It is bounded by (from the north and clockwise) the districts of Nürnberger Land, Amberg-Sulzbach, Schwandorf, Regensburg, Kelheim, Eichstätt and Roth.

Below is an outline of the history of Neumarkt, from its founding in the 12th century to its destruction in World War II.

The town's development can be divided into 5 periods: The beginnings of Neumarkt: The "new market" is founded on an important long-distance trade route.

Neumarkt falls under the rule of the Wittelsbach dynasty and is allotted to the Palatinate on the Rhine with the partitioning of the territory in 1329.

Count Palatine Frederick II transferred his residence from Amberg to Neumarkt and had constructed a palace.