Strasbourg is the capital of the Alsace region in northeastern France, bordering Germany. For most visitors, Strasbourg is a mixture of Germany and France, since it has the features of both countries. But still, Strasbourg is a very special place, worth visiting even if you have a short holiday break.

There are plenty of things to do in Strasbourg on holiday!

Here are some suggestions:

• Visit the Strasbourg Cathedral: One of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the Strasbourg Cathedral is a stunning Gothic masterpiece. Climb the tower for panoramic views of the city.
• Explore Petite France: This picturesque district is characterized by charming half-timbered houses and narrow cobblestone streets. It’s a great place to wander and take photos.
• Walk along the canals: Strasbourg is home to a network of canals that are perfect for a scenic stroll. Take a boat tour or rent a paddleboat for a unique perspective on the city.
• Visit the Palais Rohan: This stunning palace houses three museums: the Museum of Decorative Arts, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Archaeological Museum.
• Wander the Parc de l’Orangerie: This beautiful park features gardens, a lake, a zoo, and plenty of walking paths. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
• Try the local cuisine: Strasbourg is known for its Alsatian cuisine, which includes dishes like choucroute (sauerkraut and sausage) and tarte flambée (thin-crust pizza with cream, onions, and bacon).
• Visit the European Parliament: Strasbourg is home to the European Parliament, and you can take a guided tour to learn more about the European Union and its institutions.
• Shop at the Christmas markets: If you’re visiting during the holiday season, be sure to check out the famous Strasbourg Christmas markets. They’re a great place to shop for unique gifts and enjoy traditional foods and drinks.
• Take a day trip to the Vosges mountains: The Vosges mountains are just a short drive from Strasbourg and offer beautiful scenery, hiking trails, and ski resorts.
• Visit the Musée Alsacien, a museum that showcases traditional Alsatian culture, featuring exhibits on local crafts, costumes, and architecture.

You will admire the architectural masterpieces and will not be limited to stopping by for lunch or dinner at one of the fantastic restaurants in the city.

Strasbourg is the second city after Paris, receiving funds for the development of culture. Thus, the number of tourist attractions in Strasbourg is truly vast.

Place de la Cathedrale

Start your tour in Strasbourg from Place de la Cathédrale. It is located on the highest point of Strasbourg at a height of 144 meters above sea level, which allows seeing the whole city from a single point.

Nearby is Cathedral Square (Place de la Cathédrale), which was formerly a marketplace.

Today, this is the best tourist attraction in Strasbourg.

La Petite France 

La Petite France, Strasbourg – a “must-see spot” in your things to do in Strasbourg plan. This is a special romantic place, where tourists can enjoy the beauty of a small town on the water.

La Petite France, Strasbourg, is the most fascinating district of the city. You will have a nice, relaxing time walking around, among the channels; have a cup of coffee or tea in one of the local restaurants.

The center of la Petite France is in Benjamin Zix Square.

Beautiful buildings along the channels of Strasbourg are creating an atmosphere like in a fairy tale.

Benjamin Zix Square serves as a working place for local artists.

Soborna square 

Soborna Square is situated on the highest point of Strasbourg, at an elevation of 144 meters above sea level. Soborna Square used to be a popular marketplace, where cherries, bread, cakes, and old clothes were sold.

Today, Soborna Square is also a popular tourist destination, with Maison Kammerzeil, one of the most beautiful buildings of Strasbourg.

The Kammerzeil building has 75 windows, decorated with carved frames. Each frame tells a story from the Bible, depicts mythical heroes from legends, and showcases signs of the Zodiac, the five senses, and famous musicians.

Maison Kammerzeil

An interesting fact about Maison Kammerzeil is that the three female figures are carved on its corner. They are the embodiment of the Christian virtue. Love is depicted with her two children and a pelican.

On the third and fourth floors, there are Hope, represented by a Phoenix bird, and Faith, represented by a Griffin bird.

In the 16th century, Martin Braun, a cheese seller, purchased the Maison Kammerzeil and completed its reconstruction in 1589.

According to his order, only the first floor with three decorative arches was left from the initial design.

The other floors were entirely rebuilt in Renaissance style, which is preserved to this day.

The Kammerzeil building was known as the Alter House until the middle of the 19th century, when Philipp-Franz von Kammerzeil, a grocery owner from Würzburg, purchased it.

As you have already realized, he gave his name to the building. Beautiful frescoes of Leo Shnut (1878-1933) decorate the interior of Maison Kammerzeil. In 1879, the building was transferred into the ownership of the city of Strasbourg and was designated a monument of architecture.

Former Pharmacie du Cerf, the first mention of which relates to the 13th century, is located next to the Cathedral. The first floor of Pharmacie du Cerf is of stone arches.

They are beautifully decorated with tree branches and snakes. The upper floors relate to 1567.

Strasbourg Cathedral de Notre Dame 

Notre Dame Cathedral in Strasbourg is one of the most visited sights in the city. This is a beautiful building built in Gothic style, of rosy-brown color.

A special feature of the Cathedral is the only tower, which is open for visitors. It is not only the Cathedral that attracts thousands of tourists, but also the square on which it is located.

You can enter the Notre Dame Strasbourg Cathedral and find ancient clocks that display the time, month, year, and zodiac sign, as well as the location of the planets.

Moreover, the watches are unique mechanism, which shows an exceptional performance every half an hour.

To see the whole city from one point, you would need to go to the top, to reach the observation platform of the Cathedral. Be prepared to walk upstairs, as this is the only way to access the area.

Entrance to the observation spot is on the right side of the Cathedral. The observation platform of the cathedral can only be reached on foot. The stairs count 332 steps.

The height of Strasbourg Cathedral is 124 meters. It was built on the base of the ancient Roman Basilica, erected in 1015 by Bishop Wernger von Habsburg.

The basil was destroyed by fire, and a new cathedral was founded in its place.

An interesting fact is that it took almost 400 years to finish the construction of Strasbourg Cathedral – from the moment of its foundation in 1176 till the final works in 1439.

Until the 19th century, Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame remained the highest temple in the Christian world, until the bell towers in Cologne and Ulm were built.

Approximately in 1225, the construction works changed the design of the building, by masters from Chartres. Local builders learnt the mystery of magnificent Gothic art from the master, whose name remained unknown.

The Strasbourg Cathedral is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. and from 12:40 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Plan a visit to the Museums of Strasbourg.

Strasbourg is home to several museums. Among the museums to visit are the Museum of the History of Strasbourg, the Museum of Alsace, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Archeological Museum of Strasbourg

The Archeological Museum of Strasbourg is the second museum in France after the Louver, which is located near Paris. The collection presented in the museum of Strasbourg is old; the first artifacts started to be collected at the end of the 18^th century.

It took a while for the museum to be officially open. For years, the collection of historical artifacts was stored in the society responsible for caring for the historical monuments. In the past century, it was decided to create a Museum; later, it was relocated to another building.

Currently, the Archeological Museum of Strasbourg is located in the Rogan Palace, and its collection has grown significantly over the years.

The Elsass region was inhabited since 600,000 BC, and the exposition of the Museum covers the whole of this period till the 8th century AD.

Among numerous offers, tourists’ excursions and other things to do in Strasbour,g visiting the Archeological Museum would be your best experience.

The collection of the museum grows due to the new findings and donations.

Archeological Museum of Strasbourg

The exposition of the Museum is divided according to several historical periods. The first part is devoted to a man in the Paleolithic period. Pottery, arms, and bone remains of prehistoric animals – these are the artifacts featured in this part of the Museum.

The second part of the Archeological Museum of Strasbourg is devoted to the history of the Bronze and Iron Ages. During this period, the Celts lived in the territory of the city.

All the items of everyday life were found in the forest, which is considered to be sacred. This forest still exists and is located not far from Strasbourg.

The next hall of the Museum discloses the 5 centuries of the Roman Empire. Glass, arms, decoration items, pieces of architecture – this is what the collection consists of.

During the 5th and 8th centuries, Strasbourg was under the control of the Alemans and the Franks.

The collection includes numerous items from the daily life of this period.

Address of the Archeological Museum in Strasbourg:

Strasbourg, place du Chateau 2, Palais Rohan, Musée archéologique.

It is open on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 am to 6 pm.

Try local cuisine in Strasbourg

Strasbourg city is a mixture of cultures, which becomes obvious as soon as you enter the city. That is, of course, reflected in the local cuisine.

The main dish here is choucroute (dressed sauerkraft) served with all kinds of meat. The dish is more German than French, but it remains popular regardless of the tourists’ origins.

The size of a sauerkraft is enormous, which is why you can be sure to order one for two people, and beer, of course.

Fun Things to Do in Strasbourg with your family

If you’re planning a family trip to Strasbourg, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. Here are some ideas:

• Visit the Strasbourg Cathedral: Kids will be fascinated by the intricate architecture and towering spire of this stunning Gothic cathedral.
• Take a boat tour: Kids will love cruising along the canals of Strasbourg and seeing the city from a new perspective.
• Explore the Musée Alsacien: This museum showcases traditional Alsatian culture and features exhibits on local crafts, costumes, and architecture. Kids can learn about the history of the region in a fun and interactive way.
• Visit the Parc de l’Orangerie: This beautiful park features gardens, a lake, a zoo, and plenty of space to run and play. Kids can also ride the carousel or rent a paddleboat.
• Check out the Strasbourg Zoological Museum: This museum features exhibits on the animal kingdom, including taxidermy specimens and interactive displays.
• Take a day trip to Europa-Park: Just a short drive from Strasbourg, Europa-Park is one of the largest amusement parks in Europe and offers rides and attractions for all ages.
• Visit the Vaisseau Science Museum: This interactive science museum is perfect for kids who love to learn and explore. It features exhibits on physics, biology, and technology.
• Try the local cuisine: Kids will love sampling traditional Alsatian dishes, such as tarte flambée (a thin-crust pizza with cream, onions, and bacon) and kugelhopf (a sweet bread with raisins).
• Visit the Strasbourg Christmas markets: If you’re visiting during the holiday season, the Strasbourg Christmas markets are a must-see. Kids will love the festive atmosphere, decorations, and treats.

With so much to see and do, Strasbourg is the perfect destination for a family vacation.

What to do in Strasbourg for a weekend?

If you’re planning a weekend getaway to Strasbourg, here are some things you can do to make the most of your time:

Day 1:

Visit the Strasbourg Cathedral: Start your day by admiring the stunning architecture of the Strasbourg Cathedral, one of the city’s most famous landmarks.

Explore the Petite France district: Take a stroll through this charming neighborhood with its half-timbered houses, winding canals, and quaint bridges.

Lunch at a traditional Alsatian restaurant: Sample some of the region’s famous cuisine, such as choucroute or tarte flambée, at a local restaurant.

Visit the Musée Alsacien: Learn about traditional Alsatian culture at this museum, which features exhibits on local crafts, costumes, and architecture.

Boat tour: Take a relaxing boat tour along the canals and see the city from a different perspective.

Day 2:

Visit the Palais Rohan: This historic palace features three museums with exhibits on fine arts, decorative arts, and archeology.

Parc de l’Orangerie: Spend the afternoon in this beautiful park, which features gardens, a lake, a zoo, and plenty of space to relax.

Check out the Strasbourg Christmas markets: If you’re visiting during the holiday season, be sure to visit the famous Christmas markets.

Try the local pastries: Sample some of the city’s delicious pastries, such as kugelhopf or bretzels, at a local bakery.

Dinner in a cozy restaurant: End your weekend with a delicious meal at a cozy restaurant in the city center.

With so much to see and do, a weekend in Strasbourg is the perfect getaway to explore the city’s history, culture, and cuisine.

Is One Day in Strasbourg Enough for All Things to Do in Strasbourg?

If you are pressed for time, 1 day is enough to visit Strasbourg to see the historical center and palaces. Just plan your day in Strasbourg in detail beforehand, and you will be able to enjoy the city and visit the main tourist attractions.

If you are traveling to Strasbourg during the Christmas period, we would recommend planning at least 2 days for this trip. The reason is that during Christmas, the city center may be a bit overcrowded. Additionally, visiting Strasbourg at Christmas allows you to explore the local markets, which are truly exceptional here!

Strasbourg offers a plethora of activities and attractions that are perfect for tourists of all ages. Visitors can explore the charming Petite France district, marvel at the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral, and take a boat tour along the city’s picturesque canals.

The town also offers a range of museums and cultural attractions, including the Musée Alsacien and the Palais Rohan. Food lovers will enjoy trying the local Alsatian cuisine.

At the same time, families can take advantage of the many parks and family-friendly attractions such as the Parc de l’Orangerie and the Europa-Park.

During the holiday season, the famous Strasbourg Christmas markets offer a festive and magical atmosphere for visitors.

FAQs

Is Strasbourg worth visiting?

Strasbourg is worth visiting, boasting more than 20 beautiful bridges, numerous museums, art galleries, and cathedrals within the city. You can take boat or bike tours to discover other parts of Strasbourg, book the Alsace wine route, visit Europa Park, travel to Haut-Barr, and visit other castles in Alsace. For sure, Strasbourg is worth visiting!

How many days should I spend in Strasbourg?

2-3 days should be enough to spend in Strasbourg. You can take a boat tour, visit the European institutions, explore Saint-Paul church and Orangerie park, stroll and observe storks, and enjoy dinner at a typical Alsatian winstub.

What is the city of Strasbourg famous for?

Strasbourg is famous for being a business, commercial, and cultural center of France. It is the chief city of Alsace and the seat of European institutions and bodies, such as the Council of Europe, the European Parliament, and the European Court of Human Rights.

Strasbourg is famous for several things, including:

• The European Union: Strasbourg is home to several key institutions of the European Union, including the European Parliament and the European Court of Human Rights.
• The Christmas markets: Strasbourg is renowned for its famous Christmas markets, which attract visitors from all over the world.
• The Petite France district: This charming neighborhood features picturesque half-timbered houses and narrow cobblestone streets, making it a popular destination for tourists.
• The University of Strasbourg: Founded in 1538, the University of Strasbourg is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe.
• The canals: Strasbourg is home to a network of canals that are perfect for a scenic stroll or boat tour.

Overall, Strasbourg is a city that is rich in history, culture, and charm, making it a popular destination for travelers from around the world.

Do they speak English in Strasbourg?

A lot of people in Strasbourg speak English quite decently, and since several international institutions are based there, they employ people who speak fluent English. The primary language in Strasbourg is French. You will have no issues visiting shops, restaurants, or other venues, as people in Strasbourg generally speak English.

What is the best area to stay in Strasbourg?

The best area to stay in Strasbourg is Grande Île (Grand Island), the historical part of the city. All nice restaurants and shops are located in Grande Île. Top Strasbourg city attractions are within walking distance, making this area the best place to stay in Strasbourg.