Here’s a must-visit guide to Things to Do in Nuremberg, a beautiful city in southern Germany loaded with history, traditions, and amazing cuisine.
This famous Franconian town packs medieval architecture, WWII history, cozy beer cellars, and plenty of things to taste, tour, and admire, even on a short stay or a first trip.
Tour the Rock-Cut Cellars Used as Beer Caves and War Bunkers
One of the best things to do in Nuremberg is actually underground.
Beneath the historic center lies a labyrinth of rock-cut cellars carved during the late 1300’s in the middle ages.
Originally used to store the city’s famous red beer, these tunnels later became air-raid shelters during World War II.
A guided tour brings you into the depths of the caves which span six acres across four levels and it reveals how the caves protected citizens during bombings.
Today, the cellars are mainly empty and used for tours, but you can still find some beer, schnapps, and wine being stored in the historic caves.
Taste Authentic German Food and Nuremberg Sausages
No visit is complete without Nürnberger Rostbratwürste, aka the best sausage in all of Germany.
They are small, smoky sausages traditionally served three to a bun or in multiples on a platter.
Before your trip, be sure to read about our favorite Restaurants in Nuremberg, Germany in our full detailed blog post.
These iconic sausages are some of our favorite German foods and you can only find them in Nuremberg as they are regulated and protected.
The rule is that the sausages must be between 7-9 cm and weigh 20-25 grams.
There is even a Bratwurst Museum in Nuremberg dedicated to sausages!
The sausages are prepared in one of three ways: grilled, boiled, or prepared in a vinegar broth with onions.
Enjoy them at a beer garden or classic tavern near the main market for the full experience.
They are so famous, you can even buy them in cans to take back home with you.
If canned meat grosses you out, we can attest that they are actually delicious!
Enjoy a Gourmet Meal at Top Rated Restaurants
The city of Nuremberg seems like an old town city, but the cuisine ranges from traditional to fine dining.
There are 25 restaurants that have been recognized by Michelin in the city.
Two have the prestigious two-michelin star rating, seven have one Michelin star, one has a bib gourmand award, and many are Michelin recommended.
Located near major sites in the historic center, Imperial Restaurant blends refined modern cooking with Franconian tradition.
It’s one of the best places for a gourmet break after sightseeing and proof that Nuremberg isn’t just about sausages (though those are excellent too).
Imperial Restaurant is brought to you by chef Alexander Herrmann, Germany’s biggest celebrity chef and restaurateur.
We also had a chance to stay at Alexander Herrmann’s hotel and destination-based two Michelin starred restaurant, Aura.
While dining at Imperial there are three set menus to choose from: Traditional Mood, Celebration Mood, or Glamour Mood.
We decided that one person would order “Glamour Mood”, a modern spin on classics like steak and lobster.
The other person ordered “Traditional Mood”, a modernized, fine dining take on Franconian cuisine.
It was the perfect way to taste the vast culinary talent of head chef Michi Seitz.
Without question, our favorite dish was the French fries made out of traditional German potato dumplings.
The texture is unlike any fry you’d taste anywhere. Served with creme fraiche, caviar, and chives, it is pure potato perfection!
Without question this will be your most memorable upscale meal in all of Nuremberg, and we will be shocked if they don’t have at least one Michelin star soon.
Take a Gingerbread Making Class
Nuremberg is famous across German cities for its gingerbread (Lebkuchen), dating back to the 14th century.
Once a trading post for spices and nuts, Nuremberg leveraged those goods to create their iconic cookie.
A hands-on gingerbread making class is one of the best ways to understand the city’s culinary history, plus you leave with some sweet souvenirs!
This gingerbread is completely different from the gingerbread you expect.
It’s soft, chewy, and loaded with nutty spices.
In fact, the gingerbread cookies in Nuremberg are so soft that they must be baked on a thin wafer in order to hold their shape.
The cookies are topped with 4 almonds and are sometimes glazed in icing or chocolate.
Historically, these baked gingerbread cookies were believed to have healing powers.
Elisen lebkuchen is a type of cookie named after Elizabeth, a baker’s daughter who fell ill and gingerbread made with the finest ingredients brought her back to health.
Visit During the Nuremberg Christmas Markets: Winter Village, Kinder Market, and Old Town Christmas Market
The Nuremberg Christmas Market is one of Europe’s most famous Christmas markets and easily among the best Christmas markets anywhere.
Unlike other European Christmas markets which are usually just bound to a square, in Nuremberg the market sprawls across the city.
From the most famous Old Town Christmas market, to the Winter Village with a giant ferris wheel, to the Kinder Market with lots of amusements for children, to various vendor stalls all across the old town, the holidays are around every corner.
The most famous market is centered in the main square (Hauptmarkt), it transforms the city centre into a glowing fairytale of mulled wine, sausages, and gifts galore.
There’s even an international market featuring stalls from all of the sister cities around the world.
Perfect for a short trip, these markets give the city a magical feel-good vibe you won’t forget.
Tour the Imperial Castle
Towering above the city is the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg, a hilltop castle and one of Germany’s most important medieval castles.
Built in stages from the 11th century, it once housed Holy Roman Emperors.
Wander the castle grounds for some of the best views over Nuremberg’s Old Town and the Pegnitz River below.
To burn off all those Nuremberg sausages, head to the Sinwell Tower and climb the spiraling stairs to the top of the tower for a birds-eye view of the city as well as an exhibition showing the town’s destruction after the bombings in WWII.
This is peak medieval architecture and offers a look at a variety of weapons and armour from its past.
Visit Museums Using the Nürnberg Card
If you love a great deal, the Nürnberg Card is your best friend.
It covers public transport and entry to many of the best museums.
For Nuremberg being a relatively small German city, the town is packed with a variety of museums to explore.
These museums are worth seeing and many are deeply tied to the history of Nuremberg.
- Germanic National Museum (Germanisches Nationalmuseum / German National Museum): Germany’s largest museum of cultural history, with permanent exhibitions, temporary exhibitions, and even Rembrandt paintings.
- Toy Museum: A favorite for families and nostalgia lovers.
- Documentation Center & Nazi Rally Grounds: Powerful interactive exhibits on the Nazi regime, the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, Zeppelin Field, Congress Hall, and WWII history.
- Documentation Museum & Memorium Nuremberg Trials at the Nuremberg Palace of Justice: Where the post-war trials of National Socialists took place.
- Duetsches Future Museum: A futuristic museum with an awe-inspiring AI robot to interact with.
Explore the Old Buildings in the Wine Market Neighborhood
The Wine Market area is a perfect place to slow down.
Lined with narrow cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and charming half-timbered houses, it feels untouched by time.
This is the storybook scene that many people think of when they imagine traditional German architecture.
Since most of Nuremberg was severely destroyed by bombs and fire during WWII, this is the spot to visit if you’re looking for Bavarian architecture.
For more old architecture, nearby you’ll spot the Holy Ghost Hospital dramatically spanning the Pegnitz River.
Taste Fancy Pastries at Tafelzier
If you’re a foodie like us, don’t miss a stop at Tafelzier Patissereie.
This elegant café is a great place to try artistic pastries that look almost too beautiful to eat… almost.
It’s a delightful contrast to the city’s hearty German food and an easy short walk from the city center.
Start with a gourmet coffee or some champagne and dive into their sweet treats.
From a vast array of flavorful macarons, to dozens of flavors of artfully crafted truffles and chocolates, to pastries that can rival Paris, there’s everything your sweet tooth desires.
Take a City Tour of the Old City
A city tour (walking or bus) is one of the best ways to orient yourself in Nuremberg’s Old Town.
You’ll pass historic buildings, old city walls, medieval towers, and learn how the city rebuilt itself after WWII.
Depending on the travel you prefer you can find tours that will incorporate your interests.
We always lean toward food and drink driven tours, but with so much history in this city there are plenty of walking tours with a direct focus on its past.
Take a Private Tour to the Top of St. Sebald Church
St. Sebald is one of Nuremberg’s most important gothic churches, dating back to the 13th century.
The gothic architect is stunning and the roof was masterfully rebuilt after fires during WWII bombings.
Facing the pews lies the St. Sebaldus tomb, which holds the remains of the saint’s remains from the early 1500’s.
Known as a protector against cold weather and a saint that performed miracles, he was the patron saint of Nuremberg.
Every year the shrine is opened and the bones are counted as in the past bones were stolen as thieves strived for their miraculous powers.
A guided tour brings you up to the angel choir area which provides a bird’s eye view of the expansive church below.
Next you’ll literally go above the vaulted roof of the church, where you see the trusses of the massive structure.
Climb the stairs past the Sebald bell 50 meters to the top of the tower, which rewards you with best views and close-ups of incredible stonework.
Spin the Fountain Rings Three Times
Near the Church of Our Lady, you’ll find a gilded gothic tower from the 14th century.
Known as Schöner Brunnen (or the Beautiful Fountain), this 19-meter tall spire was surrounded with concrete during the war to protect the structure.
Legend states to spin the golden rings all the way around, three times for good fortune.
It’s one of those favorite things that locals quietly love and visitors enthusiastically embrace.
Do a Nuremberg Red Beer Tasting at Hausbrauerei Altstadthof
No visit is complete without a red beer tasting at Hausbrauerei Altstadthof.
Nuremberg red beer has a lot of history in Franconia.
Brewed according to medieval recipes and stored in rock cellars, it was actually safer to drink beer than water during medieval times.
Even kids were served beer!
This beer connects you directly to the city’s past, arguably the tastiest form of cultural history.
Hausbrauerei Altstadhof serves up red beer, black beer, and a light Helles (a flight of three represents the colors of the German flag).
They are also making whiskey as well as their beer schnapps.
Be sure to also stay for lunch where German beer is incorporated into many menu items.
You’ll find malt-crusted schnitzel, brats simmered in beer, even tiramisu infused with beer aka beeramisu!
Planning a Trip to Nuremberg
Be sure to leverage Discover Nuremberg’s website for more information and planning resources.
Also, once you’re in the city they have a very helpful and welcoming tourist center in the heart of the old town that can help with any additional questions.
We visited Nuremberg twice in 2025 and fell in love with the charm and history of the city.
First we stayed at Hotel Elch in the wine market neighborhood. Although the building was bombed, part of the structure is still original dating back to 1342.
Amazingly, this hotel is one of the oldest hotels in the world.
Hotel Elch is in close walking distance to many sights and attractions in the old town.
For more modern accommodations, consider staying at the Leonardo Royal Hotel.
This hotel is one of the newest hotels in the city and offers modern rooms, a vast breakfast buffet, a bar, and LEVI Mediterranean restaurant.
Their Mediterranean restaurant is a fantastic addition to the city.
We love German food, but it can get heavy. This scratch-kitchen making light and healthy Mediterranean and Israeli classics was a nice food break.
The Leonardo Royal Hotel is also dog friendly, which is always amazing to find in Europe.
This Leonardo Royal Hotel is located right next to the train station, which is an easy choice if arriving to Nuremberg by train.
It’s located right outside the walls of the city, which means you’re still within walking distance to many of the city’s attractions.
Whether you’re chasing medieval castles, WWII history, gingerbread, or beer, the City of Nuremberg offers plenty of things to love.
With a central location, a dedicated airport, easy direct train connections from the main train station, and even regional trains to places like Rothenburg ob der Tauber, it’s a great place to explore southern Germany.
Beautiful, meaningful, and delicious, Nuremberg is absolutely worth seeing.
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