2 Days in Nuremberg Itinerary: What to See & Do

Wondering how to make the most of 2 days in Nuremberg?

You’re in the right place! 

Having lived nearby Nuremberg, we often took weekend trips to the city and quickly discovered its blend of charming medieval streets, rich history, and lively atmosphere—all within a walkable distance. 

Nuremberg is easy to explore in two days—it’s just the right amount of time to experience the medieval highlights and dive into its WWII history.

Depending on when you visit, add a stop at one of the many museums, stroll through parks in the summer, or soak up the festive spirit of the Christmas market in winter.We’ve crafted a guide featuring local tips for spending 2 days in Nuremberg.

This guide is designed to help you explore the city’s top attractions, but feel free to adapt it to suit your interests. Follow along, and we’ll ensure you have an unforgettable 48 hours in Nuremberg!

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Your first day in Nuremberg will take you on a journey through its medieval past. This itinerary starts and ends close to the same spot, making it easy to explore the city’s highlights without retracing your steps. 

By the end of the day, you’ll have two great options to round out your experience, depending on your interests. Let’s dive into the best of Nuremberg’s historical charm!

10:00 AM: Imperial Castle (Kaiserburg)

We recommend starting your day with a walk up to the Kaiserburg, Nuremberg’s iconic medieval castle. 

Perched on the northern edge of the old town, this imperial castle is a must-see and one of the city’s top attractions. The castle grounds are filled with intriguing towers, charming courtyards, and fascinating exhibitions, offering a perfect introduction to Nuremberg’s rich history and plenty of spots to explore and enjoy. Depending on your interests, you can either dive into the museum to explore the castle interiors or simply enjoy wandering the grounds and taking in the views.

Be sure to visit Freiung, the viewing platform offering panoramic views of the city’s rooftops and church spires.

If you need a coffee before or after exploring the castle, stop by Burg Café Beer. It’s a modern café within the castle grounds—not the coziest place, but if you’re looking for a quick break, it’s convenient. The cake display is quite tempting and worth a look if you want a treat.

Tip: If you’re visiting in December, plan your timing carefully since winter hours are shorter. The castle closes early, with last admission around 3 PM, so arriving right at 10 AM is the best way to ensure enough time to explore.

Looking for a hotel in Nuremberg? Read our guide about the best hotels in Nuremberg at the end of this article →

11:30 AM: Sebalduskirche, Hauptmarkt & Schöner Brunnen

After exploring the Kaiserburg, make your way down to the old town’s lively heart—the Hauptmarkt (Main Market Square). On your way, we recommend stopping by the Sebalduskirche, Nuremberg’s oldest church. Walk around the exterior to admire the architecture and catch a glimpse of the façade of the Old Town Hall.

Once you reach the Hauptmarkt, you’ll find some of Nuremberg’s top sights, including the Schöner Brunnen (Beautiful Fountain). This intricately designed 14th-century replica is a focal point of the square, with the remains of the original displayed at the Germanisches Nationalmuseum. Don’t forget to try your luck by turning the gold ring embedded in the fountain. The legend says: Turn it once and you will have luck! Turn it three times and you will have many children.

Make sure to arrive at the Hauptmarkt before noon to catch the “Männleinlaufen,” the daily carillon show at the Frauenkirche. It’s a short but charming performance.

Tip: If you’re visiting in December, the square transforms into the famous Christkindlesmarkt. Plan around 2-3 hours to explore the market properly—you’ll want time to walk through all the stalls, grab a bite of traditional food like Nürnberger Rostbratwurst, sample some Glühwein, and maybe pick up a few handmade souvenirs.

We recommend returning in the evening for a special experience, when the market is beautifully lit up, giving everything a festive glow.

12:15 PM: Walk to St. Lawrence Church (St. Lorenzkirche) via Fleischbrücke

After enjoying the Hauptmarkt, take a leisurely stroll over the Fleischbrücke (Meat Bridge), which crosses the Pegnitz River. Before heading straight to your next stop the St. Lawrence Church, make a quick detour to see the Heilig-Geist-Spital. This historic building, with its picturesque arches over the river, is one of Nuremberg’s postcard-perfect spots and a great place to snap some photos.

Then, continue towards St. Lorenzkirche (St. Lawrence Church), one of the city’s most stunning Gothic landmarks. The church’s tall spires and intricately designed facade are impressive, and the interior doesn’t disappoint either. Step inside for a few moments to admire the incredible stained-glass windows and beautiful artwork that fill this sacred space.

Tip: If you’re visiting Nuremberg during the summer, the Lorenzkirche is a place to cool down from the heat.

10:00 Morning Options: Explore one of the Museums

Option 1: Germanisches Nationalmuseum
For a deep dive into German art and history, head to the Germanisches Nationalmuseum. As one of the largest museums of cultural history in Germany, it’s packed with a diverse collection of artifacts—from prehistoric relics to modern art. You’ll find everything from medieval weaponry and musical instruments to paintings and folk art, making it an ideal stop for history buffs and art lovers alike.

Option 2: Neues Museum
If modern art and design are your thing, the Neues Museum is the place to be. This museum showcases contemporary works, all set within a spacious, sleek building that stands in stark contrast to the surrounding historic city. From sculptures to photography and other modern media, it’s a great spot to explore Nuremberg’s vibrant, current-day culture.

Option 3: DB Museum (German Railway Museum)
Perfect for train enthusiasts or families with kids, the DB Museum offers an engaging look into the history of Germany’s railways. Wander through exhibits featuring historic locomotives, model trains, and interactive displays. It’s a fascinating, hands-on experience that gives a unique perspective on how the railway has shaped German culture and development.

Save some money on entry tickets for museums and attractions with the Nuremberg Card* →

13:00 Lunch

Enjoy lunch at one of Nuremberg’s traditional Franconian restaurants for a taste of local flavors:

Bratwurst Röslein
If you’re craving classic Nürnberger Bratwurst, this is your spot. It’s a large restaurant with a friendly and attentive service, and during warmer weather, the outdoor seating is a great option. The hearty Wirtshaus menu is recommended, and although it gets busy, it’s always a satisfying visit.

Goldenes Posthorn
For authentic, delicious German food that’s not overpriced, Goldenes Posthorn is a winner. Their Semmelknödel (bread dumplings) are a must-try! With friendly staff and a relaxed outdoor seating area, it’s a great place to enjoy a leisurely lunch. Just be prepared for a bit of a wait when it’s busy.

Zum Spießgesellen
Located in the heart of the old town, this rustic pub has tasty traditional dishes and great beer. The service is friendly and quick, and you can even sample the beer before ordering. Whether you sit outside or inside at the long tables, dishes like Schäufele (pork shoulder) make this a memorable lunch stop.

Save on entry fees with the Nuremberg Card* →

15:00 Afternoon Options

Afternoon Option 1: Reichsparteitagsgelände (Former Nazi Party Rally Grounds)

Spend your afternoon exploring one of Nuremberg’s most historically significant sites, the Reichsparteitagsgelände. Located in the southeastern part of the city, this complex was used for Nazi Party rallies between 1933 and 1938 and offers a profound insight into Germany’s past. Here, you can see the remains of monumental architecture like the Zeppelin Field and Kongresshalle that reflect the scale of these events.

Since the Documentation Center is closed for renovations until the end of 2025, you can explore the grounds only with a guided tour, which lasts about 2 hours and provides the most context and understanding of the site’s history. As this location is outside the city center, be sure to plan for some travel time.

Book Your guided Tour with GetYourGuide – Former Nazi Rally Grounds Tour →

Afternoon Option 2: Medieval Lochgefängnisse (Dungeons) Tour

For those more fascinated by medieval history, spend your afternoon exploring the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) with a Kerker (dungeon) tour.

This experience takes you beneath the city into the underground prison cells, where you’ll discover the grim world of medieval justice. See original furnishings, eerie cells, and even the torture chamber as you learn about how prisoners were treated during this dark period of history.

Tip: The tour provides a vivid sense of what life was like for those imprisoned here, offering a truly eye-opening look into Nuremberg’s medieval past.

Book Your Tour Mediaval Dungeon Tour in Nuremberg*→

Afternoon Option 3: Explore Another Christmas Market (Seasonal Option)

If you’re visiting Nuremberg during the Christmas season, make the most of the festive atmosphere by exploring another of the city’s Christmas markets. Beyond the famous Christkindlesmarkt in the Hauptmarkt, you can head to:

Nuremberg International Market: If you’re looking for something different, try this market near the Hauptmarkt with stalls representing a variety of countries, offering international foods and crafts for a unique twist on the Christmas market experience.

Handwerkerhof: This cozy artisan market near the train station offers a quieter, more intimate setting, with traditional crafts, local delicacies, and festive lights that create a warm holiday vibe.

Children’s Christmas Market (Kinderweihnacht): Located just steps away from the main market, this family-friendly market features carousels, activities for kids, and stands selling sweets and toys. It’s great for visitors with children or those wanting to experience a more playful side of the festive season.

Best Time to Visit Nuremberg

The best time to visit Nuremberg depends on what you’re looking to experience. If you’re drawn to festive cheer, December is ideal for exploring the iconic Christkindlesmarkt, where you can enjoy the city’s lively, holiday atmosphere. A special date to note is November 29th, when the Christkind officially opens the market—a festive ceremony that’s broadcast internationally on TV and is a highlight of the season.

For warm weather and outdoor events, the summer months (June to August) are a great choice, but keep in mind they also bring larger crowds. 

For a quieter experience, consider visiting in spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the number of tourists is lower, allowing you to explore Nuremberg’s attractions at a more relaxed pace. 

However, we recommend avoiding the first week or the middle of February, as two major fairs occur during this time, causing hotel prices to rise significantly.

For more ideas on what to do throughout the year, check out our guide to the Best Things to Do in Nuremberg for All Seasons.

Where to Stay in Nuremberg

Near the train station in Nuremberg

Hotel Drei Raben (9.3 rating on booking.com)* is a family-owned boutique hotel that brings Nuremberg’s charm to life.

Unlike typical chain hotels, it offers a personal touch from the warm and welcoming staff, with Ralph, the proprietor, happy to share local tips. The uniquely decorated rooms capture Nuremberg’s history, and the extensive breakfast is a treat to start your day. Located near the old town and train station, it’s ideal for exploring the city on foot. Highly recommended for a genuine Nuremberg visit!

#1 recommendation for the first-time in Nuremberg: Hotel Drei Raben* →

Hotel Victoria* is ideally located just inside Nuremberg’s old town walls, a short walk from the main train station. The rooms are spacious, modern, and providing plenty of comfort. Guests can enjoy a varied breakfast spread in a lovely breakfast room, and the friendly staff are always ready to assist. Convenient parking is available for those traveling by car. With its central location, great value, and exceptional service, Hotel Victoria is a top choice for exploring Nuremberg.

Check prices for this hotel here!*→

Getting Around Nuremberg

Nuremberg is a very walkable city, with most attractions in the old town within easy reach. For longer distances, you can use the extensive public transport system, including buses, trams, and the U-Bahn. A day pass is a convenient option if you plan on using public transport multiple times.

If you’re visiting for the weekend, consider getting the Nuremberg Card, which includes unlimited use of public transportation and free or reduced entry to many of the city’s main attractions—perfect for making the most of your time.

Another great way to see the city is by taking a Hop-On Hop-Off Tour, allowing you to explore Nuremberg’s highlights at your own pace, hopping on and off at any of the major sights. This option is ideal for getting an overview of the city, especially if you’re short on time or want a more relaxed way of sightseeing.

Get the Nuremberg Card to use the public transportation for 48 hours* →

FAQs: Nuremberg in 48 Hours