However, Nuremberg has risen from the ashes and is now a modern city that still retains some of its old architectural splendour. Nuremberg hotels offer the perfect base from which to explore this enchanting place.
The Nuremberg Card
To showcase the kind of welcoming and fun place this city has become, its tourism board introduced a novel way to show their appreciation to visitors. Any tourist who spends at least one night in Nuremberg, or the neighbouring towns of Schwabach, Fuerth or Erlangen, can purchase a €21 Nuremberg Card.
The Nuremberg Card allows free admission to 49 museums and cultural attractions as well as free travel on all public transport. But it doesn't end there - the card also gives you 15% off purchases in several city centre shops and many theaters.
The Nuremberg Card is so good that you must start your day's sightseeing by getting one from one of tourist information spots in the city centre.
Old Nuremberg
Nuremberg is famous for its Old Town (Altstadt) and this is where any trip to the city must begin.
After you've purchased your Nuremberg Card, head to the Castle Quarter to admire the numerous old buildings that make up this part of the city. A walk along the streets here is truly a journey through time. Fuell Street is an especial gem, with rows of sandstone houses that would have once been home to wealthy medieval merchants.
From here it's just a short walk to Nuremberg Castle, which dominates the city's skyline. The castle was built in 1050 and its interesting past makes the guided tour an extremely worthwhile endeavour. If you make it up here at sunset, you can enjoy the best views of this beautiful city.
A dark past
Nuremberg is all about its history and the seamless blending of the old and new. It is also laudable that the town has not tried to shy away from its more recent, tragic past. In the 1930s, the Nazis chose Nuremberg as the location for their yearly party rallies.
To exhibit Germany's power, Hitler planned a series of gigantic buildings to be built on the outskirts of the city. The only ones that were actually built, were the huge Congress Hall and the rally grounds.
The rally grounds are immense and are a great place to reflect on the horrors that were unleashed from here. Just a short walk away is Courtroom 600, the court where the Nuremberg Trials took place. There are excellent guided tours of the courtrooms, which are still functioning to this day.
Food and drink
After a day of climbing castles and sightseeing, you'll no doubt be feeling hungry. Luckily, Nuremberg has a great food and drink culture, with many regional specialities originating in the city.
Nuremberg Bratwurst is spicier than normal bratwurst and even more delicious. There are a number of food stalls along Königstraße, that serve up this tasty sausage for just €1. There are also many stalls and bars along the street serving refreshing glasses of local Bavarian beer.
If you are after a more formal dining experience, the Michelin-starred Essigbraetlin is in Weinmarkt and has a menu full of modern German delights.
