Nuremberg is small. The medieval Altstadt is the only sensible stay.
Altstadt — for everything
Altstadt inside the medieval walls — the Imperial Castle, the cathedrals, the Christmas Market site. Best for: any Nuremberg stay.
Christmas Market timing (late Nov to 23 Dec)
Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt is among Germany's most-famous. Prices triple, hotels book out 6+ months in advance. Best week: 8-15 December (after rush, before peak). Avoid 18-23 December (peak).
What to avoid
- Hotels marketed as "Nuremberg" 30+ km out: Verify on a map.
- Hauptbahnhof-area hotels for non-train trips: Sterile, far from Altstadt.
Combined trip
Best Bavarian-Christmas 7-day: 3 Nuremberg + 2 Bamberg + 2 Munich. Or Nuremberg as Munich day-trip via direct ICE (1h).
For broader Christmas market context see European Christmas markets.