Nuremberg offers medieval charm in half-timbered detail, history on a grand scale, and delicious food in small but satisfying servings. For travelers seeking a rewarding experience without spending weeks on the road, Nuremberg is the perfect choice for a swift, impactful visit.
During the summer of 2025, I spent a few days in Nuremberg. The main reason I went was to see London’s famous Royal Albert Hall organist Anna Lapwood play at the ION music festival at Saint Sebald Church. I chose to spend my time exploring the city since I was already there. During these days in town, I was surprised to see so many interesting things to do and places to go.
If you only have two days, like I did, the best way to spend a weekend in Nuremberg is to focus on the historic sites, natural beauty, and authentic local feel. We’ve put together an unmissable Top 10 list of this city’s many attractions, including old castles, somber memorials, and beautiful churches.
Here are my 10 favorite places to visit in Nuremberg for the best weekend, making sure you get a feel for this lively German city.
My Top 10 Places for the Best Weekend in Nuremberg
1. Kaiserburg Nürnberg (Nuremberg Castle)
Perched dramatically on a sandstone ridge, the Imperial Castle is more than just a fortress; it is the physical heart of medieval Nuremberg and a symbol of the Holy Roman Empire. For centuries, every legitimate emperor of the Holy Roman Empire stayed here at least once.
A visit offers magnificent rewards: exploring the Imperial Castle Museum, climbing the cylindrical Sinwell Tower for breathtaking panoramic city views, and descending into the Deep Well (Tiefer Brunnen), an engineering marvel that guaranteed the castle’s self-sufficiency.
This site provides the necessary foundation for understanding Nuremberg’s global significance before the 20th century.
2. Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds
A necessary, if solemn, stop that sets Nuremberg apart from nearly every other European city. The vast, partially demolished grounds southeast of the city center were the stage for the massive propaganda rallies held by the Nazi Party. You know which ones I’m talking about.
The Documentation Center is housed within the unfinished Congress Hall, offering a powerful and detailed exhibition titled “Fascination and Terror.” Exploring the former rally grounds, including the colossal Zeppelinfeld, allows visitors to grapple with the sheer scale of the regime’s ambitions and the insidious power of its mass spectacles. This is a critical place for historical reflection.
3. Memorium Nuremberg Trials
Located in the Palace of Justice, this location marks one of the most pivotal moments in legal history. It is here, in Courtroom 600, that the surviving leaders of the Nazi regime were tried for their crimes against humanity by the International Military Tribunal between 1945 and 1946.
The Memorium museum comprehensively details the history, context, and legacy of the trials, which laid the foundation for modern international criminal law. Standing in the very room where justice was redefined is a meaningful and moving experience that honors Nuremberg’s modern role as a City of Peace and Human Rights.
This was the last place we visited before we took our train back to Berlin, and it will be with us for a long time.
4. St. Lorenz Church (Lorenzkirche)
Dominating the southern half of the Old Town, St. Lorenz is one of Nuremberg’s most magnificent Gothic masterpieces. Consecrated in the mid-13th century, its sheer size and ornate facade immediately command attention.
Inside, the church is famed for its spectacular art treasures, including the monumental rose window and the Engelsgruß (Angelic Salutation), a breathtaking wooden sculpture by Veit Stoß suspended above the altar.
Although severely damaged during World War II, the meticulous restoration efforts have ensured the church remains a soaring architectural and spiritual landmark in the city center.
5. Ehekarussell (Marriage Carousel Fountain)
Located near the Weißer Turm, this provocative bronze fountain offers a drastically different artistic expression than the Gothic spires nearby. We passed by this fountain on the way to our hotel, and it looked so unexpectedly different from everything we had seen in the city that I knew I had to research it and write about it someday.
Created by sculptor Jürgen Weber in the 1980s, the Ehekarussell (which can be translated as Marriage Merry-Go-Round) is one of Nuremberg’s unique—and sometimes controversial—pieces of public art.
The sculpture is inspired by the 16th-century poem “Bitter-Sweet Married Life” by Hans Sachs, graphically depicting the cycle of marriage through six scenes. It starts with the passionate bloom of first love and progresses through fierce conflict, domestic trials, and old age. And it culminates in a skeletal dance of death.
It’s a bold, and deeply unsettling commentary on married life that is absolutely worth a stop.
6. Zum Gulden Stern (Historic Bratwurst Kitchen)
You can’t have the best weekend in Nuremberg without trying the famous Nürnberger Rostbratwürstchen. Skip the chains and go straight to the source: Zum Gulden Stern. Operating since 1419, this is literally the oldest historic bratwurst kitchen in the world.
These small, protected-designation sausages (no more than 9 cm long) are traditionally grilled over an open beechwood fire and served on a pewter plate with sauerkraut, potato salad, or fresh horseradish. It was genuinely excellent!
Having a meal in this kitchen with its low ceilings and medieval atmosphere is one of the most memorable parts of any trip. You will love it.
7. Henkersteg (Hangman’s Bridge)
There are several wooden bridges crossing from one side to the other in the heart of Nuremberg. For one of the most romantic and photogenic river views, you have to find the Henkersteg, a historic wooden walkway spanning the Pegnitz River.
The name actually translates to “Executioner’s Bridge,” hinting at the city’s medieval executioner (Henker) and the attached half-timbered house that was cut off from the rest of the city.
The bridge connects the mainland to the Trödelmarkt island and runs alongside the massive, picturesque Weinstadel (former wine depot and medieval hospital). This charming area perfectly captures the intimate, Old Town atmosphere and is a mandatory stop for any photo opportunity during your trip. You know what to do.
8. Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady)
Situated centrally in the Hauptmarkt, the Frauenkirche is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture commissioned by Emperor Charles IV in the 14th century. The location of the church makes it a great starting point for exploring the city’s medieval core and the markets that are close by.
While the interior is remarkable, the main attraction is the exterior Männleinlaufen (The Little Men’s Walk), a mechanical clock and glockenspiel show. Every day at noon, figures representing the emperor and his seven electors parade around the church clock, drawing crowds to the square.
I missed this special moment during this first visit to Nuremberg, but I know I will make sure to witness it next time I’m in town.
9. Nuremberg Transport Museum (DB Museum)
The Nuremberg Transport Museum (Verkehrsmuseum Nürnberg) is just outside Old Town. It is actually two museums in one: the DB Museum (German Railway Museum) and the Museum of Communications.
Given Germany’s history as a railway innovator, the DB Museum is a must-see for transport enthusiasts. At first, I thought that this would be a good museum for kids and families, but I loved it and spent more time than I was expecting.
It chronicles over 150 years of German railway history, featuring iconic original vehicles like a replica of the Adler (Germany’s first steam locomotive), the luxurious saloon cars of Bavarian King Ludwig II, and powerful locomotives.
For a fascinating look at the machines that connected and shaped the nation, and for a family-friendly, interactive experience, this is the perfect final stop for your best weekend in Nuremberg.
10. Hausbrauerei Altstadthof and the Rock-Cut Cellars
Nuremberg is built on a network of underground passages, and many of these Felsengänge (rock-cut cellars) were historically used to store beer, keeping it cool and fresh year-round. The Hausbrauerei Altstadthof is a small, organic brewery that continues this tradition.
Here, you can sample Nuremberg’s unique, dark Rotbier (Red Beer) and join a tour of the incredible subterranean cellars that served as crucial bomb shelters during WWII.
This double feature—history and delicious local brews—makes it a unique cultural experience that is mandatory for anyone seeking the best weekend in Nuremberg.
Where to Stay: Park Inn by Radisson Nürnberg
For a seamless trip focusing on the city center, the Park Inn by Radisson Nürnberg is an excellent choice. This hotel offers soundproofed rooms equipped with flat-screen TVs, a work desk, and a laptop safe, ensuring a quiet and comfortable base for your stay. You’ll also enjoy from free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
For me, the highlight of the hotel was its location: the historic city center is just 200 meters away, and the Plärrer square with its extensive transport connections is only a minute’s walk. This allows you easy access to both the Old Town and sites like the Documentation Center, with the Nürnberg Messe exhibition center just a 15-minute underground ride away.
It can’t be easier than that.
Making the Most of Your weekend Trip
To efficiently navigate these top 10 sites over the best weekend in Nuremberg, consider paying for the NÜRNBERG CARD. This 48-hour pass provides free entry to all museums listed here and offers unlimited travel on the city’s U-Bahn, tram, and bus networks.
It is the most efficient way to link the medieval Old Town (Kaiserburg, churches) with the monumental historical sites located slightly further afield (Documentation Center, Memorium, DB Museum). I had it with me during the days I spent in town, and it made my trip much easier.
Nuremberg’s blend of imperial grandeur, profound historical reckoning, and joyful local culture promises a truly memorable short break. You’ve got the map—now go and create the best weekend in Nuremberg for yourself!
