Nuremberg is a city of red-roofed medieval streets, a castle on the hill and a compact old town that sits comfortably inside its old walls. For a visitor, most of what you will want to see is concentrated in that central area, which makes choosing where to sleep unusually straightforward.
The city spreads out from the Pegnitz river and the castle, with the old town at its heart. Around it lie the main transport hubs, and beyond them the districts where you find cheaper rooms and more space. This guide covers the areas worth considering as a base, what each is like and who it suits, so you can match a location to the kind of trip you are planning.
Best areas to stay in Nuremberg
1. The Old City
This is the historic centre, the area inside the walls, and the most convenient base for most visitors. You are within walking distance of the main sights, restaurants and the river, and the streets are quiet enough in places to feel removed from the bustle. It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to spend their time on foot.
Accommodation here runs from small hotels in old buildings on quiet side streets to larger, more modern places, including options close to the main station at the edge of the old town. The trade-off is that this is the busiest and most popular part of the city, so it pays to book early.
2. Near the main train station (Hauptbahnhof)
The area around the Hauptbahnhof sits just outside the old town and is the most practical base if you are arriving or leaving by train, or using the city as a stopover. The old town is a short walk away, and the station connects you to the U-Bahn and the rest of the city.
You find a mix of mid-range and larger chain hotels here, along with some budget and hostel options nearby. It is a good choice for business travellers and for anyone who values easy connections over atmosphere. Expect some street noise around the station itself.
3. Near Plärrer
Plärrer is just outside the south-west corner of the old city. It is a quieter, more everyday part of town, but still within walking distance of many of the central sights, and roughly a twenty-minute walk from the Hauptbahnhof.
This area suits travellers who want to be close to the centre without being in the middle of it, and it works well for those relying on public transport, since several lines meet here. The accommodation is mostly mid-range, with a few budget options, and the streets are calmer than around the station.
4. North of the Old City
The districts north of the old town are more residential and spread out, with good transport links into the centre and out towards the airport. This is where you find some of the cheaper rooms in the city.
It suits budget travellers and anyone who needs to be near the airport or the exhibition centre rather than the historic sights. You will rely more on the U-Bahn here, and some addresses sit in commercial or less scenic surroundings, so check the exact location before booking.
5. South of the Old City
The area south of the old town is largely residential, with a handful of smaller, family-run places to stay. It is a quieter alternative to the centre, still within reach of the sights.
This suits travellers who prefer a calmer base and do not mind a short trip into the old town. Accommodation here is limited, so it is worth booking ahead if this is the area you want.
6. West of the city
The western districts are further from the centre and more mixed in character, with some commercial zones alongside residential streets. Rooms here tend to be cheaper, and you are within reach of the exhibition centre and the main transport lines.
It suits budget travellers and business visitors who prioritise price and connections over proximity to the old town. Be aware that some locations are a fair walk from the nearest U-Bahn stop, so plan your route before you commit.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: hostels and simple guesthouses, often with shared bathrooms and guest kitchens, concentrated around the station and in the districts north and west of the centre. Some have age restrictions or require membership, so check the conditions before booking.
- Mid-range: small independent hotels in old buildings within the old city, and larger chain hotels near the station, around Plärrer and just outside the walls. Expect private rooms with en-suite bathrooms and breakfast available.
- Splurge: a smaller number of higher-end and country-style places, including options close to the exhibition centre, some with an on-site restaurant.
Best area for a first visit
The Old City is the best base for a first visit. It puts the castle, the river, the main squares and most of the sights within walking distance, so you spend your time exploring rather than travelling. If you want the convenience of the station as well, the streets at the old town's edge near the Hauptbahnhof give you both.
Frequently asked questions
Which area is best if I am arriving by train?
Stay near the Hauptbahnhof, just outside the old town. It connects you to the U-Bahn and the rest of the city, and the old town is only a short walk away.
Where should I stay on a budget?
Look at the districts north and west of the old city, and around the station, where hostels and simpler guesthouses are concentrated. Some budget places have age limits or membership requirements, so check before you book.
Is the old town noisy?
It is the busiest part of the city, but some rooms sit on quiet side streets or across from the city walls, which keeps noise down. If quiet matters to you, ask about the room's position when booking.
Which area is best for the exhibition centre or airport?
The districts north of the old city and the western edge of the city are the most practical for both, with good transport links and cheaper rooms than the centre.
Compare live prices for your dates using the booking tools on this page before you decide.