Top 10: The Best Things to Do in Strasbourg

History, architecture, and Instagram-worthy corners come together in the city of Strasbourg, which holds several titles, such as World Heritage Site, Christmas capital, and the capital of the French region of Alsace. In this ultimate guide to Strasbourg, you’ll gain a new insight into the city’s history, and discover the absolute must-sees during your trip. From the city’s top landmarks and hidden gems to the best day trips for exploring other parts of Alsace, we’ve got you covered!

A Quick History Lesson

Before we dive into the top things to do in Strasbourg, let’s have a quick history debrief of the city’s past. Located close to the border between France and Germany, Strasbourg has absorbed both cultures for centuries and experienced the conflicts in Central Europe firsthand.

Although Strasbourg’s origins date back to the Ancient Roman Empire, it experienced its most prosperous period after it was declared a free city in 1262. However, later tensions between Catholics and Protestants, as well as wars, turned Strasbourg into a bargaining chip. So much so that in the 19th century, it became part of Germany. It wasn’t until the end of World War I that Strasbourg became French again, a process that was repeated after World War II. Undoubtedly, the city has an extensive history full of tumultuous moments until it finally reached its current stability.

If you want to learn more about the World Heritage city’s history and discover the fascinating stories behind its main monuments, why not join our free tour of Strasbourg?

Now, with all that said, let’s hop into the best things to do in Strasbourg!

1. Climb Up to Strasbourg Cathedral’s Platform

First up on our list absolutely has to be Strasbourg Cathedral! With its striking beauty, both inside and outside the building, it’s no wonder that it’s one of the city’s biggest tourist attractions. Did you know that it took more than 400 years to build?

For centuries, the church was the tallest building in Europe thanks to its 465-foot-high (142-metre-high) bell tower. The Gothic building stands out for its well-preserved sculptures and exterior gargoyles. Inside, you can admire the organ, the stunning stained-glass windows in its enormous rose window, and the 16th-century astronomical clock.

As well as admiring the cathedral’s façade and interior, we highly recommend climbing up to the panoramic terraces. On the way up, you’ll get a better view of the astronomical clock, whose figures move as time passes. Although you’ll have to pay an additional entrance fee to go up to the platform, in our opinion, it’s well worth the price thanks to the breathtaking views of the city from the top.

Fun fact: during the French Revolution, the cathedral’s tower was about to be taken down, however, local activists covered it with a giant tin Phrygian cap and saved it! If you’re curious to learn more about the cathedral, don’t hesitate to book this guided tour of the cathedral and city.

2. Marvel at Kammerzell House

Just a few stops from the cathedral, you’ll find the magnificent Kammerzell House. Over five centuries old, it’s one of Strasbourg’s oldest and most remarkable buildings. This medieval gem is renowned for its beautifully preserved façade, adorned with intricate wood carvings and decorative details that reflect the craftsmanship of its era. Make sure you take the time to snap a photo in front of it!

There are two ways to explore its interior: either by staying at the hotel or dining at the renowned restaurant. Whichever option you choose, you’re sure to be captivated by the atmosphere and charm of this historic landmark!

3. Stroll Through Place Gutenberg

It would be impossible to spend any amount of time exploring Strasbourg without stumbling across Place Gutenberg. Although it may not be known for its grandeur, it’s a popular spot for tourists for a special reason: it’s one of the best places to snap photos of Strasbourg Cathedral. Stand right at the corner of the square and rue Mercière and let the view speak for itself… Just don’t forget your camera!

As a bonus, you’ll find a statue honoring Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press, who lived in the city for several years. If you want to learn more about this square, and Strasbourg’s history, why not join this private walking tour of the city?

4. Wander Around Place Kléber

Nearby, you’ll find another famous square in the city: Place Kléber. Named after the French general born in Strasbourg, it’s the largest square in the capital of Alsace and also leads to one of the city’s main shopping areas.

Although this square is beautiful year-round, the best time to see it in all its glory is at Christmastime. It’s practically impossible to talk about Strasbourg and not mention the winter decorations, as it is undoubtedly one of the best destinations for a Christmas vacation. During the festive season, the center of the square is beautifully decorated with a charming Christmas market, a huge Christmas tree, and magical sparkling lights—a hotspot for holiday cheer!

5. Explore La Petite France

Another must-see in Strasbourg is the picturesque La Petit France district. Here, you’ll find the best examples of typical Alsatian houses, with colorful façades, exposed wooden beams, and charming roofs. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale!

The district, which was built on the banks of the River Ill, was once home to millers, tanners, and other craftsmen. Make sure you take the time to stroll along the charming streets, particularly the rue du Bain-aux-Plantes. Another sight to look out for is the Pont Saint-Martin, a charming stone bridge. The town also has an interesting moving bridge, known as the Pont Tournant, which cuts off pedestrian traffic every time a boat crosses the canal. It’s quite the spectacle!

6. Admire the Strasbourg Covered Bridges & Vauban Dam

Another tourist attraction in Strasbourg is the so-called Ponts Couverts, or covered bridges. Marking the entrance to the La Petite France district, these bridges are the main remains from the Middle Ages in Strasbourg.

When they were built in the 13th century, the bridges had wooden roofs, hence their name. Their purpose was to protect the city from enemy attacks. In fact, the nearby Vauban Dam was designed to raise the level of the river in the event of invasion, thus hindering the attackers from entering the city. Today, it’s the perfect place to grab a coffee, enjoy a stroll, and admire La Petite France with views of the Cathedral’s tower in the background.

7. Visit St. Paul’s Church

As you head further out of the city center, you’ll find other lesser-known but equally beautiful monuments. Without a doubt, St. Paul’s Church is another must-see in Strasbourg. This building, erected in the late 19th century, is neo-Gothic in style and is perfectly recognizable by its twin towers that reach 249 feet high (76 meters).

The temple could accommodate up to 3,000 people and has a total of 19 porticoes. From its origins, it was conceived as a symbol of power, since it was built at a time when Germany dominated the Alsace region. In fact, at that time the emperor was one of the regulars who frequented the place. We highly recommend adding it to your list of things to see in Strasbourg!

8. Have a Picnic at Parc de l’Orangerie

About a 20-minute walk from St. Paul’s Church sits the Parc de l’Orangerie, a haven of peace in the city. If you’re traveling with children, it’s the perfect spot to take a break from sightseeing and enjoy a picnic. Top tip: find a picnic spot near one of the park’s several playgrounds to keep the little ones entertained while you take a well-deserved break!

This green lung dates back to the 18th century and was declared a historical monument in 1993. Its gardens of French and English aesthetics, full of centenary trees and, of course, its artificial lake and waterfall, are simply beautiful.

Fun fact: the park houses the Joséphine Pavilion, a classical-style building built by order of Napoleon for his wife, Empress Joséphine de Beauharnais, who used to spend seasons in the city. Today, it often hosts temporary exhibitions. Be sure to check if any interesting exhibitions are happening during your trip!

9. Learn About European History in the European Quarter

While it may not be the most picturesque neighborhood in the city, the European Quarter definitely deserves a spot on your must-see list of attractions in Strasbourg. Why, you ask? Well, it’s home to some pretty important institutions like the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights. These places symbolize peace and unity after a history filled with conflicts. Sure, the modern buildings may clash a bit with the typical Alsatian buildings, but that’s part of its unique charm!

Visiting the Hemicycle of the European Parliament is completely free, but it’s best to check the opening hours on the official website. It can be accessed both during and outside the plenary sessions and, in both cases, an audio guide is offered in more than 20 languages. The tours last between 30 and 60 minutes—the perfect way to learn how democracy works in the European Union.

10. Browse Strasbourg’s Christmas Markets

As we’ve already mentioned, Strasbourg is renowned as the capital of Christmas, so naturally, its markets deserve a special shoutout. During the festive season, the streets come alive with charming wooden huts, twinkling Christmas trees, and breathtaking decorations. The magic is beyond words—you simply have to experience it at least once in your lifetime!

If you’re thinking of traveling to this area at the end of November or in December, be sure to join our Christmas market tour of Strasbourg. Of course, as expected, these activities are exclusive to this season. We recommend checking out these guided tours a few months before your trip.

Take the experience to the next level by booking this Alsace Christmas markets day trip. You’ll get to explore the best Christmas markets in all of Alsace, visiting Colmar, Riquewhir, and Kaysersberg—the ultimate festive adventure!

The Best Day Trips from Strasbourg

If you’re staying in Strasbourg for more than a few days, we highly recommend making the most of your time in the capital of Alsace to explore more of the region’s beautiful destinations. Characterized by its canals and beautiful half-timbered houses, Alsace is one of the most beautiful parts of Europe. Although it’s hard to whittle it down to just a few, keep reading for some of our favorite day trips from Strasbourg.

Colmar

Located an hour away from Strasbourg, Colmar’s romantic canals attract hundreds of thousands of tourists every year to see the typical Alsatian houses, which are decorated in bright pastel shades. But don’t just take our word for it! The architecture in Colmar’s district of La Pettie Venise is so beautiful that the directors of Beauty and the Beast used it as inspiration for the fictional village in which the animated film takes place.

If you want to explore Colmar’s historic center, joining this private tour of Colmar is a great option. If you’re traveling with children, be sure to get tickets to Choco Story, the Chocolate Museum of Colmar—it’s always a hit with the little ones!

Fun fact: did you know that Colmar and New York are closely linked? Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty, was born here. In fact, the monumental icon was a gift from France to the American people to commemorate the centenary of the Declaration of Independence of the United States. Today, there is a replica of this sculpture located on the outskirts of the village.

Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg

The Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg is a spectacular fortress located halfway between Strasbourg and Colmar, in the forests of the Vosges. The castle itself is like a miniature Alsatian village, with its well, taverns and, of course, the classic half-timbered traditional houses. If you want to see this impressive fortress for yourself, you can buy tickets here. If you’re planning to see other attractions in Alsace, it’s also included in the handy Pass’Alsace tourist card!

The Alsace Wine Route

If you’re a wine lover, your trip to Strasbourg wouldn’t be complete without embarking on the famous Alsace Wine Route! Spanning along a 105-mile (170-kilometer) route from the north to the south of Alsace, this route passes through the region’s top vineyards, wine villages, and wineries, offering an exciting wine tourism experience, with breathtaking views along the way.

You can experience it for yourself by joining this day trip along the Alsace Wine Route. You’ll get to visit the region’s famous wine towns such as Bergheim, Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg and Eguisheim. Santé!

Alsace Day Trip

The best thing about the top day trips from Strasbourg is that, if you plan correctly, they can all be visited in one day! If you want to pack them all into an ultimate day of adventure, book this Alsace day trip from Strasbourg. It’s perfect for anyone who wants the most complete experience, hitting all of the must-sees such as Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, Colmar, the Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, and more.

Top Tips for Your Trip to Strasbourg

What to Eat in Strasbourg

Wondering what to eat in Strasbourg? The city’s cuisine is the perfect combination of French and German cuisine, thanks to its location and history. For this reason, you’ll find flavors with strong German influences such as sauerkraut, made with fermented cabbage, or the typical bretzels.

Strolling through Strasbourg you can’t miss a glass of Alsatian wine, some münster cheese, a delicious crepe, or one of the most traditional dishes of Alsace, the tarte flambée. This last delicacy can be found on almost every corner. It’s similar to a pizza with very thin dough with bacon, onion, and a cream sauce. Bon appétit!

When is the Best Time to Visit Strasbourg?

Undoubtedly, the busiest tourist season is the month of December, but it’s also one of the most beautiful times to visit Strasbourg. If you’d prefer to avoid the high season, the period between May and October could be a good alternative as it won’t be as chilly. Plus, accommodation will be cheaper. It all depends on your tastes and preferences when it comes to traveling.

Getting Around Strasbourg

Strasbourg’s public transport, operated by the CTS (Compagnie des Transports Strasbourgeois), makes exploring the city easy and convenient. The tram system, with 6 lines, is the main mode of transport, but the city also has an extensive bus network. You can download the CTS app for more information on how to use the services. If you prefer cycling, Strasbourg also has a bike-sharing service called Vélhop.

If you need to get to Strasbourg Airport, you can use an airport shuttle bus from the city center. However, if you’re traveling in a group or would prefer a more reliable service, our private transfer service is very convenient. You’ll be picked up from your chosen point and brought directly to the airport. You can also book a private transfer to get to your accommodation upon your arrival in the capital of Alsace.

• Private Transfer in Strasbourg

Stay Connected in Strasbourg

One of our top tips is to get an eSIM before you go to France. This can make it easier if you need to get in touch with someone waiting for you at the airport, call a taxi, or in case of an emergency.

In addition, having a good data connection will ensure your trip runs smoothly, allowing you to access maps and any information you may need to get from A to B. Another benefit is also being able to keep your social media updated! By purchasing a Civitatis eSIM Card for France, you’ll arrive in Strasbourg connected and ready to go!

So there you have it, our top recommendations for things to do in Strasbourg. No matter what type of trip you’re planning, we hope you’ve found some inspiration from this post. If you want to find even more things to do, be sure to check out our range of day trips, guided tours and activities in Strasbourg. Bon voyage!