Want to see the best of Nuremberg with kids in just two days? This carefully planned 48-hour itinerary takes the guesswork out of your trip, guiding you through the city's highlights while leaving plenty of time to relax and explore.
48 Hours in Nuremberg with Kids | Family Weekend Guide
Published: Aug 10, 2026
Day One: Nuremberg Old Town, Castle & Pegnitz River
Start Your Start Your Family Adventure in Nuremberg's Old Town
Nuremberg's historic Old Town is the perfect place to begin your 48-hour family adventure. Enclosed by some of Germany's best-preserved medieval fortifications, it's a place where centuries of history meet lively squares, independent shops and traditional bakeries.
Make your way towards the Hauptmarkt, the city's bustling central square, and explore at a relaxed pace. Stroll through cobbled streets and hidden alleyways, cross the bridges spanning the Pegnitz River and discover some of Nuremberg's most iconic landmarks along the way, from St. Lorenz Church to the famous Schöner Brunnen (Beautiful Fountain).
One of the great pleasures of Nuremberg is that it rewards curiosity. Unlike larger cities, you don't need a tightly planned itinerary to enjoy it. Simply wandering through the Old Town is often when the most memorable family moments happen.
Explore Nuremberg Castle with Kids
Absolutely. Nuremberg Castle (Kaiserburg) is one of the city's top family attractions and rewards visitors with some of the finest views over Nuremberg's red rooftops and the surrounding Franconian countryside.
The walk up from the Old Town is manageable for most families, and the castle grounds offer plenty of space for children to explore. From historic courtyards and sturdy stone walls to panoramic viewpoints, there is no shortage of places for young imaginations to run wild.
Rather than feeling like a traditional museum, the Kaiserburg feels like stepping straight into a medieval storybook. Exploring the grounds and soaking up the views is often just as memorable as the exhibits themselves.
On your way to the castle, take a moment to say hello to Albrecht Dürer. Born in Nuremberg in 1471, he became one of the most celebrated artists of the Renaissance. His former home, the Albrecht Dürer House, sits just below the castle and now operates as a museum. A short visit offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and work of the city's most famous resident.
Enjoy Family Time at the Nuremberg Toy Museum
The Nuremberg Toy Museum (Spielzeugmuseum) is one of the city's most popular attractions for families.
Located in the heart of the Old Town, it celebrates Nuremberg's centuries-long connection to toy-making and brings the city's rich heritage to life. Visitors can discover everything from beautifully crafted dollhouses and wooden toys to model trains, tin toys and vintage collectibles.
Interactive elements make it appealing for younger visitors, while adults often enjoy the nostalgic displays and craftsmanship.
Another advantage is its manageable size. Unlike larger museums, it can be explored comfortably, making it an easy addition to a family weekend itinerary without overwhelming younger children.
Local Tip: Planning to visit several museums and attractions? The Nuremberg Card is worth considering. It covers entry to many of the city's most popular attractions and includes unlimited travel on public transport for 48 hours.
Recharge with Lunch at Your Apartment Hotel
One of the advantages of staying in an apartment hotel is the freedom to shape the day around your family's needs.
You can choose a cosy restaurant in the Old Town or pick up local ingredients and enjoy a relaxed lunch back at your apartment. Stop by a traditional bakery for fresh bread, browse market stalls for seasonal produce and discover Franconian specialities such as Gerupfter, a creamy cheese spread, or Ziebeleskäs, a regional onion and cheese spread.
It's a simple yet enjoyable way to experience local flavours while taking a break from sightseeing. Families travelling with younger children often appreciate this flexibility. A quieter lunch and a chance to recharge can make all the difference before heading out to explore the city again in the afternoon.
Walk along the Pegnitz River
The Pegnitz River offers one of the most scenic and family-friendly walks in Nuremberg.
Flowing through the heart of the city, its riverside paths are mostly flat, making them ideal for families with strollers or younger children. Along the way, you'll pass historic bridges, half-timbered houses and picturesque viewpoints that reveal a quieter, more relaxed side of Nuremberg.
One of the highlights is the Henkersteg, a covered wooden bridge dating back to the late 16th century and one of the city's most photographed landmarks. Once used by Nuremberg's executioner to reach his secluded residence on the river island nearby, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's medieval past and adds a touch of intrigue to your walk.
Discover Historic Weissgerbergasse
Before the day comes to an end, take a short detour to Weissgerbergasse.
Once home to Nuremberg's medieval tanners, this beautifully preserved street is lined with colourful half-timbered houses and is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque corners of the Old Town. Despite being just a short walk from the city's main sights, Weissgerbergasse feels noticeably quieter and more local. Take your time to admire the historic façades, browse independent boutiques or simply enjoy the atmosphere of a street that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
Spend a Relaxing Evening at Adina Nuremberg
After a day of exploring, return to Adina Nuremberg. Enjoy some family fun in the indoor pool, unwind in the sauna or simply relax in the comfort of your apartment before the evening sets in.
For a memorable end to the day, make your way to the rooftop terrace. From here, you can take in sweeping views across Nuremberg's historic skylines, with the twin towers of St. Lorenz Church rising above the rooftops as the city gradually settles into the evening.
Day Two: DB Museum, Nuremberg Zoo & Wöhrder Wiese
Explore the DB Museum with Kids
Yes. The DB Museum is one of the best indoor attractions in Nuremberg for families and a great choice if you're travelling with young train enthusiasts.
As Germany's national railway museum and one of the oldest railway museums in the world, it brings the history of rail travel to life through historic locomotives, interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences. Children can climb aboard selected trains, explore family-friendly displays and discover how railways shaped Germany's history.
One of the highlights for younger visitors is the KinderBahnland. Designed for children from 3 to 12, this dedicated family area features interactive stations, play zones and railway-themed activities that encourage learning through play.
Visit Nuremberg Zoo
Nuremberg Zoo (Tiergarten Nürnberg) is one of Germany's most beautiful zoological gardens and a favourite family destination just outside the city centre.
Set within a sprawling forest landscape, the zoo feels more like a nature park than a traditional urban zoo. Wide walking paths wind through wooded areas and spacious enclosures, creating an enjoyable environment for both children and adults. Families can spend hours discovering more than 300 animal species, including dolphins, polar bears, snow leopards, gorillas and penguins.
Younger visitors particularly enjoy the dolphin lagoon, while the large open spaces make it easy to explore at a relaxed pace. The zoo's natural setting also offers a welcome contrast to the historic streets of the Old Town, making it an ideal activity for the second day of your family weekend in Nuremberg.
Helpful Tips: Wear comfortable shoes, as the zoo covers a large area. Arrive early during peak periods to avoid queues. Check feeding times and animal presentations in advance. From Adina Apartment Hotel Nuremberg, the zoo is just 20 minutes by car or around 30 minutes by public transport.
Spend the Afternoon at Wöhrder Wiese
For a final afternoon, head to Wöhrder Wiese, a large riverside park just east of the Old Town. Bordering Wöhrder See, it's a favourite gathering place for local families, joggers and cyclists. Children can run freely across the wide green lawns, enjoy the playgrounds and watch paddleboarders and rowers on the water, while parents soak up the relaxed atmosphere.
Before heading home, make the most of your final hours at Adina Apartment Hotel Nuremberg. Enjoy a swim in the indoor pool, unwind in the sauna or simply take in the views from the rooftop terrace overlooking Nuremberg's historic skyline.
Nuremberg Is Also Home to Some of Germany's Best Museums and Galleries
Looking for more inspirations? Nuremberg is home to an impressive collection of museums and galleries covering art, design, communication, history and contemporary culture.
Germanisches Nationalmuseum
As Germany's largest museum of cultural history, the Germanisches Nationalmuseum offers an extraordinary journey through German art, design and everyday life. Its vast collection spans centuries and provides fascinating insight into the country's cultural heritage.
Neues Museum Nürnberg
Dedicated to modern and contemporary art, the Neues Museum combines striking architecture with rotating exhibitions of painting, photography, design and multimedia works. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in contemporary culture.
Kunsthalle Nürnberg
One of the city's leading contemporary art venues, Kunsthalle Nürnberg presents changing exhibitions by national and international artists. Expect thought-provoking installations and a fresh perspective on modern creativity.
Kunstvilla Nürnberg
Set within a beautifully restored historic villa, Kunstvilla focuses on art connected to Nuremberg and the surrounding region. Its exhibitions offer a unique look at Franconian artists from the late 19th century to the present day.
Die Neue Sammlung
As part of Germany's renowned design museum network, Die Neue Sammlung showcases outstanding examples of industrial design, product design and visual culture. Design enthusiasts will find plenty of inspiration here.
Museum für Kommunikation Nürnberg
Exploring how people connect and communicate, this interactive museum covers everything from historic postal services to modern media and digital technologies. Hands-on exhibits make it particularly engaging for families and older children.
What Events Are Worth Planning a Trip Around?
Not sure when to visit? From festive Christmas traditions to iconic music festival and cultural celebrations, Nuremberg's event calendar offers plenty of reasons to visit in every season.
Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt
Nuremberg's world-famous Christmas Market transforms the Old Town into a festive wonderland. Children will love the traditional carousel, festive lights and seasonal treats, while parents can browse handcrafted gifts and soak up the atmosphere. It's one of Germany's most iconic Christmas experiences and well worth planning a family trip around.
Rock im Park
Held each June at the Zeppelinfeld, Rock im Park is one of Germany's largest and most famous music festivals. The event attracts major international artists across rock, alternative and indie music, drawing visitors from across Europe. Even if you're not attending the festival itself, the city enjoys a vibrant atmosphere throughout the weekend.
Nürnberg Pop Festival
Held each autumn, Nürnberg Pop Festival brings hundreds of artists to unique venues across the city, from concert halls and cultural spaces to historic buildings. The festival showcases a diverse mix of genres and offers visitors the chance to experience Nuremberg's contemporary creative scene alongside its historic attractions.
Bardentreffen
Held each summer, Bardentreffen is one of Germany's largest free music festivals. Stages pop up across the city centre, creating a lively atmosphere where families can enjoy performances ranging from folk and world music to contemporary acts.
Altstadtfest
The Old Town Festival brings music, food stalls, family activities and traditional Franconian culture to the historic centre. In August, it's a great opportunity to experience Nuremberg at its most vibrant while still being easy to enjoy with children.
Where Should Families Stay in Nuremberg?
Choosing the right location can make a family city break far more relaxed. Adina Nuremberg (Dr.-Kurt-Schumacher-Straße) is ideally positioned close to the Old Town, just a few steps away from the Germanisches Museum, making it easy to reach many of the city's most popular attractions on foot. Spacious studios and apartments offer families extra room to unwind, while the indoor pool, sauna and fitness centre provide a welcome place to recharge after a day of sightseeing.
Families also benefit from the flexibility of apartment-style living. Prepare meals in your fully equipped kitchen, unwind in spacious living areas and enjoy all the comforts of home while exploring Nuremberg at your own pace.
Why an Apartment Stay Works Well for Families:
Spacious studios and apartments
Fully equipped kitchens
Separate living areas in selected apartments
Indoor pool and wellness facilities
Walking distance to the Old Town
Easy access to public transport
Unlock Member Benefits
Join eClub now and enjoy exclusive member rates every time you stay.
Whether you're planning a family weekend, a longer stay or a spontaneous city break, eClub makes every stay a little more rewarding. Enjoy exclusive member rates, special offers and member benefits, all at no cost to join.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nuremberg good for families?
Yes. Nuremberg is an excellent destination for families thanks to its compact Old Town, walkable layout and variety of attractions. From Nuremberg Castle and the Toy Museum to the Pegnitz River and Nuremberg Zoo, many of the city's highlights can be enjoyed in just a weekend. Families also appreciate the relaxed pace and easy access between attractions.
What are the best things to do in Nuremberg with young children?
Top attractions include Nuremberg Castle, the Toy Museum, DB Museum, Nuremberg Zoo and riverside walks along the Pegnitz River.
Where should families stay in Nuremberg?
Families generally benefit from staying near the Old Town, where many attractions are within walking distance. Adina Nuremberg offers spacious apartment-style accommodation, an indoor pool and a central location ideal for family stays.
Where is Adina Nuremberg Located?
Adina Nuremberg is located at Dr.-Kurt-Schumacher-Straße 1-7, 90402 Nuremberg, just a short walk from the city's historic Old Town. The hotel is approximately 200 metres from the Germanisches Nationalmuseum and 500 metres from St. Lorenz Church, making many of Nuremberg's top family attractions easily accessible on foot.
How Can I Contact Adina Nuremberg?
Families planning a stay at Adina Nuremberg can contact the hotel directly by phone on +49 911 477350 or by email at [email protected].
How Can I Book a Stay at Adina Apartment Hotel Nuremberg?
You can book your stay directly through the Adina Nuremberg website (https://adinahotels.com/en/destinations/nuremberg-accommodation/), where you'll find the latest room availability, rates and special offers.
Is 48 hours enough for Nuremberg?
Yes. A weekend provides enough time to experience many of the city's highlights while maintaining a relaxed pace.
What makes an apartment hotel a good option for families?
Apartment hotels offer more space, kitchen facilities and flexibility, making family travel easier. At Adina Nuremberg, spacious apartments and separate living areas provide extra comfort for parents and children alike.