Nuremberg City Guide
Art, Archaeology & History
Bavaria’s second largest city has been the centre of historical events in Europe for many hundreds of years. Dominating the skyline is the Nuremberg Castle from where the Holy Roman Empire was administered. This central position in the Middle Ages would go on to shape the city for centuries to come. Cultural developments put Nuremberg at the centre of the German Renaissance. Political history made it a symbolic choice for the Nazi Party and their annual rallies until the start of World War Two. As the ceremonial birthplace of the Nazi Party and the racist Nuremberg Laws, it was a fitting city to host the Nuremberg Trials.
Reasons to Visit Nuremberg
Medieval Architecture,
20th Century History,
Museums & Art Galleries,
… and the Christkindlesmarkt.
About Our Nuremberg City Guide
Interesting Things to Know About Nuremberg
Nuremberg is also well known for its connection with the Nazi Party. The historical position of the city at the heart of the Holy Roman Empire as well as its strategic position on the German railway network made Nuremberg a ideal location for the party to hold their conventions here, the Nuremberg Rallies. At the 1935 rally Hitler called for, amongst other things, citizenship to be revoked from German Jews. The so-called Nuremberg Laws. Physical signs of the rally grounds still exist. A self guided tour of the various features is possible, as are guided tours. The Documentation Centre Nazi Party Rally Grounds, housed in the incomplete Congress Hall, documents the history and tyranny of the rallies.
Find Places to Visit in Nuremberg
Must See Places in Nuremberg
National Museum
Nuremberg Imperial Castle
Documentation Center
Gothic Fountain
Inspiration & Itineraries
Christkindlesmarkt
Explore Nuremberg more deeply
With the following list of sites and landmarks, memorials and museums, you can plan a personal itinerary for your visit to Nuremberg. You can also create travel lists (such as places you have been to, places you would like to visit). Your itinerary and lists can be shared with your friends and on social media. To make use of our itinerary builder, you will need to login or register as a new user. Registering and using these features is free of charge. Follow this link to Login or Register.
What to See in Nuremberg
Albrecht Dürer's House
From 1509, this is where one of Germany’s most celebrated artists, Albrecht Dürer, lived for 20 years. And where he made some of his most celebrated paintings. Now open to the public, with optional guided tours lead by an actress in the part of Dürer’s wife. The beautiful half timbered house is not only one of a few remaining houses from Nuremberg’s golden age, it is also the only surviving house of a 15th century artist in northern Europe. Temporary exhibitions make use of the city’s important art collection, and often include examples of Dürer’s own paintings.
Documentation Center at Nazi Party Rally Grounds
In the north wing of the unfinished Nazi Congress Hall is the Documentation Centre, a museum that explores the history of the National Socialist’s part rallies held in Nuremberg from 1933 to 1938. The exhibition “Fascination and Terror”, which opened in 2001, closed at the end of 2020 and a new permanent exhibition is currently being constructed. While the Documentation Centre is undergoing refurbishment an interim exhibition has been staged: “Nuremberg – Site of the Nazi Party Rallies”. The remodelled museum is expected to open in 2025.
Germanisches Nationalmuseum, Nuremberg
With 26 different collection areas, all represented in the permanent display, this is the largest museum of culture history in the German speaking region. Displays range from early Stone Age artefacts to the art of 20th century – with an impressive set of the so-called ‘degenerate artists’. There are an estimated 25,000 artefacts on permanent display. Some of these are of international significance. For example, the Behaim Globe made in 1492 is the oldest surviving terrestrial globe in the world. Other objects of note include the Bronze Age gold cone from Ezelsdorf-Buch and the exquisite Roman parade helmet found in Middle Franconia.
Nazi Party Rally Grounds
For both symbolic and logistic reasons Nuremburg was chosen by the Nazis as the venue for their part rallies. A total of six rallies were held between 1933 and 1938. The site covered an area of 11 square km and vast structures were specifically build to glorify the leadership and the party. Some of these, such as the Congress Hall, were never completed before the war, others were damaged. But a number of landmarks remain. Part of the Congress Hall houses the Documentation Centre. From where it possible to start a self guided tour of the party grounds.
Nuremberg Imperial Castle
The castle in Nuremberg comprises a series of fortified buildings and a city wall. Together they are one of the most formidable medieval fortresses in Europe. Earliest mention of the castle dates back to the mid 11th century. The castle was one of the Imperial residences of German kings as Holy Roman Emperors, as they moved about their realm. And it was here that they held their Court assemblies and Imperial diets. During WWII the castle suffered considerable damage, taking 30 years to fully restore. Exhibitions in the castle, designed to appeal to all ages, outline the historical context of the fortress, as well as the role of Nuremberg in the Holy Roman Empire.
More Sites & Museums in Bavaria
Plan Your Trip to Nuremberg
Nuremberg Travel Planner
How to Get to Nuremberg
Getting to Nuremberg by bus is easy with Flixbus. There is a good service from a number of German cities with major international airports, such as Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich.
Does Nuremberg have an international airport?
Yes, the airport is located about 5 km north of the city. There are flights between Nuremberg and a number of European cities (including Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Istanbul, London, Paris, Vienna and Zurich), as well as other popular destinations in Europe (including Bucharest, Heraklion, Krakow, Thessaloniki and Venice).
A subway connects the airport to the central train station in Nuremberg. The journey takes about 12 minutes, running every 10 minutes. The same journey by taxi (from the airport to the centre of Nuremberg) takes about 20 minutes and costs less than €25.
For more information, consults the
Official Website for Nuremberg Airport
Getting to Nuremberg by Train?
Given the city’s historical connection to the development of the railway network, Nuremberg is well connected to other German cities. For example, there is a regular service between the main stations of Berlin and Nuremberg, a journey without changes that takes anywhere from just under three hours to three and a half hours. There is a similarly good, non-stop service between Munich and Nuremberg that takes just over an hour. Frankfurt to Nuremberg, also non-stop, takes about two and a half hours.
The more in advance you are able to buy your ticket, the cheaper it will be. Find the best deals on Trainline.
Tips for Sightseeing in Nuremberg
When is the best time to visit Nuremberg
Nuremberg is a popular destination throughout the year, but if you want to visit a Christmas market, save your trip for December. The Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest and best known Christmas markets in the world. The oldest date on record is 1628. Each year over two million people visit Nuremberg, with the opening festivities on the Friday evening before the first Sunday of Advent. The market closes on 24 December. As long as you are prepared for winter weather, including snow, visiting in December should not prevent you from seeing the main sights in the city.
How much time should I spend in Nuremberg?
Two or three days is more than enough to see most of the attractions in Nuremberg. This is certainly the case in winter, whereas in summer Nuremberg is a good lace to base yourself to explore a bit further afield in this part of Germany with a few day trips. Make good use of your time in the city by taking one or two walking tour. You can either take a general tour that covers a little bit of everything, or take a couple of tours that focus on different aspects of the city’s history.
Is Nuremberg worth visiting?
Bavaria’s second largest city, Nuremberg has a long an complex history. For a long time Nuremberg was an Imperial City for the Holy Roman Empire. This was one of the reasons the National Socialists chose Nuremberg to hold their rallies. Another reason was a purely practical one. As this was where the German railway was inaugurated in the early 19th century, Nuremberg had very good public transport links to other parts of Germany.
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, there are a number of features of the rally grounds that have survived.
And there are a number of exceptional museums and art galleries in Nuremberg, including the Germanisches National Museum and the Deutsche Bahn Transport Museum.
Is there a City Pass for Nuremberg?
Yes. For 48 hours, the NürnbergCard allows cardholders entry without further fee to the main museums and attractions in Nuremberg and neighbouring Fürth – 29 of them. Cardholders also get ‘free’ travel on all public transport within Zone A (includes Fürth). There are also 50% discounts to be had with a number of partners. In two days, it does not take long to recover your €33 initial outlay. You can purchase these at many points in the city, or you can purchase online in advance, at no extra cost via GetYourGuide.
Besides the NürnbergCard, when you visit and pay to enter one of the city’s municipal museums you can pay an extra €3.00 to turn your entrance ticket into a ‘day ticket‘. This allows you to visit any of the other eight museums on the same day without paying an entrance fee. The nine Nuremberg Municipal Museums are: Albrecht Dürer’s House, Museum Tucher Mansion, City Museum at Fembo House, Toy Museum, Museum for Industrial Culture, World War II Art Bunker, Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds, Memorium Nuremberg Trials. The day ticket only covers entrance fees, not extras such as guided tours and special exhibitions. Given an regular entrance ticket to all of the museums costs €6.00 for an adult, even if you visit one other museum you save €3.00. All of these municipal museums are included on the NürnbergCard.
How to get around Nuremberg?
Most of the sites and museums in Nuremberg are in the centre of Nuremberg, and so are within easy walking distance of each other. For example, the castle and the Germanisches National Museum are at either ends of the historic city centre but they are only a brisk 15 minute walk apart. The 20th century Nazi Rally sites are a bit further out, to the south east of the city. There is a recommended circuit for the surviving sites of the Rally Grounds, and the start of that is about 35 minutes on foot from the main train station. There is a tram service that stops at the entrance to the Documentation Centre. So too, the courthouse where the Nuremberg Trials took place is a bit further out. The Nuremberg Trials Memorium is to the west of the old town, about a 35 minute walk.
The city has an excellent tram service.
Nuremberg has a Hop-On Hop-Off bus service. A full circuit takes two hours, and it stops at six of the main historical points of interest in the city, in the following order: 1. Main station, 2. Main market square in the old town, 3. Imperial castle, 4. Johannisfriedhof (historic church cemetery), 5. Nuremburg Trials Memorium and 6. Congress Hall at the Nazi Party Rally Grounds. The ticket lasts a day, and you can get on and off at any of the six stops. This is a great way to get around the city to see all the main sites, particularly if you are coming for a day and arriving at the main train station. Book a refundable ticket via GetYourGuide.
The Mautkeller
Schäufele
Staying in Nuremberg
What food is Nuremberg famous for?
Nuremberg is located in a historic region of Germany known as Franconia. An area that is known for many culinary delights. During In spring it is officially spargelzeit, you can not miss the Franconian asparagus season. December, especially for Christmas, brings Nuremberg Lebkuchen; a traditional gingerbread that has a closely guarded recipe including nuts, honey and a mix of different spices such as cinnamon, clove and cardamom. On offer throughout the year is the Nuremberg Bratwurst. A few euros will get you three on a bread roll. For something more substantial, try Schäufele, a typical regional dish of roasted pork shoulder served with dumplings and sometimes red cabbage.
The restaurant in the Mautkeller serves great beer and that is where I had Schäufele. Another restaurant serving typical Bavarian dishes that gets good reviews is the Burgwächter, set right up against the castle walls. I spent several hours in the Germanisches National Museum. For lunch I stayed in the museum and had a hearty meal at the onsite Café.
Nuremberg Walking Tours & Day Trips
Self-Guided Walking Tours of Nuremberg
Guided Walking Tours of Nuremberg
There are a number of different options for walking tours of Nuremberg. You can either take walking tours that only cover the medieval old town or the Nazi Party Rally Grounds. Or you can take one that includes both. You can also combine walking tours with other interests such as beer tastings or food tastings.
- WWII Guided Walking Tour
- Zeppelin Field: Nazi Propaganda Center Tour
- 2-Hour Old Town Walking Tour
- Old Town Guided Walking Tour
- Art and Culture revealed by a Local
- Private 1.5-Hour Tour with Brewery Visit
- Sightseeing Train Tour
These walking tours have been selected from those on offer by GetYourGuide, I have made the choices based on personal experience, tours that are good value and content, as well as feedback and reviews by previous customers. You can look at a complete list of Walking Tours & Activities in Nuremberg offered by GetYourGuide, as well as Viator and Civitatis.
Day Trips from Nuremberg
If you have your own transport, the options for day trips from Nuremberg are many if you choose to make Nuremberg your base while exploring this part of Germany. Nuremberg has good rail connections to many nearby towns and cities. Munich, for example, is just under two hours be car, and just over an hour by train. The Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site is an hour and a half by train and under two hours by car.
If you prefer to have a guided day trip from Nuremberg, the following options are available from Viator:
Create Your Own Sightseeing Nuremberg Itinerary
Using the list of sites above you can create your own travel lists (such as places you have been to, places you would like to visit) and itinerary for your trip to Nuremberg. These lists and itinerary can be shared with your friends, privately and on social media. To make use of this feature, you will need to login or register as a new user. Registering to use these our itinerary builder is free of charge. Also consult our list of archaeology and history sites and museums in Bavaria for sites close to Nuremberg.
