Location: Nuremberg
Top Things to do in Nuremberg
The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Nuremberg, Bavaria
With half a million people, Nuremberg is Bavaria's second largest city. While its history dates to the 11th century, Nuremberg is most often linked to the 20th century (specifically World War II). It first served as the site of many pre-war Nazi rallies, then was nearly leveled by Allied bombing, then was the site of the famous post-war Nuremberg Trials. The city has much to offer today's visitors, including the rebuilt Nuremberg Castle and the world-famous gingerbread at Hauptmarkt. Hansel and Gretel would have loved this place.
Restaurants in Nuremberg
1. Merks Motor Museum
2. Germanisches Nationalmuseum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 805 reviews
The Germanisches Nationalmuseum is the largest museum of cultural history in the German-speaking region. Setting nation-wide standards through its scientific and scholarly achievements, it carries the reputation of a dependable reference point in the museum landscape. The museum investigates art and culture in German-speaking areas in an internationally integrated and innovative way, offering educational experiences in dialogue form. Insights and results are situated within their historical contexts. The exhibition captivates visitors by the aura and presence of the original, awakening curiosity in art and culture through the narrative around it.
Reviewed By ElleKaye73 - Chicago, United States
The first globe ever made is here! This well-laid out museum has something for everyone, from bronze age implements to medical weapons, to Durer artwork. We spent about 3 hours here, well worth the visit!
3. Frauenkirche
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 928 reviews
Reviewed By 476jael - Long Island, United States
When I visited Frauenkirche last September, I was impressed with the church’s unique and elegant front façade facing the Old Town market square. Its triangle shaped roofline had over a dozen mini-spires symmetrically lined up leading to the tall main tower in the middle, and the center of the front façade had a mechanical clock right above the ceremonial balcony which was used by Holly Roman Emperor Charles IV. I would recommend the visitors to stand at least 80 meters away from the front façade of the church to appreciate the church’s unique and elegant appearance before slowly approaching to the main church entrance On the archway above the entrance were elaborately carved figures related to Christianity and Holy Roman Empire. Once inside the naïve, I saw similarities among the 3 medieval churches (Sebaldukirche, St. Lorenz Kirche, and Frauenkirche). All 3 churches had Gothic style high ceilings, beautiful stained glass windows, and rather austere altar settings. But austerity of the altars of all the 3 churches did not diminish the air of holiness or piety at all. In 1928, inadvertently or deliberatly, Frauenkirche with Holy Roman Empire heritage became the looming backdrop of Hitler’s Nazis Rally in Nuremberg. Interested readers can bring up the archive photo of this rally scene by doing a simple internet search with keywords “Hitler 1928 jpg Nuremberg”. This church with its elegance combined with its historical significance is a must visit landmark of Nuremberg. [P.S. Following the midday bell ringing, the clock’s glockenspiel starts with a procession of the electors around the Holy Roman Emperor. Unfortunately I missed the glockenspiel because of my tight schedule]
4. Toy Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 839 reviews
Nuremberg has been a city of toys since the Middle Ages. With an abundance of extraordinary exhibits from antiquity to the present, Nuremberg's world famous Toy Museum presents the "world in miniature" in 1,400 square meters of space, featuring dolls, shops, tin figures and tin toys, wooden toys and a large model train set (Track S), as well as more recent toys, such as Lego, Barbie, Playmobil, and Matchbox. The imaginatively designed children's area in the attic is staffed with trained educational personnel. Summer attractions include a large outdoor playground and a museum cafe in the secluded inner courtyard. There are audio guides tailored for adults and children to escort you through the museum, and also a droll photographic treasure hunt.
Reviewed By MattSRob - Potsdam, Germany
A great wee museum full of toys of the past ranging from the likes of wooden toys and dolls right up to Game Boys and He-Man. Kids here were having blast running around looking at all of the old items, and some of the delicate doll houses are definitely impressive. I was pleasently surprised to find that their big model railway was based on the train lines around Omaha, Nebraska, my former home for a few years - brought back some nice memories! Good fun overall.
5. St. Lorenz Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,688 reviews
During services and special events St. Lorenz church is closed for sightseeing
Reviewed By 604karenm - Louisiana, United States
Beautiful architecture! Don't miss the sacrament house sculpted by Adam Kraft. The incredible art survived the Reformation because families had donated these priceless items to preserve the memory of their loved ones.
6. St. Sebaldus Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 750 reviews
Nuremberg's oldest city parish church was built around 1215 as a three-aisled Late Romanesque pillared basilica with two choirs. As early as 1309 the original side aisles were widened and altered in the Gothic style. Destroyed during World War II like the rest of the city, St. Sebald was reconstructed in 1957 and reconsecrated. The reliquary shrine (ca. 1397) in the tomb cast in bronze by Peter Vischer and his sons (1508-1519) is prominently located in the interior of the church. The bones of Nuremberg patron saint Sebaldus are presumed to rest in the silver embossed “casket”.
Reviewed By Lugano22 - Lausanne, Switzerland
St-Sebald church is located in Albrecht-Dürer-Platz 1, in front of the old city hall. It takes its name from Sebaldus, an 8th-century hermit and missionary and patron saint of Nuremberg. Together with St. Lorenz and the Church of Our Lady one of the three most important churches in Nuremberg. Destroyed during World War II like the rest of the city, St. Sebald was reconstructed in 1957 and reconsecrated. What impress me is the organ, very unique and huge. Very lovely church, recommend to visit.
7. Reichsparteigelande (Nazi Party Rally Grounds)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,785 reviews
Reviewed By E9817ZXchrisw - Sydney, Australia
Anyone that knows anything about history will know this place. What I never realised was the scale of the grounds that the rally grounds occupy. From the museum located in the Kongressehalle to the walk around the lake to discover the Grand Avenue and Zeppelin Field, the history here is well worth a look. I can only imagine what this place may have looked like had it had been completed. Everything is on a grand scale.
8. Nuremberg Palace of Justice
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,127 reviews
World history was written in the courtroom of the Nuremberg Palace of Justice. This is where leaders of the Nazi regime had to answer for their crimes before an international tribunal between November 20, 1945, and October 1, 1946. The trials had an enormous influence on the development of international criminal law right up to the present. Courtroom 600 remains a working courtroom to this day. The Nuremberg Trials Memorial ("Memorium Nürnberger Prozesse") is an information and documentation center located on the top floor of the Courthouse. In approximately 700 square meters of space, it provides insights about the defendants and their crimes, the Nuremberg Follow-Up Trials of 1946–49, and the impact of the Nuremberg Trials up to the present.
Reviewed By MGonthego - Toronto, Canada
Very informative, interesting and moving all at once. Depending on when you go, the actual courtroom where it all went down may be in use during a trial, so maybe call ahead if you want to see it on your visit. Our luck it was open the day we arrived. It’s important to know that back then the room was pretty different than what it looks like now. Windows were closed for safety reasons, there were double the amount of defence bench seating, there was a top deck viewing platform built, etc. Just know that before you go. Audio guide did a good job of explaining information when you key in the number in front of you. You could spend hours in there but we just wanted to see the courtroom itself
9. Tiergarten Nuernberg
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,085 reviews
Tiergarten Nuremberg is set in an extraordinary and unique landscape. By taking a walk through the large, densely wooded park the visitors discover open-air enclosures skilfully fitted into the red sandstone of the region. Watch dolphins and sea lions swim and play in the open air at the Dolphin Lagoon. Explore life at the Amazon, complete with rainfall periods, at the Manatee House. Go to the Blue Saloon with its vast panorama windows and experience the fascinating underwater world of both manatees and dolphins. Children will love the Kinderzoo, where they can pet animals and discover a lot more...
Reviewed By Blondebride86 - Adelaide, Australia
We had a lovely visit here on Boxing Day with our 2 year old daughter. So many of the animals have inside enclosures and the whole zoo is in a huge woodland with gorgeous walks between the large exhibits. We couldn’t believe how close we could get to some of the animals without glass between us (giraffes and rhinos in particular). The Manatees are also amazing. Highly recommended and they are open every day of the year!
10. Kaiserburg Nurnberg
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,653 reviews
Reviewed By 999jimw - Schonaich, Germany
I took the tour of the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg for a price of 8,00 that included the well next door. Had it not been for the well, I would have only given the castle a very good rating, but I found the well to be...overwhelming. This castle, which never served as a castle in the traditional sense, but rather more the US Capitol where Congress conducts government business. Well, in the case today, where Congress gets nothing done. Still, the building is very interesting and was the center of attention for some three hundred years. There is not a lot to see in the main hall except for a quirky parade of the king and his entourage. Luckily, the tour guide had a great sense of humor. What I enjoyed was the story behind the chapel, which adjoins the great hall. This was a double chapel with the commoners worshiping below and the nobles and king on the second floor. The private chambers were also interesting with a look of royal items from the past. Once the tour is complete, make sure you visit the museum and the well, which is slightly down the hill. Yeah, I get it, it is just a well. However, the guide does an outstanding job explaining how it worked and why people learned to drink beer instead of water, thereby saving numerous lives from vermin-infested water. I definitely recommend this tour while in Nuremberg.
