2 Days In Nuremberg Germany Itinerary

Nuremberg has everything a tourist could want.

It’s home to an ancient castle, a fairytale old town, Germany’s oldest and biggest Christmas market, and historic World War II sites.

There are a trio of gorgeous churches and museums galore.

To see it all, this is my recommended itinerary. I’ve written a 2 day itinerary because one day in Nuremberg is simply not enough!

Snapshot Of 2 Days In Nuremberg

Here’s a quick glance of what you can see with this Nuremberg itinerary:

All the key attractions in Nuremberg are conveniently situated in the Old Town, mostly off the pedestrian-friendly Koenigstrasse.

I was in the city for 5 days. I opted for the Nuremberg Card, which provided entry to major sites and unlimited access to public transport for free.

Exploring Nuremberg can be done in two enjoyable ways: joining a guided walking tour or wandering through the old city independently. I used a mix of both.

2 Days In Nuremberg: What To Do

Day 1

Nuremberg Castle

Start your day with a visit to the 1,000 year old Imperial Castle, a symbol of the city and a key site in its history.

Today, what you mainly see is from the 15th century and later, although archaeological findings date the castle’s origins to 1050.

For half a millennium, from 1050 to 1571, Nuremberg Castle was a pivotal site for the Holy Roman emperors. There was no fixed capital, so they moved from one castle to another.

Among its notable features is the Double Chapel, an impressive architectural piece from the 11th century.

The castle tour includes imperial rooms and areas mainly from the 16th and 17th centuries.

The castle is also home to the Imperial Castle Museum, a treasure trove for military enthusiasts with its extensive collection of medieval armor and swords.

You can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the castle grounds.

Albrecht Dürer’s House

Next, visit the half-timbered former home of the famous Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It’s right near the castle in beautiful Tiergärtnerplatz and is now a museum dedicated to his life and work.

Dürer was a man of many talents – a brilliant painter, an innovative printmaker, and an aspirational philosopher. His self-portraits, revolutionary for their time, could even position him as an early pioneer of the selfie concept.

Dürer lived in this five story house from 1508 until his death in 1528. It’s one of few that withstood the ravages of WWII.

While you won’t find original Dürer paintings here – most are housed in Munich – the museum within offers an intriguing glimpse into his life and workspace.

It features replicas of his most famous works, with an audio guide delving into the stories behind each. Another highlight is the recreation of his workshop, providing insight into his creative process, from paint mixing to engraving.

Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for the a cute little sculpture of The Hare near Tiergartnerplatz. It was inspired by Durer’s famous drawing the Field Hare, which is in the Albertina Museum of Vienna.

Kunstbunker

The Historischer Kunstbunker is an art bunker embedded nearly 80 feet deep into the castle hill. In WWII, it served as a protective shelter for the city’s most valuable art treasures, which remarkably survived unscathed.

Today, visitors can explore this historical site and its original installations, including the guardrooms. The bunker also features an audio-visual presentation and photo-documentation to enhance the experience.

>>> Click here to book a guided tour of the bunker

Weibgerbergasse Street

Then, take a stroll down Weißgerbergasse, Nuremberg’s most beautiful street. It’s renowned for its picturesque half-timbered houses, with their vibrant facades and historical architecture.

The street’s name means “white tanners.” It harks back to its history as a center for the city’s leather tanning industry.

Nowadays, Weißgerbergasse is a lively area filled with boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants, blending its historical charm with a modern, vibrant atmosphere.

Alstadt Stroll

Nuremberg’s old town is a delight to explore on foot. It’s a fetching blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture, creating a picturesque and historical atmosphere.

Its cobblestone streets are lined with traditional German half-timbered houses and significant landmarks. The bridges offer up enticing views.

This is a good place to break for lunch. Famous for Nuremberg sausages, Bratwursthäusle and Zum Gulden Stern are perfect spots for an authentic meal.

There are also bakeries all over town selling the special gingerbread, lebkuchen. I liked Sandybel and Düll.

>>> Click here to book a walking tour

St. Lorenz Church

A good starting point for your Old Town stroll is St. Lorenzplatz, where you’ll find a church of the same name. It’s a stunning example of Gothic architecture, renowned for its impressive art and architecture.

Its impressive twin towers make it a standout, often hailed as the most beautiful church in Bavaria.

Inside, you’ll find a stunning rose window spanning over 32 feet, setting the stage for an interior that’s akin to a mini art gallery, rich with exquisite paintings and sculptures.

There are two outstanding artworks. The Angelic Salutation is by the famed medieval artist Veit Stoss. It’s a remarkable wood carving that takes center stage in the choir, just behind the altar, and is impossible to overlook.

Adam Krafft created the great 66 foot tabernacle in the 1490s.

Nassauer Haus

Opposite the church is another impressive edifice, the Nassauer Haus. The structure dates back to the early 13th century and is referred to as a medieval skyscraper.

The fortified house, made of sandstone, has corner turrets and oriel windows. It was once home to various aristocratic families, but is now a commercial space.

Tip: Right next to the house is the Tugend-Brunnen, a Renaissance fountain spouting water from the figures of the seven virtues.

Pick a Museum

Spend your afternoon at one of Nuremberg’s museums. There are scads to choose from!

The German National Museum is Germany’s largest museum of cultural history. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts, including works by Albrecht Dürer, Germany’s greatest Renaissance artist, on the second floor.

The museum is huge and consists of several buildings. You could be defeated by its sheer size. The core structure is a fetching 14th century cloister.

You could also check out the Neues Museum. Renowned architect Volker Staab crafted this stylish building, featuring a stunning 100 meter long glass front.

Since its opening in 2000, it has served as a three story exhibition space housing an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.

Among its treasures, the museum boasts luminescent artworks by Katarina Grosse and a remarkable collection of 28 pieces by the world famous German artist Gerhard Richter.

Another good museum is the Fembohaus. It’s housed in a stately 16th century Renaissance mansion.

The museums documents the history of Nuremberg, with multimedia displays over 30 or so rooms.

Pro Tip: If you are traveling with kids, Nuremberg also has a Toy Museum. It has both medieval and modern toys and a play area.

Dinner in the Old Town

Explore the culinary delights in the Old Town at a restaurant or on a guided food tour.

Two restaurants to check out are the famous Nürnberger Rostbratwurst and Bausbrauerei Alstadthof. You can sample some malty red beer and local specialities like pork shoulder.

End your day with a relaxing stroll along the river, enjoying the picturesque views of the city.

Day 2

Nazi Party Rally Grounds

On the city’s southeastern outskirts are the remains of a darker era.

Just a brief 20 minute tram journey from the city center, you’ll find the Nazi Party Rally Grounds. Take tram 9 from the central station to the “Doku Zentrum” stop.

This site reveals the ambitious plans Adolf Hitler envisioned for the city of Nuremberg and Germany as a whole.

The rally grounds sprawl over an area equivalent to 12 football fields. The “Zeppelin” was notorious for being the platform from which Hitler delivered his incendiary speeches.

Congress Hall is an imposing structure intended for Nazi party rallies. Despite its banal appearance, it’s an overwhelming building, seating 50,000 people.

>>> Click here to book a guided tour of Nazi sites

The Documentation Center, opened in 2001 in the Congress Hall’s north wing, is a modern museum that delves deep into the Nazi party’s troubling history.

Its main exhibit, “Fascination and Terror”, provides a detailed account of the rise and atrocities of the Nazi regime.

An audio guide is available, but it mainly echoes the signage content.

At the end of your visit, a viewing platform places you chillingly close to where Hitler addressed his followers, offering a glimpse into the collective frenzy of the time.

Palace of Justice

You can also visit the courtroom where the Nuremberg Trials took place, an essential site for understanding post-World War II history. In Courtroom 600, Nazi leaders were tried for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

This historic courtroom saw 21 top Nazi officials stand trial starting November 24, 1945, over four years.

The courtroom, still an active legal venue, is open to visitors from Friday to Monday when court is not in session. This schedule makes planning ahead essential.

Inside, you’ll find extensive film footage from the trials, offering a profound glimpse into this monumental chapter in history.

Hauptmarkt

Then, lighten the mood and head back to explore another section of the Old Town.

Start at Hauptmarkt, which is Nuremberg’s main market square. It’s a bustling hub of activity and a central point for both locals and tourists.

This is a great place to grab lunch from the many vendors with open air grill stands. Nuremberg’s most cherished delicacy is its iconic Nürnberger Bratwürstchen.

These small, finger-sized pork sausages, heavily seasoned with marjoram, are a local favorite and boast an internationally protected status.

Their recipe, dating back to the 14th century, involves grilling the sausages over a beechwood fire for a distinctive flavor.

A classic Nuremberg treat is the “Drei im Weggla” – three sausages nestled in a bun.

Enhance your snack with sauerkraut, which, unlike its often bland American counterpart, is full of flavor. For an extra kick, add a dab of horseradish and spicy mustard.

Beautiful Fountain

Located in one corner of Hauptmarkt, the Beautiful Fountain stands as a stunning piece of art, resembling a Gothic church spire.

Originally built in the 14th century and frequently restored, this gilded fountain features 40 colorful figures across four tiers. It celebrates Nuremberg’s history as an imperial city.

At its apex, you’ll find Moses and seven prophets. Remarkably, it survived WWII, protected by a concrete wrapping.

Frauenkirche

This is one of Germany’s most exquisite churches, right on the Hautpmarkt. It was built in the 14th century for Emperor Charles IV and once housed the Crown Jewels.

The exterior is ravishing. It has a steep and spiky gable covered with sculptures. Below that, is a 16th century clock called the Mannleinlaufen.

Everyday at noon, it sounds to celebrate the defunct Roman Empire. A door opens and the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV arrives for all to see. 

Inside, its proudest possessions are the high altar and a triptych known as the Tucher Altar.

Town Hall

Not far from the square is the Town Hall, a splendid Renaissance building. You should at least stroll by for a look.

Beneath it lies a fascinating, must-see attraction for history enthusiasts: the Medieval Dungeons of Nuremberg. These eerie dungeons were once used to detain prisoners awaiting trial, and possibly, execution.

To explore these historical depths, you can join a 20-minute guided tour, typically conducted in German. (English tours are available if arranged in advance.)

The tour takes you through 12 rooms and includes a chilling visit to an authentic torture chamber.

>>> Click here to book a tour in English

St. Sebaldus Church

This is the last of Nuremberg’s trio of great churches.

It’s austere Romanesque west front dates from he 13th century. The soaring east end was completed in High Gothic style toward the end of the 14th century.

The church was heavily damaged during WWI and rebuilt. But its stained glass windows, designed by Albrecht Durer, and St. Sebaldus’ bronze tomb survived. You’ll also find beautiful relief panels by the famed wood carver Veit Stoss.

Tip: A little-known fact: the South Tower, typically closed to the public, is accessible through 1.5 hour guided tours on Wednesdays and Saturdays, starting at 5:00 pm.

Handwerkerhof

For a touch of fairytale charm, make sure to visit The Craftsmen’s Courtyard, Handwerkerhof, located at the end of Königstrasse. This quaint spot is a must-see.

Though it appears to be a relic from the past, Handwerkerhof is surprisingly modern. It was constructed in 1971 to celebrate Nuremberg’s rich history of craftsmanship.

Stepping into this courtyard, you’re greeted by narrow alleys lined with half-timbered houses, artisanal shops, and traditional eateries.

While it has a touristy vibe, Handwerkerhof is also a favorite among locals who come to enjoy a stein of beer. It’s an excellent place to shop for unique souvenirs and experience a piece of Nuremberg’s cultural heritage.

I had a pre-dinner beer at Bratwurstglöcklein im Handwerkerhof, a cute pub in a charming courtyard.

Dinner & Dinner

If you didn’t stop in Handwerkerhof, enjoy a good beer at one of Nuremberg’s local breweries, beer gardens, or go on a guided beer tour.

Or, try one of the restaurants I mentioned above.

Optionally, join a guided night walk to see a different, more tranquil side of the city.

Tips For 2 Days in Nuremberg

How To Get To Nuremberg

As Bavaria’s second-largest city, Nuremberg is conveniently located near the Romantic Road and is just an hour’s ICE bullet train ride from Munich.

For those driving, it takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Consider a pit stop in Augsburg, one of Germany’s most beautiful cities, if you need a break during your drive.

It’s advisable to park outside Nuremberg’s old town as navigating its pedestrianized and one-way streets can be tricky.

Tip: Free parking is available at Park and Ride (P+R) locations on the outskirts of the city. These are conveniently located near U-bahn or S-bahn stations, offering an easy and quick transit to the city center within 6 to 12 minutes.

For train travelers, Nuremberg Central Station is a major hub offering numerous connections, making it ideal if you’re using Nuremberg as a base.

The old town is a short 15 minute walk from the station/ But if you’re carrying luggage, a taxi or the metro might be more convenient.

Nuremberg is also served by an international airport. From there, the city center is easily accessible via metro, shuttle bus, or taxi. Or you can book a private transfer. 

You can also get to Nuremberg via a guided day tour from Munich, which is a very popular option.

2. How To Get Around Nuremberg

Nuremberg is a very walkable and compact city. With the exception of the Third Reich sites, the top attractions in Nuremberg are all within easy walking distance.

However, buses and a metro are also available for traveling around inside the Old Town.

Beyond the city walls, you also have trams and the S-Bahn urban trains. Tickets can be bought from ticket machines at stations and or on the VGN app.

You can also get around on the hop on hop off bus or the sightseeing train.

3. Nuremberg Pass

You should probably invest in the Nuremberg Card, which is valid for 2 days. The card lets you skip the line at all the top attractions in Nuremberg and gives you access to public transportation.

4. Where To Stay In Nuremberg

Nuremberg has plenty of wonderful hotel options.

In the heart of the old town, Karl August is a lovely boutique hotel with minimalist modern rooms. It’s just a quick jaunt from the Hauptmarkt.

Another excellent boutique hotel, especially for history buffs, is the historic Hotel Deutscher Kaiser. It’s a heritage listed property. The hotel still has architectural elements from the 14th and 15th centuries.

Hotel Drei Raben is a themed boutique hotel, and one of Germany’s best hotels. The hotel is a nod to the mythological ravens who sit atop the building. Each room is inspired by a German folklore legend.

The Sheraton Carlton Nuremberg is a luxe 5 star hotel. it has modern rooms, a spa, a gym, and a rooftop terrace.

5. When To Visit

Nuremberg is an all season destination. Like many places in Europe, it’s at its best in late spring and early fall.

In winter, the city is a winter wonderland and you can experience the amazing Nuremberg Christmas Market, Christkindlesmarkt. It’s a festive and historic event that takes place annually from late November to December 24.

The market is known for its 180 wooden stalls adorned with red and white canvas, creating a quaint and cozy atmosphere. They offer a variety of traditional wares, handmade Christmas decorations, gingerbread, and (of course!) the famous Nuremberg bratwurst.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my 2 days in Nuremberg itinerary. You may find these other Germany travel guides useful:

• Prettiest Towns in Germany
• 10 Day Bavaria Itinerary
• Landmarks in Germany
• Must See Sites on the Romantic Road
• 24 Hours in Munich
• 4 Day Itinerary for Munich
• Guide To Neuschwanstein Castle
• Tips for Traveling in Germany
• Castles in Bavaria

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