One day in Nuremberg walking itinerary that covers all the must-see attractions (+ a map and where to eat the best Nuremberg sausages).
Located on the Pegnitz River, Nuremberg (Nürnberg) is the second-largest city in Bavaria. With its medieval atmosphere and half-timbered houses, the city is one of those places with true German charm.
Once Nuremberg was a free imperial city, in fact, one of the most important cities of the Holy Roman Empire. Also, it was the preferred residence of most German kings (they even kept their crown jewels here)!
Nowadays, Nuremberg is a postcard-worthy town with a gorgeous castle, cobblestoned streets and beautiful stone bridges. It’s a must-see, especially in winter, when the famous Nuremberg Christmas market takes place.
One day in Nuremberg itinerary
Just an hour away by train from Munich, Nuremberg is the perfect day trip. If you follow this self-guided walking itinerary, you’d be able to see the best of Nuremberg in just one day.
I designed this Nuremberg itinerary in such a way that will fit perfectly both for day-trippers and overnight visitors. Here, you’ll find all the must-see attractions, including some suggestions on how to modify the itinerary according to your interests.
Planning a few days in Munich? Then take a look at my complete two days in Munich itinerary. It covers everything you need for a perfect weekend (including how to visit Neuschwanstein Castle and Salzburg).
Find a map of this Nuremberg itinerary (with all attractions and restaurants’ websites) at the end of the article.
My favourite place to stay in Nuremberg is Dürer-Hotel. The location is fantastic for sightseeing (right next to the castle in the historic centre). Spacious, comfy rooms and excellent breakfast.
Already have a hotel booked? Then check your hotel’s location and make sure it’s in a good area (see my guide to where to stay in Nuremberg).
Book tours or skip-the-line tickets with GetYourGuide or Tiqets (you get a mobile ticket + free cancellation). Tickets from attractions’ official websites are mostly non-refundable.
One day in Nuremberg (best walking itinerary)
- Start the day with breakfast at Back-Factory
- Tour the famous Nuremberg Castle
- Have lunch at White Bulldog Kaffeerösterei
- Visit the Church of Our Lady
- Admire Schöner Brunnen
- Enjoy the views of Holy Spirit Hospital
- Admire the art at Albrecht Dürer’s House
- Explore the Medieval Dungeons
- Visit the Toy Museum or DB Museum
- Taste the famous Nürnberg Rostbratwurst
Morning
Breakfast
09:00 AM – 09:45 AM
Start your one day in Nuremberg with breakfast at Der Beck or Back-Factory. Both places offer delicious sandwiches and typical German pastries. Unfortunately, I can’t recommend the coffee at Der Beck.
Tour the famous Nuremberg Castle
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
The imperial castle of Nuremberg (Nürnberger Burg) is the city’s most important tourist attraction. Built in the 11th century, the castle played a huge role in the history of the Holy Roman Empire.
During that time the German kings didn’t have a permanent home, they travelled from castle to castle. The Nürnberger Burg was a favourite stop for the rulers on their journeys through the empire.
After 1356, Nuremberg became one of the centres of the empire, because every newly-elected ruler had to hold his first Imperial Diet here. During WWII, the castle was almost completely destroyed but later rebuilt to its medieval charm.
The castle complex comprises of several medieval fortifications, a deep well, a double chapel and the Sinwell Tower. It’s best to visit it first thing in the morning, as it’s the city’s most popular attraction. Please note, that in the summer the castle opens at 9 AM and in the winter – at 10 AM.
You can tour the historic rooms and learn more about the castle’s importance during the Middle Ages. There are no guided tours, but it’s possible to rent an audio guide (90 minutes long). There are a few ticket combinations. To visit only the castle and its exhibitions, buy Palas with Double Chapel + Imperial Castle Museum.
To visit the well you have to join a guided tour (only in German). The tour takes place every half hour from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (in winter from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM). To visit the palace and the well, buy the combination ticket, called Imperial Castle. It includes the Palas with Double Chapel + Imperial Castle Museum, Deep Well and Sinwell Tower.
Also, allow yourself some time to wander the grounds and the gardens (in the summer) for incredible city views.
Have lunch at White Bulldog Kaffeerösterei
12:00 PM – 02:00 PM
For lunch stop at White Bulldog Kaffeerösterei. It’s a cosy cafe, offering tasty avocado toasts, delicious cakes and smoothies.
To finish your lunch with something sweet, go to Tafelzier. They offer high-class cakes and great coffee. I went for the éclairs and wasn’t disappointed.
Afternoon
Visit the Church of Our Lady
02:00 PM – 02:20 PM
Located on the central market square, Hauptmarkt, the Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche) is one of the most impressive churches in Nuremberg. It is an excellent example of brick Gothic architecture from the 14th century.
One of its most notable features is the Männleinlaufen, a mechanical clock that commemorates the Golden Bull of 1356.
Admire Schöner Brunnen
02:20 PM – 02:30 PM
On Hauptmarkt, you’ll also find Schöner Brunnen (the Beautiful Fountain). This 14th-century fountain has the shape of a Gothic spire and it’s 19 meters high. It’s incredibly ornate with 40 figures that represent the worldview of the Holy Roman Empire.
Don’t leave without spinning the rings in the fence of the fountain three times. According to the legend, it will bring you good luck! The rings are small and not immediately noticeable.
Enjoy the views of Holy Spirit Hospital
This is one of the most picturesque views in Nuremberg – from Museumsbrücke towards the Holy Spirit Hospital (Heilig-Geist-Spital). The view is incredible, especially at night when the building is reflected in the river.
Once, the medieval hospital was the largest in the Holy Roman Empire. Nowadays, the building houses a restaurant.
Free time
If you’re visiting the city in December, don’t miss the world-famous Nuremberg Christmas market. It’s one of the largest markets in Germany! For more details, take a look at my guide to the Christmas market in Nuremberg.
If you’re interested in WWII, choose between Nazi Party Rally Grounds and the Palace of Justice. Unfortunately, both locations are out of the city centre and it’s not possible to tour them in half a day. Especially if you’re visiting Nuremberg on a day trip from Munich. It’s about a 20-30min journey from the city centre to each of the sites. In addition, you’ll need about 2 hours to visit each of them.
Find more details (and attractions from which you can choose) further below.
Taste the famous Nürnberg Rostbratwurst
Finish this one day in Nuremberg with dinner at Hausbrauerei Altstadthof or Albrecht-Dürer-Stube.
Albrecht-Dürer-Stube is a small restaurant, serving delicious authentic German meals. It’s always full, so reserve a table in advance.
If you’re visiting Nuremberg for the Christmas markets, book a table at each restaurant you plan to visit. I didn’t and couldn’t find a place for more than half an hour. Every restaurant was fully booked.
If you’re a beer lover, then Hausbrauerei Altstadthof is the place for you. This famous local brewery dates back to the 14th century! They offer an extensive range of beers, including the historical Nuremberg city beer – rot beer.
More ideas for your one day in Nuremberg
Stroll along the Weißgerbergasse
Weißgerbergasse is the city’s most charming street. It’s the largest ensemble of medieval half-timbered houses in Nuremberg.
Admire the art at Albrecht Dürer’s House
Albrecht Dürer’s House (Albrecht-Dürer-Haus) is a must-see for every art lover. Albrecht Dürer is one of the most famous German painters. You can actually visit the house, where the artist lived from 1509 until 1528 when he passed away. The exhibit includes items from the city’s art collections, as well as copies of Dürer’s paintings.
See the Dürer’s Rabbit
Right next to the artist’s house, you’ll find an interesting sculpture, the Dürer’s Rabbit (Dürer-Hase Skulptur). It’s a contemporary interpretation of Dürer’s famous artwork, The Young Hare.
Nazi Party Rally Grounds
For those interested in WWII, there are 2 main options – Nazi Party Rally Grounds or Nuremberg Trials Memorium.
Nazi Party Rally Grounds include the Documentation Center and the Zeppelin Field (Zeppelinfeld). The Documentation Center is housed in the unfinished Congress Hall (a congress centre built for the Nazi Party). The exhibition provides insights into the rise and fall of the Nazi Party in Germany.
Be sure to visit the Zeppelin Field, where the Nazi Party rallies took place. It’s about a 15min walk from the Documentation Centre.
To get to the Nazi Party Rally Grounds you’ll need to take the tram (line 6 or 8 in the direction Doku-Zentrum stop) – about a 20min journey.
Memorium Nuremberg Trials
Memorium Nuremberg Trials is housed on the top floor of the still active Palace of Justice. The exhibition provides insights into the defendants and their crimes, including the trials of 1946-49. You can also visit the actual Courtroom 600, where the famous Nuremberg Trials took place.
If you’re visiting the memorial after the Documentation centre, you have to take the tram (line 6 or 8) and then change to metro line U1.
Bring back your childhood memories at the Toy Museum
If you never lost the child in you (or you’re travelling with kids), the Toy Museum (Spielzeugmuseum) must be on your list. It’s a lovely small museum, that houses an extensive, priceless collection of around 12,000 toys.
DB Museum
DB Museum is the oldest railway museum in the world! It also houses the largest collection of historical vehicles. The exhibit includes more than 2,000 models and 40 rail legends, including the oldest steam locomotive in Germany, the Nordgau.
Explore the Medieval Dungeons
The Medieval Dungeons are located in the vaulted cellar of the Town Hall. You can visit the dungeons only as a part of a guided tour. It walks you through 12 cells and a torture chamber while giving you insights into the justice system of those days. The tours are only in German, but there are English audio guides available.
The tours take place daily from 11 AM to 3 PM (every hour by the hour). However, you need to book your tickets in advance, earlier on the same day. Go as early as you can, because the tickets sell out quickly. I went at around noon and managed to book the last tickets for the last tour of the day. The entrance is opposite St. Sebaldus Church (the entrance to the Old City Hall).
St. Lorenz Church
St. Lorenz Church (Lorenzkirche) is a gorgeous Gothic church from the 15th century. Don’t miss to take a look at the magnificent west facade, featuring a splendid portal and a richly decorated rose window.
St. Sebaldus Church
St. Sebaldus Church (Sebalduskirche) is one of the oldest churches in the city. It is named after Saint Sebaldus, the patron saint of Nuremberg from the 8th century.
See the ups and downs of marriage
The Marriage Roundabout (Ehekarussell) is a controversial fountain that represents the ups and downs of marriage. If you’re not married, be careful, as it may discourage you from getting into marriage at all. Although the start of the couple’s life is sweet and romantic, soon things get morbid.
Hangman’s Bridge
Hangman’s Bridge (Henkersteg) is one of the most interesting bridges in Nuremberg. Built after the flood of 1595, Henkersteg got its name from the word Henker (from German – the Executioner).
During the Middle Ages, the executioner had to avoid any contact with the citizens, as his profession was considered dishonest. He had to live in an isolated house on the island and walk into the city through this bridge.
Indisches Restaurant Ganesha
I’m a huge fan of Indian food and always try to visit new places when I travel. So, if you’re tired of sausages, listen to my recommendation and visit Indisches Restaurant Ganesha. It’s one of the best Indian restaurants in Nuremberg.
How to save money on your Nuremberg itinerary
If you plan to visit two museums in one day, buy a Museum Day ticket. The cost is €9 (you’ll pay €12 to visit 2 museums). You can buy the day ticket at any of the Municipal Museums.
The ticket gives you free entry to all Municipal Museums on the same day. The list includes Toy Museum, Albrecht Dürer’s House, Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds, Memorium Nuremberg Trials and others.
Getting around in Nuremberg
Find a detailed map of the itinerary here.
Nuremberg is easily navigable and you can explore on foot almost everything. As already mentioned, the only exceptions are the Nazi Party Rally Grounds and the Memorium Nuremberg Trials. To get to these two sights, you’ll need to use public transport (trams and metro).
While in Nuremberg, I used TagesTicket Plus (see all kinds of tickets here). It’s a day ticket valid for groups of 1 to 6 people for all types of public transport. It’s perfect if you travel with a companion. The TagesTicket Plus costs €12.30 (equal to 4 single-ride tickets).
How to get to Nuremberg
By train
The Nuremberg Central train station is just a short walk from the historic city centre. Check timetables and book tickets online at Deutsche Bahn official site.
By air
The closest airport is Nuremberg Airport (NUE). There is a direct train (U-Bahn line U2) from the airport to the central train station (15min journey).
How many days in Nuremberg
Is one day in Nuremberg enough?
One day in Nuremberg is enough to visit the famous castle, tour the historic centre and visit one museum (or the Christmas markets).
Yet, if you’re interested in WWII, you’ll need 2 days to see everything. The Nazi Party Rally Grounds and the Memorium Nuremberg Trials are out of the city centre (located in opposite directions). It’s almost impossible to visit these two sites and the castle in one single day. You’ll need at least a day and a half.
What if I have less than a day in Nuremberg?
If you have less than a day, I’d recommend you visit the castle and tour the sites on the central market square. Skip the museums, as well as the WWII sites.
If you’re visiting Nuremberg on a day trip from Munich, take an early train – around 7:30 AM – 8 AM. There is a lot to explore, so it’s best if you arrive at 9 AM (or 10 AM at the latest). There are a few trains per hour and the journey is around 1h.
Best time to visit Nuremberg
The ideal time to travel to Nuremberg is the months from May to September. The weather is warm and pleasant with lots of sunny days.
Winters are chilly and frost, but don’t let this discourage you from visiting the city in December. It’s the Christmas market season and Nuremberg hosts one of the biggest markets in all of Germany!
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