25 Can’t-Miss Things to do in Strasbourg France
Are you looking for some activities to add to your itinerary during your visit to Strasbourg, France? European travel enthusiast Emma Braby shares some of her favorite things to do during your next visit, from her personal experiences spending time in Strausborg.
Last updated: February 10, 2024
16 min read
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Strasbourg might be quaint and medieval-like, but it is the largest city in eastern France’s Grand Est region. It is one of France’s most underrated and beautiful cities and one of the highlights of my French road trip.
Strasbourg is home to many attractions, and a famous French architect, Le Corbusier, said, “Your eyes are never bored in Strasbourg.” And I must agree with him! You’ll find many unique “must see” attractions that differ from more popular tourist destinations like Cannes or Orleans.
Strasbourg is the historical capital of the Alsace region, which became known as the Grand Est region in 2016. It borders Germany, close to the River Rhine, and you’ll find many German influences in the city, including architecture, cuisine, and history.
In the following article, you’ll learn about 25 things to do in Strasbourg, many of which I’ve personally experienced. You’ll learn about iconic and must-see landmarks to hidden gems tucked away that many travelers miss. Whether you’re in Strasbourg for just a day or a few, there’s something here for every traveler. Let’s take a closer look.
Explore La Petite France
Peak Season
Warmer Months (Late Spring to Early Fall)
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Culinary Enthusiasts, Food Connoisseurs, Wine Lovers, Cultural Explorers
Head to the southwestern part of the island, and you’ll find La Petite France. Visiting here feels like you’ve stepped out of a time machine. This is Strasbourg’s historic neighborhood and was so named when Strasbourg was once a part of Germany.
The cobbled streets are lined with charming medieval timbered buildings, beautifully decorated with old signage and pretty flowers. The Ill River touches most parts of the island, often called “Little Venice.”
Throughout the streets, you’ll discover plenty of restaurants and cafes offering light snacks and hearty local cuisine. Take your time to meander through the passages and along the canal and soak up the Alsace atmosphere.
You can book many guided tours with knowledgeable experts. My guide was a retired local, and he let us into the secrets of Strasbourg that I wouldn’t have known without him. Wandering around La Petite France was the highlight of my trip.
As you can imagine, this is one of the city’s most iconic and busiest areas, and it can get very crowded. I’d suggest going in the morning like the locals do, and you can find the freshest produce in the morning markets. It’s also the best time to avoid the queues and take a boat tour. Plus, it allows you to take photos without too many people around.
Visit The Covered Bridges
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Year-Round
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Architecture Enthusiasts, History Buffs, Photography Aficionados, Romantic Couples
The covered bridges are called Ponts Couverts, consisting of three bridges spanning the Ill River. Three commanding square towers dominate the bridges, contrasting beautifully with the bright and vibrant flowers.
Back in the day, the bridges were covered with a roof, hence their name. They form part of the old defense system in Strasbourg, created by famous French military engineer Vauban.
As you’re wandering around La Petite France, be sure to pass the bridges. They make for beautiful photos and are one of the most photographed scenes in Strasbourg. Once you get there, you’ll understand why. There is a fourth tower further down that you can see, and it was used as a prison until 1823. It has the nickname the Executioner’s Tower.
Head To Vauban Dam
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Warmer Months (Late Spring to Early Fall)
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History Buffs, Architecture Enthusiasts, Cultural Explorers, Photography Aficionados
If you visit the covered bridges, you might as well take some time to visit Vauban Dam as it’s practically in the same place. Here, you can find a fantastic view of La Petite France neighborhood and grab some incredible photos.
The Vaubam Dam was designed to flood a vast chunk of the city in the event of an enemy attack. There are 13 arches, and above, you can find a terrace offering panoramic city views. This is another place to take some of the best photos you’ll take of the city.
Cathedrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg
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Spring and Summer (April to September), Christmas Market (Late November to December)
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History Enthusiasts, Architecture Admirers, Religious Pilgrims, Cultural Explorers
Head towards the east of the island, and you’ll find Strasbourg Cathedrale. It is one of France’s first cathedrals, dating back to the 13th century. It is free to visit and another highlight of my trip.
Built in a Gothic and Romanesque design, it is steeped in local and regional history. A word of warning: you must wear decent and appropriate attire, and your shoulders should be covered. The guards enforce this, even during the hot summer months.
Outside, you can appreciate the intricate stone carvings and stunning stained glass windows as you queue. And when you enter, you are blessed by the incredible architecture. Take your time to peruse through the building.
On the northeastern side, you can find the famous astronomical clock, which is the next attraction on my list. Yes, this clock deserves its own spot! But to see it you must purchase a ticket. More on that later.
During the holidays and special events such as Christmas, the Cathedral is lit with a striking light show at night. The standard night lights enhance this building’s attractiveness and is spontaneously lit with bright colors and art shows for a show-stopping performance. Find a nearby bar, sit back, relax, and watch the spectacular show while you sip.
Horloge Astronomique
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Summer Months (June to August)
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History Enthusiasts, Clock Admirers, Cultural Explorers, Architectural Buffs
Inside the Cathedral sits the Horloge Astronomique. It is classified as a historical monument and one of the seven wonders of Germany. This internationally renowned clock receives over 3 million visitors annually.
It is a Renaissance masterpiece created by collaborative artists, technicians, and mathematicians. At 12.30 pm every day, without fail or delay, the clock offers its display, enchanting its visitors. On Sundays, the clock is unavailable for tourists to see as mass is held.
At midday, a short film provides information about the clock’s history in English, French, and German. And from 12.30 pm, the bells sound, and the Parade of the Apostles begins. The clock provides both legal and local solar time and the position of the sun, moon, and stars from Strasbourg. It parades the four stages of life, including a sinister skeletal figure and the sign of the zodiac.
You must purchase a ticket in advance, either from the stalls of the Cathedral or at the entrance to Place Saint-Michel. You might wonder whether it’s worth paying to watch the clock, but I promise you it is. The detail and intricacy of the show are immense, considering it dates back centuries. It’s a unique experience, and there aren’t many of these clocks in the world.
Musee de l’Oeuvre Notre-Dame
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Year-Round
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Art and History Enthusiasts, Cultural Explorers, Architecture Admirers
If you enjoyed the Cathedral and the world-famous clock, this museum is a must. It explains the cathedral’s history in much more detail, and the collections bear witness to the prestigious past of Strasbourg. It is home to hundreds of paintings, artifacts, and other historic objects displayed in 40 rooms from the Romanesque period until modern times.
My favorite part of this museum was the virtual reality show that runs in the afternoons. The show takes you all the way to the top of the tower, to dizzying heights where the stairs don’t take you. In a way, you can appreciate the cathedral’s exterior more here than you can at the cathedral itself! There is a Romanesque-style garden designed as a metaphor for paradise. The museum is open every day except Monday.
Musee Alsacien
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Year-Round
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Cultural History Enthusiasts, Folk Art Admirers, Heritage Seekers, Photography Aficionados
This museum can be found stretched between several adjoining half-timbered houses, and its collection is extensive. Musee Alsacien offers visitors an immersive experience of the way of rural Alsatian life from centuries ago. It explains a lot about Strasbourg and its history, culture, and customs, allowing you to appreciate how unique and vital this city has been to France.
The buildings add to the ambiance of the experience, working your way through the houses’ different rooms and crooked levels. On your visit, be sure to check out the inner courtyard for a beautiful view of the buildings. The museum displays original artifacts with explanations in various languages. Best of all, the discreet facades overlook the banks of the river, giving you a front-seat view.
Stroll Around Parc de l’Orangerie
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Late Spring to Early Fall (May to September)
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Nature Enthusiasts, Garden Admirers, Outdoor Leisure Seekers, Families With Children
Head to Orangery Park and lose yourself in the tranquility that the city has to offer. From the city center, it takes around 30 minutes to walk, giving you an excuse to meander further out of the town to see all the winding streets you might not otherwise see.
Otherwise, it takes 20 minutes by public transport. It is a beautiful and large park, offering visitors their own space.
The park has plenty of clean amenities and various eateries and stalls. Plus, there’s so much to do here you can make a day of it. There are play areas for children to burn steam, a stunning Russian Orthodox church, and a bowling green if you fancy playing the locals. Take a boat out on the lake, enjoy the beautiful flowers and fountains, and visit the small zoo.
European District
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Year-Round
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Policy Enthusiasts, Diplomats, European Affairs Researchers, History Buffs, Cultural Explorers
The European District is next to the Parc de l’Orangerie, and you can see the European Parliament building. Even if you aren’t interested in politics, the vast glass building is impressive. All year-round visits are possible and mostly free. Check the website for public opening hours, and be ready to have your bags searched by security like you do at the airport.
Take your time to enjoy the exhibits, and the audio guide is available in all European languages. You can complete the tour in around one hour.
But if you are keen on the European Union and politics, you could spend much longer here. Immersive exhibits allow visitors to appreciate the existence of the European Union. Head to the 13th-floor terrace, which provides fantastic views of the whole city.
Visit Eglise Saint-Thomas
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Year-Round
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History Buffs, Architecture Enthusiasts, Religious Pilgrims, Cultural Explorers, Romantic Couples
Head back towards the central island, and you’ll find Eglise Saint-Thomas. It is the main Protestant church in Strasbourg, and the locals call it the “Protestant Cathedral” or the “Old Lady.” This beautiful building is classified as a historic monument, with Romanesque and Gothic styles. The site was a place of worship under Thomas, one of the Apostles, so it is a place of reverence.
Although it looks like a simple church from the outside, you’ll find five navals and intricate decorations inside. There is also a Silbermann organ that Mozart played on in 1778, beautiful frescos, and colorful stained glass windows.
It is much more peaceful than the Cathedral, offering timeout and a calm place for worship. Visit during the daytime, and you’re welcomed by bright stained glass color, and at night, the golden hue is magnificent.
Palais des Rohan
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Spring and Summer (April to September)
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History Buffs, Architecture Enthusiasts, Art Lovers, Cultural Explorers
Take a short walk east of Eglise Saint-Thomas, and opposite Strasbourg Cathedral is Palais Rohan. This cultural landmark was once a palatial house in the 18th century that has now been converted into three museums – Musee des Beaux-Arts, Musee Archeologique, and Musee des Arts Decoratifs.
Like many museums in France, it is free to visit on the first Sunday of every month. When buying a ticket for one, two, or all three, be sure to ask the staff about an audio guide as it comes with the ticket. I didn’t realize there were any until I completed most of the museum.
Each museum offers a different atmosphere, with a collection of paintings from the Middle Ages and important archeological discoveries from the local area. Finally, the Musee des Arts Decoratifs plunge you back in time with ornately restored rooms.
It gives you a feel of how majestic the buildings once were and how Prince-Bishops and Cardinals once lived. Visiting the three museums is a great way to spend a few hours getting to know the city a little better.
Take A River Cruise
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Spring to Early Fall (April to September)
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History Enthusiasts, Architecture Admirers, River Cruise Aficionados, Cultural Explorers
Another way to get to know the city better is by taking to the waterways. The River has always played an essential part in the city, and taking at least one boat tour is only fitting. Most tours take you on the river for around one hour, navigating through the Ill River.
I personally took the Batorama “20 Centuries of History” tour, and I saw the historical treasures and different aspects of the city that you don’t see on land. Making it an unmissable experience from a unique angle.
Batorama runs the main boat tours, and they offer cruises in 12 different languages thanks to their headphones for each traveler. The boats are usually open but can be closed when the weather isn’t so great. You can buy tickets from their docks at Place du Vieux Marche aux Poissons, next to Palais Rohan. Boats can get booked up quickly, so be sure to book a slot to avoid disappointment.
Eat In A Winstub
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Year-Round
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Gastronomy Enthusiasts, Wine Connoisseurs, Food Lovers, Cultural Explorers, History Buffs
A Winstub, sometimes called a Wistub, is a traditional eaterie and wine bar common throughout the Alsace region. They are cheap and cheerful, and the locals frequent them, making it a must-do for anyone visiting Strasbourg.
The atmosphere is warm and cozy, and some of the best traditional Alsace dishes include baeckeoffe, cordon bleu, tarte flambee, Vol-au-vents, fleischnacka, and spaetzle. If you like potatoes and meat, you’re in for a treat!
I visited two Winstubs, called Au Coin de Pucelles and Winstub le Clou, and they were both incredible. They also list local Alsace wines at an excellent price.
Plus, if you are a beer enthusiast and can’t decide which is best, French or German beer, Strasbourg is the place to go. Here, you’ll find the best of both worlds, with a great selection in all Winstubs.
Take A Wine Tour
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Special Events and Festivals, Weekends and Holidays
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Food Enthusiasts, Culinary Explorers, Lovers of Alsatian Cuisine, Cultural Explorers, History Buffs
Speaking of Alsace wine, this region is internationally prized for its fantastic wine production. The region of Alsace is very fertile and is popular with small farms and plenty of vineyards.
Because of this, you can take the famous Alsace Wine Route, which spreads over 170 km. You can take a self-guided tour and travel in many ways, such as by car, train, bus, and bike.
The route takes you through popular wine towns such as Colmar, Enuisheim, Kaysersberg Vignoble, Riquewihr, Hunawihr, and Strasbourg. If you haven’t got the time for this route, pick a main vineyard or two in one of these towns and spend the afternoon at the family-run vineyards.
Alternatively, you can book a guided wine tour with so many to choose from. I recommend L’Alsaciette, where the minibus driver picks you up and takes you through the villages to vineyards to meet with the winemakers and taste the famous wines. My favorite was the sweet Rieslings, but the Gewurztraminers and Pinot Gris are renowned, too.
La Neustadt
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Milder Seasons (Spring and Fall)
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History Enthusiasts, Architecture Admirers, Cultural Explorers, Photography Aficionados
La Neustadt, which translates to New Town in German, was established when Strasbourg was defeated by the German empire in the late 19th century. It’s slightly off the beaten track north of the city’s main island. But it offers an exciting contrast to the quintessential tourist spots in Strasbourg. Spend time wandering through the impressive streets lined with distinctive neo-classical architecture.
As you wander around, look out for Place de la Republique and the Egyptian House, which is nestled among a row of ordinary houses. If seeing different styles of architecture appeals to you, this is a must-visit, even if for just an hour. This quarter is on the riverbank, so it’s a great place to sit and watch the people and boats pass by.
Eglise Saint-Pierre le Jeuna
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Year-Round
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Religious History Enthusiasts, Architecture Admirers, Cultural Explorers, Spiritual Seekers
Head northwest of Neustadt, and a five-minute walk takes you to Eglise Saint-Pierre le Jeuna. This beautiful Catholic church stands proudly next to the majestic courthouse of Strasbourg.
Everything in this church glimmered with gold, thanks to the intricate mosaics, and the decadent decor was awe-inspiring. It reminded me of the Sacre Cour in Paris, but much less busy and more peaceful.
Surrounding the church is a little bit of green space with benches and statues, which is an ideal safe spot for a picnic and play with children. For a fantastic photo of the church, head back over to the Canal du Faux-Rempart. At night, you can catch the church’s lights on the water. Like many Catholic churches, this site is great for architecture admirers and worshippers alike.
Head a few streets away from the canal, and there are great shops for souvenirs and other local produce.
Le Vaisseau
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Summer Months (June to August)
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Science Enthusiasts, Families With Curious Children, Interactive Learning Seekers
If you’re looking for something different from the typical tourist attractions, le Vaisseau is a great place to visit. This is a science museum, but it’s entertaining and interactive, making it an excellent place for families.
The main attractions challenge you to solve tricky math puzzles, interact with artificial intelligence machines, construct houses and other structures, manipulate light with optical illusions, and discover the spectacular garden of Vaisseau.
If that’s not enough to tickle your tastebuds, they hold a variety of exhibitions throughout the year. This is a hands-on museum and is popular with young and older visitors. Family passes start at less than 30 euros, and you can easily spend four or more hours here. I recommend this museum and fun haven for those spending more than a few days in Strasbourg.
Musee Historique de Strasbourg
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Year-Round
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History Buffs, Museum-Goers, Cultural Explorers, Art Enthusiasts, Architecture Admirers
If you’re seeking more Strasbourg history, the Musee Historique de Strasbourg offers a plethora of history surrounding the tumultuous past. It was founded in 1920 and is housed in the former slaughterhouse. You can find military objects, paintings, traditional clothing, and other objects from the Middle Ages to the present day.
With a ticket, you receive a free audio guide providing you with a comprehensive overview of the city’s history. Admittedly, I only visited this place to escape the summer heat.
However, I was incredibly surprised by the concise layout of the city’s history. I learned even more facts about the city I didn’t pick up on at Palais des Rohan. There’s a cute city model, too, allowing you to see even more of the city’s details close up.
Cave Historique des Hospices Civils de Strasbourg
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Harvest Season (Late Summer to Early Fall)
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Wine Connoisseurs, History Enthusiasts, Cultural Explorers, Gastronomy Lovers, Oenophiles
Located just outside La Petite France is the historic cellar of the Strasbourg Hospices, dating back to 1395. Head to the Place de l’Hopital door, and you’ll find the entrance to the cave to the left through a half-moon-shaped wooden door. Visiting the cellar is free, and you can take a self-guided tour or rent an audio guide. It took me around 30 minutes to complete.
You might think this a strange place to find a wine cellar. But when you visit, you’ll learn that patients at this hospital used to pay their medical bills with their land and local vineyards.
This was handy because, in the Middle Ages, wine was primarily used for medicinal purposes. According to the signage, each patient was entitled to two liters of wine daily. The cellar is also home to the oldest white wine in the world, stamped 1472.
The cave allows visitors quiet time to appreciate its steep history, the art of cooperage, and the fantastic architecture. Plus, it’s lovely and cool down there, which is appreciated on a hot summer’s day. It is still a working cellar, and the wines can be bought in the shop above. The wines are good quality and start from around 8 Euros. They make a wonderful gift or keepsake of your time in Strasbourg.
Musee d’Art Moderne
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Summer Months (June to August)
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Modern Art Enthusiasts, Cultural Explorers, History Buffs, Gallery-Goers
Strasbourg was once the most important artistic city in Europe, so what better way to celebrate this city than to visit the Modern Art Museum? They house works by Picasso, Kandinsky, and one of Strasbourg’s most famous artists, Gustave Dore. As you can expect, the modern museum is light and airy.
The museum isn’t as large as it looks from the outside and covers two floors, so you can see it all within a few hours. There’s a café offering small lunches and refreshments too. Even if you’re not an art lover, this museum is interesting and a great way to spend a few hours waiting for a boat tour.
Parc de la Citadelle
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Late Spring to Early Fall (May to September)
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Nature Lovers, Outdoor Enthusiasts, Family Visitors, Picnickers, Joggers, Cultural Explorers
This park is another attraction away from the city center, but it is definitely worth a visit if you’re in the city for a few days. It takes just under 30 minutes by foot and by public transport around 20 minutes. I walked, and it allowed me to wander through the streets and see some incredible residential houses along the way.
Parc de la Citadelle sits on an old fortress built by Vauban himself. The lake hosts water sports activities in the summer for children and adults alike. Throughout the year, other equipment such as zip lines, fitness equipment, and petanque courts exist. Enjoy strolling through the pathways and the historical moat.
It’s easy to spend a day here in during nice weather or just for a few hours to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. There are plenty of clean amenities and cafes for a fresh bite to eat. Alternatively, on your walk to the park, why not pick up some fresh bread, meats, cheeses and picnic like the French do? Whatever season you visit, there are plenty of beautiful trees and flowers to see.
Vodou Museum
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Late Spring to Early Fall (May to September)
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History Enthusiasts, Cultural Explorers, Anthropology Buffs, Spiritual Seekers
It’s worth heading out to Chateau Musee Vodou for something a little unusual. It takes just over 30 minutes by foot or 20 minutes by public transport. You’ll find the world’s largest collection of Western African Vodou objects here.
You can also learn all the exciting facts about the first religion in West Africa and the harmony between the visible and invisible worlds. It is bright, beautiful, and extremely different from museums you’ll see anywhere else.
The museum is housed in an original water tower dating back to 1878, octagonally shaped with intricate carvings. So whether you’re into architecture or the weird and wonderful, this is an excellent attraction for all. The museum is constantly being updated with temporary exhibitions. The museum is only open from 2 pm until 6 pm.
MM Park France
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Year-Round
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Military History Buffs, World War II Enthusiasts, Tank and Aircraft Aficionados
The MM Park is an open-air museum covering 7,000 square meters and one of the largest military museums in Europe. So, if you’re into military history, you must visit this museum. This one-of-a-kind museum will transport you to the era of the World Wars and showcase a rich collection of tanks, submerges, vehicles, boats, uniforms, and other weapons.
On the museum’s upper floor, you can read letters between loved ones, secret messages, wartime documents, photos, newspapers, and more. This emotive display offers an insight into how hard life was during these times.
The museum also holds temporary exhibitions, making it different every time you visit. There is also an outdoor zone with zip lines, rollercoasters, and a shooting range. This added a fun end to a somewhat solemn but important museum.
Strasbourg Christmas Market
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Late November to Late December, Christmas Eve
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Christmas Enthusiasts, Holiday Shoppers, Festive Atmosphere Lovers, Cultural Explorers
The Strasbourg Christmas market is the oldest in France and one of the most famous. It started in 1570 and consists of several markets scattered around the city’s squares. Each market has a different theme, and I spent a whole evening wandering through the various markets. There is so much traditional Alsace food and special Christmas delights on offer, and it is one of my favorite Christmas markets I’ve been to.
Strasbourg’s Christmas market is one of the top things to do in France and provides one of the best Christmas experiences you can have. So, if you’re lucky enough to be in Strasbourg from the end of November through December, you must visit it. There is a reason why the French call Strasbourg the “Capital of Noel.”
It can get very busy, so if you want to dine in a restaurant, you must book in advance. But there are plenty of stalls offering warm food for dinner. It is quieter during the day, but the magic is during the evening when the charming decorations, twinkling chocolate box houses, and festive mood make a more enchanting atmosphere. Don’t miss the giant Christmas tree in Place Kleber Square.
Take A Daytrip
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Late Spring to Early Fall (May to September)
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History Buffs, Castle Enthusiasts, Cultural Explorers, Architecture Admirers
If you’re in Strasbourg for more than a few days or want to sample another city, take a day trip. There are so many options to choose from. You can plan a self-guided tour using a car or public transport or book a guided tour where many pick you up from Strasbourg and take you to and from your chosen destination.
The region of Alsace is full of picturesque and quaint towns, including Colmar or Riquewihr. Another top daytrip choice is to visit Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg, one of France’s most beautiful castles. It takes about 50 minutes by car, although it can be a little more tricky by public transport, although it is possible. Hohenburg Abbey is another choice, and it sits on top of Mont Odile in the Vosges Mountains.
