Things to do in Strasbourg: the must-sees and our tips

In short: Strasbourg is a compact city best explored on foot or by bike. Climb the cathedral, wander through La Petite France, circle the centre on a boat trip on the Ill, and head out to discover Alsace and its villages. In December, the Christmas markets make it one of the most visited cities in Europe.

Notre-Dame Cathedral and its astronomical clock

A Gothic masterpiece in pink sandstone, the cathedral dominates the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside, the astronomical clock and its automata draw crowds; outside, the platform offers a view over the rooftops and, on a clear day, as far as the Black Forest.

La Petite France

Half-timbered houses, canals and locks: La Petite France is Strasbourg’s most picturesque district. Continue to the Ponts Couverts and the Barrage Vauban, whose terrace offers a fine view over the area.

Around the centre by boat

A boat trip on the Ill circles the Grande Île and passes through La Petite France to the European district: a good way to get an overview, especially with children.

The Palais Rohan and the museums

Facing the cathedral, the Palais Rohan houses several museums (Fine Arts, Decorative Arts, Archaeology). The nearby Musée de l’Œuvre Notre-Dame displays the cathedral’s original sculptures and stained glass.

The European district

Strasbourg is home to the European Parliament and the Council of Europe. The modern district combines well with a walk in the Parc de l’Orangerie, the city’s oldest park.

The Christmas markets

From late November to late December, the Christkindelsmärik and the other Christmas markets fill the squares of the centre: wooden chalets, mulled wine, bredele (small biscuits) and lights. It is the busiest period: book very early.

Eating in Strasbourg

In a winstub, an Alsatian tavern: choucroute, tarte flambée, baeckeoffe and Alsace wines. For a snack, a pretzel or a kougelhopf.

Day trips from Strasbourg

• Colmar and its “Little Venice”, by train.
• The wine route: Obernai, Riquewihr, Eguisheim, Kaysersberg.
• Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle, above the Alsace plain.
• Kehl, in Germany, by tram, and the Black Forest by car.

Getting around

• On foot, by bike (plenty of cycle lanes) and by tram.
• From Strasbourg-Entzheim airport, a train runs to the central station.

For the rest of your trip: Travel in France.

Where to stay in Strasbourg

The Grande Île to be at the heart of everything, La Petite France for charm, Krutenau for local life, the station area for train day trips. Every area is detailed in our guide Where to stay in Strasbourg.