22 Best Things to Do in Strasbourg, France

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Strasbourg is a gorgeous French city. There’s really no other way to describe it. With adorable half-timbered houses, cute cobbled streets, and absolutely delicious cuisine, there are so many great things to do in Strasbourg. 

We visited the city in December. And, for a city known as the ‘Capital of Christmas’, it really didn’t disappoint. However, Strasbourg is beautiful any time of year and is suitable for history lovers, those who simply love architecture or gorgeous city streets, or even those who love nature and the outdoors. 

22 Things to do in Strasbourg, France

So, if you’re planning a trip to this gorgeous French city, here are the absolute best things to do in Strasbourg, France.

1. Explore The Grand-Île

This gorgeous area is effectively the historic centre of the city. This old town area, also known as the “Grand Island,” is located in the city of Strasbourg, France. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture.

The Grande Île is situated at the heart of Strasbourg, surrounded by the Ill River, which branches into several canals within the island, giving the area its distinct character. It’s also home to many of the best things to do in Strasbourg, such as the beautiful cathedral, La Pteit France, and the Place Gutenberg.

You can spend hours just wandering the streets here, admiring the buildings, and taking photographs of the architecture.

To book a guided Segway tour of Strasbourg, click here.

2. Visit Strasbourg Cathedral

This majestic cathedral is at the heart of the Grand Ile. Officially named the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, is a magnificent masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The cathedral is celebrated for its intricate façade adorned with countless sculptures and the awe-inspiring spire that once made it the world’s tallest building. 

The interior is equally breathtaking, featuring stunning stained glass windows, an astronomical clock, and a remarkable pipe organ. There are lots of sculptures and artwork around the inside too. With a history dating back to the 12th century, it’s a very impressive building and well worth a visit if you’re in Strasbourg.

You’ll also find the Christmas markets located underneath this Cathedral in the winter months. So you definitely won’t miss it if you’re visiting Strasbourg in December. 

3. The Place Gutenberg

This charming square is another of the best places to visit in Strasbourg. And it’s also another that will be pretty tricky to miss! Located in the heart of the city, it’s a bustling hub of activity, surrounded by a mixture of cute cafes, restaurants, historic buildings, and shops. 

The whole place is a pretty vibrant and lively atmosphere and you’ll find both tourists and locals milling around here. It’s also a good starting point for exploring the historic Grand Ile as there are so many great things to do in Strasbourg within easy access of this square.  

4. Admire Église Saint-Thomas

One of Strasbourg’s most beautiful churches, Église Saint-Thomas is a protestant church. Known for its elegant architecture, which dates back to the 12th century, it plays a pretty significant part in Strasbourg’s religious history and has served both Catholic and Protestant congregations in the past. 

Today, you can explore both the outside and inside of this church. The spire on the outside is particularly impressive and, inside, the stained-glass windows and gorgeous. I especially loved the intricate rose window.

5. See Barrage Vauban

This former defensive bridge and dam is one of the most striking structures in Strasbourg. It was constructed in the 17th century and originally served as part of the city’s defensive system, designed to protect Strasbourg from potential invasions. As such, you can see the blend of military architecture and decorative elements when you view the bridge up close.

Today, the Barrage Vauban is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction. It offers stunning views of Strasbourg’s historic district and the surrounding canals from its rooftop terrace and is one of the best places to see the city.

6. Wander Around La Petite France

This is possibly the cutest area of the city and easily one of the best things to do in Strasbourg. La Petite France is a picturesque and enchanting district located within Strasbourg’s historic Grande Île in France. This charming neighbourhood is known for its half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and canals. It literally looks like it was taken straight out of a storybook. 

La Petite France is a popular destination. You can wander its narrow streets, visit artisan shops, and dine at traditional Alsatian restaurants.

The canals add to the district’s romantic ambience, and you can often see colourful flowers hanging from the windowsills of the historic buildings. This, coupled with the general beauty of the area, makes it one of the most iconic and photogenic areas in Strasbourg.

7. Visit the Alsatian Museum

If you love exploring the history of a city, you’ll love the Alsatian Museum in Strasbourg. The museum is dedicated to showcasing the rich heritage and traditions of the region. 

Inside, you’ll find an extensive collection of artefacts, folk art, costumes, and historical objects, offering a comprehensive insight into the daily life, customs, and history of the Alsatian people. You can explore exhibits that depict rural and urban life, craftsmanship, religious practices, and the unique cultural identity of the region. You can also learn about Strasbourg’s position in the European Parliament.

The museum provides a fascinating window into the region’s unique blend of French and German influences. It’s one of the best things to do in Strasbourg and an excellent place to gain a deeper understanding of Alsace’s cultural identity.

8. Walk Across Ponts Couverts

This reminded me of the covered bridges in Florence. ‘Ponts Couverts’ literally translates to ‘covered bridges. Dating back to the 13th century, this picturesque site consists of three medieval bridges and four fortified towers. The name ‘covered bridges’ comes from the wooden canopies that used to protect the bridges.

Like the Barrage Vauban, this was also once part of Strasbourg’s defensive system. Today, they offer a gorgeous viewpoint from their towers. The arched bridges surrounded by the picturesque River Ill make it a popular photography spot and a beautiful attraction within the city.

9. Explore The Neustadt

Exploring the surrounding neighbourhoods is one of my favourite things to do in a new city and visiting the Neustadt is one of the best things to do in Strasbourg. Meaning ‘new town’ in German, this historical district is located just outside Strasbourg’s historic centre. It was primarily developed in the early 20th century when Alsace was under German rule. Hence why it has a distinctive German feel to it along with an architectural design from Germany in that period. 

The Neustadt features wide avenues, elegant squares, and a mix of architectural styles, including Art Nouveau and Art Deco. Some of its notable landmarks include the Strasbourg Palais du Rhin, the University of Strasbourg, and the striking National and the elaborately decorated University Library. 

Today, the Neustadt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and provides a fascinating contrast to the city’s older, more medieval quarters. It offers a glimpse into the cultural and historical influences that have shaped Strasbourg over the years.

10. See Maison Kammerzell

Maison Kammerzell is a renowned and exquisitely adorned half-timbered house located in the heart of Strasbourg, France. Dating back to the 15th century, this historic building is famous not only for its remarkable preservation but also for its ornate exterior.

Elaborately carved wooden beams and decorative motifs cover the façade, displaying intricate scenes from daily life and folklore. Today, Maison Kammerzell serves as a traditional Alsatian restaurant, where you can eat local specialities, such as choucroute and flammekueche, in a charming, medieval setting.

11. Visit Strasbourg’s Archaeological Museum

Another one for history lovers, the Archeological Museum is one of the best things to do in Strasbourg. This fascinating museum is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the archaeological heritage of the Alsace region. 

Housed in a historic building (that was formerly a Renaissance-era slaughterhouse), the museum’s exhibits showcase a wide range of archaeological finds, artefacts, and ancient relics. You can explore the rich history of the area, from prehistoric times to the Roman era and beyond. The museum features an impressive collection of artefacts, including pottery, sculptures, jewellery, and tools, providing valuable insights into the region’s past.

12. Explore The Krutenau

Another gorgeous neighbourhood located within the Grande Ile, the Kratenau has a relaxed and almost bohemian atmosphere. The district is characterized by narrow, winding streets, historic buildings with colourful facades, and a diverse population of students, artists, and locals. 

You’ll find cute cafes, trendy bars, and great restaurants offering traditional cuisine, tucked alongside several fascinating historical sites. This includes St Nicholas Church and the Place de Zurich. It’s a great blend of history and modern life in Strasbourg.

13. Visit the Place Kleber

This gorgeous square in Strasbourg is another of the city’s bustling focal points. It’s a pretty busy place with notable buildings surrounding it and a collection of cute cafes and shops around the outside. 

Place Kleber is a popular place for both locals and tourists. You’ll find plenty of events held here throughout the year, and also a giant Christmas tree here in the winter months. If you are visiting during Christmas, this is also a great place to grab a delicious creamy hot chocolate from one of the surrounding cafes.

14. Explore Palais des Rohan

This remarkably artistic palace is easily one of the best things to do in Strasbourg. Constructed in the 18th century, the architecture here is stunning. You’ll find the inside divided into three main museums: Strasbourg Museum of Fine Arts, the Decorative Arts Museum, and the Archaeological Museum. 

These museums house an extensive collection of artworks, furniture, decorative items, and archaeological artefacts, making the Palais Rohan a cultural treasure trove. In addition to its historical significance, the palace itself is a splendid example of French classical architecture, with ornate interiors, beautiful gardens, and a grand façade that has become an iconic landmark in Strasbourg.

15. See the Église du Temple-Neuf de Strasbourg

This striking church is another of the best things to do in Strasbourg. Located on the banks of the River Ill, this is an elegant building, which dates back to the 19th century. Its Romanesque style contrasts with the city’s predominantly Gothic and medieval architecture.

It features a majestic exterior with intricate carving and a pretty, amber-colour. Inside is just as impressive with a rose window and lots of beautiful stained glass. Its location, near the historic centre and river, makes it a convenient place to visit when exploring the city.

16. See Strasbourg’s Astronomical Clock

Located inside the Strasbourg Cathedral, the astronomical clock is a masterpiece of medieval engineering. One of my favourite clocks throughout Europe (as well as the astronomical clock in Prague and the Corpus Clock in Cambridge), it was originally constructed in the 16th century and underwent extensive restoration in the 19th century. 

The clock’s intricate mechanisms not only tell the time but also display various astronomical and astrological features, including the positions of the stars and planets, phases of the moon, and various other celestial events. The Strasbourg Astronomical Clock is not only a historic timekeeping device but also a stunning work of art 

17. Take a Boat Tour Along the River Ill

There’s something so magical about seeing a city from the water and a boat tour is easily one of the best things to do in Strasbourg. There are lots of different options for boat trips – you can go on a lunch cruise, a dinner cruise with champagne, or simply a sightseeing tour along the River Ill. 

It’s an incredibly peaceful way to see the colourful architecture of this Alsace gem. One of the most popular routes takes you through the historic district of La Petite France, where you can see charming half-timbered houses and stone bridges. These tours often provide informative commentary in multiple languages too, so you can learn even more about the city.

18. Visit Strasbourg Christmas Markets

Easily one of the best things to do in Strasbourg, the Christmas markets are one of the reasons Strasbourg is so famous. Known as the Christmas capital, Strasbourg puts on a beautiful show during the holiday season. The decorations are absolutely stunning and we’ve visited some of the best Christmas markets in Europe – very few came close to this. 

You’ll find stall after stall of markets here at Christmas time. There’s a huge market in the shadow of the cathedral and many more dotted around the city streets. The markets sell a great combination of wares and foods too, combining German culture and French traditions. 

We saw traditional Alsace stews, German bratwurst, hot mulled wine, and creamy hot chocolate. There were also hand-crafted gifts, wooden furniture and ornaments, jewellery, knitwear, and Christmas decorations. 

It was also one of the most secure Christmas markets I’ve visited. I think it was the only one during our winter road trip through France and Germany, where we had our bags searched before entering!

Despite this, there’s a reason Strasbourg is called the capital of Christmas and I cannot recommend visiting the city in winter enough! Don’t forget to see the decorations too, including the fantastic teddy bear house!

19. Eat Delicious Alsace Cuisine

Alsatian cuisine is so yummy. There really is no other way to describe it. Of all the meals we ate during our trip, our meal in Strasbourg was our favourite. The local cuisine of this region is a blend of French and German influence and culinary traditions. Known for its hearty and flavorful dishes, Alsatian cuisine features a range of specialities. 

Choucroute garnie is a beloved dish, consisting of sauerkraut served with various sausages, smoked meats, and potatoes. Tarte flambée, often called “flammekueche,” is a thin, crispy flatbread topped with cream, onions, and bacon or other toppings. Desserts like kugelhopf, a sweet, yeast-based cake, and fruit tarts are also popular.

If you’re visiting in winter, definitely try everything you can eat at the Christmas markets, but also explore some of the best restaurants in the region.

To book a food tour of Strasbourg, click here.

20. Relax in the Parc de l’Orangerie

For one of the best spots to relax in Strasbourg, you have to visit Parc de l’Orangerie. Designed in the 18th century, it boasts a harmonious blend of French and English landscaping design. The park is a great place to relax with a picnic, but there are also a few notable things to do there. 

The first is the impressive Château de l’Orangerie, a stunning 19th-century stately mansion. This now houses the stork reintroduction centre where these beautiful birds are raised and released back into the wild. As well as the mansion house, the park also holds a stunning lake where you can rent little boats and spend the day on the water. And there’s a small zoo there too with a variety of animals. 

Overall, the park is a popular place to unwind in the city. You can have picnics, enjoy the atmosphere, and go for a stroll amongst the greenery and manicured gardens. 

21. Drink Alsatian Wine

As well as stuffing our faces with Christmas market food, we also ate at a nice restaurant for dinner. This included a glass of their delicious wine. The Alsace region of France is celebrated for its exceptional wines. 

Alsace wines are primarily white wines, and they are known for their distinct varietal character and high quality. The region’s famous grape varieties include Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat, which produce wines known for their aromatic profiles, rich flavours, and excellent balance. Alsace is also known for its Crémant d’Alsace, a sparkling wine that rivals Champagne in quality.

22. Take a Day Trip to Baden-Baden

When you’re in this region of France, it’s so easy to cross the border into Germany. A day trip to Baden-Baden, or any place in the Black Forest, is one of the best things to do in Strasbourg.

We did this trip by car, and the roads were nice and easy to drive, even in the winter months. I highly recommend hiring a car to explore the Black Forest anyway, because there’s so much to see and public transport isn’t excellent between the villages in the woodland. 

Baden-Baden is about an hour’s drive from Strasbourg. The little town features some fantastic architecture. It’s mostly known as a spa town, as it has many thermal baths and wellness resorts. With its picturesque surroundings, it has been a popular destination for relaxation and rejuvenation for centuries. 

It’s also a pretty culture-heavy town. There’s an elegant opera, world-class music and art festivals, and a renowned casino. The scenic beauty of the Black Forest, along with its hiking trails, also makes it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

This charming town is a great day trip from Strasbourg, but, if you can, I recommend staying longer.

Top Tip: Baden Baden also has some fantastic Christmas markets if you visit during the winter months.

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