Wandering 8 Nuremberg Old City Squares, Part 1

The city center of Nuremberg, Germany, is known for its post-war rebuilt medieval architecture and historical significance. Within this area, there are several squares, typically known as a "Platz" in German. We're going to start in the main city square and circle our way out to the edges of the Altstadt (Old City). Nuremberg is one of my favorite cities in the world, and I am so lucky to live here and be able to hang out in so many cool places whenever I want.

1. Hauptmarkt (Main Market Square): This is one of the most famous squares in Nuremberg and is located in the heart of the city. It is known for its beautiful fountain, the Schöner Brunnen, and the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady). The Hauptmarkt is also where the annual Christkindlesmarkt (Christmas Market) takes place. There are great food options all over the square, and some kind of market vendors are setup, no matter the season.

2. Hans-Sachs-Platz: A nice open air space with a few cafés where the Children's Christmas Market is arranged during December. The square is filled with locals when it's not Christmas, facing the sunshine while sipping Aperol Spritz on the sidewalks.

3. Sebalder Platz: This area is just a few steps away from the Hauptmarkt, but you already start to feel less touristed and more local. The beautiful medieval church of St. Sebald is situated here, and it is a great spot to meet up before heading out to one of the delicious restaurants or fun bars nearby.

4. Egidienplatz: The sleeping rhinoceros is the main eye-catcher in this square, before drawing you upwards toward the gorgeous baroque church of St. Egidien. You're starting to get into the neighborhoods of Nuremberg, so don't be surprised by the influx of high school students from the Gymnasium (a college preparatory high school in the German system) across the way. Also tucked in at the top of this square is the historically renovated Pellerhaus, which now hosts a quirky board game museum.

5. Theresienplatz: This square is just a slide down from Egidienplatz, and is home to several cute cafés and spots to sit on a sunny day. The Martin-Behaim-Denkmal statue memorializes the trade merchant from the 1400s who created the "oldest surviving globe in the world." When you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Hauptmarkt and the Hauptbahnhof (main city train station), Theresienplatz is the perfect option to really feel at home in this wonderful European city.

6. Albrecht-Dürer-Platz: This square features a statue of Albrecht Dürer, the world-famous artist from Nuremberg. Herr Dürer is a main character in the city of Nuremberg, and his presence in this square (not far from his house-turned-museum) brings the valid reverence for the painter to all who come across it. Most will approach the square from the south view, seeing Dürer first from below as he stands proudly on the higher tilt of the plaza. Most Renaissance discussions focus on the movement in Italy, but Dürer's legacy reminds us that the Northern Renaissance outside of Italy was also alive and well, flourishing throughout the continent.

7. Lorenzer Platz: It is located at the impressive St. Lorenz Church and near to all the main shopping areas in Nuremberg. It has its own U-Bahn station (Lorenzkirche) and is impossible to miss in Nuremberg's city center. Throughout the year, you'll find open market stands, great coffee options, and depending on the season, either glühwein (mulled hot wine) or ice cream. It is the best square for people watching in the city, as the foot traffic is high and there are also nice spots to sit in the sun or shade, to your personal preference.

8. Unschlittplatz: This small square is known for its historic buildings and its connection to the Nuremberg trials after World War II. The architecture is special, as well as the views over the river Pegnitz. This space is best experienced by crisscrossing back and forth over the Pegnitz bridges to get the full effect of the perspective.

This is only the start of your tour! Be sure to check out the other half of this post for the full Nuremberg square experience: Wandering 8 More Nuremberg Old City Squares, Part 2.