13 BEST Things To Do in Strasbourg

Discover the top things to do in Strasbourg! From charming canals to historic gems, dive into this city’s best. Your Strasbourg bucket list starts here.

Strasbourg is a gorgeous city in the Alsace region of France, noticeable for its 16th-century enchanting houses, cobblestone streets, and canals. The III River flows through the city and surrounds the Grand Île, the island where Strasbourg’s old town (and where you want to be!) is, offering astounding views worthy of a postcard. 

Check out all the things to do in Strasbourg, France (besides being mind-blown by the scenery) to start planning your trip. 

Things To Do in Strasbourg

Stroll around the Historical Center 

Strasbourg Historical Center is located in the Grand Île, the big island surrounded by the III River and boasting the timber-framed houses, little bridges over the river, and the impressive Cathedral of Notre Dame, which dates back to the 11th century.

This island has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s the one place in Strasbourg you need to explore if you have limited time. 

Among the sights, you can’t miss are the Strasbourg Cathedral, the Alsatian Museum, the medieval churches Église Saint-Guillaume and Église Saint-Thomas, the ponts couverts, and the squares Place Broglie and Place Kléber.

➤ You can also join a Strasbourg Historical Center Walking Tour, in which you and your party will follow a knowledgeable guide around the island’s main attractions. This private 2-hour tour can be customized according to your interests. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Wander around La Petite France

The most charming area of Strasbourg is, without any doubt, La Petite France. This historic quarter has become a tourist hub, boasting cute little cafés, shops, and eateries along the canal. 

This is where millers and fishermen used to live, because of its proximity to the water, and a picturesque area which today offers great panoramic views (a photographer’s paradise!) and plenty of opportunities to get lovely snaps with which to fill your IG grid.

You’ll get to pose in Pont St Martin for one of the most sought-after images of Petite France, enjoy the view of the canal and the attractive houses in the back, smell the thousands of flowers during the spring, and stroll the cobblestone streets along the water, which is especially romantic at night! 

La Petite France is what to see in Strasbourg if you only have time to visit one place, so you shouldn’t miss it! 

See the Astronomical Clock in Strasbourg

Located inside the Cathédrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg, the Astronomical Clock is a Reinassance masterpiece developed in the 19th century and the third of its kind.

The first astronomical clock that occupied the spot, known as the Three Kings Clock, was built in the 14th century, and it remained there until a more modern version replaced it in the 16th century. This second clock stopped working two centuries later, and it was replaced by the one you’ll get to see on this trip. 

The astronomical clock, developed by sculptors, clockmakers, mathematicians, and artists, is a magnificent piece of art which features indicators for eclipses and the positions of the planets, a calendar dial, and automatons.

It shows the mean solar time and also offers musical entertainment with moving statues of crows and apostles. The show can be seen every day at 12.30 PM, and the entrance costs 2 euros.

Besides enjoying the performance, which is one of the unusual things to do in Strasbourg, you’ll get to see a video about the construction of the clock, its history and inner workings. Entrance to the Cathedral outside the show time is free. 

Go on a Strasbourg Boat Trip

One of the major Strasbourg’s highlights are its canals, but they’re not only pretty to the eye…they can also be enjoyed by taking a leisurely cruise along its waters, and marveling at the city from the outside. 

River III runs through Strasbourg and separates the old town, where most of the famous attractions and picturesque scenery is, from the rest of the city.

You can cruise around the Grand Île and the most modern areas, learning about the city’s history and the river from your guide or skipper, and relaxing with beautiful views after a day (or a few days) walking incessantly around town. It’s one of the top things to do in Strasbourg! 

Batorama, which is the company that provides boat tours in Strasbourg, offers trips all year long. 

Take a Day Trip to the Alsace Villages

Looking for places to visit near Strasbourg? The Alsace region is recognizable for its charming towns and villages, so you ought to take a day trip to some of them!

In fact, I highly recommend spending a few days touring around Alsace, but if you don’t have the time, you can still enjoy its beauty on a day trip from Strasbourg. 

▶️ One of the villages you can’t miss, considered one of the most beautiful in all of France, is Eguisheim. Timber-framed houses, cobblestone streets, and the looks of a fairytale town, this medieval city was built in concentric circles around an octagonal castle.

All that survives of it is a wall of the fortress, and a spectacular octagonal fountain in the center of the city, which features a statue of Pope Leo IX, born in the town in 1002. 

▶️ Another typical Alsacian town is Riquewihr, located right in the middle of the region’s vineyards and offering astounding views all around it. The views of the town itself, though, don’t disappoint.

Its houses date back to the 15th century, and the impressive Dolder Tower, built in the 13th century, is likely to appear in all your favorite photos!

▶️ Colmar, possibly the most popular of them, is another little town which escaped from a postcard. The river runs through it and the houses’ facades, besides boasting their signature timber frames, are colorful and picturesque.

Don’t miss a stroll in Quai de la Poissonnerie and make sure to take tons of pictures at La Petite Venise!  

➤ If you’re not driving, you can join the Medieval Villages & Castle Day Trip. You’ll get to visit the three villages mentioned above, and also head to the 12th-century castle High Koenigsbourg. You’ll wander around the gorgeous towns and enjoy scenic views along the way. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Explore the Alsace Wine Route

Alsace is one of the most important wine regions in the country, boasting hilly vineyards and producing delicious Riesling and other varieties of white wine. It’s no wonder that it also features an amazing wine route, which is in fact France’s oldest one.

Alsace Wine Route runs through the whole region, north to south, and passes by vineyards, wineries, and charming villages, also providing astounding views along the way. 

Alsace Wine Route stretches 105 miles (170 km) from Strasbourg in the north, to Mulhouse in the south, so you could combine the route with your visit to some Alsace villages; you’ll pass by around 70!

You could make the route on one single day, or else take some extra time to visit the towns and some wineries and make it in 2 or 3 days. It’s definitely one of the best things to do near Strasbourg! 

 ➤ If you don’t have much time, join the Half-Day Wine Tour from Strasbourg to embark on the wine route and visit 2 wineries for delicious tastings, and also go on a walking tour of Obernai, one of Alsacia’s charming villages. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

 ➤ The Wineries & Tasting Guided Tour is a full-day trip to visit Alsace’s wine region. You’ll head to 3 wineries to sample some wine and learn about the wine-making process in the area, and also wander around four wonderful Alsatian villages. ➥ BOOK IT HERE 

Visit the Strasbourg Christmas Market (+ others!)

Wondering what to do in Strasbourg, France during the holidays? Hunting down Christmas Markets, of course! 

Christmas Markets are a big deal in Europe, and all the more magical in villages which look like fairytale scenarios, so if you visit Strasbourg during the magical time of year, there’s no way you can skip its magnificent Christmas Market, the oldest in all of France! 

Christkindelsmärik dates back to the 1500’s, and it opens the last week in November, lasting until the end of December, so it’s the best thing to do in Strasbourg in December for sure. 

Besides savoring the mulled wine and enjoying the festive lights and decorations, you’ll get to explore over 100 stalls for Christmas gifts and mementos, eat some holiday cookies or meals, and listen to the music. 

Just like Strasbourg, most Alsatian towns get dressed up in Christmas magic during this time of year, so you can also visit some other Christmas Markets in the region and soak up in all the festivity. Some of the most beautiful markets are in Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé, Colmar, and Mulhouse. 

➤ The Alsace Villages & Colmar Christmas Market is a fantastic full-day tour from Strasbourg to discover the Christmas Markets of several Alsatian towns along the wine route. You’ll have some time to explore the markets in Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, and Colmar. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Visit the European Parliament

The European Parliament, one of seven institutions of the European Union and the world’s largest transnational parliament, has its headquarters in Strasbourg.

The impressive cylindrical building, where you’ll see the flags of the EU countries waving at all times, houses the 705-seat debating chamber, where European legislation is discussed. 

If you would like to visit the European Parliament, you can check their website for all the information on hours and requirements.

Otherwise, you can walk the 1.5-mile (2.5 km) Parcours d’Europe to walk around this European institution and two others: the European Court of Human Rights and the Council of Europe. There are panels and installations along the walk which provides information and explanations of the buildings. 

➤ The 2-Hour Strasbourg Tour by Segway is an alternative if you don’t feel like walking. You will glide around the European Quarter, and also the Grande Île and Neustadt as your guide tells you all about the city’s history, the role of the European buildings, and their importance. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Relax at the Orangerie Park 

The Orangerie Park, or Parc de l’Orangerie, is a wonderful green space where you can go for a walk, to relax or enjoy the activities it offers. It’s ideal on any Strasbourg visit, but especially if you’re traveling with children, as its surroundings are one of the most beautiful things to see in Strasbourg. 

The park spans on over 26 hectares, and it’s not only the largest but the oldest park in Strasbourg, with a very interesting history. During the French Revolution, 140 orange trees were taken from Château de Bouxwiller and granted to the city; today only three of those trees remain in the park. 

The park also features a large lake where you can rent a boat, a skatepark, and a merry-go-round to the delight of most children, playgrounds, and several eateries.

One of the park’s highlights, though, are the storks, which have their nests all over the park and that, according to Strasbourg’s folklore, bring good luck. 

 ➤ Fun things to do in Strasbourg include a Guided Bike Tour through the city center with a local, which enables you to explore the highlights and admire the scenery while you do some exercise. You’ll ride through Petite France and the old town, pass the Cathedral and European Parliament, and also enjoy some time in the Orangerie Park. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Discover the city through a Scavenger Hunt

A very original way to explore Strasbourg if you’re not one for traditional city tours is to go on a Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt City Tour.

You’ll get to learn and visit top sights in Strasbourg while playing, as you’ll be solving riddles and puzzles on each spot you get to, unlocking facts about the landmarks and having tons of fun. 

Since the Scavenger Hunt is self-guided, you’ll have plenty of time to stop for photos, go for lunch, and stay as long or as little as you want in each location. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Go on a Food Tour

Alsace has delicious traditional dishes and flavors that you can’t miss! From hearty meals to snacks and, of course, wine, you should try a little bit of everything before leaving: you won’t regret it one bit. 

The best way to do it, especially if you have limited time or have no idea what to eat in Strasbourg, is going on a food tour. Not only will you sample some goodies, but you’ll also learn about Strasbourg’s gastronomy, the history of its dishes, and many interesting facts from your guide. 

 ➤ This Guided Traditional Food Tour lasts 3.5 hours and introduces you to several typical Alsatian dishes, as well as the best wine and beer of the region. Your guide will take you to where the locals eat to enjoy some of the most authentic flavors in Strasbourg, and give you insights and tips to enjoy the city. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Have Dinner in a Traditional Winstub

One of the must places to visit in Strasbourg is a Winstub. Winstub translates into Wine Lounge, and they were traditional places with a rustic, cozy ambiance where winemakers sold their surplus, and the working class enjoyed a meal with wine served from pitchers. 

Nowadays you can go for dinner at a Winstub to enjoy an authentic experience in this homey spots, similar to a bistro or a pub, with red and white checked tablecloths or drapes and delicious traditional dishes, along with some of the best wine in Alsace.

Among the dishes you can try are Baeckeoffe, a slow-baked dish with potatoes and meat marinated in white wine, Spätzle, which consists of Alsatian noodles served as a side for different types of meat with sauce or gravy, and Choucroute, a dish with potatoes, fermented cabbage, sausages and other salted and smoked meats.  

Some of the best restaurants in Strasbourg are Fink Stuebel and Chez Yvonne, although don’t be afraid to pop by any other winstub you come across, as it’s likely to be phenomenal.

Check out the Museums at Palais de Rohan

Home to the prince-bishops of the ancient House of Rohan, a French noble family, this palace built in the 18th century hosted several French monarchs, including Marie Antoinette, Napoleon, and Louis XV.

After the French Revolution it was confiscated and auctioned, and it served several purposed, including a town hall and a hotel, before becoming property of Napoleon. 

Nowadays it houses three museums: the Museum of Fine Arts, the Archaeological Museum, and the Museum of Decorative Arts. There are also temporary exhibits in the Art Gallery, which is one of the many amazing Strasbourg attractions.  

Opening Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 6 PM 
Entrance Fee: 7,5 euros. Entry is free on the first Sunday of the month. 

Where To Stay in Strasbourg

Looking for accommodation in Strasbourg? Below you’ll find fantastic options for all budgets, conveniently located on the Grand Île or right in front of it, and featuring great amenities for a comfortable stay. Check out some of the best hotels in Strasbourg! 

LUXURY: voco Strasbourg Center – This 4-star hotel boasts a swimming pool, spacious rooms with an en-suite bathroom, a large garden with outdoor furniture, spa facilities and a bar, as well as room service and a fitness center. 

MID-RANGE: Best Western Plus Monopole Métropole – This pet-friendly, stylish hotel offers ample rooms, most of which have a desk and seating area, serves a buffet breakfast that can be enjoyed in bed, and also features a fitness center and a bar. 

BUDGET: Lagrange Apart’Hotel – This aparthotel features either a queen-sized bed or two twin beds, a kitchenette, a fully-equipped bathroom with a bathtub, and a workspace with desk, as well as a seating area. There’s also an indoor heated swimming pool, as well as a sauna and hammam. 

THINGS TO DO IN STRASBOURG FAQs