If you’re considering a trip to the Alsace region of France, make sure not to miss out Strasbourg – the capital of this region. There are plenty of things to do to keep you busy for a weekend in Strasbourg. A beautiful city for wandering, taking in the architecture and sampling the local cuisine and wine. Here is all the information you need for what to visit in Strasbourg, France.
The Strasbourg 7-day City Pass is a great way to save a bit of money when deciding on what to visit in Strasbourg. Once the pass is purchased you then get discounts at the major attractions like the cathedral viewing tower, boat trip, museums, walking tours and museum entry.
You can purchase the 7-day Strasbourg City Pass here for €5.
Where is Strasbourg?
On the border of both France and Germany, the picturesque, medieval town of Strasbourg, France is located in the Alsace region. The capital of this region, Strasbourg has a wonderful mix of French and German influences. It is also easy to travel between some of the other bigger towns in the Alsace region with Strasbourg to Colmar only 30mins away by train. You can check the France trains here.
How to get to Strasbourg?
Strasbourg has an airport with many european destinations flying into Strasbourg. There is a twice weekly flight from London Gatwick. Alternatively it is well connected by train and only aroud 2hours from Paris. Check out the French rail options here.
If you are looking at travelling to Strasbourg on a long haul flight then an alternative option is flying to Frankfurt, Germany or Basel, Switzerland. Both airports have many options and are only about 2.5hour drive or train to Strasbourg.
If you are looking to rent a car, we always use Rental Cars as they compare all the rental companies to give you the best prices locally. You can check prices by clicking the link here.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a transfer from the airport check out Holiday Taxis who offer a range of cars and transport options.
Is 2 days in Strasbourg enough?
Yes, Strasbourg is a small city with a population of only 276,000. It is an easy city to navigate on foot thus doing all your sightseeing in Strasbourg in a short time. There is an abundance of amazing restaurants and plenty of pretty walks around the city. However, if you are planning on staying longer then you shouldn’t really get bored.
Where to stay in Strasbourg
There is an array of hotels in Strasbourg to choose from to fit every budget. As Strasbourg is easy to navigate by foot and tram, if you stay centrally then it makes moving around the city finding what to visit in Strasbourg easier.
Budget Friendly Accommodation in Strasbourg
- Novotel Hotel Central Halles – A centrally located hotel that is attached to a shopping centre with Primark opposite and a few metres from a tram station. The rooms are a decent size with a big shower, good breakfast and a downstairs bar.
- Hotel Ibis Strasbourg – attached to the Novotel Hotel Strasbourg at a more budget friendly price. The rooms are smaller and more basic but location is the same.
Luxury Accommodation in Strasbourg
- Maison Rouge Strasbourg Hotel – part of the Autograph collection this hotel is in Place Keber. A historic building with a spa and comfortable rooms centrally located.
- Hotel and Spa Regent Petit France – in the fairytale area, a converted 17th century mill with a restaurant, champagne bar and spa overlooking the river Ill. A true Strasbourg experience.
What to visit in Strasbourg
The great thing about Strasbourg is that most of the city can be explored by foot. Here is a list of the best things to do during your weekend in Strasbourg.
One of my favourite things to do when arriving in a city is to take a walking tour with a local guide. It is a great way to find your way around, get recommendations for the best places to eat and drink and things to see and do in Strasbourg. We always use Get your Guide for the best tours, you can click here for some options.
1. Visit La Petit France
Wandering the streets of La Petit France is like entering a fairytale world. A beautiful, historic area with cobbled streets and canals. This area can easily be explored by foot, stopping to take in the half-timbered houses, admiring the views and being transported back in time. As always, my recommendation would be to explore this area early morning before the crowds.
- Place Benjamin Zix – start here and look out for Maison des Tanneurs an old tanners house (where animal skins used to be made into leather). This is now a restaurant. We didn’t eat there but it was always busy and a popular choice.
- Quai de la Bruche – discover this peaceful spot, away from the crowds. Enjoy the canal views.
- Pont du Faisan – the swing bridge moves up and down to let boats pass. Wander across the bridges through the canals.
- Vauban Dam – these covered bridges were built as a defence system dam. Make sure to climb the stairs and visit the terrace where you will be treated to an outstanding view of La Petit France Strasbourg.
Take a padlock with you to leave on the bridges along the way, a permanent memory of your sightseeing in Strasbourg.
2. Spend time at Cathedrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg
Strasbourg Cathedral or Cathedrale de Strasbourg is a magnificent building towering over the city. Taking over 400 years to build, with a stunning exterior full of detailed sculptures and stained glass windows it is a true work of art.
When is the best time to visit Strasbourg Cathedral?
Cathedrale Strasbourg is made from pink sandstone and changes colour depending on the light. It looks golden at sunrise and deep red at sunset. Visit early at sunrise, the cathedral opens at 7am so you can get inside before the crowds.
What tine does Strasbourg Cathedral Open?
The Cathedral of Strasbourg is open from 7am to 7pm for visitors. However, the viewing platform is open 10am to 6pm daily.
Remember that this cathedral is fully functioning so be aware of mass times and that the cathedral might be closed to visitors during these times.
- Weekday mass in Strasbourg Cathedral is at 7.30am and 9am
- Saturday mass in Cathedral of Strasbourg is at 9am
- Sunday masses in Cathedrale de Strasbourg are at 9.30am, 11am and 6pm
If you are visiting during a mass please remember to be respectful of the service.
Is there a fee to enter Strasbourg Cathedral?
It is free to enter Strasbourg Cathedral, however there is a fee to visit the viewing platform. It costs €8 for Adults to enter, €5 for children aged 6-18 and free for those under 6. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance on Place du Château Square.
Can I see the astronomical clock in Strasbourg Cathedral?
Yes! The astronomical clock in Cathedrale de Strasbourg is one of the most famous in the world and dates back to the 16th century. If you can, make sure you are there at 12.30pm for the show where figures and parts of the clock move. If you have visited Prague, it is very similar to the medieval clock Prague Orloj attached to the Town Hall in Prague.
3. Boat Cruise along Ill River
One of the best things to visit in Strasbourg is a boat cruise along Ill River. Known locally as the Batorama boats purely because this is the name of the company that operates the boats up and down the river. They are large, glass-enclosed boats designed to give you the best views of the Strasbourg landmarks. There are usually audio guides available to give you information about the landmarks.
The most popular cruise routes are the The Classic Route which takes you up and down the famous La Petit France, passing the historic houses and bridges. The European Quarter Tour which focuses on the modern side of Strasbourg, giving views of the contemporary buildings and European institutions. Finally, there is a night cruise which takes in the magical views of the city lit up at night.
4. Visit the European Parliament
Strasbourg has a key institution building, the European Parliament, in the European Quarter of the city. It is open to visitors from 9am-6pm on Monday to Saturday, cllosed on Sundays. Check before visiting to see if parliament is in session. A visitor centre and interactive exhibits are avilable with audio guides. It is free to enter, bring your passport.
5. Explore Parc de l’Orangerie
A beautiful city park just outside the centre of Strasbourg. Parc de l’Orangerie has lovely gardens for a walk around, a playground, a lake and even a small zoo. Le Buerehiesel restaurant is in the centre of the park, in a traditional 1800s house with a glass conservatory. Highly rated for delicious Alsace French food.
6. Explore Musée Alsacien
If you are interested in learning more about the history of the Alsace region then make sure to check out Musée Alsacien in Strasbourg. The museum offers an insight into the culture, traditions and heritage.
Opening hours 10am-6pm except for Mondays. The museum is located in the La Petit France and costs around €7-€8 per adult.
7. Visit the Strasbourg Christmas Market
The Strasbourg Christmas Market or Christkindelsmarik is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Europe. It’s often referred to as the “Capital of Christmas.” The market usually opens at the end November and closes on Christmas Eve. Expect to find over 300 stalls, food and drink, street performances, Christmas carollers, a Christmas parade, Christmas decorations and in the centre, a huge 30m Christmas tree – one of the tallest in Europe.
Be prepared for crowds, particularly on weekends. Bring cash and be prepared to step back into a Christmas fairy tale.
8. Sample the Local Alsace Wine and Cuisine
Do not leave Strasbourg without working your way through the delicious Alsace food. Hearty food with German and French influences. Tarte flambée is local thin-based pizza with an array of toppings. Choucroute Garnie is Sauerkraut with Meat, sauerkraut served with sausages, pork belly or ham and potatoes. Tarte à l’Oignon is Onion tart, similar to a quiche often with bacon. Baeckeoffe is an Alsatian Stew, a casserole served in a ceramic dish with pork, beef, lamb and potatoes. Coq au Riesling is Coq au Vin but served with local Alsace white wine Riesling.
A great way to get introduced to the Alsace food is by doing a Strasbourg food tour which will give you a great introduction to everything on offer. A good option can be found clicking here with excellent reviews.
Alsace Wine
Asace is known for its white wine particularly Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris. I also enjoyed some local red Pinot Noir during my weekend in Strasbourg.
Alsace Wine Tour
A half day Alsace wine tour trip is also a great idea when looking at what to visit in Strasbourg. This tour takes you to visit 2 wineries where you get a great introduction to the wine of the region. Click here for all the information.
Where to eat in Strasbourg
Personally, I don’t think you can go far wrong with restaurants in Strasbourg. Everywhere we tried was homely, traditional and the food was fantastic.
A few tried and tested Strasbourg restaurants to add to your list:
- La Corde à Linge – (the Clothes Line – look out for the aaron clothes dangling on a clothes line!) located close to La Petite France area with a cozy, rustic atmosphere. Highly recommend the cordon bleu with veal. Delicious!
- Chez Yvonne – a traditional winstub with authentic Alsation cuisine. Close to the cathedral, tucked up a small alleyway. This restaurant is popular with both tourists and locals making it a popular place to eat in Strasbourg. If you are a larger group they have smaller, private rooms upstairs. Traditional decor with many pictures on the walls, wooden beams and friendly staff. Highly recommend the entrecôte – the beef steak.
- Le Grand Tigre – a big airy restaurant with a large conservatory, popular so make sure you book. The tarte flambée is delicious and the waiters will recommend the best options, perfect for sharing.
Is Strasbourg, France worth visiting?
Yes, definitely! If you’re looking for a weekend escape or as part of a longer trip to the Alsace region then make sure to include a visit to Strasbourg. A charming, beautiful city that is easy to navigate, offers delicious food and wine and has plenty to see and do during your time there. You won’t be disappointed! Enjoy!
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