Location: Nuremberg
Top Things to do in Nuremberg
Top 10 Things to do Good for Kids 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. 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]
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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!
6. DB Museum (German Railway Museum)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 644 reviews
Having opened its doors in 1882, the DB Museum is now the world's oldest museum devoted to the railways. Its main building is located in Nuremberg, and it also has two other branches - one in Koblenz and the other in Halle an der Saale. Property of the Deutsche Bahn Foundation, the Nuremberg building may be old, but it is nothing if not modern, as its collections and exhibitions have been completely overhauled in recent years. The heart of the Nuremberg exhibition is a panoramic sweep of rail history in Germany from its humble beginnings around 1800 up to the present day, and even taking a look at what the future may have in store. Covering a total space of 6,800 m², it takes a different approach to most railway museums in that the history of train technology is just one aspect among many others. All of them are woven together to tell a much larger story. Scores of objects, from original locomotives to old advertising signs, are given their own interactive settings and vividly bring this tale to life. The original vehicles at the museum are another major draw for visitors. Some 40 rail legends are on show in two halls. They include the oldest surviving passenger coach in Germany, a replica of the country's first steam locomotive, the Adler, and a model of the ICE 4, the next generation of high-speed train. The museum's external exhibition space covers some 15,000 m² and includes a vintage train platform, interactive signal box and a display depot containing train-related treasures from the museum's various collections. Younger visitors can look forward to KIBALA, a railway paradise created specially for children to experiment and play with. It's got lots of buttons that need pressing, a train simulator and a miniature railway that shunts our little visitors around the entire exhibition grounds. The museum hosts different special exhibitions dedicated to specific topics, and its programme of events also includes a wide range of concerts, talks and celebrations that ensure there's never a dull moment at Lessingstrasse 6.
Reviewed By ghanbg - Nuremberg, Germany
Consider this probably the best museum for kids, especially boys, in town! Lots and lots of historic trains to marvel at, wander through and explore. For any train and history buff, this is an amazing place. Location is superb for going here before or after exploring the historic city center.
7. Museum Industriekultur
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
A former screw factory from the 1920s currently houses the museum, which showcases the history of industrialization in Nuremberg, from the 19th century to the present-day structural change. Work and private life from that time is made real again, turning exhibition pieces into players and visitors into discoverers. Young and old can watch the exciting demonstration in the historic pencil making workshop and even try their hand at printing in the print shop. In learning laboratories, young visitors can research and experiment to their hearts' content and try out computer games of yesterday and today. The motorcycle collection brings Nuremberg’s Golden Age of two-wheeler production to life.
Reviewed By Browny312
An awesome place with so many historical items from motorcycles to cars, vacuum cleaners', computers and a real history timeline of many items from Nuremburg and Germany From the outside you could easily drive past as not being worth the stop but you ste blown away with the variety of displays and the quality once inside A great couple of hours spent
8. Der Schoene Brunnen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 643 reviews
Reviewed By samuel8248 - Nuremberg, Germany
Really beautiful and impressive fountain in front of Frauenkirche. Lot of details and colors in it. Great spot for pictures
9. Ehekarussell
10. Heilig-Geist-Spital
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 218 reviews
Reviewed By Tiberiu_Baranyi - Timisoara, Romania
The Heilig Geist Spital - or the Holy Spirit hospice if you like - is 1 of the landmarks of Nuremberg that has more than 500 years of history. For those into history the best would be to have a guide explaining the history behind the place, nonetheless even is you are on your own you can/shall include this place into the must see landmarks of Nuremberg old town. You can access the building and the inner courtyard through the restaurant's portal (you can also check-out the restaurant - very good place to grab some food). Visiting is free of charge. Overall I do recommend you spend some time and check out this place.
