When travellers picture the quintessential German city, they are likely picturing Nuremberg, whether they realise it or not. The Nuremberg city centre is chock-full of classically Bavarian sights like Gothic churches, half-timbered houses, breweries and beer gardens galore.
Chief attractions of the Nuremberg city centre include the Nuremberg Castle and the City Walls of Nuremberg. Together, they form one of the most impressive medieval fortifications of Europe. Other points of interest include the St. Lawrence Church, St. Sebald Church, and, during the holiday season the Christkindlesmarkt.
The Mitte neighbourhood of the Nuremberg city centre is easy to navigate on foot. To reach other parts of the city, there is a U-Bahn metro system, S-Bahn regional train system and plenty of local bus lines. The Nuremberg Airport is a mere 15 minutes away by train, bus or taxi. The Hauptbahnhof, or main train station with both U-Bahn and S-Bahn platforms, is centrally located.
Many associate Nuremberg with the Nazi period of German history, but long before World War II, the city centre was an important stronghold of the Holy Roman Empire. It is from this era that the city gained its iconic castle and city walls complex, constructed over the course of the 12th through 16th centuries.