Ranking as one of the city’s most popular attractions among children is the Lochgefängnisse, or dungeons of the old Town Hall. If your children are old enough to visit this gruesome place, they will be enlightened on torture methods from the Middle Ages. However, if you would rather your children didn’t suffer from nightmares; other suitable attractions might include a trip to the fascinating Natural History Museum or the Planetarium. For something a bit out-of-the-ordinary, try the Theater im KaLi for a puppet performance designed with kids in mind.

Lochgefängnisse
While not suitable for very young children, most youngsters will find this Nuremberg attraction fascinating. The creepy dungeons of the old Town Hall can be toured with a guide to reveal torture chambers dating from the Middle Ages. Learn about the grisly methods in which information was extorted and instruments used in punishment just 650 year ago.

Natural History Museum
Children will enjoy this museum, which was established by the Nuremberg Natural History Society in 1801. Fascinating collections of archaeology portraying prehistoric life and ancient civilisation will have you captivated, while geological collections present fossils and minerals. Displays are complemented by detailed information, meaning a trip here is also an educational experience, particularly for young ones. Phone: +49 911 22 7970.

Planetarium
Replacing Nuremberg’s original Planetarium, the 1960-building that houses this attraction today makes an ideal daytrip for adults with children. Exhibits here change frequently, with the programme of events offering an educational journey through space. The many facets of astronomy are investigated in an interactive way. Phone: +49 911 929 6553; website:www.bz.nuernberg.de/planetarium

Theater im KaLi
One of Nuremberg’s most unique attractions that will appeal to children, this theatre is actually home to two theatre companies: Theater Salz und Pfeffer (Salt and Pepper Theatre) and Tristan's Kompagnons (Tristan's Companions). The successful puppet performances of these two acclaimed theatre groups won the theatre the Nuremberg Prize for Cultural Development. Shows are held in the afternoons and evenings with nearly 200 puppetry shows taking place each year. Website: www.theater-im-kali.de

There is a wealth of cultural activities on offer in Nuremberg including museums that detail the city’s turbulent yet fascinating history, a castle and some beautiful churches. Many of the highlights are within walking distance of one another, making a walking tour a great way of exploring Nuremberg’s absorbing heritage. Don’t miss out on a trip to the celebrated Albrecht Dürer’s House, where the city’s most acclaimed artist once resided.

Albrecht Dürer House
One of Nuremberg’s most acclaimed artists; Albrecht Dürer lived and produced many of his greatest artworks in the city. Visitors can visit the medieval house where he lived until his death in 1528. The timbered home is situated adjacent to Tiergärtnertor and has been converted into a museum dedicated to the painter. Providing interesting insight into Dürer’s life as well as the city at that time, a guided tour is a worthwhile way to spend an afternoon in Nuremberg. Phone: +49 911 231 2568; website: www.museen.nuernberg.de/duerer/index_duerer

Church of St Jacob (Jakobskirche)
Formerly the site of a church that was handed to the Order of Teutonian Knights in 1209 by Emperor Otto IV, the present-day Church of St Jacob was built two centuries later, but still contains some sculptures from the earlier construction. Evidence of the Knights can still be seen in the two gravestones that reside here, which are imprinted with their insignia. The Gothic church boasts stunning stained glass windows and a Gothic-styled altar.

Neunhofer Castle (Schloss Neunhof)
Accessible by car, the 15^th century Neunhofer Castle is under the care of the Germanic National Museum. This fine example of a patrician house is open for exploration by visitors looking for a glimpse into the former lives of the wealthy patricians. On-site is a small church and pleasant Baroque-style gardens which are ideal for a summer stroll. The two imposing towers of the castle offer good views of the surrounding countryside.

New Museum for Art and Design
Focusing on contemporary art and design with the aim of promoting greater understanding of new media, the New Museum for Art and Design has a varied programme of events year-round. Frequently changing exhibits ensure this museum is never static, with modern, thought-provoking artworks taking precedence. Website: www.nmn.de

Old City Museum (Altstadtmuseum)
This museum was established in the Fembo House after WWII to commemorate the city’s former architectural magnificence. WWII bombings reduced the city to ruins, destroying some of the city’s most attractive medieval buildings. Fembo House dates from 1420 and was one of the few buildings of its period to have escaped Allied bombing. Its 30-plus panelled rooms which are open to the public house a rich collection of antique furniture and valuable artworks. Visitors can enjoy a model replica of pre-war Nuremberg which is enhanced by light and sound. Phone: +49 11 231 2595.

Spielzeugmuseum
The long-running Nuremberg tradition of toy-making is traced here through interesting exhibits and displays. Appealing to all ages, the fairly recent addition to Nuremberg’s list of museums covers a history dating 3,000 years. See the development of play things such as dolls, figurines, Lego, puppets, cars and model railways as well as more modern inventions such as video games. Housed in a lovely building, this museum is a unique chance to learn about the city’s toy-making heritage. Phone: +49 911 231 3260; website: www.museen.nuernberg.de/spielzeug/index

Nuremberg is known for its culinary delights, with German sausages and gingerbread ranking high on the list of must-eats. The vast majority of tourist-orientated restaurants are in the Altstadt, while there are a few choices around the Hauptbahnhof also. While outdoor eating is not widespread, al fresco dining becomes more available in the summer months, especially in the city squares, with restaurant terraces and cosy gardens getting decked out with chairs and tables.

Virtually every international cuisine is available in the city, with popular choices being Austrian, Swiss, Japanese and Italian. You will also find plenty of tavernas selling hearty local dishes at reasonable prices, where you can soak up the city’s atmosphere while you tuck in. If you just want a quick bite, locally-made sausages are available from stands and can be eaten in the street, while Königsstraße offers a good choice of fast-food outlets.

If you are eager to get to grips with the local Germanic fare, try some tasty bratwurst (sausage), with variations including those seasoned with caraway, thyme and garlic. The locals will be dismayed to see you coat these delicacies in ketchup, with the preferred condiment here being kren (horseradish); be prepared for a sensory explosion! Also not to be missed is the delicious potato salad and sauerkraut (pickled cabbage), the latter not being to everyone’s taste.

Once you’ve filled up on sausages, saving a bit of room for the local gingerbread, you can hit the city’s shops. The Altstadt is the busiest shopping hub, with three main shopping streets located near the White Tower (Weißer Turm) - Breite Gasse, Karolinenstrasse and Kaisserstraße - offering a good selection of souvenir goodies. For larger department stores, the connected Königsstraße has two of the city’s biggest. In the districts surrounding the Old Town, there is little in the way of good shopping.

While Nuremberg can get quite chilly in the winter months, the city’s residents make the most of the sun they do get. If the weather isn’t great, try one of the outdoor heated pools, where nudity is sometimes allowed. Despite the city having an excellent public transport network, it is best seen on foot. Taking a walking tour is the ideal way the see the main attractions and get exercise at the same time. If seeing the city from a bird’s eye view sounds enticing, the Nuremberg Flying Club offers tailor made scenic flights of the region.

Flying
If you fancy seeing Nurembergfrom a different perspective, head for Nuremberg Flying Club. The club is four clubs rolled into one including: the model flying club, gliding club, parachute club and the small plane club. Regardless of your level of experience, these clubs can cater to your interest with everything from trips in small aircraft to parachute-jumping in the Franconia countryside. Advance booking is not necessary. Phone: +49 911 529 8235. website: www.segelflug.de/vereine/nuernberg

Swimming
Nuremberg’s outdoor swimming pools come alive in the summer, with Germans taking advantage of every little bit of sun. However, even in the winter, you can make use of heated pools such as the one at the modern Hallenbad Nordost. This complex offers sun loungers, a paddling pool for kids and pools for teaching and racing purposes. Suitable for all ages, some of the city’s swimming pools even offer the opportunity to get your kit off, with designated nude sunbathing areas being common. Most of the pools have eateries and sports options too.

Walking
Both independent and organised walking tours of the city are a great way to make the most out of your trip. On foot, you will get to see the real character of the city’s architectural wonders, with the almost entirely pedestrianised Old Town (Altstadt) as well as the Sebalder and Lorenz districts attracting the most walkers. Informative two hour tours of the former Nazi party rally grounds are also available and hugely popular. Website: www.geschichte-fuer-alle.de