One day in Nuremberg, Germany

ByIngrid & Alex

Last Updated on October 28, 2024 by Ingrid & Alex

Nuremberg is a postcard-worthy, authentic German town. Just an hour north of Munich, spending one day in Nuremberg is a must-do if you find yourself in Bavaria.

The famous city exudes medieval charm, and you will fall in love with it when you get there. Expect castles fit for a queen, cobblestone streets, and pretty cathedrals, not to mention good beer and food.

Nuremberg went through a dark period in the first half of the 20th century. It was the center for Hitler’s Nazi rallies, and after it was ruined by Allied bombardment, it hosted the Nuremberg trials for Nazi war criminals.

Eventually, Nuremberg rose from the ashes, regaining the shine of its medieval glory days.

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Table of Contents

Where to stay in Nuremberg

If you are staying for the night and looking for excellent accommodation, book a room at the NH Collection Nuremberg City. The rooms here are comfortable and just a 5-minute walk from Nuremberg Central Station. The hotel also offers a gym, restaurant, bar, and fabulous breakfast.

If you are looking for a budget backpacker stay, try Five Reasons Backpacker Hotel and Hostel. It is centrally located and has modern rooms for a reasonable price.

Booking.com

How to spend a day in Nuremberg, Germany

It’s worth a stop on your German itinerary, whether a day trip from Munich or a stop from Frankfurt or Berlin.

So, what can you do on a day trip to Nuremberg? The answer is a whole lot.

This impressive city offers so much that it can be hard to fit everything in one day. However, with a little determination, you can get a good feel for its culture and sights.

Spend the morning at the Documentation Centre

Wake up early to head to the Documentation Centre and Nazi Party rally grounds, a challenging but necessary trip that needs to be made when visiting Nuremberg. Nuremberg’s dark history is documented here at the Documentation Centre, set right next to the former Nazi Rally Party grounds.

The exhibition offers audio guides in many languages, so you can explore the in-depth examination of the national socialist regime of terror before heading to the rally party grounds.

The easiest way to the Documentation Centre is by tram from Nuremberg Central Station, which is conveniently located right inside the city center, just in front of the main square and castle walls.

The journey takes about 10 minutes, and the service operates frequently throughout the day. Hop off at the Doko-Zentrum stop right in front of the Documentation Centre.

day trip to Nuremberg

Lunch with a view at Alex Restaurant

Hop back on the tram and alight at Nuremberg Central Station. Then, cross the road and head towards the city center.

Stop for lunch at Alex Restaurant, just a 10-minute walk from the station. With a vast range of cuisines and cocktails on the menu, grab a table and admire the towering views of the St Lorenz Church above you and the main square below.

Afternoon Nuremberg walking tour

One of the great things about Nuremberg is that most attractions are close together in the central area.

So, the perfect way to see everything is to take a walking tour!

Imperial Castle of Nuremberg

The first is one of the highlights and best things to see, Nuremberg Castle. It’s a 10-minute walk from Alex Restaurant (although it is uphill!). The cobblestoned stairs head upwards as the castle towers above you. Prepare to be amazed once you get to the top.

The Imperial Castle of Nuremberg has existed since the Middle Ages, an essential symbol of the Holy Roman Empire (of the German Nation). Sadly, most of the grounds were ruined during World War II. However, the city banded together, determined to rebuild the castle to its original state.

It’s almost identical to how it was before it was destroyed, and the medieval feel and views from the top make it a must-visit. Allow some time to wander the grounds and take photos from the top.

Then, head back down the cobblestoned stairs to continue your afternoon walking tour, to wander the old town’s colorful houses and cobblestoned streets, which you would have seen from the top of the castle.

The area is worth a visit, filled with Instagram-worthy spots, cute bridges, coffee shops, and ice cream parlors. Grab an ice cream before wandering the bridges. Laze in the sun on one of the small islands over the bridges or shop in the cute boutique shops lining the streets underneath the quaint, colorful houses.

Nuremberg Christmas Market and Shop

Head back toward the main square, where you had lunch, to snap some shots of the St Lorenz Church and stop by Kathe Wohlfahrt, a beautiful Christmas shop open all year round.

The Bavarian town is known for the fabulous Nuremberg Christmas Market, but you can still experience some Christmas magic at this incredible shop all year round. Pick up a couple of tree ornaments, the perfect souvenir of your time in Nuremberg.

Way of Human Rights

The Way of Human Rights is the last stop on your walking tour of central Nuremberg. A walkway is just around the corner from Nuremberg’s main shopping area and a 5-minute walk from the main square.

The walkway was built by the city to make up for its dark past and celebrate equal rights for everyone. Each pillar along the walkway is engraved with a snippet of the human rights declaration.

If you still have time afterward, this area is the perfect spot for shopping, with everything from high-market fashion stores to boutique souvenir shops.

Or, you can stop by at one of the outdoor terrace bars lining the street to have a traditional German beer and people-watch in the bustling yet beautiful area.

Traditional German dinner and drinks

Time for dinner! The best way to get a feel for traditional, medieval Nuremberg is to have dinner at Albrecht Durer Stube, a traditional restaurant close to the castle and main square.

The family-owned restaurant is as traditional as possible, and the medieval charm is fantastic. Pick from the authentic German menu and truly take in the genuine charm.

If you are still up for more after dinner, head to Vintage Bar. A popular spot among locals (and now tourists), Vintage Bar serves world-class, traditional cocktails and a welcoming vibe.

Seasonal events in Nuremberg

Nuremberg always has something happening, so it’s worth checking if there is anything on at the time you are going to be there.

The famous Nuremberg Christmas Market isn’t missed if you are in the area in December.

During the summer, the city has events such as Summer in the City, where pop-up bars, sand, and pools are put in the center of the town by the river, making it feel like a beach party.

Making your way for a day trip to Nuremberg

By Train

Nuremberg is just one hour North of Munich by train, the easiest way to travel in Germany. It’s also just 2 hours from Frankfurt and 5 hours from Berlin, so there’s no excuse not to visit. Planning a day trip to Nuremberg couldn’t be easier. 

The Deutsche Bahn is Germany’s most popular long-distance train carrier, and booking trains online in advance is easy. If you don’t have much time and are staying in Munich, you can take a day trip from Munich to Nuremberg.

By plane

If you are flying internationally, Nuremberg International Airport serves the city. Alternatively, Munich Airport is only an hour away.

An organized tour

Here are some ideas for a day trip to Nuremberg you could have in mind:

From Munich: Nuremberg Day Trip by Train

From Frankfurt: Heidelberg and Nuremberg Full-Day Tour

Best time to visit Nuremberg, Germany

Because of the weather in Germany, the timeframe for a perfect one-day trip to Nuremberg can be rather extended. Thus, starting somewhere around April and going all the way to November, I think the weather is just fine for you to make the most of the escape. 

However, August can have pretty lovely summer weather without the high temperatures. It is still a tourist month in Europe, which means crowds, high prices, and everything else.

Also, December could be an option for seeing one of the prettiest Christmas Markets in Germany.

Don’t miss out on all the places to visit in Nuremberg by skipping it when in Germany! You will be amazed by the castles, the medieval feel, and the authentic, cobblestoned streets.

Local cuisine/ what to eat in Nuremberg

You cannot leave Nuremberg without trying a traditional Nuremberg sausage. They’re usually done on the grill, long and slim, served with a potato salad or even sauerkraut.

The Drei im Weggla—three small sausages in a bun of bread with mustard on top—is very traditional and specific to Nuremberg. 

Whenever I go back to Germany, my favorite snack is pretzels. Small and simple, with butter, or the huge one you can get from beer gardens, the local pretzel is delicious and a perfect snack with a cold beer.

The last thing: don’t leave without a good gingerbread slice and some roasted almonds, especially when you visit the Christmas Market.  

Getting around for a day

Since Nuremberg is not a huge town, getting around mainly on food is easy. But you can always take the bus whenever you want to move faster between attractions.

Is the Nuremberg Card worth it for one day? It depends significantly on how many paid attractions you have on your list of things to see in Nuremberg in one day. Thus, it is worth buying the card whenever you want to see more. However, it might not make sense when you want to explore the town and visit one or two attractions.

The people are welcoming, and there is a wide variety of food available in case you don’t like German cuisine. There’s a reason it is considered one of Germany’s best cities.

Written by Emma Erichsen at Emma Adventures, a 20-something travel blogger from the Central Coast, Australia – passionate traveller, strength and conditioning coach and wannabe mountaineer, travelling at any chance she gets. Go follow her on her journey on Instagram. 

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