48 hours in Nuremberg + (Our 2 Day Itinerary!)

Last updated: 29 July 2023

You’ve explored Berlin, spent time in Munich for Oktoberfest, and are now ready for a new experience in Germany.  Perhaps you just want to devour some good regional delicacies, and perhaps even learn a thing or two. Well, my dear reader, fear not for we have you sorted.  For now it’s time for our guide to 48 hours in Nuremberg. 

The Best Time to Visit Nuremberg

Nuremberg has four distinct seasons and weather that accompanies it.  

Temperatures in Summer (Jun-Aug) are a comfortable range of mid to high 20s°C (77-84°F) however, along with days of endless sunshine, Nuremberg is prone to intense summer thunderstorms and as such, has the most rainfall in mm.

Spring & Autumn are fair with similar temperatures averaging in single digits °C (33-48°F). 

Winter, ordinarily a low season for many places in Europe, however Nuremberg is home to an epic Christmas market and one of the biggest in Europe which sees this move December into a peak travel period for visitors to Nuremberg.  Temperatures in Winter (Dec-Feb) are cold, with daytime temperatures barely above freezing (0°C/32°F) with just a few hours of sunlight. It’s not unusual for Nuremberg to be hit by a cold front from the East, where temperatures can plummet by as much as 15-20°C.

If you plan to visit for the Christmas market, pack layers for subzero temperatures in case of a severe cold weather pattern. 

Map – 48 Hours in Nuremberg

This interactive map is created using Google Maps. Click on this   symbol on the map above to expand the map legend or click on any pin for more information:

• Things to do in Nuremberg– Red pins
• Where to eat in Nuremberg– Green pins
• Where to drink in Nuremberg– Blue pins
• Where to stay in Nuremberg– Orange pins

Top 7 Things to Do in Nuremberg | Nuremberg Sightseeing Guide

1. Stroll the Old Town

This isn’t just one thing.  Nuremberg’s Old Town is littered with quaint houses, stunning churches and historic places, and they’re all best discovered on foot.  The famous Hauptmarkt, the central market square, is home to the Roman Catholic church Frauenkirche with it’s beautiful mechanical clock (Männleinlaufen) and glockenspiel, the beautiful fountain Schöner Brunnen. The Square is also home to a daily produce market where you can pick up some local specialities such as Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and at Christmas the square plays host to the city’s epic Christmas market (christkindlesmarkt).

During your stroll around the old town, head out and discover the late Renaissance bridge of Fleischbrücke, 14th-century hospital Heilig-Geist-Spital and the medieval Lorenzkirche, one of the most prominent Evangelical Lutheran churches.

2. City Museum in Fembo House

This comprehensive museum covers Nuremberg’s history.  Currently the museum undergoing renovations to create a new permanent exhibition which means that the third and fourth floors are currently closed with a planned reopening in early 2024. The good news is that the very impressive city model has moved to the first floor and is joined by another city model of the former main synagogue. 

For those seeking a CliffsNotes-style of history, like I do, then you might be interested to know that from 1 May to 1 October 2023 there will be a temporary exhibit on the ground floor containing objects from the closed third floor focusing on the history of the city in a compact format.   

We thoroughly enjoyed our time exploring Fembo House and learning about the city’s history through the houses’ 26 rooms. We always recommend picking up a handy digital guide, they’re available in nine languages, to get the most out of your visit. We look forward to returning again once the current renovations are completed. 

THE ESSENTIALS

• Where | Burgstraße 15, Nuremberg
• Opening hours | 10am-5pm 
• Cost | €6/€1.50 (adult/concession). Free with Nürnberg Card.
• Info 

3. Germanisches Nationalmuseum

Since its founding in 1852 the Germanisches Nationalmuseum has advanced to one of the largest museums of cultural history in the German-speaking world with a well-ordered compendium of German history, literature and art from prehistoric times through to the present day.

THE ESSENTIALS

• Where | Kartäusergasse 1, Nuremberg
• Opening hours | 10am-6pm (Tues-Sun). Closed: Monday
• Cost | €8/€5 (adult/concession). Free with Nürnberg Card.
• Info

4. Documentation Centre and the Former Nazi Party Rally Grounds

The Documentation Centre is currently undergoing renovations which are expected to last throughout 2024 with the new permanent exhibition opening in 2025. In the meantime, there is an interim exhibition – “Nuremberg – Place of the Nazi Party Rallies. Staging, Experience and Violence” which provides an overview of the grounds in a condensed format.  

We visited before the renovations and spent a significant amount of time in the permanent exhibition “Fascination and Terror” which provided details on the causes, coherence, and consequences of National Socialism in Germany. The exhibition was situated in the unfinished remains of the Congress Hall and was structured in chronological order and presented in narrative form, and covered the Nazi Party Rallies and explained the fascination they exercised upon participants and visitors. For non-German speakers the cumbersome audio guide was essential to understanding context and the journey through the exhibition. 

You can see the progress of the renovation works here

THE ESSENTIALS

• Where | Bayernstraße 110, Nuremberg
• Opening hours | 9am-6pm (Mon-Fri). 10am-6pm (Sat-Sun)
• Cost | €6/€1.50 (adult/concession). Free with Nürnberg Card.
• Info

5. Historical Art Bunker

Immediately after the outbreak of WWII, Nazi officials had already developed a detailed plan to preserve irreplaceable art and cultural treasures in Nuremberg by utilising a large medieval beer cellar, 24m underground in the rock underneath Nuremberg castle.   

This unique storage facility was renovated with ventilation, moisture-control systems, and reinforced steel doors which were designed to withstand shockwaves from the Allied bombing campaign which destroyed most of the city.

At the end of the war, priceless treasures emerged from the bunker completely unscathed.  Imperial Regalia (Reichskleinodien) which included a jeweled crown, scepter and orb of the ancient Holy Roman Emperor were returned to Vienna and the Erdapfel the oldest surviving terrestrial globe is now on display in Germanisches Nationalmuseum in Nuremberg.

A visit to the Art Bunker is only possible via a guided tour.

THE ESSENTIALS

• Where | Obere Schmiedgasse 52, Nuremberg
• Opening hours | Complicated! Only available by guided tour. Advisable to check the website for current times which varies by day. 
• Cost | €9.50/€8 (adult/concession). Discounted rate of €4.75 with Nürnberg Card.
• Info

6.  Historic Rock-Cut Cellars 

Nuremberg is home to the largest cellar labyrinth in southern Germany, with more than 20,000 m² of rock-cut cellars which dates back more than seven centuries.

The creation of today’s maze-like historical rock-cut cellars is thanks to a 14th century council regulation requiring everyone who wanted to brew and sell beer to have their own beer cellar for fermentation and storage, which was mostly the city’s famous Rotbier, (red beer) which needed to be fermented slowly and at low temperatures.

Somewhat astonishingly, at the end of the 14th century, there were more than 40 breweries for a population that totalled less than 30,000 people, that’s one brewery for every 750 people! 

A visit to the Cellars is only possible via a guided tour.

THE ESSENTIALS

• Where | Bergstraße 19, Nuremberg
• Opening hours | Access is only available by guided tour.
  • Tours in English: Sat-Sun 11.10am 
  • Tours in German: Mon-Fri: 11am-5pm (on the hour). Sat & Sun: 10am-5pm (on the hour)
• Cost | €12/€9 (adult/concession). Discounted with Nürnberg Card.
• Info

7.  Memorium Nuremberg Trials

At the end of WWII, military and political leaders of the Nazi regime had to answer for their crimes before an International Military Tribunal. Known as the Nuremberg Trials, these trials took place in courtroom 600 in what is now known as Memorium Nuremberg Trials (Memorium Nürnberger Prozesse). 

The logistical challenges of a multilingual international trial had an enormous influence on the development of international criminal law right up to the present. 

Located upstairs from the courtroom is a comprehensive exhibition which is well worth a few hours of your time.  It covers the Nuremberg Trials, provides insights about the defendants and their crimes, the subsequent Nuremberg Trials of 1946-49, and the impact of the Nuremberg Trials. 

A handy audio guide which is included in the ticket price helps translate the comprehensive information panels. 

THE ESSENTIALS

• Where | Bärenschanzstraße 72, Nuremberg
• Opening hours |  9am-6pm (Mon, Wed-Fri). 10am-6pm (Sat-Sun). Closed: Tuesday
• Cost | €6/€1.50 (adult/concession). Free with Nürnberg Card.
• Info

9 of the Best Restaurants in Nuremberg

If you know us at all, you know how much we enjoy trying local cuisine. Nuremberg is, of course, no exception. Nuremberg is awash with small independent restaurants that serve up some Franconian specialties.

If you’re more of a visual person, you might want to instead watch our video about all things to eat and drink in Nuremberg.

Nuremberg is affordable to eat out and as such, we did so at every opportunity.  We recommend the following places to eat in Nuremberg: 

1. Kaffee Lebemann

Bricks, concrete, massive steel girder and wooden floors create an industrial-chic atmosphere. The café offers a wide range of beer, wine and other tasty drinks. If you have chosen a coffee bean, you can even brew your own coffee at the table. | Info

2. Fränk’ness

This hotspot is the third restaurant by top chef Alexander Herrmanns, who prides himself on using only fresh and local ingredients to create urban-Franconian cuisine with unique modern takes on burgers, pizzas and veg. | Info

3. Mata Hari Bar

One for the night owls, Mata Hari is Nuremberg’s smallest bar.  They’re famous for their live music and offer a decent selection of beer and Caretta ice shots. | Info

4. Gutmann – Beer Garden

One for a sunny day, is to head towards the former Congress Hall and Dutzendteich and enjoy a traditional Franconian with a view.

With a number of Franconian classics on the menu, we can totally recommend the Chicken Ragout, or for something a little less Franconian, the schnitzel is a solid choice, accompanied with some top notch local beer. | Info

5. Café Bergbrand

Situated on Tanner’s Lane, one of Nuremberg’s most picturesque streets, this small business roasts high quality coffee from Central and South America by hand. 

If the weather is on your side, grab a table outside. | Info

6. Albrecht-Dürer-Stube

This is a top choice for visitors and locals alike seeking Franconian food in Nuremberg. 

Featuring a nod to its namesake with a Dürer-inspired dining room, this homey restaurant is independent, family run and has a busy but laid-back vibe.

Expect a menu loaded with Franconian specialities including Schäufele, Nuremberg sausages, Franconian wine and Landbier. If you’re planning to visit on a weekend it’s a good idea to book ahead, there’s also a good chance you’ll be sharing your table with strangers. | Info

7. Hausbrauerei Altstadthof

This microbrewery makes and serves Nuremberg’s traditional “Rotbier” and is brewed onsite.  Try Rotbier here, it doesn’t get any fresher. | Info

8. Cafe Mainheim

Located in the hipster haunt of Gostenhof, Mainheim serves up regional focused food, alongside coffee, cakes and platters for lunch loaded with excellent bread from the traditional Erbel bakery. | Info

9. Brezen Kolb

Perfect for a snack on the run is Brezen Kolb. Serving up Pretzels unlike anything I’ve ever tasted, they’ve perfected their craft down to the right level of chewy.  Have it plain, or the Nuremberger way with butter. Spin it into a proper meal and have it loaded with mozzarella and tomato, cheese, or sliced meats. | Info

2 Day Itinerary for Nuremberg

– DAY ONE | ITINERARY 48 HOURS in NUREMBERG –

MORNING  | ARRIVAL & CHECK IN

If you’re arriving from NUE airport, see below on how to get from the airport to the city centre.  Head straight for your hotel, drop your bags at your hotel, and head out to find some breakfast.

Stop off at a Nuremberg institution, Brezen Kolb and grab one of their famous Pretzels for a breakfast on-the-go.  Locals tell us the traditional style is either plain or with butter, but for something more substantial, opt for a filling of cheese, ham, salami, or tomato and mozzarella. 

DAY TIME | CITY FAMILIARISATION

Get a feel for the city, it’s history and quirks with a stop to the City Museum at Fembo House.  

Alternatively, hire a guide for a bespoke tour of the city which meets your needs. General sightseeing or specifics such as a culinary city tour.  – We had the fabulous Claudia to show us around Nuremberg.

If your budget is tight, sign up for a ‘free’ walking tour to delve into the rhythm of the Old Town, and familiarise yourself with the basics in just a few hours. (I say ‘free’ because these tours generally run on a tip/pay-what-you-want pricing strategy)

MID MORNING | TOUR THE HISTORIC ROCK-CUT CELLARS

English tours run just once a day on weekends, so take the opportunity to join a guided tour to explore some of the 20,000 m² maze-like cellars which dates back more than seven centuries.

LUNCH | HAUSBRAUEREI ALTSTADTHOF

The Hausbrauerei Altstadthof brewery produces the best organic red beer (rotbier) we found in the city.  Menus in English list countless Franconian delicacies, pick something that takes your fancy and accompany it with freshly brewed beers and/or some of Germany’s best whisky which is also distilled onsite.  

AFTERNOON | CULTURE – YOUR CHOICE! 

The fully accessible Germanisches Nationalmuseum is one of the largest museums of cultural history in the German-speaking world.

With more than 22,000 objects on display, from a stone age hand-axe, to a golden cone of Ezelsdorf, medieval sculptures, Dürer’s imperial portraits, Rembrandt’s self-portrait and the Erdapfel by Behaim.

It’s handy to know photographing the permanent collection is permitted, providing it’s without flash or a tripod, however the temporary and special exhibits don’t permit photography at all.

– ALTERNATIVE – 

Jump on the U1 line of the Metro from Lorenzkirche in the Old Town for four stops and alight at Bärenschanze. Here you can stroll the streets of the trendy suburb of Gostenhof, affectionately called “GoHo” by locals. 

Here you can support small local businesses, shop up a storm and pick up something unique and often hand-made.  Try Fachmarie for homewares and jewellery, and Vinty’s for a huge selection of high-quality second-hand clothing.

Once you’re shopped out, situated nearby in GoHo is the Memorium Nuremberg Trials. Culturally curious and history lovers should head here to explore the aspects associated with the trials of political and military leaders of the Third Reich who were prosecuted here for their crimes against humanity. The exhibition is comprehensive, allow a few hours to get through it. 

DINNER | FRÄNK’NESS

An interesting twist on traditional regional Franconian fare. Hip decor, Fränk’ness signature burgers come with pulled meat which is surely a nod to the classic Nuremberg slow cooker pork dish, Schäufele.

DRINKS | MATA HARI BAR

Just like the bars namesake, Mata Hari the exotic dancer, courtesan, and spy during the First World War, there is more than meets the eye. 

Situated on Nuremberg’s prettiest street, Mata Hari is known as Nuremberg’s smallest bar. Open from 8pm most nights, they’re famous for their concerts, selection of beer, and Caretta ice shots.

– DAY TWO | ITINERARY 48 HOURS in NUREMBERG –

MORNING  | BREAKFAST PRETZEL AT BREZEN KOLB

We just can’t go past one recommending one of the best pretzel’s we’ve ever had so rise early, grab a pretzel and a coffee, and get your day underway because there’s plenty to do on your schedule! Ok, so technically you can have one pretzel for breakfast and then store another for a mid-morning snack, that just makes good sense to us.

DAY TIME | DOCUMENTATION CENTRE & THE FORMER NAZI PARTY RALLY GROUNDS

History lovers and those with an interest in the city’s dark history should head to the Documentation Centre and the Former Nazi Party Rally Grounds for opening. Grab an audio guide and work your way through the comprehensive exhibition.

Situated slightly out of town, the Centre is easily accessed by utilising Nuremberg’s tram system. Board at Hauptbahnhof and take tram #8 in the direction of Doku-Zentrum and alight at the last stop which is just outside the Documentation Centre. 

LUNCH | GUTMANN AM DUTZENDTEICH – TRADITIONAL BEER GARDEN

With a view over the former Congress Hall and the lake, Gutmann serves up traditional Franconian cuisine. Don’t forget to wash it down with some local beer.  

Tip: Sit outside to enjoy the view, you will need to go inside to order and pay. Menus in English are available.

AFTERNOON | ART BUNKER

Join an English-speaking tour of this former beer cellar which was renovated upon the outbreak of World War II into a storage facility more than 20m underground to accommodate the city’s precious and irreplaceable art and cultural treasures. 

Keep an eye out for the boards and information about Veit Stoss Annunciation. Like many pieces, this priceless artifact stored in the Art Bunker during WWII and survived the war unscathed. Many pieces were returned to their original homes, however this piece is local to Nuremberg and you can still see to this day. It is now hanging proudly in St. Lorenz church in Nuremberg’s Old Town.

TAKE A BREAK  | KAFFEE LEBEMANN

Take some time to recharge your batteries at this hipster cafe/bar.  With exposed brick work, deep earthy tones, the best spot is at one of the outdoor seats and watch the world go by.

DINNER | ALBRECHT-DÜRER-STUBE 

Ensure you make a reservation if you’re in Nuremberg over a peak period or a weekend as this little family run restaurant gets incredibly busy.

The menu is varied but omnivores shouldn’t go past the traditional Franconian dish “Schäufele”, a crispy slow-roasted pork shoulder with potato dumplings. 

Wear your stretchy pants, you’ve been warned! 

More Things to Do in Nuremberg If You Have Time

The above itinerary is perfect for those travelling to Nuremberg for a weekend, with roughly two days up their sleeve. If you’ve got a little more time, then we would highly recommend spacing out the itinerary a bit further to give you a more relaxed schedule or keep it as is and add the following: 

Nuremberg Zoo

Founded at its present location in 1939, Nuremberg zoo is one of the most beautiful zoological gardens in Europe and participates in 46 international breeding programs and is a partner of the Species Conservation Foundation.  

As a part of the 20,000 hectare forest, the Tiergarten Nürnberg offers home to more than 150 different native bird species and over 50 domestic mammals with a mix of woods, natural landscapes and craggy sandstone rock formations, for animals to climb and relax in harmony. 

Kaiserberg

Built in 1120, Imperial Castle of Nuremberg (Kaiserburg) was once a residence for kings of the Holy Roman Empire as the symbol of Nuremberg. 

Since the Middle Ages, the silhouette of this enormous castle complex has represented the might and power of the Holy Roman Empire and the outstanding role of the imperial city.

Despite suffering damage over the years (especially during WWII), the castle has been carefully restored to showcase its original Gothic and Romanesque architecture. Don’t miss the Sinwell Tower and Well House. 

More Food

Russ and I are always on the lookout for more places to eat when travelling so here are some other cafes and restaurants you can substitute or add into the above schedule: 

• Zeit & Raum | A hip & trendy restaurant called “Nuremberg’s living room”, offering German pizza (flammkuchen), salads and different dishes of the day.
• Café Mainheim | A great place for a break when you’re out and about in GoHo. Here you’ll find delicious regional products like coffee, cakes and dishes for lunch.
• Café Bergbrand | Situated on Nuremberg’s stunning Tanner’s Lane, this small company roasting high quality coffee from Central and South America by hand. Enjoy your coffee alfresco for people watching opportunities. 

Where to Stay in Nuremberg

There are plenty of places to stay for a city break in Nuremberg. For convenience, we recommend staying in in Nuremberg Old Town during your travels here as it’s closest to the action and is the best connected in terms of transport.

Simple (£)

This location is hard to beat.  Sorat Hotel Saxx Nürnberg is situated on Hauptmarkt, the central market square in the heart of Nuremberg’s Old Town district.  

Stroll along the cobblestone streets to Nuremberg Castle or the historic Schöner Brunner fountain which is just 10 yards from the hotel.

BOOK | Sorat Hotel Saxx Nürnberg

Solid (££)

Situated in the city centre, 400 metres from Nuremberg’s Old Town, Melter Hotel & Apartments boasts modern double-glazed, air-conditioned rooms for restful nights, with free WiFi throughout the property to remain connected and an onsite gym for guests. 

BOOK | Melter Hotel & Apartments

Swanky (£££)

Opened in 2016, the Park Plaza in Nuremberg occupies a prime position in front of the 19th-century Nuremberg Main Station.

With a Dürer-inspired style, there are nods to other local Martin Behaim who created the Erdapfel, the oldest surviving terrestrial globe. 

BOOK | Park Plaza Nuremberg

How to Get Around Nuremberg

The whole downtown area of Nuremberg is super walkable with the Old Town entirely sheltered from public transport entirely.  

If you’re spending just 48 hours in Nuremberg, aside from to/from the airport, and venturing to the Documentation Centre & Nazi Rally Grounds, it’s unlikely you’ll need public transport. 

To make it easy, get a city card (Nürnberg Card + Fürth), this will enable unlimited travel in Zone A on 2 consecutive days as well as free entry in more than 40 museums and attractions. 

How to Get to Nuremberg

Drive

Franconia is an amazing region that features 16 distinct areas including wine country, and nature escapes including stunning lakes and mountains so it’s understandable that you may want to undertake a road trip in a hire car for independent travel.

It makes sense to stay outside Nuremberg’s Old Town if you’re looking for a hotel with ample parking and utilise the navigable public transport to get into the city centre.  

Train

Nuremberg is well serviced by Europe’s comprehensive train network. For domestic German travel, Nuremberg is just one hour from Munich, ~2 hours to Stuttgart, Berlin or Frankfurt and international destinations such as Paris, Vienna, and Prague are also possible by train.

Coach

Flix Bus serves coach travel to Nuremberg from over 200 destinations across Europe.  

Depending on the route, this is possibly the most affordable option with tickets as low as €4.99 one way

Air

If you’re arriving in Nuremberg by air, you’ll land at NUE, Albrecht Dürer Flughafen (Flughafen is German for airport).

The airport is located just 5km outside the city centre, and with a well structured transport system, transferring to the city centre is unbelievably easy.  

You can opt for a private transfer from the airport to your hotel, however my advice would be to skip this and head straight for the metro (U-Bahn) with the station (Nürnberg Flughafen) situated under the arrivals terminal which connects straight to Nuremberg’s central station (Nuremberg Hauptbahnhof) in just 12 minutes and the low low price of €2.75!

Purchase your metro ticket from the multilingual machine outside the arrivals terminal, and don’t forget to validate it on the yellow machines on your way to the escalators. – The ticket machine accepts cash (€ Euros) or by credit card. 

Travel Resources

Do You Have Travel Insurance?

Need a SIM Card?

Germany is a member of the European Union so if you have an EU SIM you should be eligible for free data roaming from your home country.

If you’re needing a SIM card, there are options.

Order a Prepaid SIM Card for the EU online and have it shipped to you before you leave home.  That way, you’re ready for your trip and connected the second you land.

Due to the large number of free WiFi spots around the city, we recommend Smart Silver for most travellers.  It’s only got 5GB, but does include calls and SMS functionality. If you’re like us and always want more data, a good option is the Smart Comfort X from Orange which comes with 20GB but be sure to note that the validity is only 14 days.

Additional Reading

• Book a Nuremberg Tour
• Get a Nuremberg Travel Guide

We thank Nuremberg Tourism for their assistance on this trip. For more information about visiting Nuremberg, check out their website.