Nuremberg is a charming historic city in southern Germany.
It is the second largest city in the state of Bavaria, after Munich.
Cobblestone streets, ornate churches, and plenty of fun attractions can be found in this German region.
Whether you prefer museums, stargazing, zoos, or walking tours, there is something for people of all ages.
Continue reading to discover 15 fun things to do in Nuremberg for families.
1. Walking through Nuremberg Old Town
Nuremberg’s Old Town is like something out of a postcard!
This 2-hour walking tour will take your family to the heart of this historic part of the city.
Led by a local guide, you’ll visit the area’s top sites, including the St Lawrence Church, St Sebald Church, Albrecht Dürer Platz, the Imperial Castle, and Nuremberg Hauptmarkt.
Your guide will also teach you about the city’s history.
And with a history that dates back to the Roman Empire and includes being the capital of the Third Reich during the Nazi Regime, you can bet there is plenty to learn!
Tours depart from Nuremberg Station.
Tour details
- Duration: 2 hours
- Departure Time: 11:15 am
- Departure Point: Nuremberg Central Station, Mitte, 90443 Nuremberg
- Inclusions: Local guide
2. Taste Nuremberg Food
Germany is known for its unique cuisine.
Bavaria especially has a distinct food culture that is not to be missed when visiting the region.
This Nuremberg food tour lasts three hours and will take you through the oldest part of the city.
As you make your way across Nuremberg, you’ll stop at all the top attractions, like the Imperial Castle.
But you’ll also stop at several traditional bars and restaurants.
Throughout the course of the day, your family will be treated to samples of gingerbread, red beer, Nuremberg sausages, and more!
Tour details
- Duration: 3 hours
- Departure Time: 11:30 am
- Departure Point: Königstraße 82, 90402 Nürnberg
- Inclusions: Food tasting, snacks, alcoholic beverages
3. Learn about WW2 and Drink Beer
History and beer?
It doesn’t get better than this!
This unique tour covers Nuremberg’s rich World War II history, while also showcasing the best beer that Bavaria has to offer.
It’s the only tour of its kind in Nuremberg.
This private tour includes visits to key Nazi sites, such as Luitpold Arena, the Congress Hall, the Great Road, and the Zeppelin Field.
After exploring the city’s history, you’ll visit three microbreweries in Old Town where you’ll be treated to dinner and beer.
Tour details
- Duration: 7 hours
- Departure Point: Le Méridien Grand Hotel Nuremberg, Bahnhofstraße 1-3, 90402 Nürnberg
4. Visit Nuremberg Zoo
The Nuremberg Zoo is a fun day for the whole family!
It is one of the best zoos in all of Europe.
In addition to exotic animals, the zoo is beautifully landscapes with mixed woods and sandstone rock formations.
Simply going for a walk in the park is enjoyable.
Observe the animals, marvel at animal feeding time, pet sheep and goats at the petting zoo, and take a ride around the park on the miniature train.
There is even a new aqua area with dolphins and sea lions.
Tour details
- Duration: 1-6 hours
- Inclusions: Local taxes, entry fee
5. Playmobil FunPark
The Playmobil FunPark is a must if you’re travelling to Nuremberg with kids!
This park spans over 90,000 square metres.
It is divided up by themed worlds, from a fairytale play area to a pirate play area.
There are also balance courses and splash areas.
Run, jump, splash, and play to your heart’s content!
The all-weather park is open year round, with a large indoor play area during winter.
Tour details
- Duration: 1-6 hours
- Inclusions: Local taxes, entry fee
6. Explore Imperial Castle Nuremberg
Nuremberg’s Imperial Castle is one of the top attractions in the city.
This castle dates back to the Middle Ages and since then, has been a symbol of power in Nuremberg.
Today, visitors can walk through the castle and be part of history.
Since 2013, there has been a special museum inside the castle with exhibitions explaining its functions and history.
Before you go, be sure to take a stroll in the picturesque courtyard and surrounding gardens.
And of course, remember to bring your camera as the photos of Nuremberg down below are stunning.
Details
- Opening hours: April to 6 March: 9:00 am – 6:00pm; 7 October to March: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
7. Germanisches National Museum
The Germanisches Nationalmuseum is a major cultural attraction in Nuremberg.
The museum itself is a piece of history, having been founded in 1852.
It is specifically focused on German culture and art.
The museum houses all kinds of artifacts from prehistoric times through to the present day.
Although it has a collection of over 1.3 million objects, only 25,000 are on display at any given time.
Visitors will enjoy the juxtaposition between the modern entryway and the historic interior, complete with domed ceilings and stone columns.
Details
- Opening hours: 10:00 am – 6:00pm Tuesday to Sunday, closed Mondays
8. Albrecht-Dürer´s House
Albrecht Dürer is a German icon.
He was a famous painter, printmaker, and theorist during the German Renaissance period.
Dürer was born in Nuremberg and even today, holds a special place in the city’s history.
His large, half-timbered Nuremberg home has been turned into a living museum.
This means that you can walk around his home, which also served as his workshop, until his death in 1528.
Beyond the fact that Dürer lived there, the house itself is one of Nuremberg’s few surviving burgher houses, constructed during the city’s golden age.
Details
- Opening hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; 10:00 am – 8:00 pm Thursdays, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
9. Toy Museum Nuremberg
Your kids are bound to love Nuremberg’s Toy Museum!
This is the perfect cultural meets educational activity for families.
The Nuremberg Toy Museum is one of the most well known toy museums in the entire world.
It was founded in 1971 and houses toys from a wide range of different historical periods.
The entire collection consists of 87,000 objects, spanning from antiquity to the present day.
Exhibitions include a dolls and dollhouse section, a ‘Toys since 1945’ section that includes Lego, PlayMobil, and Barbie, and a wooden toys exhibit.
Details
- Opening hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturdays and Sundays, closed Mondays
10. German Railway Museum Nuremberg
For all train enthusiasts, this is the Nuremberg attraction for you!
The Germany Railway Museum in Nuremberg is one of the oldest technical museums in Europe.
The museum first opened in 1899 and is made up of the DB Museum and the Museum of Communications.
Rare historical railway vehicles can be found here, including parts of the royal train used by the Bavarian King, Ludwig II.
Other artifacts include the oldest steam locomotive in Germany, an original coal wagon from 1829, and a TEE diesel railcar from the 1950s.
There is also a model railway spanning 80 square metres on site which kid will absolutely love.
Details
- Opening hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturdays and Sundays, closed Mondays
11. Natural History Museum
As you can probably guess, exploring Nuremberg’s many museums is a must while visiting the Bavarian city.
The Nuremberg Natural History Museum is one of the best cultural attractions in the area.
It houses a range of exhibitions on geology, ethnology, ecology, and archaeology.
There is even a permanent exhibit on Jordan, the only one of its kind in Europe.
Ideal for families, guided tours of the museum are offered by The Natural History Society.
Fun fact: the Natural History Museum is entirely volunteer-run.
Details
- Opening hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm Fridays, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Saturdays, closed Mondays
12. Nicolaus Copernicus Planetarium Nuremberg
Believe it or not, Nuremberg is home to its very own planetarium.
The Nicolaus Copernicus Planetarium draws huge crowds each year thanks to its mesmerizing astronomy shows.
Each show offers insight into the night sky and information on space research.
How it works is through a sky simulator.
The simulator projects an artificial sky on the planetarium’s domed ceiling.
The Nicolaus Copernicus Planetarium also hosts astronomy lectures and cultural events throughout the year.
Details
- Presentation times: Wednesdays 3:00 pm and 4:30 pm, Thursdays 6:00 and 8:00 pm, Saturdays and Sundays 3:00 pm, 4:30 pm, and 6:00 pm
13. Museum of Industrial Culture
The Museum of Industrial Culture is one of the most unique museums in Nuremberg.
The entire space is centred on the industrial era of the 1920s.
There are exhibits suitable for both children and adults, making this a great attraction for families.
The museum is filled with all types of objects, from cars to toys to strollers.
There are also recreations of household rooms from the industrial era, complete with period furniture.
This is bound to be one of the coolest museums you ever visit.
Details
- Opening hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturdays and Sundays, closed Mondays
14. Merks Motor Museum
Calling all retro car lovers!
If you’re an automobile fanatic, this is the Nuremberg attraction for you.
The museum is made up of a private collection of automobiles that date back to the early twentieth century.
More than cars, you can expect to see motorcycles, bikes, and mopeds.
There is even an exhibit showcasing old phones and typewriters.
Plus, your kids will love looking at the historic, colourful cars that look nothing like the ones they’re used to in the present day!
Details
- Opening hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Thursday to Sunday, closed Monday to Wednesday
15. Shop at Hauptmarkt
In the heart of Nuremberg lies Hauptmarkt.
This outdoor marketplace is bustling at all hours of the day.
Stalls selling all kinds of food, from fresh produce to ready-to-eat baked goods, line the town square.
The market is frequented by locals every single day.
It is also in the same square as the Frauenkirche church and the Schöner Brunnen fountain.
Hauptmarkt is a great place to grab some lunch as a family.
Bonus: 2-Day Nuremberg Card
Nuremberg has so much to offer, and this Nuremberg Card allows you experience it all.
With the card in hand, you’ll receive free admission to all local museums and attractions.
You’ll even be able to ride on all public transportation in the city for free.
This card covers the biggest sites, like the Nuremberg Zoo and the Imperial Castle.
It is perfect for families visiting the Bavarian city for a short time.
Inclusions
- Imperial Castle
- Germanisches Nationalmuseum
- Albrecht-Dürer´s House
- New Museum
- Toy Museum
- Documentation Centre Nazi Party Rally Grounds
- Memorium Nuremberg Trials
- German Railway Museum
- Museum for Communications
- Museum for Industrial Culture with School Museum
- City Museum at Fembo House Permanent Exhibition: A Crown – Power – History
- Museum Tucher Mansion
- Natural History Museum
- Tower of Senses
- Gallery of Contemporary Art
- Art Villa Nuremberg
- Art Gallery Nuremberg
- Hangman´s Residence Museum
- Zoo with dolphin lagoon
- Children & Young People‘s Museum
- Planetarium
- Historic Streetcar Depot
- Motormuseum Merk
- Faber Castell Residence with „Alte Mine“ Museum
Nuremberg is bursting with culture and history.
It is the ideal German city for families owing to the wide range of fun attractions that exist here.
From the famous zoo to the many child-friendly museums, we hope this list has provided some travel inspiration for your upcoming visit.
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