The Best Hotels in Nuremberg

Exploring Nuremberg

Nuremberg is Bavaria’s second most-populated city, behind Munich, with a total of half a million residents. It rests along the beautiful Pegnitz River, in the southern region of Germany, and although it has experienced notoriety in the past, the Nuremberg of today is a bustling tourist destination that boasts an incredible old town. From the spectacular yet aged castle that towers over the centre of the city, to the large zoo that attracts many thousands each year, Nuremberg is a destination for everyone.

The old town and the city are divided by the Pegnitz River, but tourists needn’t worry, as both banks are filled with an abundance of hotels and lodgings. If tourists are staying in Nuremberg for the first time, then choosing a hotel in or around the Old Town is recommended. This way, most of the sightseeing can be enjoyed on foot. Nevertheless, the city does contain an inexpensive and convenient public transportation network, so visitors are never far away from Nuremberg’s main action.

Sights nearby

Hotels are scattered across the city, including low-budget accommodation, mid-range lodgings and high-end hotels. Regardless of where tourists decide to stay, a plethora of attractions are bound to be close by.

Nuremberg Castle
Found on the northwestern edge of the Old Town, Nuremberg Castle is a massive landmark that was built between the 11th and 13th century. Tours in English are available, as well as tours in German of course. Some of the main features of this remarkable castle include Luginsland Tower, the views from Freiung, the round tower of Sinwellturm and the Palas house, which is where the castle museum is found. There is a small fee to enter the castle, but the outer grounds are free. Only minutes on foot from the castle lies the comfortable Durer Hotel Nurnberg.

Nuremberg Zoo
Known as the Nuremberg Tiergarten, the city zoo is among Europe’s most amazing zoological parks. It is located at the eastern side of Nuremberg, flanking the largest forest in the region. Of the hundreds of species of fauna that call this zoo home, the most famous are the polar bears, as a new addition to the family was welcomed to the world just a few years ago. At the zoo is also the Dolphinarium, a beautiful dolphin display that has been in operation since 2011.

Nuremberg Palace of Justice
Built in the early 1900s, the Palace of Justice is a court complex in central Nuremberg that became famous as the venue for the Nazi Nuremberg Trials between 1945 and 1949. The notorious trials were held in room 600, which is now a permanent exhibition museum for tourists. The courtroom can only be experienced via a guided tour; these are held every hour during the palace’s opening hours.

Eating and drinking and shopping nearby

The most significant shopping spots in the city are found in Lorenzer Altstadt, which is part of the old town. Kaisserstrasse is a thoroughfare that boasts incredible high-end shopping. Meanwhile, Karolinenstrasse and Breite Gasse are home to cheaper goods. Trodelmarkt is where visitors can find some interesting items, and the department stores of Breuninger and Galeria Kaufhof should also be visited. There are hundreds of brew houses operating in the city, especially around the Old Town. Visit the upmarket hotels downtown for stunning dining and drinking experiences, including Le Meridien Grand Hotel Nurnberg and Maritim Hotel Nuernberg.

Public transport

VAG Nuremberg is the local operator of the city’s tram, bus and train network, which covers the entire cityscape. Nuremberg’s tram network has been in operation for over 100 years, and includes six lines that cater for more than 40 million passengers annually. Nuremberg Central Station is the transit hub for both the regional and subway rail networks. The city was also the first to operate their U-Bahn trains using an automatic system, meaning no drivers are required.