Where to Stay in Nuremberg, Germany: 3 Best Areas & Hotels
Planning a trip to Nuremberg and have no idea where to stay? You’re in the right place!
Nuremberg is one of our absolute favorite cities in Germany, known for its medieval Old Town, cozy beer halls, and Christmas markets, which are nothing short of magical during the festive season!
If you’ve never been to Nuremberg before, finding the perfect place to stay can be a bit of a challenge. The town is split into a few distinct areas, and even though the city is super walkable, each area still offers a slightly different experience. So to help you plan your trip, we’ve put together this guide covering the three best areas to stay in Nuremberg, plus the top hotels for every budget and travel style.
Ready? Let’s get into it!
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Our Top Choice
This is the area and hotel we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP!
Our FAVORITE area to stay in is Altstadt South. This area around St. Lorenz is practical and charming, making it easy for sightseeing, train access, and Old Town charm!
We recommend staying at the Melter Hotel & Apartments, set in a historic building but with plenty of modern amenities!
Where to Stay in Nuremberg Map
Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Nuremberg
Nuremberg is a wonderfully compact city, which makes it much easier to navigate compared to larger German cities like Berlin or Munich.
In our opinion, Old Town, Altstadt South (St. Lorenz), is the best area to base yourself, especially if it’s your first time visiting Nuremberg. This side of the Old Town feels lively and convenient, with easy access to the main train station, shopping areas, and museums. We also love Altstadt North (ideal for history lovers and sightseeing) and the Hauptbahnhof & Tafelhof (perfect for train travelers and shorter stays).
One of Nuremberg’s biggest advantages is how easy it is to explore on foot, so a car is rarely necessary. Public transport, including the U-Bahn, trams, and buses, also makes reaching the airport and surrounding neighborhoods easy.
If you do decide to drive or rent a car, just keep in mind that parking around the Old Town can be a bit awkward and expensive. Another thing worth noting is that hotels tend to book up early during the Christmas market season, so we’d definitely recommend booking your accommodation well in advance if you’re visiting between late November and December.
Before we get into the details, here’s a quick overview of our favorite areas and hotel picks in Nuremberg:
- Altstadt South (St. Lorenz) – Best for first-time visitors – This is the most practical part of the Old Town, sitting close to the main train station, top shopping streets, and major sights like St. Lorenz Church and the Germanisches Nationalmuseum. Our top pick here is the Melter Hotel & Apartments; it’s super stylish, and the on-site ramen restaurant is a lovely bonus!
- Altstadt North (St. Sebald) – Best for historic charm & Christmas markets – This is the most atmospheric side of Nuremberg, with medieval streets, the Imperial Castle looming overhead, and the famous Hauptmarkt square right on your doorstep. Our top pick here is Karl August, a modern boutique hotel with a rooftop pool and a Michelin-starred chef’s table onsite.
- Hauptbahnhof & Tafelhof – Best for easy transport links – If you’re arriving by train or planning day trips to places like Bamberg or Munich, this area puts you right next to the station with easy access to the Old Town. Our favorite place to stay here is the Scandic Nürnberg Central, which has a fabulous indoor pool and offers excellent value for money near the train station.
Important Tip
Multiple Nuremberg trips have taught us that this city doesn’t reward spontaneity when it comes to planning. The good places get snapped up months in advance, leaving the overpriced and underwhelming options for last-minute travelers.
The sweet spot for booking Nuremberg accommodations is 3-4 months out—enough time to secure good rates but not so far ahead that you’re locking in plans excessively early.
Where to Stay in Nuremberg
Altstadt South (St. Lorenz)
BEST FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS
Pros
- Extremely walkable to major sights, shops, and restaurants
- Very close to the Hauptbahnhof for easy arrivals and day trips
- A great mix of historic atmosphere and modern convenience
Cons
- Can feel a bit more commercial than the northern half of the Old Town
- Hotels here can be pricey, especially during peak seasons
- Parking is difficult and expensive if you are driving
If this is your first ever time visiting Nuremberg, Altstadt South (St. Lorenz) should definitely be on your radar. We love this area because you’re within easy walking distance of the Hauptbahnhof and major attractions, all while being surrounded by the city’s medieval atmosphere.
The neighborhood itself centers around St. Lorenz Church and stretches through some of Nuremberg’s liveliest streets, including Königstraße. Highlights nearby include Handwerkerhof, a charming crafts courtyard, as well as the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, which is home to one of Germany’s most important cultural collections. You’re also only a short walk from the city’s main market square, the Hauptmarkt.
What makes Altstadt South especially appealing is how easy it makes your trip. You can arrive by train, drop your bags at your hotel, and be taking Instagram-worthy snapshots throughout its cobbled streets within minutes.
The main tradeoff is that Altstadt South feels a little busier and more commercial than some neighboring areas, especially compared to the quieter, more historic atmosphere north of the river. Another downside is that accommodation prices can also climb during festivals and busy travel seasons.
Still, if this is your first time in Nuremberg, Altstadt South is a fantastic place to base yourself. It gives you the easiest introduction to the city, keeps the best sights within walking distance, and takes much of the stress out of navigating somewhere new.
Hotel VICTORIA Nürnberg – $$$
Our favorite luxury pick for Altstadt South is Hotel VICTORIA Nürnberg. This charmingly historic 4-star hotel is nestled right in the heart of the historic Old Town, and it’s actually been hosting guests since 1896 (so cool!).
Even though the building is well over 125 years old, the rooms are modern and comfortable. You’re also just 100 meters from the main train station, which is just so convenient!
Pricewise, you can expect prices to start around €82 per night and climb to €450+ per night, depending on the season, which is excellent value for such a gorgeous, centrally-located building.
Another luxury hotel we love in the area is Hotel Drei Raben. This boutique hotel is only a 6-minute walk away from the main train station and offers a welcome drink upon arrival, which is always such a nice touch.
We also really love the Riverview Apartments by dasPaul. It’s a bit further out (about a 15-minute walk from the train station), but their spacious, apartment-style rooms directly by the Pegnitz River are worth it!
Melter Hotel & Apartments – $$
Another excellent hotel in the area is the Melter Hotel & Apartments. Like many hotels in Nuremberg, the Melter is set inside a beautifully restored listed building, so you get a nice mix of historic character on the outside with modern, stylish interiors on the inside.
What we really love about this hotel is that many rooms come with fully equipped kitchenettes, which is super handy to have on a city break! You’ll also have access to a small fitness area, plus the excellent Monkī ramen restaurant right downstairs.
In terms of pricing, you can expect rates for this hotel to typically start around €100 and climb to €160+ per night during peak seasons.
If the Melter Hotel is full, the Holiday Inn Nürnberg City Centre is a wonderful backup! It’s just a five-minute walk from two U-Bahn stations, so getting around the city (or reaching the train station and airport) is incredibly easy.
The nearby Steichele Hotel is also a great option. This is a charming, family-run hotel known for its traditional Franconian hospitality and cuisine.
Avenue Hotel – $
If you’re looking for something a bit more budget-friendly in Altstadt South, we recommend the Avenue Hotel, located on Josephsplatz.
We love this hotel because it’s within easy walking distance of major attractions like the Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle) and St. Lorenz Church. However, it’s still tucked away from some of the busiest, more tourist-heavy streets. The Avenue is also known for its generous continental breakfast buffet, which is always appreciated before a full day of sightseeing!
You can expect rates for this hotel to range from €85 to €275+ per night, depending on the season.
Another excellent budget-friendly option in the area is the N9 Hotel Nürnberg-City. This hotel has two on-site restaurants and, best of all, it’s just an 8-minute walk from the main train station.
We also love Hotel Hauser Boutique, which offers a more stylish, intimate feel with a quieter atmosphere. It’s a great pick if you want something that feels a little more personal while still staying close to the city center.
Altstadt North (St. Sebald)
BEST FOR HISTORIC CHARM & CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Pros
- The most atmospheric and picturesque part of the city
- Incredible proximity to the Imperial Castle and Hauptmarkt
- Beautiful medieval streets like Weißgerbergasse are right on your doorstep
Cons
- Can be very crowded, especially during the Christmas market season
- Further from the main train station than the southern half
- Accommodation tends to be slightly more expensive here
If you want to wake up, step outside your hotel, and immediately feel like you’ve been transported to medieval Germany, Altstadt North (St. Sebald) is definitely the place for you.
This is Nuremberg’s most postcard-worthy neighborhood, filled with half-timbered buildings and centuries of history around nearly every corner. Better yet, it puts you within easy walking distance of many of the city’s biggest landmarks and must-see attractions, including Hauptmarkt, Frauenkirche, St. Sebald Church, Albrecht Dürer House, Weißgerbergasse, and the Imperial Castle.
What we love most about Altstadt North is the atmosphere. It feels quieter, more romantic, and a little more “old Nuremberg” than the southern half of the Old Town. And while you are a bit further away from the train station, you’re also rewarded with the highest concentration of cobblestone streets, traditional taverns, and hidden courtyards in the city.
It’s important to note here that Altstadt North can get noticeably busier and much pricier (trust us on that one!) during Christmas market season, since this is one of the city’s most in-demand areas. However, if charm, atmosphere, and staying somewhere that feels unmistakably historic are high on your priority list for your upcoming trip to Nuremberg, Altstadt North is incredibly hard to beat.
Karl August – $$
The Karl August Hotel is a true hidden gem in the city that’s definitely worth checking out! It’s located in the vibrant Augustinerhof district, and the vibe is a bit more sophisticated but still warm and welcoming.
What’s special about this hotel is that it has a Michelin-starred chef’s table on-site, a heated indoor rooftop pool, and a sauna. You’re also ideally situated to explore museums, shops, and markets on foot, while having a luxurious retreat to return to.
Rates typically start from around €140 to €230+ per night, which is a genuine steal for such a luxury stay.
If Karl August is fully booked, you absolutely have to look at the Sorat Hotel Saxx Nürnberg. This hotel is located on Hauptmarkt square (where the annual Christmas market is held) and is fully air-conditioned in summer.
The Dürer-Hotel is another fantastic modern option in the area. It’s nestled directly at the foot of the majestic Kaiserburg castle and offers a gorgeous communal garden space and on-site bistro.
Hotel Agneshof Nürnberg – $
For our budget-friendly pick in Altstadt North, we always recommend Hotel Agneshof Nürnberg. It’s a reliable option that offers pretty much everything you’d want from a comfortable 3-star hotel, and it puts many of Nuremberg’s biggest sights right on your doorstep.
Location-wise, you’re just a five-minute walk from Hauptmarkt Market Square, and getting here is easy too, with the airport only around 25 minutes away by public transport. The hotel itself is super stylish for a budget option, and if you’re lucky, you might even score one of the rooms with castle views, which feels like a pretty great bonus at this price point.
Rates usually begin at around €56 per night and can go up to €180+ for peak dates.
If you need another affordable option in the area, the Hotel Central is a great backup. It’s super modern and friendly, and it’s just a two-minute walk from the iconic Hauptmarkt square.
The Hotel Elch Boutique is also a wonderful budget-friendly choice. This hotel actually dates back to 1342, making it one of Europe’s oldest hotels and offering a more authentic German experience.
Hauptbahnhof & Tafelhof
BEST FOR EASY TRANSPORT LINKS
Pros
- Unbeatable access to the main train station for arrivals and day trips
- Generally offers better value for money than hotels inside the Old Town walls
- Excellent connections to the U-Bahn, trams, and the airport
Cons
- Lacks the historic charm and atmosphere of the Altstadt
- The area immediately around the station can feel busy and functional
- You will need to walk a bit further to reach the main tourist sights
If convenience is your number one priority, Hauptbahnhof & Tafelhof is one of the most practical areas to stay in Nuremberg. This area is located just outside the southeastern edge of the Old Town, putting you just steps away from the main train station with excellent tram and U-Bahn connections. You’ll also be close to a few main attractions, including the city walls, Handwerkerhof, Königstraße, and the Germanisches Nationalmuseum.
Compared to staying inside the Altstadt, hotels here are often more affordable and offer better value for money, especially during busy periods like the Christmas market season. You’ll also find more modern hotels with conveniences like elevators, air conditioning, and larger rooms.
This area makes especially good sense if you’re planning day trips to places like Bamberg or Munich, traveling for business, or simply want stress-free logistics. And (one of the most underrated perks of the area), you won’t have to drag your heavy luggage over cobblestone streets after a long train ride!
The biggest tradeoff here is the atmosphere. While functional and convenient, Hauptbahnhof & Tafelhof feels more modern and less romantic than the medieval charm of the Old Town. Still, if easy transport and practicality matter most, it’s a smart, efficient base for exploring Nuremberg.
Sheraton Carlton Nuernberg – $$$
The Sheraton Carlton Hotel Nürnberg is our top luxury pick for the station area, and it’s probably one of our favorite hotels in the city!
The property itself sits right on the edge of the Old Town, giving you easy access to both the train station and Nuremberg’s main sights without feeling overly hectic. It also has a luxurious top-floor spa, where you’ll not only have access to an indoor pool, but you’ll also be treated to panoramic views of Nuremberg.
This is definitely a “treat yourself” kind of place, and you can expect rates to fall between €150 and €600+ per night, depending on the season.
If the Sheraton is full, don’t worry! The Le Méridien Grand Hotel Nürnberg is a fantastic historic hotel located directly opposite the station, making it super convenient for early train departures, late arrivals, or day trips around Bavaria.
The Leonardo Royal Hotel Nürnberg is another great luxury option, located within the historic Tafelhof Palais. We love this hotel because the rooms have air conditioning (a lifesaver in summer) and you’re just a 3-minute walk to the station.
Scandic Nürnberg Central – $$
For our mid-range pick, we cannot recommend the Scandic Nürnberg Central enough!
The hotel itself is clean and ultra-modern, with spacious rooms and excellent facilities for the price. There’s also a gorgeous indoor pool and fitness area, which can feel like a real treat after a long day of sightseeing or train travel. Breakfast is another highlight, with a generous Franconian and international buffet spread. Honestly, what more could you want from a city hotel?
Price-wise, you can expect rates to typically start around €70 per night and climb to €100+, depending on the season and room type.
Another lovely mid-range option near the station is the NH Collection Nürnberg City. This newly renovated hotel has both a restaurant and a spa on-site, which is always a plus for a mid-range stay.
We also like to recommend Cloud One Nürnberg to anyone visiting Nuremberg. This is an ultra-stylish city-center hotel with a stunning reception/lounge area and one of the loveliest rooftop bars in the city!
B&B Hotel Nürnberg-Hbf – $
If you’re looking for somewhere that’s even more budget-friendly, you’ve got to check out B&B Hotel Nürnberg-Hbf. It ticks a lot of boxes, and works especially well if you plan to spend most of your time out and about.
The soundproofed rooms are a real perk here, especially since you’re so close to the train station. You’ll also get air conditioning, which can make a big difference during warmer months. Location-wise, it’s hard to fault, with easy access to both the main train station (7-minute walk away) and the Hauptmarkt (15-minute walk away).
In terms of pricing, you can expect rates to begin at around €50 per night and range to €150+ for peak dates.
If you need another affordable option near the station, you can’t go wrong with the Premier Inn Nürnberg City Centre. We love this hotel because they offer a wide range of breakfast options, including both a continental spread and a full English/Irish breakfast.
The Best Western Hotel Nuernberg am Hauptbahnhof is also a solid value pick nearby. We like to recommend this hotel because they offer free bike rentals, which can be such a fun way to explore more of Nuremberg if the weather is on your side!
Top Activities to do in Nuremberg
Now that you have picked out your favorite area and hotel, you can start planning the rest of your trip! Nuremberg is full of history, stunning architecture, and a lively atmosphere. There is plenty to do, but let us help and browse our favorite activities below:
- Discover the city’s history – This history walking tour was the best way to learn about Nuremberg. It wasn’t all about the infamous WWII facts, but we learned about Nuremberg before and after as well, and it helped us navigate the city!
- Taste your way around Nuremberg – We loved this food tour, as we tasted regional specialties and classic German staples, as well as learning a lot about the city! Our local guide was a gem, making this a fun, tasty, and informational way to spend the day.
- Go on a ghost walk – For a fun way to see the city after dark, join this ghost walk. These are always fun, but even more so in a city with such a checkered past, like Nuremberg!
- Explore the Hesperides Gardens – These gardens are a lovely break from the bustling city life. Dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, enjoying these historic gardens is a must in Nuremberg!
- See the rock-cut cellars – Yet another unique piece of history lives under Nuremberg’s streets. The historic rock-cut cellars are a series of tunnels and cellars, historically used for brewing and storing beer! You can explore them for yourself, and it’s a memorable way to experience Germany!
Related Read: Need a few more activities to add to your itinerary? See our blog on the best things to do in Nuremberg and get the full scoop!
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Thanks for reading!
Nuremberg is a stunning city, and choosing the right area to stay is essential to experiencing it correctly! These top three areas will show you the best of the city, and our personal hotel recommendations will give you a place to rest, recharge, and get ready to explore again.
Be sure to check out the rest of our Europe blogs before you go! We love sharing our favorite places and experiences with fellow travelers. Here are a few related blogs to inspire your next destination – cheers!
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The Services We Recommend
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