How to plan a trip to Nuremberg?

Nuremberg, with a history spanning more than a thousand years and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a gem in the heart of Bavaria. The city is home to iconic landmarks such as Nuremberg Castle, the charming Old Town, St. Lawrence Church and the Main Market among many others, but if you want to make the most of it, we encourage you to join us in this article where we help you plan your trip to Nuremberg from top to bottom.

This article is designed to guide you through all aspects of your trip. Below you will find useful information on entry requirements, transport, local cuisine and the best time to travel. In addition, we have listed many other travel details that will be of great help to you.

1. Prepare your travel documents for Nuremberg

When planning a trip to Nuremberg, it’s vital to know what documentation you need to enter Germany, especially if you’re travelling from outside the Schengen area.

If you’re coming from a European country, you don’t need a visa to enter; all you need is a valid passport or ID card. Make sure they haven’t expired, otherwise you won’t be allowed to board the plane. When travelling by road, it is not compulsory to show documents at the border, although it is advisable to carry them with you.

In addition, citizens of countries such as Andorra, Argentina, Australia, among others, including the United States, Canada, and Latin American countries such as Brazil and Mexico, do not require a visa. However, if you come from a non-European country or a country not mentioned in this list, you must apply for a visa through the online form or at the embassy or consulate, at a cost of €80. The processing takes about 2 weeks, but it is recommended to apply at least one month in advance.

In addition to the visa, these travellers must carry a passport valid for three months beyond your stay in Schengen, travel insurance with minimum cover of €30,000 applicable throughout Schengen, confirmation of accommodation, evidence of sufficient financial means for your stay, estimating at least €45 per day, and, although not mandatory, a travel itinerary to demonstrate your plans to leave Schengen.

Remember, if you’re travelling within the Schengen area, get a European Card for medical cover, and if you’re coming from outside the EU, check the validity of your driver’s licence to hire a car.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to Nuremberg

The best months to visit Nuremberg are between May and November, when the weather is warmer and more pleasant, perfect for exploring outdoor attractions such as Nuremberg Castle and the medieval markets. Summer is the peak season, so if you’re travelling during this time, it’s best to book in advance. There are also fewer tourists, so you can enjoy the city in a more relaxed way.

However, if you want to experience the city at the height of the year, we recommend planning your trip to Nuremberg at Christmas. The Nuremberg Christmas Market (Christkindlesmarkt), one of the oldest and most famous in the world, runs from late November until December, attracting visitors from all over the world with its festive atmosphere, craft stalls, Christmas decorations and traditional German delicacies. Although it is the coldest season, the Christmas spirit and beautiful decorations in the town make it well worth a visit.

3. Find out how to get to Nuremberg

While a few years ago you had to stop off in another German city to get to Nuremberg, nowadays communications have improved and there are many more direct flights from many European cities. Here are all the options for getting to Nuremberg:

• Car: It’s easy to get here from anywhere in Europe via the motorway network, which is well connected to German and European cities. This option is only recommended if you’re travelling around the country, as it’s not worth the hassle of getting into the city by car.
• Bus: National and international services such as FlixBus connect Nuremberg with major German and European cities. Although it’s a cheap option for moving between countries, the routes are long, and it’s best left for transfers within Germany.
• Train: The central station (Hauptbahnhof) offers connections to the Deutsche Bahn train network. The train is a cheap and comfortable means of transport, and you can choose to travel on regional trains or the high-speed ICE (ICE).
• Plane: Nuremberg Airport (Flughafen Nürnberg) connects to both domestic and international destinations. Not all airlines offer direct flights from Spain. Vueling, for example, does. On arrival, you can reach the city centre on the U2 underground line, which takes about 12 minutes and costs €3.3. Taxis are another convenient option, taking just 10 minutes and costing between €20 and €23.

Once in the city, Nuremberg has an efficient public transport system that includes underground (U-Bahn), trams and buses, making all areas of interest easily accessible. For exploring the historic centre, walking is the best option. With the NürnbergCard you’ll have unlimited use of public transport and free or discounted access to many attractions. Renting a bike is also a great way to get around and discover the city at your own pace.

4. Find the accommodation that matches your expectations to enjoy Nuremberg

There is a wide range of hotels in Nuremberg to suit all tastes and budgets. When choosing where to stay, you should take into account the sights you want to visit and the accessibility of your accommodation. The public transport network is efficient and will give you plenty of flexibility, but you may prefer to walk.

Wherever you stay, our recommendation is always the same; search in advance so you can choose the best options. We stayed at GoHo and loved the location, but there are other areas that are perfect for your stay:

• Mitte: is the centre of Nuremberg and offers accommodation ranging from budget to luxury, ideal for those looking to be close to the sights and within walking distance.
• Tafelhof and Himpfelshof: emerging areas that combine modernity with tradition, offering from 41 EUR, ideal for explorers of new trends in quiet areas.
• Gostenhof (‘GoHo’): a bohemian neighbourhood close to the old town, packed with shops, cafes and restaurants, with accommodation options to suit all budgets.

We remind you that with the Passporter App you can read about other tourists’ experiences of accommodation and manage your bookings directly with Booking. It’s the best way to have all your documentation and bookings organised.

5. Choose the activities you want to do in Nuremberg

Two days are more than enough time to get to know Nuremberg, but if you want to make the most of your trip, we encourage you to get up early and organise your itinerary well. On our trips we always save the points of interest in the Passporter App to organise the day and not miss anything. In this post you will find inspiration on what to see in the city: Things to do in Nuremberg Germany

And here’s a summary of the must-sees:

• Imperial Castle Nuremberg (Kaiserburg): is an iconic symbol of the city, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into medieval history. Price: €7 adults, €6 concessions.
• St. Lorenz Church (St. Lorenz Kirche): is a famous jewel of Gothic art known for its impressive architecture and works of sacred art. Admission is free.
• German National Museum (Germanisches Nationalmuseum): It is the largest museum of Germanic art and culture, with collections dating from prehistoric times to the present day. Price: €8 adults, free admission for children under 18.
• Memorial of the Nuremberg Concentration Camp: offers an in-depth look at the horrors of Nazism. Price: €6 adults, €1.50 concessions.
• Main Market (Hauptmarkt): This is the most important market in the city and the site of the famous Christmas market.
• Albrecht Dürer House: Former residence of the famous Renaissance artist, now a museum dedicated to his life and work. Price: €6 adults, €5 concessions.

6. Where and what to eat in Nuremberg

You’ll find everything from fast food to international options in the city. However, if you’re a foodie, you’ll want to try some of the region’s traditional dishes, hearty stews and delicious spicy desserts. Here are our favourites:

• Nürnberger Rostbratwurst: small pork sausages, typically served in groups of three in a bun or with sauerkraut.
• Lebkuchen: Spiced gingerbread biscuits, a Christmas classic that ranges from sweet and mild to spicy.
• Sauerbraten: beef marinated in a mixture of vinegar, water, sugar and spices, slow-cooked and served with a thick sauce.
• Schäufele: Roast shoulder of pork, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, usually accompanied by potato and cabbage dumplings.
• Fränkischer Karpfen: Franconian carp, traditionally served fried or baked, especially popular during the autumn months.

7. Organise a trip with friends to Nuremberg

Organising a trip with friends allows you to experience the city’s rich history and culture from different perspectives. Having company also means extra safety in unfamiliar places, sharing expenses and experiencing unforgettable moments.

However, disadvantages can include the need to compromise on decisions, from what to visit to where to eat, which can sometimes be stressful. With the free Passporter App, planning a trip to Nuremberg is easier: you can create a specific itinerary, add your friends and explore recommendations from other tourists together. The app makes it easy to coordinate, allowing everyone to contribute ideas so that the trip meets everyone’s interests. Here’s how to get the most out of your trip with friends: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

8. Tips for planning a trip to Nuremberg

• The euro is used in Germany.
• Most establishments accept card payments.
• Early mornings give you the opportunity to see the city at your leisure and have more time to visit its attractions.
• In Germany, the F-type plug is used, operating at 230V and 50Hz frequency. Don’t forget to bring an adaptor if your appliances require different specifications.
• If you are a citizen of the European Union, to enter Germany you will only need your passport, no visa is required.
• Although German is the official language, English and other European languages are commonly used in tourist areas.
• Get the NürnbergCard for unlimited use of public transport and free or discounted access to many attractions.
• You can drink the tap water in Germany without any worries.
• While Nuremberg is considered a safe city, it is always wise to take care of your personal belongings.
• To ensure you get the best prices, it is advisable to book flights and accommodation in advance.
• Find out about any events or festivals that coincide with your stay.
• Sign up for Passporter and explore our travel plan for Nuremberg. Using Passporter is free of charge and makes it easy to get travel ideas from other adventurers 🙂
• Protect yourself against medical emergencies: travel insured.

9. How to prepare what to see on your trip to Nuremberg

Download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and information about the trip.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you want to visit each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app to always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documents…
• Make any modifications you need and you’re all set for your trip
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you’ve visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your experience on how to plan your trip to Nuremberg.

If you have doubts about how to create your itinerary, you can consult our post: How to create a travel itinerary in Passporter.

10. Frequently asked questions about a trip to Nuremberg