3 Ways to Spend 1 Day in Nuremberg (Sample Itineraries)

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Visitors can spend a day in Nuremberg in many ways, as the city offers a variety of experiences. However, as I’ve mentioned before, the medieval town center is a must-see. That’s the focus of this one-day itinerary.

When planning a trip, though, we always have to think about potential challenges. Factors like weather, maintenance issues, and the season can affect your plans. That’s why it’s important to have not just one backup plan, but two. This is why, today, I’ll provide you with three one-day Nuremberg itineraries: the Best-Places-to-Visit itinerary, the Unpleasant Weather itinerary, and the Christmas Season itinerary.

Good to know: WanderInEurope has a list of things to do in Nuremberg and a Nuremberg Discovery Guide. You can use these to get an idea of what to expect from the attractions on this itinerary and learn more about them.

In this day-trip Nuremberg itinerary, we aim to see the most beautiful places in the city in just one day.

It’s all about seeing stunning landmarks, streets, and one historic site or museum. You will need at least 10 hours for this. I’ve optimized this itinerary for visits during the non-Christmas season.

HourDestinationNotes
8:30 amNuremberg train stationGet to Lorenzkirche with Line U1
9:00 amLorenzkirche3-min walk to Museumsbrücke 
9:45 amMuseumsbrücke2-min walk to Hauptmarkt 
10:00 amFrauenkirche, Hauptmarkt and Schöner BrunnenExplore the square. Frauenkirche is beside Hauptmarkt. Hauptmarkt is a 2-min walk to/from Sebalduskirche
11:30 amSebalduskirche
12:00 pmLunchYou can find shops and restaurants all around the city center.
2:00 pmNuremberg Imperial Castle / Toy MuseumChoose one. Both are within the medieval center of Nuremberg.
4:30 pmWeissgerbergasseHave refreshments
5:30 pmSchlayerturm & MaxbrückeWait for the sunset/golden hour
Best-places-to-visit-in-Nuremberg day-trip itinerary

I’ve arranged the attractions in the itinerary so they’re within walking distance of each other. If you prefer, you can also walk to Lorenzkirche instead of using public transit. It’s only a 10-minute walk from Lorenzkirche to the Nuremberg train station.

Planning to visit Nuremberg during the rainy months (like June)? Check out the itinerary below.

It’s designed to help you make the most of your day in Nuremberg, even if it rains all day. Of course, you’ll need an umbrella, but we’ll focus on spending more time indoors. I’ve included attractions that are close to transit stations, so you won’t have to walk too much in the rain.

HourDestinationNotes
9:30 amNuremberg train station– Get to Rally Grounds through Line 8 (20-25 minutes travel time)
– Get to Germanisches Nationalmuseum / Nuremberg Transport Museum through U2/U3 subway lines. Unload at Opera House station. (a few-minute train ride + 1 min walk)
10:00 amDocumentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds / Germanisches Nationalmuseum / Nuremberg Transport MuseumChoose only one museum 
1:30 pm(Back to) Nuremberg train stationLunch: shops and restaurants are located in and around the station. Or, get to Lorenzkirche with line U1 (more cafes and stores nearby)
2:30 pmLorenzkircheClimb the tower if possible. 3-min walk to Museumsbrücke. 
3:15 pmMuseumsbrücke5-min walk to Toy Museum
3:30 pmToy Museum2-min walk to Sebalduskirche
4:45 pmSebalduskirche1-min walk to Hauptmarkt 
5:15 pmFrauenkirche, Hauptmarkt and Schöner BrunnenExplore the square. Frauenkirche is beside Hauptmarkt. Hauptmarkt is a 2-min walk to/from Sebalduskirche
Unpleasant weather Nuremberg day-trip itinerary (rainy day)

You can spend a good amount of your time on a day trip to Nuremberg exploring the museums in the city, which are great places to hide out if it starts pouring rain. While you can spend some time indoors, you’ll still need to walk around to explore the old city.

You’ll also notice that the afternoon destinations involve more walking. If the weather forecast predicts nicer weather in the morning, switch the afternoon spots with the ones planned for the morning.

The Christmas Market is one of the main reasons people visit Nuremberg. It’s a magical place and a great way to experience authentic German culture. Because of this, travelers should visit Nuremberg during this time, as it’s different from any other time of year.

HourDestinationNotes
8:30 amNuremberg train stationRide subway U3 or U2 to Opera House station (the station closest to Nuremberg Transport Museum)
9:00 amNuremberg Transport Museum10-min walk to Schlayerturm
11:00 amSchlayerturm1-min walk to Maxbrücke
11:15 am Maxbrücke2-min walk to Weissgerbergasse
11:30 amWeissgerbergasseLunch
1:30 pmToy Museum10-min walk to Nuremberg Imperial Castle
3:00 pmNuremberg Imperial Castle10-min walk to Sebalduskirche
5:30 pmSebalduskirche1-min walk to Frauenkirche, Hauptmarkt and Schöner Brunnen
6:00 pmFrauenkirche, Hauptmarkt and Schöner BrunnenEnjoy the night in Nuremberg’s Christmas Market. See Museumsbrücke and Lorenzkirche too (only a few steps away)
Christmas Season Nuremberg day-trip itinerary

Good to know: You can get an idea of what to expect in Nuremberg during special events, like the Christmas Market, in my post about the best times to visit.

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Learn more about the different attractions in Nuremberg listed in these itineraries. See how interesting the city’s museums, photo spots, and hidden gems are. Also, check out how you can make the most of your visit to Nuremberg’s most beautiful churches.

If you decide you want to stay a little longer, know that WanderInEurope also has 2-day and 3-day Nuremberg itineraries. Check them out to make the most of your trip to Nuremberg. Enjoy exploring!

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