Old town on the Pegnitz River- Nuremburg, Germany ()
As the second-largest city in Bavaria, Nuremberg offers a compact city center that is easily explored on foot. With fortresses, a castle, hidden tunnels, delicious food and more, Nuremberg is the perfect city for a quick day trip.
Explore Old Town
Although Nuremberg is a large city, exploring the city’s heart in Old Town on foot is quite easy. Simply stroll along Königstrasse, the main street winding through Old Town, towards the river. You know you’ve reached the market square when you see the castle upon a hill.
Main Market Square
The city’s Main Market Square, Hauptmarkt, is the meeting point for English-language city tours, where the Christmas market is during the holiday season and where the local farmer’s markets are held nearly every weekend. The stunning Frauenkirche sits on one corner of the market square, while picturesque bridges fence in the southern side. Take a peek at the architecture of the Holy Ghost Hospital (Heilig-Geist-Spital), an ornate building that spans the Pegnitz River which runs through Old Town.
Historic bunkers and tunnels
Spider-webbing for miles underneath the city, is an elaborate network of tunnels that have been used to store ill-gotten art during WWII, a bomb shelter, and a perfectly tempered climate to make and store beer. There are several tours focused on everything from art history to beer making – even ghost tours of Nuremberg’s subterranean maze.
Imperial Castle
Dominating the highest point in town is Nuremberg’s Imperial Castle, the Kaiserburg. The castle area is a series of interconnected fortresses, the first buildings erected around the year 1020. Castle tours are available, but visitors can also walk the perimeter and castle gardens for free. Surrounding the castle are a number of perfect photo opportunities, including the continent’s oldest iron chain bridge, the Kettenstag, and numerous cafés to grab a quick snack and warm up with some delicious hot chocolate or mulled wine.
Eat and Drink
Finyas Tavern
After a day of exploring, head to Finyas Tavern for a pre-dinner drink. This atmospheric tavern has a quaint, medieval feel with pelts that adorn the dark wooden walls and drinks that are served in pewter pitchers and pottery mugs. Although you can get Flammkuchen here and charcuterie, I would save room for the next restaurant.
De Gallo Antipasteria
The best pasta I have had in Germany came from Da Gallo Antipasteria! Transport to Italy as soon as you step inside this small, inviting restaurant. The owner, Giovanni, enthusiastically greets patrons with handwritten specials on a chalkboard as they walk in. Reservations are essential, as the dining area is small, and those in the know pack the tables. This restaurant is a treat for those who love Italian food – and is a tasty experience you don’t want to miss.
Whether you stay for a day, or decide to make it a longer trip, there’s plenty to explore, eat and drink in Nuremberg!
