Famed for its well-preserved historical landmarks and quintessential German charm, Nuremberg is a city worth visiting for many reasons. Its Imperial Castle and walled Old Town are only a few things that make this city unique. Back in the middle ages, the city served as an important commercial hub. Luckily, we can still see and experience the brilliance of the city today. If you’re planning to spend one day in Nuremberg, this travel itinerary is for you! Read on to uncover the perfect one-day in Nuremberg travel plan, the best places to eat, and the easiest way to get around.
One Day in Nuremberg | Full Travel Itinerary Summary
Top picks for the best things to do and see in Nuremberg in just one day.
- Frauentor
- Handwerkerhof Nuremberg
- St.Lorenz Church
- Fleischbrücke
- Nuremberg Hauptmarkt
- Schöner Brunnen
- Imperial Castle of Nuremberg
- Tiergartnertor
- Albrecht Dürer’s House
- Weissgerbergasse
- Pegnitz Riverfront
Perfect one day in Nuremberg Itinerary: Detailed
This travel plan is your best tool for making the most of your day trip to Nuremberg. Depending on your interests, time, and capacity, you can adjust this itinerary as you please.
Luckily, most of Nuremberg’s must-see places are located within its old city walls (the Old Town/Altstadt) and within close proximity.
You can access all of these places on foot and feel the essence of the city.
However, one must-see location you may be interested in is Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds which is located way past the Südstadt district. You’ll need transportation to get here. Fortunately, Nuremberg has a variety of public transportation so it shouldn’t be too difficult to get to.
Morning
1. Frauentor · Handwerkerhof Nuremberg
If you’re arriving in Nuremberg by bus or plane, your final stop in the city center will be the Nuremberg Central Station, a.k.a Nürnberg Hauptbahnhof. You can easily get to this station from the airport via the metro, and the commute only lasts 15 minutes. Upon exiting the central station, head towards Frauentor, one of the city gates to the old town.
Here, you’ll be welcomed to Handwerkerhof Nuremberg, a medieval shopping area that you cannot miss on your one day in the city. This is one of the most beautiful spots in the city and is worth stopping for a morning coffee. Cafe in der 12 is nestled right in the center, is dog-friendly, and offers one of the best views. For breakfast, head over to Pockets Nürnberg for the best sweet and savory treats.
2. St.Lorenz Church
After your quick caffeine fix, head toward St Lorenz Church. Though destroyed during WW2, this restored Gothic Church still has the same charm it did when it was first built. The interior architecture and amazing artwork are reasons enough to spend a few moments of your day in the church.
3. Fleischbrücke · Nuremberg Hauptmarkt · Schöner Brunnen
After a relaxing break inside St Lorenz Church, walk in the direction of the Pegnitz River. Here, the Old Town is split in two, Alstadt St Sebald and Alstadt St Lorenz. By crossing the Fleischbrücke and heading North, you’ll enter Alstadt St Sebald. Make your way toward Nuremberg Hauptmarkt, the city’s central square.
Much like many European cities, Nuremberg has its main square which is a meeting hub for many, a commuting path for several, and a venue for countless events such as weekly markets and annual Christmas markets.
One of the most popular attractions here is the Schöner Brunnen, a 14th-century fountain that has a wonderful and charming story behind it.
If you’d love to know more about this gothic-style fountain and why it’s so important, consider taking a free walking tour. These guided tours are one of the best ways to explore the city and make the most of your one day in Nuremberg trip.
Reserve your spot here. GetYourGuide
4. Imperial Castle of Nuremberg
Your day trip to the historical city would be incomplete without a visit to the Imperial Castle. It’s the city’s most important historic attraction and was once home to many of the Holy Roman Emperors.
From here you can explore the courtyards, witness the best city views and see an exhibition on the castle’s history. Here, you’ll also see the Burggarten, one of the city walls, and get taken through time to one of the most important parts of the city.
Afternoon
5. Tiergartnertor · Albrecht Dürer’s House
If you walk down through the city walls, past the Tiergartnertor, you’ll stumble upon Tiergartnertorplatz. This beautiful square is surrounded by half-timbered houses including Albrecht Dürer’s House. The square also has a few prominent sculptured nestled at the center and a wide selection of beer houses and eateries all around. If you’re feeling hungry at this point, this would be a great place to sit down and try some local food.
Otherwise, you could go to Albrecht Dürer’s House and explore this museum that once used to be the home of AlbertDürer. Here you can marvel at the great work and interesting life of the artist.
6. Weissgerbergasse
This street has to be one of the prettiest or most photographed streets in Nuremberg. The vibrant timber houses evoke a whimsical feeling as if once had landed right in a fairytale. Be sure to take a picture or two here. It would make for the perfect postcard.
Lunch
One of the foods you have to try in Nuremberg is the local sausages. Served alongside mashed potatoes and salad, these local delicacies are bursting with flavor, and are perfect after a long walk around the city. There are plenty of restaurants serving Nuremberg sausages in the city so feel free to grab lunch whenever you’re hungry. My two recommendations for the best sausages in town are Bratwursthäusle bei St. Sebald and Bratwurst Röslein.
7. Pegnitz Riverfront
One of the places to have a scenic stroll around the city is along the Pegnitz Riverfront. Whether you walk past Fleischbrücke, a stone bridge in exquisite Renaissance design, or the Henkerbrücke in medieval charm. Take your time to cross these bridges and go from bank to bank. Walk up till you see the Schlayerturm, one of the city’s fortifications.
8. Visit a museum
If you’ve got more time to spend in Nuremberg, visit one of the museums. There are several museums within the Old Town like the Germanisches Nationalmuseum and Deutsches Museum Nürnberg – Das Zukunftsmuseum. The Augustinerhof and the Toy Museum can also be of interest to you and can be a great addition to your one-day in Nuremberg itinerary.
If you want to take more of the historical route, the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds are highly recommended to those visiting the city even if it’s just for a day.
Got more than 24 hours in Nuremberg?
If your one day in Nuremberg turns out so exciting that you want to extend your stay, you’re going to need more information about the city! Starting from where to stay, the best places to eat, and other cool things to do in the city.
I’d highly recommend this guide on Where to Stay in Nuremberg.
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Got any questions?
Here are some questions you may be asking before your one day in Nuremberg.
Where is Nuremberg?
Nuremberg or Nürnberg in German, is the second-largest city in Bavaria. It’s located an hour away from Munich, making it the perfect location for a day trip.
What is Nuremberg known for?
Nuremberg was famed for excellence in business starting from the Middle Ages. Its strategic location and skilled workers put the city on the map and for many people, it represented a land of opportunities. Hence, becoming one of the most important cities of the Holy Roman Empire. Additionally, some people may also know it for its association with World War 2. Nuremberg was chosen as the location of trials of Nazi propaganda rallies.
Is Nuremberg worth visiting?
Short answer: yes. Long answer: yes, the city is worth visiting for its rich heritage and German charm. Whether you’re flying into the city because it’s cheaper or in need of a getaway from Munich, it’s worth spending one day in Nuremberg. You can immerse yourself in well-preserved history, dive into the culinary delights of the city and spend a calm day in a welcoming atmosphere.
