10 Best Things To Do In Nuremberg, Germany

things to do in nuremberg germany
Stephanie Anais
Stephanie Anais 
Updated
| 4 min read

Nuremberg is a beautiful German City to see, characterized by medieval city walls, timber-framed houses, ancient churches and fortresses, and tons of museums. The city of located in the Bavaria State of Germany, and it has played an important role throughout history. Today, Nuremberg is most famous for its Christmas Markets, but the city has a whole lot more to offer. Here are 10 things you shouldn’t miss during your stay in Nuremberg:

1. 1. See one of the oldest churches in town: St. Sebalduskirche

2009-11-14 Nürnberg 013 St. Sebaldus Kirche.jpg
Source: Photo by user Allie_Caulfield used under CC BY 2.0

This beautiful medieval church is indeed one of the oldest and most important churches in town and it is a must-see when you are in Nuremberg. The St. Sebalduskirche was built in the 13th-century, named after Sebaldus, who was a hermit and missionary of Nuremberg in the 8th-century. His bones are believed to rest in a silver casket inside of the church. St. Sebalduskirche features beautiful gothic and romanesque architecture and it was built with magnificent pink sandstones. Located in the center of town, it is easy to visit this highlight of Nuremberg, so go see it!

Sebalduskirche

Address: Winklerstraße 26, 90403 Nürnberg, Germany

Website: Sebalduskirche (in German)

2. 2. Visit the Hauptmarkt

Nuremberg, Hauptmarkt and Frauenkirche 4669
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Hubertl used under CC BY-SA 4.0

If you love to stroll around in markets, you must visit the Hauptmarkt of Nuremberg, located in the Altstadt of town. The Hauptmarkt is a picturesque city square with beautiful gothic buildings and fountains, breathing a soulfulness from the old days. There are daily markets and this city square also features the famous annual Christmas Market. Apart from shopping, this market is also great for trying out the local food as there are many charming food stalls.

Hauptmarkt

Address: Nurnberg, 90403 Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany

Website: Hauptmarkt

3. 3. The National Germanic Museum

Gnm nuernberg main entrance may2011
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user KaterBegemot used under CC BY 3.0

This museum was founded back in 1852. It is tucked in a light-filled building and it has the largest collection of German artwork and items related to the German culture from prehistorical times up until today. It is a huge museum with more than 1.2 million objects, where you can easily spend a few hours of your time. You even get to admire the paintings of Rembrandt and Dürer as well as modern scientific instruments. Something for everyone!

The National Germanic Museum

Address: Kartäusergasse 1, 90402 Nürnberg, Germany

Website: The National Germanic Museum

4. 4. See amazing animals at the zoo

Zoo Nuremberg
Source: Pixabay

Make the little ones happy with a family day in the Zoo of Nuremberg. The Zoo of Nuremberg, covering 67 hectares (165 acres) of land, isn’t just like any other zoo, it is one of the largest in Europe, with over 300 species of animals. Located in the Lorenz Forest, it has a wonderfully natural feel and the animals are treated with great care. Lions, tigers, monkeys, bears, elephants, rhinos, penguins, snakes and many more amazing creatures of planet earth are to be admired here. At the special Dolphin Lagoon, you can see dolphins jump high up in the sky from the water below. An unforgettable day in Nuremberg for the whole family is guaranteed.

Nuremberg Zoo

Address: Am Tiergarten 30, 90480 Nürnberg, Germany

Website: Nuremberg Zoo

5. 5. Enjoy drinks at Cafe Bar Katz

Posted by Cafe Bar Katz on Thursday, 3 April 2014

Cafe Bar Katz is one of the coolest places in town to go for coffee or a delicious vegetarian or vegan lunch. This charming café features a trendy vintage interior design, exuding style and sophistication. The coffee is delicious, especially when enjoyed together with one of their homemade treats. When the sun is out, you can sit outside on their terrace with a pint of German beer, watching the daily Nuremberg life. A wonderful place to stop by at any time of the day!

Cafe Bar Katz

Address: Hans-Sachs-Platz 8, 90403 Nürnberg, Germany

Facebook: Cafe Bar Katz

6. 6. See the St. Lorenz Church

St. Lorenz, Nuremberg, interior,altarpiece
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user sailko used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The St. Lorenz Church, built between 1243 and 1315, is one of the most important medieval churches of the city. The church is absolutely beautiful to see with its ancient gothic architecture and twin towers reaching up to the sky above, trying and touch the clouds. Inside, you get to admire amazing artwork, statues, and organs. As the sun shines in through the beautiful stained glass church windows, a magical ambiance is created. A must-see!

St. Lorenz Kirche

Address: Lorenzer Pl. 1, 90402 Nürnberg, Germany

Website: St. Lorenz Kirche (in German)

7. 7. Visit the Nazi Party Rally Grounds

Nazi party rally grounds (1934)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Übergangsrecht used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

The Nazi Party Rally Grounds, located in the southeast of Nuremberg, cover no less than 11 square kilometers (2,718 acres). Hitler declared Nuremberg as ‘The City of Nazi Party Rallies’ back in 1933 and between that year and 1938, there were 6 Nazi Party Rallies held here, the perfect parade ground for Hitler’s propaganda rallies. In these modern times, it is a museum where we are reminded of this dark period of German history. There are English Guided tours available.

Nazi Party Rally Grounds

Address: Bayernstraße 110, 90478 Nürnberg, Germany

Website: Nazi Party Rally Grounds

8. 8. Explore Nuremberg's Underworld

Eine schiefe Ebene bildet den ersten Wegabschnitt. Fachleute nennen ein solches Bauwerk auch Poterne...

Posted by Förderverein Nürnberger Felsengänge e.V. on Friday, 29 April 2011

Beneath the Old Town of Nuremberg awaits a hidden underworld of secret passages, dark sandstone tunnels, corridors, and cellars. It is a thrilling experience to explore this city beneath the city. Originally the cellars were used for the storage of beer, but during World War II it was a place where lots of people found shelter. Inside the tunnels, it is only 11 degrees (51°F), so bring something warm to wear. The guided tours start at the Altstadthof Brewery and you can end the tour perfectly with some German beers.

Nuremberg's Underworld

Address: Bergstr. 19, 90403 Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany

Website: Nuremberg’s Underworld

9. 9. Go to Albrecht Dürer House

Albrecht Durer Haus (House) - Nuremberg, Franconia, Bavaria, Germany
Source: Photo by user Glen Bowman used under CC BY 2.0

Albrecht Dürer was a German Renaissance artist and the Albrecht Dürer house is a traditional house where this famous artist lived and worked for nearly 20 years until his death in 1528. Dürer’s house is a historical house, dating back to 1420 and it has no less than 5 stories, of which the upper ones are traditionally timber-framed. Nowadays it is a museum in memorial of the life and work of Albrecht Dürer.

Albrecht Dürer House

Address: Albrecht-Duerer-Str. 39, 90403 Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany

Website: Albrecht Dürer House

10. 10. Nuremberg Castle

Nuernberg-Burg
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Kolossos used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Nuremberg Castle, located in the Northwest corner of the Old Town of Nuremberg, is one of the most important medieval fortresses in all of Europe. This impressive castle complex was the home of all of the Roman Empire rulers between 1050 and 1571. Wandering in and around the castle, passing sandstone and timber-framed houses, really make you feel like being transported back to the ancient medieval times. The five-cornered tower of the castle dates back to at least 1050, making it the oldest building in the whole city. During your visit, you can climb the round ‘Sinwellturm’ tower, see the ancient well, which was the city’s main source of water back in those days, and just take in the enchanting ambiance that this place exudes. Guided tours are available as well.

Nuremberg Castle

Address: Burg 13, 90403 Nürnberg, Germany

Website: Nuremberg Castle

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