The city is teeming with popular attractions including prominent landmarks, historical sites and stunning churches and squares. Whether you are here to take in Nuremberg’s war history as a Nazi centre, or you wish to soak up the reconstructed medieval charm, you will find abundant sites to explore.

Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche)
As the focus point of Main Market (Hauptmarkt), this lovely church overshadows the city’s heart of activity. Initiated by Emperor Karl IV in the early 1800s, the church is a fine example of the master builder’s work, Peter Parler. As one of Franconia’s oldest churches and Nuremberg’s primary Catholic church, it is a must-visit. Each year, the church elects a ‘Christ Child’ who is then responsible for officially opening the Christmas Market (Christkindlsmarkt) held in the square. Guided tours of the church are available. Phone: +49 911 20 6560.

Ehekarussell-Brunnen
Ludwigsplatz is home to Jürgen Weber’s controversial fountain, Marriage Carousel. Constructed in 1984, the fountain and its cost caused distress among some of Nuremberg’s citizens. The six bitter-sweet stages of marriage depict both positive and negative aspects from the beginning of love until death, including passion, greed and lack of appreciation. Inspired by Hans-Sachs poem Bittersweet Married Life, the fountain’s proud place in the Old City is still a contentious issue for some.

Felsengänge
These underground enclaves are fascinating because of their use in WWII as a hide-away for precious works of art as well as barrels of wine and beer. Guided tours of these underground passages, 15 metres below the city’s castle, finish at Nuremberg’s smallest brewery, which is known for its traditional century-old brewing methods.

Kettensteg
An iconic landmark of Nuremberg, the Kettensteg free-hanging suspension bridge is the oldest of its kind in Germany. Wooden and steel support pillars keep the original structure in place in an effort to preserve this historical monument, which was seen as a feat of engineering when it was constructed in 1824. Its designer Johann Georg Kuppler also played a key role in developing Germany’s first railroad.

Reichsparteitagsgelände
This monumental parade is a significant reminder of the city’s past as a centre for Third Reich parades. Constructed in the 1930s by the Nazis, the grounds were used for the Nuremberg Rallies, held here from 1933 to 1938. Now a dedicated museum, this well-preserved example of Nazi architecture offers guided tours of the site. Phone: +49 911 231 5666; website: www.museen.nuernberg.de/reichsparteitag/index

Pick up some traditional handicrafts at Craftsmen’s Courtyard. This miniature village offers some great Franconian crafts in a charming setting just opposite the Hauptbahnhof. Small workshops line the alleyways, where you can spot craftsmen at work producing everything from candles to glassworks and dolls.

Quiver to the sound of sweet voices at the Opera House, one of Germany’s most beautiful. Part of the State Theatre Nuremberg complex, the Opera House has a distinctive place on the city’s skyline and the performances presented here are acclaimed internationally.

Shop until you drop at the Christmas Market, one of Nuremberg's long-held Christmas traditions. Shoppers flock to Hauptmarkt to enjoy the century-old opening ceremony and shop in the shadow of the lovely Frauenkirche church. Pick up gifts including handmade toys and arts and crafts, or purchase festive decorations for your house or tasty treats for your Christmas dinner table.

Spend an afternoon people-watching at Zoo Gate Square (Tiergärtnerplatz). This square comes alive with activity in the summer months as visitors flock to appreciate its architectural beauty, including the Albrecht Dürer Haus. Browse the street vendors and soak up some musical performances by buskers.

Take a walking tour of the city and get to know Nuremberg in a new light. Geschichte fuer Alle is a local organisation that offers two-hour tours designed to appeal to different interests. Visitors can choose between history walks covering historic sites such as Courtroom 600, the scene of the Nuremberg War Trials, Church of St Sebald, Hospital of the Holy Spirit and former Nazi rally grounds, or they can explore specialist subjects such as the life of Nuremberg artist Albrecht Dürer or make a culinary journey through the city to sample its gingerbread, beer and sausage. Website: www.geschichte-fuer-alle.de

Watch a movie at Cinecitta, the city’s most modern-looking multiplex that is more than just a movie house. Its 19 regular screens are complemented by an underground IMAX theatre, an outdoor theatre, shops, eateries and bars, making this a cinema with a difference.