9 Best Things to Do in Nuremberg

Nuremberg Old Town was entirely restored to its original state after WWII. Called Altstadt in German, it’s a walled city that features one of the largest pedestrian zones in Europe. It’s home to an impressive number of historical buildings and museums. The Nuremberg Castle, Saint-Sebald Church, Albrecht Dürer's House and the Toy Museum are just a few of the stunning sites that can be visited in this quaint maze of cobblestoned streets. Don't miss the outstanding row of colourful half-timbered houses on Weißgerbergasse.

Kaiserburg Castle is an impressive complex made of sandstone, from the 11th century onwards. The castle hosts a museum and splendid places, such as the imperial apartments, that you can visit. Filled with historical wonders, Kaiserburg Castle is a witness of the importance of Nuremberg during the Holy Roman Empire. You shouldn't miss the stunning view of the Old Town from the top of the Sinwell Tower. You can pick up an English audio-guide at the ticket desk.

Karolinenstraße (Caroline Road) is a 300-metre-long pedestrian street located right opposite Saint-Lorenz Church in Nuremberg Old Town. It’s one of the main shopping hubs in the city. Here, you’ll find fashion designers, sport shops and department stores, as well as a cool choice of dining opportunities. International brands include H&M, Benneton, and Zara. 

Also known as the Medieval Dungeons, Lochgefangnis Prison is located under the Town Hall, 100 metres north of the Main Marketplace. Not recommended if you’re claustrophobic, this medieval prison features 12 cells and a torture chamber. Take the leaflet in English before to follow the guide into this eerie place which shows you how justice was rendered during the 14th century. After the visit, try Bratwursthausle Restaurant on the opposite side of the street. Sampling delicious, genuine Bavarian cuisine will certainly cheer you up.

Established mid-19th century, the Germanisches Nationalmuseum (Germanic National Museum) is one of the largest museums of cultural history in Germany. Housing objects of all sorts – from religious statues to weapons to scientific instruments – the museum covers the whole history of Germany from the prehistoric era up to the present day. Modern and easy to navigate, the museum hosts a recommended Austrian-inspired restaurant named Café Arte.

Known as the Hauptmarkt in German, the Main Marketplace is a lively square located right in the centre of Nuremberg, just north of the Pegnitz River. Take a stroll around the market, watch locals doing their shopping, see the fresh products at hand, and sample some genuine German street food such as currywurst (German sausage seasoned with ketchup blended with curry and paprika). Do not miss the Schöner Brunnen (Beautiful Fountain), one of the city’s prettiest landmarks, in the northwest corner of the marketplace. 

The Documentation Center Nazi Party Rallying Grounds is located 3 km southeast of the city. This huge complex occupies 11 sq km right next to a large lake named Grosser Dutzendteich. Hosting a Zeppelin field, a stadium, a marching field, and a congress hall, the complex is impressive to say the least. It features a permanent exhibition named "Fascination and Terror", which explains how the Nazi Party influenced the political landscape.

The Christkindlesmarkt (Christmas Market) is one of the largest events annually held in Nuremberg. Throughout December, the Main Marketplace hosts this colourful festive event. The square is packed with red and white booths bearing Christmas ornaments, and the pleasant smells of roasted sausages, mulled wine and gingerbread – one of Nuremberg’s specialities, entice the entire Old Town. 

Built in 1905, Nuremberg State Theatre hosts one of the largest opera houses in Germany. Here, you can attend a great range of shows, from operas to ballets and from plays to concerts in splendid Art Nouveau settings. It’s the venue at which performs the Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra. Check out the program before to arrive in Nuremberg so you can attend The Magic Flute by W. A. Mozart or La Bohème by G. Puccini for a reasonable entrance fee.