If you’re looking for the best things to do in Strasbourg, France, you’re going to love this post.
Granted, Strasbourg might not be the first city that comes to mind when planning a trip to France (I mean, Paris, duh), but Strasbourg should definitely be on your short list of places to visit in France!
This charming city, set in the Alsace region of France (near the France/Germany border), stole our hearts with its half-timbered houses, amazing Christmas markets, scenic canals, and incredible food.
Whether you are visiting for a weekend or including Strasbourg in part of a longer Alsace or Europe Christmas market itinerary, here are the top 10 things to do in Strasbourg, France, plus travel tips, tours, and must-know advice.
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Things to Do in Strasbourg, France
Top Tours & Experiences in Strasbourg
Explore the Grand Île (Strasbourg’s Historic District)
The Grand Île (translated to large island) is the island that sits in the historic center of Strasbourg and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so you know it must be good!
This is the area that we spent most of our time in during our visit to Strasbourg, since it contains most of the city’s famous sites.
Here you will find the Strasbourg Cathedral de Notre-Dame, Eglise Saint-Thomas, and Place Gutenberg.
I loved the French and German influences seen throughout the area’s architecture, which dated back to the Middle Ages; it’s truly like being in a fairytale!
The area is full of half-timbered houses, charming cafes and bakeries, and shops selling Alsatian souvenirs and wine.
Not only that, but this area is completely walkable, making it the perfect home base for your time in Strasbourg.
To get acquainted with the city right away, we took a private walking tour with a local and loved it!
Visit the Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathedral de Notre-Dame)
Built between the 12th and 15th centuries, the Strasbourg Cathedral de Notre-Dame is one of the most important Gothic cathedrals in all of Europe.
Marty especially loved photographing this beauty, as its pink sandstone exterior seemed to change color throughout the day.
Take time to go inside the cathedral to see its famous astronomical clock and beautiful centuries-old stained glass windows.
If you’re up for a bit of a climb, ascend the 332 steps to the viewing platform for a great view of the area, especially during the Christmas season when the markets are set up on the church square.
It is free to enter the cathedral, but they do charge a small fee to climb to the observation tower. Please see their website for current operating hours and prices.
Pro Tip: During high season, make your reservations for the viewing platform in advance, and arrive before 10 a.m. to beat the cruise ship crowds.
Explore Place Gutenberg
Close to the Strasbourg Cathedral is one of the city’s main squares. Dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg, inventor of the printing press, the square is a vital part of public life since medieval times.
I loved that the surrounding buildings represented historic Alsatian life with their half-timbered facades. Of course, the city’s charming carousel is a nice touch as well.
Wander Through La Petite France
La Petite France is like stepping back in time and into a storybook!
From the Grand Île, you can walk across the picturesque Pont du Faisan (a small footbridge dating back to 1888) to La Petite France.
This area is picture-perfect thanks to the historic half-timbered homes (dating back to the 16th century) and the picturesque canals.
We loved wandering around, capturing photos, and enjoying coffee at the cozy cafes.
For a fun tour, consider booking this Strasbourg Inst-worthy photography tour.
Pro Tip: Visit in the evening to enjoy the reflections of lit-up historic buildings on the water. It’s truly beautiful.
Visit the European Quarter & European Parliament
Since Strasbourg is one of the capitals of the European Union, it only makes sense to spend some time exploring the European Parliament.
If interested in this, the top sights include the Parc de l’Orangerie, the Palais de l’Eruope, and the European Parliament visitors center
Parc de L’Orangerie
The Orangerie is Strasbourg’s oldest park, famous for the many storks that visit and are also the symbol of Alsace. It’s a nice place to spend an afternoon for a stroll or a quiet picnic.
European Parliament
The European Parliament building is just down the street from l’Orangerie. Here, you can enjoy a tour and explore the exhibits to learn more about the role of Parliament. You can also see the Palais de l’Europe while you’re in the area.
Eat Traditional Alsatian Food
It’s no secret that we love eating local food while traveling. I mean, we have done food tours all over the world, including Dublin, Rome, Boston, and more!
Traditional Alsatian food blends French technique with German heartiness, which we found perfect for our American palates!
Of course, we recommend taking an Alsatian food tour to learn all about the cuisine while sampling some great local restaurants.
Some of our favorite dishes during our time in Alsace were:
- Choucroute garnie: Sauerkraut with sausages and meats
- Flammekueche: Thin flatbread with cream, onions, and bacon
- Baeckeoffe: Slow-baked meat and potatoes
- Raclette: Melted cheese scraped and served over potatoes, charcuterie, and pickles
Experience Strasbourg’s Christmas Markets (seasonal)
Our trip to Strasbourg was during the Christmas Market season, and we absolutely LOVED IT!
One visit and you understand why Strasbourg is called ‘the Capital of Christmas.’
The town comes to life with millions of twinkling lights and over 300 festive stalls serving up delicious Alsatian cuisine, mulled wine, and loads of artisan crafts. It’s truly delightful.
Plan your visit in late November to December to experience the Strasbourg Christmas Markets for yourself.
Pro Tip: If you are planning to visit during the Christmas Markets, be sure to book well in advance (we booked in March for a Dec trip). Strasbourg is very popular during the holidays, and accommodations will sell out.
Visit the Strasbourg Museums & Cultural Sites
To learn more about Alsatian culture and history, visit Strasbourg’s museums and cultural sites.
Some top picks include:
- Alsatian Museum (regional life and traditions)
- Strasbourg Historical Museum
- Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
- Musée Tomi Ungerer- an Alsatian artist and writer
- Musée de l’Oeuvre Notre-Dame- containing many originals removed from the cathedral to protect them
- Palais Rohan- containing 3 museums
Pro Tip: Check out the Strasbourg City Pass if you plan to visit multiple museums, as this could save you some money!
Visit the Place Kléber
Place Kléber is the main square in Strasbourg with lots of cute cafes and shops, making it a great area to explore.
If you are visiting during the holiday season, you will also find the Strasbourg Christmas tree here.
Enjoy a Sightseeing River Cruise
While we definitely recommend exploring Strasbourg on foot, you can easily take a break from walking and enjoy a sightseeing cruise along the Ill River.
These cruises, which give guided tours in English, allow you to see the city from a different vantage point. You will cruise past the Grand Île, through Neustadt, and the European Quarter. Along the way, you will see the covered bridges and the Barrage Vauban from a different viewpoint.
Where to Stay in Strasbourg
Here are the best areas to stay in Strasbourg depending on your travel style:
- Best Area for First-Time Visitors: Grande Île
- Best Romantic Area: Petite France
- Best Quiet Area: European Quarter
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Browse Day Trips from Strasbourg
Strasbourg Frequently Asked Questions
Is Strasbourg Worth Visiting?
The short answer…YES! Strasbourg offers a mix of history, culture, food, and scenic beauty in a compact, easy-to-navigate city.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Strasbourg
Most visitors spend 2-3 days in Strasbourg. This allows time to explore the city, see the major sites, and enjoy Alsatian cuisine. We recommend adding a few days if you would like to take day trips to other cities in Alsace, such as Colmar or the Alsatian Wine Route.
What is the Best Time to Visit Strasbourg?
The best time to visit Strasbourg is May to June and September to October if you want nice weather and fewer crowds. Of course, we loved Strasbourg during the Christmas Market season, but it does get very crowded this time of year.
What’s the Best Way to Get Around Strasbourg?
Strasbourg is a very compact city. We recommend walking, biking, or taking public transit during your visit.
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Michelle Snell– Founder/Writer
Michelle is a Texas-based travel creator who has spent years exploring Texas, Europe, Mexico, and destinations across the U.S. She shares thoughtful, experience-based travel guides focused on great scenery, good food, and easy, enjoyable trips.
Born and raised in Texas, Michelle Snell graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and her Master’s Degree from Texas Wesleyan University. Her passion for travel has taken her all over the world. She has received multiple awards for her writing. She has been featured in numerous publications, including Travel Awaits, Fort Worth Magazine, Fort Worth Weekly, NewsBreak, Voyage Dallas, Ella Inspires Magazine, and more. You can view her complete profile on MuckRacks and explore the section on this website, Why Trust Us?