Nuremberg Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Nuremberg blends medieval charm with some of Germany’s most important historical sites.

• Imperial Castle (Kaiserburg) — Explore the hilltop castle and enjoy sweeping views over the Old Town’s rooftops.
• Hauptmarkt and the Beautiful Fountain — Visit the main market square with its ornate Gothic fountain and the Frauenkirche.
• St Lorenz Church — Admire the soaring Gothic church and its remarkable carved works of art.
• Germanisches Nationalmuseum — See the largest museum of German art and culture, from prehistory to the present.
• Albrecht Dürer’s House — Tour the home of the famous Renaissance artist beneath the castle.
• Documentation Centre Nazi Party Rally Grounds — Learn about the Nazi era at this sobering site and museum.
• Memorium Nuremberg Trials — Visit the Palace of Justice, where the post-war international trials took place.

Nuremberg has a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. May to September is the best time for exploring the Old Town on foot, relaxing in beer gardens and enjoying outdoor events, with long days and comfortable temperatures. Spring and early autumn are pleasant and usually less busy.

From late November until Christmas Eve, the world-famous Christkindlesmarkt fills the Hauptmarkt with stalls selling gingerbread, mulled wine and crafts, drawing visitors from around the world. Winters are cold and sometimes snowy, so pack warm clothes if visiting for the market.

Albrecht Dürer Airport Nuremberg is located only about 5 kilometres north of the city centre, making it one of the most conveniently placed airports in Germany.

The U-Bahn underground line runs directly from the station at the terminal to Nuremberg’s main railway station (Hauptbahnhof) on the edge of the Old Town, making it the quickest and simplest option. Taxis are available outside the terminal, and the drive to the centre usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes.

Most visitors stay in or near the Old Town, which puts the main sights within walking distance.

• Altstadt (Sebald side) — Ideal for first-time visitors, near the castle, Hauptmarkt and traditional restaurants.
• Altstadt (Lorenz side) — Suits shoppers, with pedestrian streets, St Lorenz Church and easy access to the station.
• Near the Hauptbahnhof — Practical for rail travellers and airport connections.
• Gostenhof — A creative, multicultural district west of the Old Town with cafés and bars.

• Payments: Cards are increasingly accepted, but many market stalls, bakeries and small restaurants still prefer cash.
• Getting around: The Old Town is walkable; U-Bahn, trams and buses cover the wider city.
• Food: Try Nuremberg bratwurst, often served three in a bun, and Lebkuchen gingerbread.
• Sundays: Most shops close on Sundays and public holidays, though museums and restaurants usually stay open.
• Language: German is the main language; English is widely understood in hotels, museums and restaurants.