberg?
Do you like the city close to my hometown? What do you like most? Just leave a comment. I am looking forward to it.
If you decided to stay at one of the places described, I would love to hear your feedback after your stay.