How to spend only one day in Nuremberg and make the most of it? Follow our Nuremberg 1-day itinerary. As you may know, we travel with our toddler. Therefore, we need to make sure that we visit the top tourist attractions in Nuremberg at a pleasant pace.
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One day in Nuremberg – The top things to do in Nuremberg in 24 hours
- Imperial Castle and Imperial Castle Museum
- Tiergärtnertorplatz
- Albrecht Dürer’s House
- Hauptmarkt and the Beautiful Fountain
- Hospital of the Holy Spirit
- Fleisch Bridge
- Toy Museum (Spielzeugmuseum)
- Nuremberg Transport Museum
Imperial Castle and Imperial Castle Museum
Burg 13
The time you can spend here: 1 – 2 hours
In the Middle Ages, the Imperial Castle in Nuremberg used to be one of the most critical fortified palaces of the Rome Empire, as a result, the castle is currently one of the most famous landmarks in the city.
What to see: Admire beautiful views of the old city, go to Double Chapel and Palas to see the most essential section of the Imperial Palace and finally visit the exhibition “Emperor-Empire-City” to get to know better about the history of the castle. Additionally, you can find here information about the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation and the role of Nuremberg in its history. Fans of the medieval ages will be delighted to see the exhibition in the Imperial Castle Museum.
How to get there: Take tram 4, Bus 36 or U-Bahn U1
Opening hours:
April to September: daily 9 am-6 pm;
October to March: daily 10 am-4 pm
Admission: Combination ticket (Palas with Double Chapel + Deep Well + Sinwell Tower +Imperial Castle Museum) €7 regular, €6 reduced. Click here to read more.
Tip: you can’t access some sights with a stroller, but you can leave it safely near the entrance (ask staff for assistance).
Tiergärtnertorplatz
Tiergärtnertorplatz
The time you can spend here: 30 min
Tiergärtnertorplatz is located next to the Imperial Castle, and it is a lovely place where you can relax and enjoy a beautiful view of the historic part of the Old Town and the framework houses. You can have a beer together with the locals or grab a coffee and continue our walking tour.
Albrecht Dürer’s House
Albrecht-Dürer-Straße 39
The time you can spend here: 30 min
If Albrecht Durer’s name does not yet ring a bell, take a look at his self-portrait or any picture on postcards, after that, you will recognize the master immediately! Don’t hesitate to visit Albrecht Durer’s House to admire copies of his paintings and to go back in time while visiting the museum,
Opening hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 10 am-5 pm
Thursday: 10 am-8 pm
Weekends, holidays: 10 am-6 pm
Admission: €6 regular, €1.5 reduced
The contemporary artwork Dürer’s Rabbit (Dürer-Hase Skulptur) is one of the most popular sculptures in Nuremberg. It is located next to the Dürer’s House, so you won’t miss it.
Hauptmarkt and the Beautiful Fountain
Altstadt – St. Sebald
The time you can spend here: 30 min – 1 hour
Visit the Nuremberg’s main square, the Hauptmarkt, and feel the vibrant atmosphere of the city. There is a daily market (except Sunday), so you can grab some local food, souvenirs, or flowers. Don’t forget to take a look at the Beautiful Fountain (Schoner Brunner) and compare it with the iconic Christmas version.
Hospital of the Holy Spirit
Spitalgasse 16
The time to spend here: 15 minutes
This picturesque view is our favorite spot in Nuremberg. The hospital was established in the XIV century, and it was the largest private endowment in the Holy Roman Empire up to the beginning of the XVI century. There used to be a local restaurant there, but currently, it is closed for visitors.
If you want to read about our 2023 travels with our baby, we recommend our posts with Rome, Copenhagen and Barcelona itineraries!
Fleisch Bridge
An der Fleischbrücke
The time to spend here: 15 minutes
The Fleisch Bridge links districts St. Sebald and St. Lorenz, and it is another picturesque place in Nuremberg situated a few steps from the Hospital of the Holy Spirit.
Apart from being the largest masonry bridge arch in Germany at the time of its construction, the Fleisch Bridge has practically remained unchanged since 1599 and survived World War II almost unharmed.
Toy Museum (Spielzeugmuseum)
Karlstraße 13-15
The time to spend here: 30 min – 1 hour
Our toddler may still be too little to appreciate this place – but we are all children. 🙂 We recommend visiting the Toy Museum because Nuremberg has long been a center of toy manufacturing. You can see here traditional wooden toys, cars, trains, LEGO, Barbie, computer games and Lehmann tin toys.
Did you know that teddy bears were developed in Germany and in the USA nearly at the same time? You can learn more interesting facts there. Likewise, your kids definitely appreciate the separate play area, as the toy exhibition is mostly behind the glass.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Friday: 10 am-5 pm
Weekends, holidays: 10 am-6 pm
Admission: €6 regular, €1.5 reduced
Nuremberg Transport Museum
Lessingstrasse 6
The time you can spend here: 1 – 2 hours
What to see: This is one of the most surprising and also the most interesting museums we have recently visited. You don’t need to be a railway fan to enjoy it; therefore, it is our must-see in Nuremberg!
DB Museum is the oldest railway museum in the world! You can get to know the history of the railway in Germany, see around 40 rail legends, over 2,000 models and the digital model of the Adler – famous steam locomotive.
How to get there: 15-minute walk from the Old Town
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Friday: 9 am-5 pm
Weekends and holidays: 10 am-6 pm
Admission: €9 regular, €4 reduced – buy tickets here
Christmas Market in Nuremberg
The Christmas Market in Nuremberg is called the Christkindlesmarkt. You have a chance to meet the Christkind who visits the Christkindlesmarkt from Tuesday to Friday at 3 PM.
Walk between the stalls full of unique handicrafts, Christmas ornaments, and souvenirs with warming mulled wine in hand and feel the medieval atmosphere of this place. You can also join a charmful stagecoach tour or watch the procession with lights, heading towards the Nuremberg castle.
Don’t miss the Christmas Carol concerts held in the nearby churches. They will surely leave you with a warm, festive glow. If you are visiting the city in December and you are not sure what to do in Nuremberg in one day, this is probably the best choice.
The special treat you must try once there is the original Nuremberg gingerbread called Lebkuchen which is recognized in Europe as a protected geographical indication. They have been baked in Nuremberg for more than 600 years and packed with many spices, almonds, nuts, and almost no flour.
If you are a fan of Christmas Markets, don’t miss our favorite fair in Poland. Click here to read more about Christmas Market in Wrocław.
5 interesting facts about Nuremberg
- The Christmas Market in Nuremberg is considered as one of the best in Europe.
- A series of 13 Nuremberg trials were held in the city between 1945 and 1949 to bring the Nazi war criminals to justice.
- The Nuremberg code is a set of research ethics principles for human experimentation.
- The very first railway in Germany was opened in Nuremberg, in 1835.
- Albrecht Durer, the well-known painter, printmaker, and theorist, was born in Nuremberg
Getting around Nuremberg
On your feet
Choose walking and get a feel for the beat of the city. Walk on the cozy Nuremberg streets, meet the locals, and feel like you are a part of the town. Moreover, you can discover things the city guides don’t mention.
Tip: if you travel with a toddler, don’t forget your baby carrier, as there are some places where it is more comfortable carrying your little one than walking with a stroller through paving roads.
Public transport Nuremberg
Explore the city of Nuremberg and surroundings with the U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (rapid transit) and regional trains.
Tickets: find more information about tickets and fares at this link: https://www.vgn.de/en/tickets/
Prices in Nuremberg
(Feb 2023)
- A meal in the inexpensive restaurant: €10
- Beer 0.5 liter in a restaurant: €3.50
- Water 1.5 liter in the market: €0.52
- Cappuccino: €2.94
- Local transport – one-way ticket: €3
- Gasoline 1 liter: €2.20
- Cigarettes 20 pack: €7.10
Tourist Office
Firstly, before your visit to Nuremberg, we highly recommend visiting a webpage of the Convention and Tourist Board Nuremberg. You will get there the latest news about events in Nuremberg which will take place during your stay and read more about this fantastic city.
In addition, during your stay, you can always head to the Tourist Information Nuremberg (Konigstrasse 93) for more information and further recommendations of which places to visit in Nuremberg during your trip.
Nürnberg Card
You may consider buying the Nürnberg Card (+Fürth), which contains a free entry to more than 40 museums and free public transport in Zone A for 2 days. That is to say, it is a great deal if you plan intense sightseeing in Nuremberg!
In short, the cost of the card for an adult is €33, for children from 6 to 11 years the price is €11.
What to eat in Nuremberg
If you plan to spend only a day in Nuremberg, you must try the local cuisine, which is made based on the best ingredients and traditional recipes.
Luckily, you have the entire day to enjoy Bavarian and Franconian food, so make most of it. If you prefer to be guided by the locals and enjoy the culinary tour, you can choose between 1.5-Hour or longer tours.
Don’t forget to try:
- Kellerbier – try the Nuremberg master beer and after that buy a six-pack to take home with you!
- Schaufele – it is made from pig’s shoulder and roasted on the bone. You can order it, for example, with cabbage and potato dumplings filled with bread cubes. To clarify, it is a typical dish from the region!
- Drei im Weggla – three sausages in a single bun is a perfect Nuremberg street food, so enjoy it on the go.
- Grilled sausages – in 2003 the Nuremberg sausage was the first sausage in Europe to be designated a “Protected Geographical Indication” in the EU, so don’t hesitate to try it yourself!
- Bretzel – it is also known as a pretzel. Certainly, a must-try snack in Nuremberg!
- Lebkuchen – so delicious! Lebkuchen is a very popular gingerbread in Franconia because of its unique taste. It is packed with many spices, almonds, nuts, and almost no flour! Buy some more as they are also in gift packs.
Where to stay in Nuremberg
Melter Hotel & Apartments
Königstraße 41
If you plan to visit the city, certainly there is no better hotel in Nuremberg. The Melter Hotel & Apartments is located in Nuremberg old town, next to the pedestrian zone. A few steps from the hotel there are restaurants, pubs, and shops.
Modern and functional apartments are equipped with comfortable beds, a day zone, a kitchenette with all accessories (for example coffee machine), flat TV, fast Wi-Fi, and a spacious bathroom. The room easily accommodates a cot, and there is also plenty of space to play.
Friendly and professional staff will gladly advise you what to see in Nuremberg in one day and answer all your questions during your stay. A tasty breakfast is served in the neighboring restaurant. In conclusion, we spent a wonderful time in this place, and we can genuinely recommend it to everyone.
5 Day Trips from Nuremberg
Do you have more than 24 hours to visit Nuremberg? Here are the 5 top day trips that really showcase the area’s diversity. So pack a picnic and hop on the train – we’ve got 5 perfect day trips from Nuremberg that will have you feeling like you’ve been transported to a whole new world.
Top of the list is Rothenburg ob der Tauber: a charming medieval town that’s straight out of a fairy tale.
1. Nuremberg Botanical Garden
Looking to escape the city and revel in the wonders of nature? With more than 4,000 plant species from around the world, the Nuremberg Botanical Garden is a haven for nature enthusiasts.
Take a leisurely stroll through the lush greenery and revel in the sights and smells of its various gardens, including the Japanese Garden, the Mediterranean Garden, and the Rose Garden. Be awestruck by the vibrant colors of the flowers that bloom there every season, and get lost in the tranquil oasis that it provides.
2. Medieval towns of Rothenburg and Bamberg
Step back in time as you wander through the winding, cobbled streets of Rothenburg, taking in the stunning half-timbered buildings and quaint town square.
And if you’re a fan of beer, Bamberg is the perfect destination, with its plethora of breweries and beer gardens offering up some of the freshest and most delicious brews in Germany. But these towns aren’t just pretty faces – they’re steeped in history, with Bamberg considered one of the most perfectly preserved medieval towns in Europe.
3. Nature hikes in Franconian Switzerland
Luckily, Nuremberg has some of the most breathtaking must-visit places near its vicinity, including the ethereal Franconian Switzerland.
This region is perfect for a day trip, with numerous trails that allow visitors to take a break from the hubbub of the city and breathe in fresh air. The Franconian Switzerland offers a wide variety of nature hikes to choose from, with varying degrees of difficulty. Some meander through dense forests and winding streams, while others present the opportunity to conquer rock formations that seem precariously balanced.
4. Castle visits in Heidelberg and Wurzburg
The Bavarian region is home to some of the most awe-inspiring castles, and Heidelberg and Wurzburg are perfect destinations for those hoping to immerse themselves in history and architectural charm.
Heidelberg’s castle is perched atop a hill and provides a remarkable view of the city below. The castle is surrounded by a beautiful park with peaceful paths for visitors to wander.
In Wurzburg, the Residenz Palace boasts a dazzling interior, and the baroque garden with its vibrantly colored flowers and extensive fountain system is worth hours of exploration.
5. Beer gardens and breweries in nearby villages
The surrounding villages offer countless opportunities for relaxation and exploration, from beer gardens to historic landmarks.
Some of the popular destinations include small towns like Bamberg, Kulmbach, and Altdorf, each with its unique charm and attractions. Take a leisurely bike ride through the picturesque countryside, sample the local brew at Germany’s oldest brewery, or simply soak up the peaceful ambiance of a quaint village square.
Nuremberg in a day – summary
We hope that you enjoyed our Nuremberg travel guide, so you know now how to plan your perfect day in the city. As you can see, there are many exciting things to do in Nuremberg in one day, and believe us—there is much more to see!
We carefully chose places to visit in Nuremberg in 1 day based on our experience, however, feel free to add your ideas in the comments below. If you are visiting Bavaria, don’t miss our itinerary for one day in Munich.
FAQ: One day in Nuremberg
Definitely not, there are so many things to do in Nuremberg! If possible, plan to spend here at least two days. Luckily, you can find many of the most exciting tourist attractions within the Altstadt.
We visited many of them; therefore, we hope that you enjoy and find useful our 1 day in Nuremberg itinerary.
We are interested in the history of the Second World War, and we love trains, historic architecture, and we enjoy visiting museums. We also wanted to get to know the Franconia region better.
Consequently, meeting all of these conditions, Nuremberg became our natural choice. Unfortunately, we had limited time to visit the city; therefore, we are already planning the second trip!
Regardless of how many days in Nuremberg you are spending, you can leverage from our tips.
Nuremberg has a moderate climate, so it is fine to visit the city at any time of the year. The city has many outdoor attractions, so it is a good idea to visit Nuremberg in the spring, summer, and early autumn. There are also many museums in which you can spend time if the weather is not pleasant.
We recommend visiting Nuremberg in December and attending the famous Christmas Market. You can learn more about it later in our Nuremberg 1 day itinerary.
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