Are you visiting Nuremberg for the first time? Below is a list of “Insider Tips” for things to see and do in Nuremberg, Germany.
When I have a visitor from out of town, the first place they want to see is the Imperial Castle, but I also take them to the Tiergärtnertorplatz – for a more local, authentic experience.
When I want to escape the crowds/tourists, my favorite place to visit is Hesperidengärten (Gardens of the Hesperides).
If this is a romantic trip, I recommend the courtyard of the Imperial Castle for kissing with a view.
If you are visiting Nuremberg with your pet, the best place to walk the dog is the Wöhrder Wiese.
Museums are wonderful, but if you are traveling with kids, you’ll want to visit the Playmobil Fun Park in Zirndorf, close to Nuremberg.
Nuremberg Cusine
If you are looking for typical Nuremberg cuisine, I recommend the Original Nuremberg Sausages!
The best place to go for coffee & a breakfast treat is the small coffee house “Bergbrand” in the picturesque alley “Weißgerbergasse”.
Looking for cheap food in Nuremberg? Try “3 in a bun” – 3 Nuremberg sausages in a bun. You’ll find them on every corner in the city.
“Wacht am Rhein” is the spot for late night dining.
For an expensive, yet quality meal, go to Restaurant Essigbrätlein.
Nuremberg is best known for the Nuremberg Trials and the Nuremberg Christmas Market, also known as Christkindlesmarkt.
When you come to the Weinstadel (Former Wine Depot), get your picture taken.
The best vantage points are taken by walking to the top of the Old Town Wall close to the Imperial Castle. The entrance is in the backyard of the Imperial Castle.
In Nuremberg, outdoor lovers will want to bike or walk around the Dutzendteich or rent a paddle boat there.
Looking for a little exercise? Walk along the Wöhrder Wiese.
After a day of adventure, the Sheraton Carlton Spa Area is the best place to go for a spa treatment.
If you are a museum lover, Nuremberg’s best museum is the German National Museum, the Memorium Nuremberg Trials and the Documentation Center on the former Nazi Party Rally Grounds.
Looking for exciting night life? Go dancing at the bars in the alley Weißgerbergasse for live music.
The Nürnberger Nachrichten will keep you posted on what’s happening in Nuremberg – as long as you are able to read German!
In the spring you should attend the Blaue Nacht (Blue Night – Museums Night).
In the summer you should attend Bardentreffen (Open Air Music Festival).
Plan a visit to the Altstadtfest (Old Town Festival) in the fall.
Come to Nuremberg for Christkindlesmarkt – Germany’s original Christmas Market.
Just outside of Nuremberg you can visit the Franconian Switzerland and have lunch at one of the typical Franconian restaurants serving local food.
Christmas market tips
Not only does Nuremberg boast one of the oldest Christmas Market’s, they also feature an extra market just for children. Kinderweihnacht includes rides, games, crafts and some different food booths from the main market. You must try the Nuremberg sausages, mulled wine, gingerbread and other organic specialties offered at the Christmas Market.I noticed the German’s dressed up their children to attend the Christmas Market. It reminded me of my youth when we put on our fancy clothes to head into San Francisco for holiday shopping.
If You Go
I flew from San Francisco to Nuremberg via Lufthansa Airlines. To learn more about traveling in Germany visit Germany National Tourist Office. I was a guest of Viking River Cruises while researching additional travel stories. Article, video and photos are my own, as are my opinions.