Add dates

Things to do in Nuremberg

This Bavarian city’s old city center, diverse architecture, and rich museums invite you to step back in time.

Our most recommended things to do in Nuremberg

Nuremberg: Old Town Guided Walking Tour

1. Nuremberg: Old Town Guided Walking Tour

The prosperous city of Nuremberg provided the ideal basis for an active cultural and intellectual life, as well as a lively arts scene. Even today, numerous buildings, monuments and artworks still reflect the city's former importance. Your guide will provide information and insights on the churches, castle, and fountains you see, as well as on the city itself, past and present. You will also visit the Main Market Square.

Nuremberg: Sightseeing Train Tour

2. Nuremberg: Sightseeing Train Tour

Explore the historic city of Nuremberg on board a picturesque tourist train. Enjoy a ride through the city center, departing from the main Market Square. Pass by the Schöner Brunnen, a beautiful 19-meter high gold fountain.  Next, drive by the Maxbrücke Bridge, St. Lawrence Church, the Hospital of the Holy Spirit and the Imperial Castle, one of Europe's most important medieval fortifications. Enjoy panoramic views of all the sites visited from the comfort of your train seat.  In addition, learn more about the history of the city and uncover its secrets and legends from your informative audio-guide. During this tour you will be able to see all of the city's highlights in just 40 minutes and afterwards can explore the city on your own.

Nuremberg: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

3. Nuremberg: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Enjoy a day of city-sightseeing in Nuremberg in the comfort of a hop-on hop-off double-decker bus. See the city’s most famous monuments and buildings from great vantage points and learn about the city’s rich history. Sit back and relax and enjoy the 2-hour circuit as your guide entertains you with fascinating information about the popular attractions and the 1,000-year history of Frankonia's metropole. Benefit from the flexibility to hop-on or hop-off anytime at any of the 6 stops along the tour route. You will see that, besides gingerbread and fried sausages, Nuremberg has so much more to offer.

Nuremberg: Medieval Dungeons

4. Nuremberg: Medieval Dungeons

Discover a world of crime and punishment while exploring the medieval dungeons below the old city hall. Learn about torture during the middle ages, what kind of punishments were used, and what the prisoners had to endure in the remand prison until they confessed, guilty or not. Being thrown into the dungeon was basically a death sentence in the middle ages. Find out why as you explore the medieval dungeons in the vaulted cellars of Nuremberg's old city hall. From the fourteenth century, the dungeons were used to hold and question prisoners pending judgment. Walk through the twelve small cells, check out the most original furnishings, and visit the torture chamber to gain an insight into what happened here during those dark times.

Nuremberg: Nazi Party Rally Grounds Walking Tour with Pickup

5. Nuremberg: Nazi Party Rally Grounds Walking Tour with Pickup

Visit important Third Reich locations on a World War II guided tour in Nuremberg. Visit the Nazi Party Rally Grounds and learn about the history of this important site from your guide. See the Great Road, Zeppelinfeld, and much more. Begin your tour with a convenient pickup from your hotel and head towards the southeast of the city where the Nazi Party Rally Grounds are located. From 1933 to 1938 these grounds served as the location for the National Socialist party rallies in Nuremberg. See the Zeppelinfeld, the unfinished Congress Hall, and the Great Road, a stretch of road nearly 2 kilometers long that was built to host parades but was never used. You'll also get to see the Nuremberg Palace of Justice, the site of the Nuremberg trials. The Palace of Justice was chosen to host the trials since it was almost undamaged and offered sufficient space and a large prison complex.  At the end of your tour, your driver will take you back to your hotel in Nuremberg.

Nuremberg: PLAYMOBIL®- FunPark

6. Nuremberg: PLAYMOBIL®- FunPark

Explore the PLAYMOBIL-FunPark which spreads over an area of more than 90,000 m² and is specially designed for children between 4 and 10 years old. Enjoy the exciting theme worlds where your little ones have a lot of space to play and run. The whole family can enjoy the Aktiv Park with many possibilities to climb, play and discover. Children can go on adventures in the Pirates' Sea, storm the corners of the Knights' Castle or experience the work of a gold digger in the Western City. Also enjoy a water playground, a slide area, a labyrinth of lights, mini-golf, and a go-kart course. If you need a break from all these exciting adventures, just visit one of the many restaurants in the park and get you a snack and a cold soft drink. In case you can't get enough of PLAYMOBIL, you can purchase the tiny figures at the PLAYMOBIL-Shop.

Nuremberg: Historischer Kunstbunker WWII Art Bunker Tour

7. Nuremberg: Historischer Kunstbunker WWII Art Bunker Tour

Discover the rescue operation that saved artworks like works of Albrecht Dürer on this guided tour of the Historischer Kunstbunker in Nuremberg's Old Town. Find out which artworks survived the WWII bombings that destroyed 90 percent of the medieval Old Town. Meet your guide at the entrance to the Historischer Kunstbunker and begin your tour of the museum. Gain insight into how the Nazis used this space to preserve pricesless of works like the Altarpiece of Veit Stoss, the automaton clock from the Frauenkirche, and the Codex Manesse. Uncover how this cellar was used to store beer in medieval times. Hear about how Nuremberg was reduced to rubble in WWII and then rebuilt after the war.

Nuremberg: Defensive corridors in the City Wall

8. Nuremberg: Defensive corridors in the City Wall

Discover why Nuremberg was never conquered on this city walking tour with a local guide. Explore its defensive city walls along with the underground corridors at the Imperial Castle. As you walk along Nuremberg's city walls, see the narrow tunnels and high-vaulted chambers dug into the castle rocks. These tunnels and chambers were designed to make Nuremberg the most protected city in the empire. Admire the modern bastions built in the sixteenth century that can also withstand cannon fire. Stroll along a labyrinth of underground corridors designed to enable defenders to shoot at enemies from all sides as they tried to cross the moat. Learn about how the medieval weapons hidden inside the city walls worked and how the city's knights and defenders worked together to keep Nuremberg safe and protected.

Nuremberg: 1.5-Hour Private Tour through Historical Old Town

9. Nuremberg: 1.5-Hour Private Tour through Historical Old Town

Explore Nuremburg, one of the largest German cities during the Middle Ages at the heart of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation. Learn more about the famous personality of the city: Dürer was born in Nuremberg, created his work here, and was buried here. Hans Sachs also created his works in Nuremberg and Martin Behaim made the first globe here. Even the first railway line in Germany went from Nuremberg to Fürth. In addition, the first pencils were invented here. Experience an informative tour through the romantic old town of Nuremberg with a knowledgeable guide and discover the main attractions of the city, such as Albrecht Dürer's House, Nuremberg Castle, Tiergärtnertorplatz, and the Hauptmarkt with the beautiful fountain and the Frauenkirche.

Nuremberg Old Town and Nazi Rally Grounds Walking Tour

10. Nuremberg Old Town and Nazi Rally Grounds Walking Tour

On this 4-hour tour an expert English-speaking guide will take you to see Nuremberg’s Imperial Castle, where German Emperors ruled. See Gothic churches with awe-inspiring works by the most talented German artists in history, and the area where colorful markets have been held for nearly 700 years. Take a break for lunch in the marketplace before boarding the bus for the former Nazi Party Rally Grounds. The largest Third Reich buildings left in the world still silently testify to the megalomania of a madman. You'll see where stormtroopers paraded, and where Adolf Hitler personally inspected columns of SS men and performed pseudo-religious cult rituals before the saluting masses. Learn how Nuremberg deals with this dark part of its past today. After the war, at the Nuremberg trials, many of these same men would finally face justice and the gallows before the eyes of the world. The tour ends in front of the Third Reich Documentation Center Museum, which you might like to visit (entrance fee not included).

Available activities

58 activities found
Sort by:
Page 1 of 4

Frequently asked questions about Nuremberg

What top attractions are a must-see in Nuremberg?

Insider tips: Planning a trip to Nuremberg

Thomas Dowson is the founder of Archaeology Travel, a website for those seeking adventures in archaeology and history. As a professional archaeologist Thomas enjoys visiting archaeological and historical sites around the world. And sharing these experiences so that others can explore the world’s pasts more deeply. On his blog, you can find more information and all the details for planning a trip to Nuremberg.

What should I do on my first trip to Nuremberg?

Today the second largest city in Bavaria, Nuremberg has a complex but intriguing history. An Imperial City for the Holy Roman Empire and, partly because of this, a city chosen by the Nazis to hold their rallies. Visiting the Nuremberg Imperial Castle is a must. The oldest part dates to around 1000 AD, and together with the city walls, still standing in some places, this is considered one of the most formidable fortifications from medieval Europe. Away from the Altstadt, signs of the Nuremberg rallies also survive for those who are interested in 20th century history. The best way to see these is on a walking tour.

What are some hidden gems to see in Nuremberg?

My favourite Nuremberg ‘hidden gem’ is an object not an attraction. Although the object is in an amazing attraction, the Germanisches Nationalmuseum. This is the largest cultural and historical museum in the German-speaking region. In the vast collection of objects that range from prehistory to the present one stands out, the Behaim Globe made in the 1490s. It is the oldest spherical representation of the world in the world. The detail on the globe is exquisite, something any traveler will appreciate.

How much time should I spend in Nuremberg?

Nuremberg is a welcoming city throughout the year. But it is during December that most visitors come, for the world famous Christkindlesmarkt. While you could easily spend four or five days in the city during summer, a weekend break in December is more than enough time to experience Nuremberg at Christmas. Book yourself a good walking tour that includes the main sites, the markets and the history. Spend a few hours in the museum and then save time to explore the Christmas markets at your own pace. It will be a weekend you remember for all the right reasons.

What food is Nuremberg known for?

Nuremberg, and this part of Germany called Franconia, is known for a number of culinary delights. In spring it is spargelzeit and you can not miss the Franconian asparagus. In December, especially for Christmas, you can not avoid Nuremberg Lebkuchen; a traditional gingerbread with a closely guarded recipe that includes nuts, honey and a mix of different spices that include cinnamon, clove and cardamom. Throughout the year you will not be able to escape the Nuremberg Bratwurst. A few euros will get you three on a bread roll. If you are looking for something more substantial, try Schäufele. This is a typical regional dish, roasted shoulder of pork served with dumplings and red cabbage.

What is the best way to get around Nuremberg?

Everything most tourists want to see when they visit Nuremberg, particularly in the winter, is within walking distance. The old town is quite compact, and although the castle and the museum are at either ends of the town, they are only a 45 minute walk apart. The 20th century Nazi sites are a bit further away from the centre of town, but still within walking distance. Although the city has an excellent tram service.

What neighborhood should I stay in when I visit Nuremberg?

Given the atmosphere in the Old Town in December, I recommend finding a hotel in the centre. Really, there is no point in being too far away from the festive action! Being in the city centre allows you to get out early and beat the crowds if you need to. Nuremberg has a good range of hotels to choose from, to suit all styles and budgets.

What are the best annual events in Nuremberg?

Nuremberg’s Christmas market is one of the oldest and best known Christmas markets in the world. The oldest known date is 1628. In December each year over two million people visit Nuremberg. Known as Christkindlesmarkt, the market is opened by the Christkind on Friday evening before the first Sunday of Advent.

Other Sightseeing Options in Nuremberg

Want to discover all there is to do in Nuremberg? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Nuremberg

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 2,120 reviews

The experience was particularly good, Jason did an excellent job taking us around the Rally Grounds and Nuremberg. Although the weather didn't help us to enjoy the tour more, Jason changed the order of the visits, which turned out to be a better option.

Our walking tour guide Elisabeth was great - very knowledgable, and personable. She was equipped with a notebook full of photographs, maps, and diagrams. Very informative. And she gave us more of her time than the fours promised.

Really interesting tour very a very knowledgeable guide. Worthwhile for anyone interesting in history and art.

Fantastic guide! Beautiful city! Don’t miss this tour!

Hannes was an excellent guide - really fantastic tour