Entertainment

Bavaria's second largest city is full of things to do at all times of the day and throughout the year. If you want to be up to date with what's going on once you're in Nuremberg, buy a copy of the 'Plärrer', the city's main magazine.

Events

The biggest annual event is of course the Christkindlesmarkt, which is one of the oldest Christmas markets. It attracts people from all over the world, as does the Toy Trade Fair. In the summer, the city is especially charming and events such as the Altstadtfest (Festival of the Old Town) and the Bardentreffen highlight its historic feel. If you're into sports, then why not visit during the Cycle Rally or the Norisringrennen?

Theatre and Dance

The Städtische Bühnen are the city's main meeting point for culture, with most dance performances taking place in the Opera house. The plays that are staged here range from classic to modern. There are also a host of excellent fringe and independent theatres, the most famous of which is no doubt the Gostner Hoftheater. The performances at the Burgtheater, the small Altstadthofbühne and the Theater Pfütze are also very popular.

Opera and Classical Music

Nuremberg is not known as having an operatic traditon as such, but the quality of opera here is still very high. The main venue is the Opernhaus, which is part of the Städtische Bühnen. The Pocket Opera Company has also become famous in recent years for its innovative approach to opera and the company often stages modern pieces. The biggest annual event for classical music fans is the Internationale Orgelwoche and a range of splendid concerts can also be visited at the Tafelhalle.

Rock, Pop and Jazz

The ruins of the St. Katharina monastery provide the perfect backdrop for concerts in the summer. Most of the artists who display their talents during the programme of events are representatives of the jazz, cabaret and classical scenes and greats such as Tim Fischer and Ladysmith Black Mombazo have performed here. Jazz is the centre of attention during the East-West Jazz Festival and live music can also be heard at the Starclub. When a really famous group, such as the Rolling Stones, comes to town, the Frankenstadion is usually the venue.


Museums and Galleries

The city's most renowned museum is the Germanic National Museum in the Lorenz Quarter. It's fascinating, focusing primarily on German history and culture, and should most definitely be incorporated into any schedule. To learn more about the city, visit the Town Museum. The Transport Museum and the Toy Museum are especially enjoyable for children. Nuremberg's patrician past is brought to life in Tucher's Little Castle and the Neunhof Castle. Fans of modern art and design should not miss the Neues Museum für Kunst und Design, or the Kunsthalle.


Cinema

Today's cinematic landscape is dominated by the CineCitta Multiplex, which has no less than ten cinemas plus a host of restaurants and shops. There are, however, also other large cinemas such as the Admiral situated in the Old Town. The Roxy Cinema has more of an art-house feel to it and often screens smaller-budget films. The Drive In Cinema (Autokino) in the northern part of the city is popular in the summer and if you're after foreign language films, the Roxy is for you.

Nightlife and Live Music

If you thought heavy metal and rock was declining in popularity, then you obviously haven't been to Nuremberg recently. The Rockfabrik is dedicated to airing this kind of music but don't despair, house or hip-hop fans are also catered for. The huge Planet Dance is a favorite. For an intimate, more upmarket night out, do as the locals and spend an evening in the Viper Room, If you want to see up and coming bands, visit the Starclub. If you're in the city during the summer, then an unmissable event is Rock in Park, a three day music festival. It is necessary to buy tickets in advance for this event.

Parks and Leisure

The City Park is not a vast leisure area, but is popular nonetheless, particularly with families. It is beautifully landscaped, but like all parks, it should be avoided after dark. The Volkspark Marienberg is an expansive outdoor area which is especially popular with families. The locals come here to cycle, run and in the summer, people meet up to have a barbeque. Children and adults alike enjoy visiting the Zoological Garden and the Planetarium.

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