Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg, Germany - A City Cloaked In Beauty & Infamy
Once an important part of the Holy Roman Empire, Nuremberg is an intriguing and bustling city only 2 hours north of the capital Munich. The site of 13 post-WWII military tribunals, Nuremberg has also played a large role in 20th century history.
These war criminals were controversially tried on the same streets that once hosted Nazi propaganda rallies just years before. Today, this well preserved city has a mix of transportation, technology, health and energy companies providing a diverse and thriving economy. Don’t miss a visit to the former Nazi party rally grounds while you’re in town.
Below are some of the best places to eat, drink, explore and stay in Nuremberg, Germany.
Eat in Nuremberg
Nuremberg has plenty of traditional meat fare, including its namesake Nuremberg Sausage dish. You can also enjoy traditional roasted meats like steak, boar or venison as shown here. The latter often comes in a beer sauce with potato dumplings and berries. The sausages however are typically accompanied by sauerkraut. To indulge in these hearty dishes, I’d recommend the upscale Dürer Hase Restaurant for delicious steak. For a more familial beer hall vibe, Wirthaus Hutt’n is a great choice with a varied menu and fast, friendly service.
To meet locals and travelers alike, definitely head to Finyas Taverne for a meal or even just a few drinks. The welcoming medieval atmosphere will transport you back in time. They have excellent Flammkuchen (crispy flatbreads), meat and vegetable stews.
There’s also a nice cafe culture where you can find good coffee and teas paired with rich and delicious cakes. Venture just out of the center to Feine Heimat Cafe & Boutique for both coffee and shopping in one stop. I’d also suggest visiting the bistros serving healthy salads, teas and sandwiches. Head to the picturesque Hauptmarkt Square, where you will find many locals relaxing at Cafe Bar Katz. For baked goods and breads don’t miss Backerei Christian Albert.
Drink in Nuremberg
While Germany is better known for beer, there are also excellent wines to be drunk! The best place to try an array of small production, natural German and international wines is Weinstelle. Florian, the owner is very friendly and extremely knowledgeable. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and for suggestions. It’s a hidden local spot but also very friendly to traveling wine lovers. Prinz 5 wine & dine bar is another top choice to drink good wine on the east side of town. You can find mostly German and Italian wine as well as full meals of the same origin.
For beer or unique mead and other fruit wines, head to Finyas Taverne, mentioned above. They serve wine, local beers, including organic beer, as well as mead (honey) and fruit wines. Prices are low, music is great and you will be sure to leave with a few new friends. For beer tasting, check out Bierwerk, a craft beer bar with tons of rare beers on tap. For a local beer garden with delicious food, stop by Schanzenbrau Brewery.
Explore in Nuremberg
Walking around the streets and across the bridges of this picturesque city provides plenty of entertainment in itself. If you want to learn how it all came to be, you must visit the German National Museum. A converted monastery, the building itself is massive and impressive. With permanent and rotating exhibits from musical instruments, housing and city planning, to global exploration, there is something for everyone.
Next, you can head to the Justizpalast to visit the site of the Nuremberg trials. For something lighter, tour the storied Nuremberg Castle which originally dates back to the 11th century. Its numerous halls and buildings have been redone by various rulers, but most recently rebuilt in the 1940’s. For transportation fans, don’t miss the Transport Museum and for art lovers, you can visit the Albrecht Dürer House, either on your own or with a guided tour. There you can view his paintings and also experience an original 16th century house. Lastly, Nuremberg is surrounded by beautiful parks, which I highly recommend exploring on foot or by bike.
Stay in Nuremberg
With excellent transportation, there are plenty of places to base yourself in Nuremberg. If you plan on visiting neighboring towns, it’s very convenient to stay near the train station in the southern part of town where there are modern hotels as well as many Airbnbs. In the center of the old town, you can also find historic hotels and many traditional B&Bs. For a modern apartment or hotel room in the center, book the excellent Melter Hotel.
If you’re on a budget and want a clean, new and fantastic Airbnb room, I highly recommend Nadine’s apartment, only 7 minutes walking from the train station and downtown. With the metro, trams and buses, you can easily get around the compact city and venture to nearby historic sites. One beautiful city to visit only 30 minutes north is that of Bamberg.