Spend one day in Nuremberg, Germany with this practical itinerary – explore medieval landmarks, family-friendly sights, and historic city highlights.
Nuremberg is the second-largest city in Bavaria, known for its rich history, traditional architecture, as the home of renowned artist Albrecht Dürer and also for the post-war Nuremberg Trials. We visited Nuremberg during our 7-Day Bavaria Road Trip, and in this post, we share our one-day itinerary to help you plan a short visit or a stopover – whether you’re passing through or looking to explore its highlights in limited time.
Nuremberg Old Town
Start your visit by exploring Nuremberg’s charming Old Town, with its cobbled streets and medieval architecture. When we visited, we stayed in a hotel right in the heart of the Old Town, which made it easy to start our day early and explore everything on foot. If you’re arriving by train to Nuremberg Central Station, it is just a 15-minute walk to the Old Town.
Nuremberg Castle
Nuremberg Castle (Nürnberger Burg in German) is one of the city’s main landmarks, sitting above the Old Town with great views over the rooftops. The walk up is short but slightly uphill. Once you’re inside the castle grounds, you can explore the courtyards, towers and old buildings.
You can climb the Sinwell Tower for the views, and visit the Deep Well and Imperial Chapel. There’s also a museum inside the castle that explains its history and role in the Holy Roman Empire.
It’s a great place to start your day and get a feel for Nuremberg’s past.
Tiergärtnertorplatz
Tiergärtnertorplatz is a small, charming square just below Nuremberg Castle. Tiergärtnertor – a historical gate and tower – dominates the square.
It’s a lovely spot to pause during your walk through the Old Town. Surrounded by half-timbered houses and cobbled streets, it has a relaxed feel and a few cafés where you can sit outside and enjoy a coffee or light breakfast.
Albrecht Dürer’s House
Located at the Tiergärtnertorplatz, Albrecht Dürer’s House is a must-see in Nuremberg, especially if you’re interested in art or local history. The famous German Renaissance artist lived here for nearly 20 years, and the museum offers a glimpse into his life and work.
Inside, you can explore rooms furnished in the style of Dürer’s time, see a reconstruction of his workshop, and learn about his legacy. The museum is compact and would be easy to fit into a short visit.
For current opening hours, ticket prices, and visitor information, check the official website.
St. Sebaldus Church
Next, walk to St. Sebaldus Church – one of the oldest and most important churches in Nuremberg. The church dates back to the 13th century and has a mix of Romanesque and Gothic features, with tall towers and detailed stonework.
Inside, you’ll find beautiful stained glass windows and the bronze tomb of Saint Sebaldus, the city’s patron saint.
Weissgerbergasse
Weissgerbergasse (Weißgerbergasse) is one of the prettiest streets in Nuremberg’s Old Town, and a lovely place for a short stroll or photo stop. It’s lined with colourful half-timbered houses, many of which date back to the Middle Ages (Weissgerbergasse is one of the few streets in Nuremberg that was not destoryed during World War II).
The name of the street means “White Tanners’ Lane,” a reference to the leather workers who once lived and worked here. Today, the street has a peaceful, local feel, with small shops and cafes.
Hauptmarkt, Schöner Brunnen and Frauenkirche
Next on our One Day in Nuremberg itinerary is Hauptmarkt – the central square of Nuremberg’s Old Town. It’s a wide, open space surrounded by historic buildings, and it hosts regular markets throughout the year, such as Christmas Market in December.
One of the main sights here is the Schöner Brunnen (or “Beautiful Fountain”) – a a 14th-century fountain. It’s a tall, ornate Gothic fountain decorated with colourful figures and gold details. Look out for the golden ring hidden in the iron fence – locals say turning it brings good luck.
Another notable historic sight of Hauptmarkt is 14th century Gothic church of Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady). It has a mechanical clock that performs a short show at midday. The church contains many sculptures and works of art from the Middle Ages.
Historic Bridges in Nuremberg’s Old Town
After exploring Hauptmarkt, head towards the Pegnitz River for a peaceful walk along the water. The Old Town has several bridges crossing the river, each with its own charm and character. Here are the most notable ones to include on your walk.
Museum Bridge (Museumsbrücke) – A central crossing near the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, this stone bridge offers nice views of the Pegnitz and connects key shopping and sightseeing areas.
Fleisch Bridge (Fleischbrücke) – Built in the 16th century, this Renaissance-style bridge was a major engineering feat of its time. It replaced earlier wooden structures and was designed to withstand flooding.
Hangman’s Bridge (Henkersteg) – Dating back to 1457, this covered wooden footbridge once led to the executioner’s residence, which was deliberately isolated from the rest of the town.
Max Bridge (Maxbrücke) – One of the oldest stone bridges in Nuremberg, built in the 15th century. It offers a picturesque view of the river and the surrounding half-timbered houses, especially near the Weinstadel and the old water tower.
Kettensteg (Chain Bridge) – Built in 1824, this is the oldest surviving iron suspension bridge in continental Europe.
Unschlittplatz Bridge – A short crossing near Henkersteg, connecting to the Unschlittplatz square.
Schlayerturm Bridge – Located near the Schlayerturm tower, this small bridge offers quiet views and is a good spot to pause away from the crowds.
Ehekarussell Fountain
Next, continue to Ehekarussell Fountain (or ‘Marriage Carousel’) – one of Nuremberg’s most unusual landmarks. Located near the Weißer Turm (White Tower), it’s a large sculpture that shows scenes from the ups and downs of married life. The fountain was built in the 1980s and is based on a poem by Hans Sachs, a local writer from the 16th century.
St. Elisabeth Church
Right next to the Ehekarussell Fountain, you’ll find St. Elisabeth Church (Elisabethkirche). It’s a Roman Catholic church with a large central dome featuring statues of the twelve apostles.
St. Lorenz Church
From St. Elisabeth Church, it’s just a short walk to another impressive landmark – St. Lorenz Church.
We’re not religious, but we always include churches and temples in our itinerary for their architecture, history, and quiet atmosphere. St. Lorenz Church is one of Nuremberg’s most important Gothic buildings, with twin towers, a large rose window, and a decorated facade that’s hard to miss.
Built between 1250 and 1477, the church was originally Roman Catholic but became Lutheran after the Reformation. It’s free to enter and inside, you’ll find beautiful stained glass windows and two major works of art: the Annunciation by Veit Stoß and the tabernacle by Adam Kraft.
Where to Eat in Nuremberg’s Old Town
After exploring the Old Town on foot, it’s time to take a break and enjoy lunch or a snack. Nuremberg’s Old Town has plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can try traditional German, Bavarian, or Franconian dishes – along with a glass of local beer if you fancy it.
For classic Franconian food, Bratwursthäusle and Bratwurst Röslein are both popular and centrally located. If you’re after a relaxed tavern with a beer garden, Restaurant Burgwächter is a good choice, especially in warmer months. Goldenes Posthorn offers a cosy atmosphere with regional dishes, while La Creperie is perfect if you’re in the mood for a sweet snack or light bite. If the weather’s nice, Tucher-Bräu am Opernhaus has outdoor seating and a good selection of drinks.
All of these spots are within walking distance of the main sights, so it’s easy to fit lunch into your day without straying far from the Old Town.
Nuremberg Museums
In the afternoon, depending on your interests and how much time you have left, it’s worth visiting one of the many museums in Nuremberg. Whether you’re travelling with kids, curious about history, or just want to see something unique, there’s a good mix of options to choose from.
Toy Museum
Nuremberg has a long tradition of toy-making, and this museum showcases everything from antique dolls and tin figures to Lego and Playmobil. It’s great for families and collectors, with exhibits spread over several floors.
German Railway Museum
A must for train enthusiasts, this museum covers over 200 years of railway history in Germany. You’ll find historic locomotives, model trains, and interactive displays for kids.
Memorium Nuremberg Trials
Located in the Palace of Justice, this museum explains the background and impact of the post-WWII trials. You can visit the original courtroom and learn about international law and justice.
Pellerhaus
A mix of old and new architecture, Pellerhaus is home to the City Library and a history museum about board games. Even if not for the museum, the building is worth visiting to admire its architecture, the entrance to the courtyard is free.
Germanisches Nationalmuseum
Germany’s largest museum of cultural history, with everything from medieval armour and musical instruments to modern art and design. It’s vast, so you might want to focus on one or two sections.
Medieval Dungeons (Mittelalterliche Lochgefängnisse)
These small underground cells beneath the Old Town Hall give a glimpse into medieval justice. It’s a short but atmospheric visit, with original doors, chains, and stone walls.
Nuremberg During Christmas
If you’re visiting Nuremberg in the lead-up to Christmas, you’re in for something special. The city’s main square, Hauptmarkt, becomes home to the Christkindlesmarkt, a traditional market that dates back to at least 1628. From 28 November to 24 December 2025, the square fills with over 180 wooden stalls selling handmade ornaments, toys, candles, and festive treats like gingerbread and roasted almonds.
Beyond Hauptmarkt, you’ll find smaller themed markets around the Old Town. It’s worth spending time just wandering, soaking up the festive spirit, and enjoying the mix of music, lights, and local traditions.
One Day in Nuremberg: wrap-up
This concludes our One Day in Nuremberg itinerary. The city is compact enough to explore in a single day, yet rich in history, architecture, and atmosphere.
After Nuremberg, why not continue your journey with a visit to nearby Munich? You can read our post on How to Spend 2 Days in Munich.
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