How to spend amazing 2 days in Nuremberg Old Town
Nuremberg Old Town is a treasure trove of cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and an awe-inspiring 1000-year-old castle. Not to mention the delicious Franconian food and beer.
Located just two hours from Munich, Nuremberg (spelled Nürnberg in German) is the second largest city in Bavaria as well as the unofficial capital of Franconia.
This majestic 975-year-old town offers plenty of exciting sights, so I’ve created this travel guide with everything you need to spend 2 days in Nuremberg.
Let’s get started.
Read next: 12 magical things to do in Nuremberg in winter & Christmas
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2 days in Nuremberg old town
Nuremberg Old Town – Altstadt Nuremberg – dates back to 1050 when the Imperial Castle protected the city. The castle and city walls of Nuremberg old city are known as some of Europe’s most impressive medieval fortifications.
All the main sites are located in the Old Town along the walking street, known as Koenigstrasse. I got a Nuremberg Card, which gave me access to the main sights and unlimited free public transportation.
You can join a walking tour of Nuremberg or simply explore old Nuremberg on your own. I did a combination of both, and it’s a great way to get historical facts along the way.
What is special about Nuremberg?
You might be wondering: is Nuremberg worth visiting? And my answer is a sounding YES. It was my favorite place in Bavaria, actually. Here are some interesting facts about Nuremberg:
- Nuremberg is the second-largest city in Bavaria, after Munich.
- The Imperial Castle of Nuremberg is the largest castle in Germany and dates back to the 11th century.
- It was home to famous artists such as painter Albrecht Dürer and woodcarver Peter Vischer the Elder.
- Nuremberg Old Town is known for its stunning examples of medieval architecture, including the walls, towers, and gates that date back to the 13th century.
- Nuremberg is famous for its unique sausages, gingerbread, and beer – all Franconian specialties!
- Nuremberg is also known for hosting the infamous Nazi Party rallies during WWII and for the Nuremberg Trials.
Day 1 in Nuremberg
On your first day in Nuremberg, walk down Koenigstrasse and explore the many medieval buildings and the market. Make sure to taste some of that amazing Franconian food (I’ve listed restaurant tips at the bottom of the post). Enjoy!
Frauentorturm
Right next to the Old Town entrance, there’s a small walkway to the Frauentorturm, which is part of the old city wall. Walk inside and discover the small shops, cafés, and a green area. It’s like a little oasis in the city.
Mauthalle (former customs house)
Next, walk down Koenigstrasse to Mauthalle, the former customs house.
The building stands proudly at its original location in 1393, and today, the Mauthalle houses several important collections and exhibitions.
Nassauerhaus
Next up is the Nassauerhaus, which was originally built in 1447. Inside, you will find beautiful wooden carvings and unique works of art that have survived from centuries ago.
It’s also a popular place for weddings and other large gatherings because of its grandeur and timeless beauty.
Heilig-Geist-Spital
Up to the right is the Heilig-Geist-Spital (hospital of the Holy Spirit).
Built in the early 14th century, this hospital was originally used to care for the many pilgrims who visited the city and has since become a major landmark of Nuremberg.
Many parts of it have been restored over the years, but its inner courtyard remains one of its most beautiful features.
Main Market Square
The Old Town Nuremberg Germany is also known for its many open-air markets, including the Christmas Market.
When I visited in May, I went to a flea market and the food market at the Main Market Square where they sold everything from truffles, fruits, and Turkish food to old lamps, swords, and paintings.
St. Lorenz / St. Lawrence Church
One of the things I noticed about Nuremberg was how many beautiful churches there were within the walls of the Old Town. Along Koenigstrasse I found no less than three stunning churches: Frauenkirche, St. Lorenz church, and St. Sebaldus church.
St. Lorenz Church was built in 1310 and is known for its Gothic architecture.
Go inside and admire the intricate wooden carvings, large windows adorned with stained glass, and a soaring ceiling that towers high above the church floor.
Frauenkirche
Another Gothic church is Frauenkirche, which was built between 1352 and 1362. Make sure to see the interior.
St. Sebaldus church
Almost at the end of Koenigstrasse is St. Sebaldus Church.
Built in 1273 and reconstructed throughout the years, this is the oldest of the churches in Nuremberg old town.
The city canals
Lastly, walk along the canals in Nuremberg Old Town. You’ll meet many locals; people walking their dogs, and moms with strollers, and the landscape is lush and beautiful!
Day 2 in Nuremberg
Both of these days are interchangeable but day 2 is set up with more of an emphasis on Nuremberg’s historic area and World War II sights. Personally, I recommend starting your day at the Albrecht Dürer house.
Albrecht Dürer house
The best area in Nuremberg Old Town is around the Imperial Castle. It’s more historic with colorful buildings and houses, including the Albrecht Dürer house, which is a museum today.
It’s named after Albrecht Dürer (1471 to 1528), a painter, famous for being one of the first artists to do a self-portrait.
Discover the half-timbered houses
Next, I recommend wandering the streets and just discovering and taking photos of the half-timbered houses, which are similar to the ones in France and Denmark.
This is definitely the prettiest place in Altstadt Nuremberg.
Nuremberg Imperial Castle (Kaiserburg)
Your 2 days in Nuremberg itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Imperial Castle.
Built in 1040 by the German king Henry III, Duke of Bavaria, Nuremberg Castle stands high above the Old Town. Inside the castle, you’ll find decorated courtyards, intricate statues and vaulted ceilings.
There’s a really good view from the top and a beautiful flower garden. Nuremberg castle – or Kaiserburg – also includes the Sinwell tower and the deep well. They’re both worth a visit.
Weissgerbergasse
A few streets from the castle, you’ll find the beautiful Weissgerbergasse. Definitely go here!
The Nürnberg trials and World War II sights
Nuremberg has a long and complex history, and whether you’re interested in history or not, it’s worth visiting a few of the WWII sights in town.
It was here that the Nazi rallies were held and where the Nuremberg Laws denying German citizenship to Jewish people were passed.
After World War 2, the Nuremberg Trials were held, a series of military tribunals that aimed to punish those responsible for war crimes committed during WWII.
The city has a dreadful burden of history to bear, but it bears it honestly and well. Some of the most important World War 2 sites and museums are located here:
Nuremberg’s Palace of Justice – this is where the 1945 Nürnberg trials were held. It’s possible to see courtroom 600 where 21 Nazi war criminals were tried and convicted.
Former Nazi Party Rally Grounds – a large stadium and parade ground. It was completed in 1933 and hosted 6 of Hitler’s biggest Nazi Party rallies.
World War 2 Art Bunker – a former bunker transformed into an art gallery.
Kongresshalle – the headquarters of the Documentation Centre Nazi Party Rally Grounds, which was a meeting place of the Third Reich. Here, you can get insight into Nazi Germany and the Nuremberg Trials.
Where to stay in Nuremberg
The best place to base yourself in Nuremberg is between the Old Town and the train station (Bahnhof). This is where all the sights are located and it’s close to restaurants and public transport.
I stayed at Sorat Hotel Saxx Nürnberg, which was perfect for my needs. The rooms are high standard and luxurious.
And the hotel is located directly in the city center at the main Market Square (next to the Old Town). If I revisit Nuremberg, I’d stay here again. Get the latest prices here.
Food in Nuremberg
Traditional Franconian food is hearty and flavourful, so make sure to try some while you’re in town. Many traditional recipes have been passed down through generations to become part of the local culture.
What to eat
In Nuremberg, it’s a MUST to taste the famous Nürnberger bratwurst. It’s outstanding. Think sizzling hot sausage – only 9 cm long and 25 grams – flavored with marjoram and spices.
An absolute fat content of 35% – cooked this way for the last 700 years. I went crazytown with the bratwurst; fried, boiled, and pickled. I did not regret it.
Another great local dish is the Franconian Schäuferle – or pork shoulder. The meal is quite heavy, so arrive hungry and order a large Nuremberg beer on the side.
Where to eat
These are some of the best restaurants in Nuremberg:
- Bratwursthäusle (across from St. Sebaldus church) – the best bratwurst in town
- Albrecht-Dürer-Stuben (it’s very popular, so make a reservation)
- Goldenes Posthorn (also very popular)
- Spiessgeselle (the Schäuferle is great)
- Alte Küchn
Final thoughts
All in all, I really enjoyed my solo trip to Nuremberg. Everyone I met was so nice and it was easy to find my way around town. What I liked most about Nuremberg is that it’s not crowded – except on market days – and there’s so much history.
In many ways, it’s very different from its Bavarian counterpart Munich; it’s cheaper, less metropolitan, and more historic and quaint, plus the bratwurst is different (and in my opinion sehr better).
It was interesting to visit both Nuremberg and Munich, the two largest cities in Bavaria. They’re so close but really quite different.
Thanks so much to Nürnberg Tourismus, and Tatjana in particular, for hosting and taking good care of me in Nuremberg. All opinions and über-excitement is my own.
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