Finding where to stay in Nuremberg as a first-timer can be overwhelming. That’s why, in today’s article, I will help you to find safe places to stay in Nuremberg for first-time visitors.
I will share with you what I believe are the best and safe areas to stay in Nuremberg for first-timers and tourists, along with a helpful map and areas to avoid. I’ll also share where I stayed in Nuremberg and recommend some of the best hotels for visitors with various budgets.
Nuremberg is a city located in the state of Bavaria in southern Germany and is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the towering Nuremberg Castle.
The city played a significant role in the Holy Roman Empire and later became associated with the Nazi Party due to the Nuremberg Rallies and the post-World War II Nuremberg Trials, where Nazi officials were prosecuted for war crimes.
It’s also home to museums like the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds, which provides insight into the city’s Nazi history, and the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, which showcases German art and culture throughout the ages.
The city is home to the famous Christmas market, one of the oldest in Germany, attracting visitors from around the world. It also boasts a strong reputation for its gingerbread, sausages, and beer, adding to its charm as a destination for both history buffs and food enthusiasts alike.
Is Nuremberg safe to visit?
Yes, Nuremberg is overall a safe place to visit. The city center is generally safe to stay in. But, as with any destination, it’s essential to be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, keep your belongings secure, and avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas, particularly at night.
The area around the main train has a high concentration of accommodations and is generally safe to stay. It is a good base for easy access to the train to get to the airport and for day trips. There might be homeless people, but they are not dangerous. As long as you use common sense, you should be fine.
Where to stay in Nuremberg for the first time?
The best and safe areas to stay in Nuremberg for first-timers and tourists include Old Town, Marienvorstadt, Tafelhof, Gostenhof, and Südstadt. As always, regardless of where you stay, it’s essential to practice common sense safety measures to have an enjoyable trip.
Old Town (Altstadt) is overall the best location for first-time visitors. This area is the heart of Nuremberg and offers a charming atmosphere with its medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and historical sites like the Nuremberg Castle. It’s very walkable and has plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Altstadt – Sankt Lorenz, the area around St. Lawrence Church is also a great base for easy access to the old town and the main train station. This area is also home to the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, Handwerkerhof Nuremberg, and the Opera House.
If you want to stay close to the main train station, you can consider staying in Marienvorstadt, Tafelhof, and Gostenhof. Marienvorstadt and Tafelhof have a high concentration of accommodations for all budgets. Gostenhof has some great budget-friendly places to stay in.
Südstadt, a bit removed from the old town, but it is a convenient area for easy access to the train station and budget-friendly hotels. This area is also close to the former Nazi Party Rally Grounds.
During my trip to Nuremberg, I stayed at the mid-range Melter Hotel & Apartments. It has a great location between the old town and the train station. It is in the pedestrian mall area and is easy to walk to everything. They offered free laundry services, so I can wash and dry my own clothes.
Below is a map of the popular areas in Nuremberg for first-time travelers. You can scroll down to view the live map.
Let’s get into the details of the recommended areas to stay in Nuremberg, especially for first-time visitors. I’ll provide you with some suggestions for the best places to stay in each area, catering to every budget.
All hotels in Nuremberg have been carefully selected by me from well-known and secure booking sites such as booking.com, with guest review scores of at least 8.0 or higher at the time I chose them.
If you don’t like my suggestions (perhaps they don’t suit your budget or preferences), you can click the “MORE HOTEL DEALS” button where you can choose your own hotel.
6 Best/Safe areas to stay in Nuremberg for first-timers and tourists:
1. Old Town (Altstadt – St. Sebald)
Old Town is undoubtedly the best area to stay in Nuremberg for the first time, especially if you want to be in the heart of the action. Staying here puts you within walking distance of many attractions, restaurants, and shops.
You’ll be within walking distance of landmarks such as Nuremberg Castle, the Hauptmarkt (Main Market Square), and the famous Schoener Brunnen (Beautiful Fountain), and the iconic Albrecht Dürer House.
This area is home to the medieval St. Sebaldus Church, one of the most important churches in the city, along with Frauenkirche (Our Lady’s Church) and St. Lorenz. It’s situated in front of the old city hall, right in the middle of the Christmas market.
St. Sebald district offers a variety of shops, boutiques, and galleries where you can find unique souvenirs and gifts. Additionally, the area boasts numerous cafes, restaurants, and beer gardens serving delicious Bavarian cuisine and local specialties.
Exploring Old Town Nuremberg is like stepping back in time, with its well-preserved medieval buildings, charming squares, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply soaking up the ambiance of a traditional German town, Nuremberg’s Altstadt won’t disappoint.
Best places to stay in Nuremberg Old Town for first-timers:
Mid-range ($$): Karl August – a Neighborhood Hotel, great 4-star hotel in the heart of the Old TOwn, close to everything, including the Imperial Castle, Toy Museum, St. Sebald Church, and the beautiful fountain Schöner Brunnen. It has a 24-hour front desk, a pool, a fitness center, and excellent breakfast.
Budget ($): Sorat Hotel Saxx Nürnberg, 3-star hotel in central Nuremberg, on the central market square Hauptmarkt, great base for sightseeing. Easy walk to the castle, the church, and the fountains. Many shops and restaurants nearby. It features luggage storage, family rooms, and very good breakfast. Bus, taxi, metro nearby, while the main train station is 15 mins walk/ short taxi ride away.
Budget ($): Hotel Agneshof Nürnberg, 3-star mediterranean style hotel located on a quiet side street, in the Old Town district of Nuremberg, 2 mins walk from Burgstraße bus stop. Short stroll from the castle, and church, as historical buildings from Middle age. You can stay in the room that has views of the castle.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN OLD TOWN2. Altstadt – Sankt Lorenz
Altstadt – Sankt Lorenz is a great area to stay within Nuremberg. This area is a part of the old town, where you can find the famous St. Lawrence Church and Germanisches Nationalmuseum.
Altstadt – Sankt Lorenz has a wide range of accommodation, and easy access to both the historic Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle) and the central train station.
Nuremberg Hauptbahnhof (main train station) is a major transportation hub with connections to various cities within Germany and neighboring countries. Deutsche Bahn operates regular train services to Nuremberg from cities like Munich, Frankfurt, Berlin, and beyond.
Best places to stay in Nuremberg in Sankt Lorenz for first-timers:
Luxury ($$$): Park Plaza Nuremberg, 5-star accommodation located close to the Nuremberg Main Station, easily accessible from the airport by U2 underground trains. It is also within walking distance from the main shopping area and restaurants. They have comfortable rooms with good facilities. It can be noisy but central so understandable.
Mid-range ($$): Adina Apartment Hotel Nuremberg, 4-star apartment in Altstadt-St Lorenz, right next to the Germanic National Museum. Within walking distance from Königstraße shopping street and Christmas Market. You can find the Underground station Opernhaus nearby for services to the main station and the airport. Rooms come with a fully equipped kitchen. There is also an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and family rooms.
Budget ($): Lorenz Apartments, 3-star aparthotel located in the Mitte district of Nürnberg, a short walk from the Old Town, beautiful churches, and the Central Station. It features accommodations with a kitchen with a dining area. You can find many stores, restaurants, and groceries in the immediate area.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN OLD TOWN3. Marienvorstadt
Marienvorstadt is a convenient base for those who want to stay close to the train station. This area is also close to the Wöhrder Lake and Wöhrder Meadow, which is a great place for outdoor activities such as jogging, cycling, and walking. You can rent boats in the summer.
Best places to stay in Nuremberg in Marienvorstadt:
Mid-range ($$): Leonardo Royal Hotel Nürnberg, popular 4-star hotel conveniently located on Bahnhofsplatz, close to Nuremberg Central Station. It is easy to access from the airport and a perfect base for day trips by train. It is also a 10-15 mins walk to the old town and its attractions. It has a fitness center, a terrace, delicious breakfast, private parking, and a 24-hour front desk.
Mid-range ($$): Novina Hotel Wöhrdersee Nürnberg City, 4-star accommodation located close to a lake in a public beach area and a beautiful green park, 10 mins walk from the Main Station, which has quick connections to the airport and everywhere around the city.
Mid-range ($$): NH Collection Nürnberg City, 4-star hotel located near the downtown and the central station, great base for easy access to the train and the attractions such as Gothic St. Lorenz Church and the Germanic National Museum. It has soundproofed rooms and excellent breakfasts with lots of plenty of vegetarian and gluten free options.
Mid-range ($$): Novotel Nuernberg Centre Ville, 4-star hotel conveniently located near the main train station of Nuremberg. 10-15 mins walk from the historical old town and the Christmas Market. It has an indoor pool, comfortable family rooms, and a fitness center.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN NUREMBERG4. Tafelhof
Tafelhof, located between the old town and the central station, is the perfect location for visitors who want convenience access to the trains and the major attractions. This area has many accommodation options, including luxury 5-star hotels and budget options.
Best places to stay in Nuremberg in Tafelhof:
Luxury ($$$): Sheraton Carlton Nuernberg, 5-star hotel located only a few mins walk from the main train station, on the edge of the Old Town. It has a roof terrace, very good buffet breakfasts, and a swimming pool. Easy access to the S-Bahn train ride to Nuremberg Trade Fair and the Airport.
Mid-range ($$): Park Inn by Radisson Nürnberg, 4-star hotel located in central Nuremberg, near central station, featuring soundproofed rooms, a gym, and a terrace. Only a min walk awt from Plärrer square where you can find many transport connections.
Mid-range ($$): Astoria Apartments, apartment complex, close to the train station, German Railway Museum and the Opera House. Apartment has necessary utensils to cook meals.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN NUREMBERG5. Gostenhof
Gostenhof is a great neighborhood for those who travel on a budget and want to stay close to the main train station. This area has some budget-friendly apartments and guest houses. There are limited choices compared to other parts of the city.
It is also a hipster neighborhood, known for its street art, independent boutiques, and alternative vibe. It’s a great place to stay if you’re looking for a more bohemian atmosphere with plenty of quirky cafes, bars, and music venues.
Best places to stay in Nuremberg in Gostenhof:
- Budget ($): Living Hotel Nürnberg
- Mid-range ($$): City Apartment in Nürnberg
- Budget ($): Ferienwohnung “Elsnerstrasse”
6. Südstadt
Südstadt, a bit further from the tourist crowds, is a great base if you want a more residential atmosphere. It is also located next to the train station, a convenient base for those who want easy access to the train. There are wide choices of budget-friendly accommodations in this area.
You’ll be close to The Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds, situated on the former grounds of the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, where the Nazi Party held its annual rallies from 1933 to 1938.
The Documentation Center features a permanent exhibition with photographs, documents, and multimedia presentations that provide you with insight into the rise of the Nazi Party and its impact on Germany and the world.
Best places to stay in Nuremberg in Südstadt:
- Budget ($): Eco Smart Apartments Premium City
- Budget ($): Best Western Hotel Nürnberg am Hauptbahnhof
- Budget ($): Hotel Central City Hbf Nürnberg
In conclusion, Old Town, Marienvorstadt, Tafelhof, Gostenhof, and Südstadt are the best places to stay in Nuremberg for first-timers and tourists. Nuremberg is a relatively safe city to visit, but it’s always a good idea to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas.
You can continue reading about Nuremberg and other destinations in Germany in these articles:
- Best places to Stay in Nuremberg for Christmas Markets
- Safe areas to stay in Berlin first time
- Safe areas to stay in Hamburg first time
- Safe areas to stay in Frankfurt first time
- Safe areas to stay in Munich first time
- Safe areas to stay in Cologne first time
- Safe to stay in Dresden first time
There you have it, my recommendations for the most popular and safest neighborhoods that you can stay during your first trip to Nuremberg. I hope you enjoyed my article and find it both informative and helpful.
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more quality content.