Hauptmarkt

Most walking tours of Nuremberg showcase the Hauptmarkt and historical landmarks in and around the Old Town, such as the St. Lawrence Church, Nuremberg Castle, and Albrecht Dürer's House. Those short on time or keen to take control of their own itinerary can see the Hauptmarkt on a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

• Nuremberg’s beautiful Hauptmarkt and Old Town area is compact and features pedestrianized areas, so it’s perfect to explore on foot.

• There are lots of cafés, restaurants, and bars either on or close to the Hauptmarkt.

• Public toilets are located towards the west side of the City Hall (Rathaus).

• The Hauptmarkt area is accessible to wheelchair users, but the ground can be uneven due to its cobblestones.

Whether you’re arriving at Nuremberg’s Central Bus Station or the main train station (Hauptbahnhof), the Hauptmarkt is just a leisurely 15-minute walk away. Just follow Bahnhofstrasse to Konigstrasse, cross the Museum Bridge (Museumsbrucke), and walk along Plobenhofstrasse to arrive at the main market square.

The highlight of the annual Nuremberg calendar is its magical Christmas Market, which starts just before advent and runs through December. Regardless of the time of year, if you happen to be in the area at noon, then look up at the Frauenkirche’s clocktower to see the performance of the “Mannleinlaufen." The market is closed on Sundays.

If you find yourself in Nuremberg in December, then you'll notice that the action centers around the Hauptmarkt. Every year it hosts around 180 stalls selling festive food, drinks, and ornaments. Must-try dishes include gingerbread (lebkuchen), mulled wine (gluhwein), and Nuremberg grilled sausages (Nurnberger rostbratwurst)—which have been produced for over 700 years. Nearby you'll find the Children’s Market and international stalls of the Christmas Market of Sister Cities.