Strasbourg is a city in the Grand Est region of France. Some of the best things to do in Strasbourg include exploring history, art, architecture, cuisine, and wines. The city sits on the border of Germany and is a part of the historic Alsace region. As a result, you see the influence of both French and German cultures in many of the best places to visit in Strasbourg. The city is a major center for Alsatian history and culture.
The majority of things to see in Strasbourg today date between the 17th and 19th centuries. You will see churches, palaces, old commercial buildings, colorful districts, bridges, and more. Although some of Strasbourg’s tourist attractions, including the fortifications, date back to medieval times. The city is also home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Strasbourg Cathedral and Grande Ile District.
The cathedral is famed for its incredible architecture and artworks that adorn its interiors. There are also several other churches and cathedrals among Strasbourg attractions featuring a variety of architectural styles including Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, Romanesque, German Hall-Style, and so on.
The Grand Ile is the historic district of the city. It has several wonderful places to go in Strasbourg including timber houses used by tanners and fishermen. It is also known for the public squares, markets, restaurants, cobbled streets, and colouful buildings. This area is one of the most picturesque places to see in Strasbourg.
You can also take a boat tour to explore this area from River Ill. The tour also covers other aspects of Strasbourg sightseeing with an onboard guide.
Today the city is the official seat of the European Parliament. It is one of the only 3 non-capital cities in the world to have such an international organization. The complex is one of the most popular tourist spots with a variety of fun activities to do in Strasbourg for people of all ages.
Another major aspect of Strasbourg travel is exploring the Alsatian history and culture. You can learn about the history through museums and historical sites. You can experience the culture through the markets, festivals, and cuisine. You should try out regional preparations of Choucroute, Tarte Flambee, Baeckeoffe, and more when you visit Strasbourg.
The region is also famous for its wines. You can head to local taverns, called Winstubs, where you can try out the local wines and cuisines. These are Strasbourg’s top attractions in their own right.
Or you can also head straight to the source. You can take a tour to explore the wineries and historical villages if you are looking for fun things to do near Strasbourg. You can explore the wineries, and try out the famous wines and traditionally prepared dishes. The villages are also popular among places to visit near Strasbourg for the treasure trove of cultural experiences.
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Top 16 Tourist Places to Visit in Strasbourg, France
When you visit Strasbourg, some of the activities I suggest you must try as per your interest. So here below I am mentioning some of the top-rated tours and unique things to do in Strasbourg.
- Strasbourg Traditional Food Tour
- Strasbourg – Hidden Gems and Untold Stories
- Euro Guided Tour by Segway
- Strasbourg City Center Guided Bike Tour with a Local
- Alsace Colmar, Medieval Villages & Castle Day Trip from Strasbourg
1. Palais Rohan
This palace was built in 1730 for Cardinal Prince Bishop Armand-Gaston de Rohan-Soubise. It is one of the best places to visit in Strasbourg, France for its historical and architectural significance.
Over the years the palace has played several roles and housed several monarchs and noblemen. Presently, the museum houses three museums: the Museum of Decorative Arts, the Fine Arts Museum, and the Archeology Museum.
Collectively, this one place is known for some of the best things to do in Strasbourg, France. You will need about 2 to 3 hours to tour this palace and the museums within it.
2. Alsatian Museum (Musée alsacien)
This museum looks at the Alsatian history and culture between the 7th and 19th centuries. It is one of the most important cultural Strasbourg attractions. The museum is built within three period homes and looks at several aspects of the lifestyle of Alsatians during different periods.
The museum is spread over 30 rooms containing artifacts concerning daily life including images, furniture, clothing, homeware, furniture, religious items, and so on. You will need about an hour to tour this museum when you visit Strasbourg, France.
3. Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (Musée d’Art Moderne et Contemporain de Strasbourg)
The museum is housed inside large glass buildings and contains a vast collection of modern and contemporary artworks. It is one of the most popular Strasbourg tourist attractions. You will see paintings, photographs, sculptures, stained-glass windows, decorative arts, and more.
The collection includes creations of renowned artists including Gauguin, Picasso, Magritte, Monet, Kandinsky, Sander, Muybridge, Mapplethorpe, and more. You will need about an hour from Strasbourg travel to tour this museum.
4. Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg)
Also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg, this was the tallest building in the world till 1874. It is one of the most beautiful things to see in Strasbourg, France. Victor Hugo, the acclaimed French poet, called it “A Gigantic and Delicate Marvel”.
The cathedral features Gothic architecture and emits a soft pink hue owing to the sandstone. The 142-meter tall spire and the intricately carved facade are the most recognized features of the cathedral.
Even from the inside, it is one of the most magnificent places to see in Strasbourg, France. You will need an hour to explore this church.
5. Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune Protestant Church (Église protestante Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune)
This church is one of the oldest buildings in the city. It was consecrated as a church in 1053, however, it was built on the site of a Merovingian chapel that dated back to the 7th century. It is one of the most important historical places to go in Strasbourg, France.
The church is also known for its architectural features that date back to different centuries. The central building has incredible frescoes and a Gothic structure. Three of the fourth arched galleries were built in the 11th century.
These layers inside and outside the church make it one of Strasbourg’s top attractions. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this church.
6. Vauban Dam (Barrage Vauban)
This bridge was built in the 17th century on River Ill. It was first built as part of the city’s defenses to flood the land and prevent attackers from coming in. It is one of the top things to do in Strasbourg, France for its architecture, sculptures, and scenic beauty. You need about 20 to 30 minutes to tour this bridge.
7. Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg (Musée historique de la ville de Strasbourg)
The museum looks at the history of the city’s several aspects. It is housed in a 1587 building which used to be a slaughterhouse. This is one the most attractions of Strasbourg sightseeing as it helps put the rest of the things in perspective.
The museum looks at key figures and important events in the city’s history. It also shows how the city evolved over the years and aspects of the everyday life of people living here at different times. You will need about an hour to tour this museum.
8. Musée de l’Œuvre Notre-Dame
This museum is known for its extensive collection of Medieval and Renaissance artworks. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and more. It is one of the top activities to do in Strasbourg for art admirers and practitioners.
The collection includes some renowned pieces such as Christ’s Head on stained glass by Wissembourg, crystal baskets painted by Sebastien Stosskopf, Cavalry stained glass window by Mutzig, Madonna in the Vine Arbor by Hans Baldung, and more. You will need an hour to tour this museum.
9. La Petite France
This area is the most vibrant and colorful place to visit in Strasbourg. The buildings stand on the river creating waterways, weirs, and locks. Many of these buildings are made from white-timber and date between 1500 and 1600s.
They feature colourful and patterned exteriors making it one of the most photogenic Strasbourg attractions. These buildings were once used by fishermen and tanners. You will need an hour or so to tour this area.
I suggest you should try a Pedicab Tour of La Petite France.
10. Tanners House (Maison des tanneurs)
This historic half-timber building is among Strasbourg’s top attractions in the Le Petite France district. Dating back to 1572, it is one of the remnants of the tanning industry of the city.
As you tour the house, you will see how it was designed to support the trade. The timbered galleries and slanted roofs were used to sun-dry the animal hides. The house is now a restaurant named La Maison de la Choucroute. It is one of the best places to go in Strasbourg for traditional Alsatian cuisine. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore the place.
11. Ponts Couverts
These three fortified bridges and four accompanying towers herald the entrance to Le Petite France. The sight is one of the most iconic things to see in Strasbourg, France. The structure dates back to the 1300s and was part of the city’s original fortification.
You can see this sight from the Barrage Vauban Bridge or during the River Ill boat cruise tour. You can also visit these historical Strasbourg tourist attractions up close and walk the historical bridges. It takes about an hour to explore these structures.
12. Parc de I’Orangerie
This park is one of the best places for recreational activities to do in Strasbourg with family. It has a boating lake, lawns, greenhouses, gardens, a farm, and a mini-zoo. The park also has historic significance for the city.
It was founded after the revolution when 140 orange trees (hence the name) were brought from Chateau de Bouxwiller to the city as a gift. You can still see three of the original 140 trees when you visit Strasbourg. People can easily spend 30 to 45 minutes relaxing at this public park.
13. River Ill Strasbourg Sightseeing Boat Tour
This boat tour begins its journey from downtown and takes you on a journey to see 20 centuries of history. The open boat gives you an unhindered view of the beautiful town as the guide narrates stories, facts, and legends.
It is one of the most fun things to do in Strasbourg, France. You will need about 2 hours for this tour. You can also choose shorter boat tours for Strasbourg travel that only cover specific areas.
I suggest you should book a Private Strasbourg Sightseeing Boat Tour in advance.
14. St. Thomas’ Church (Église Saint-Thomas)
The church was built in the 1520s and used to be a Lutheran church. When the city became a part of France in 1681 it became a Protestant church. However, it is one of the best places to see in Strasbourg to witness the classic German Hall-Style architecture.
The structure is wildly different from most religious structures you would find in France. Even the interiors bear some cultural treasures including gothic frescoes depicting Saint Michael, a Gallery Organ played by Mozart, and the Romanesque sarcophagus of Bishop Adeloch. You will need 30 to 45 minutes from Strasbourg sightseeing to explore this unique church.
15. European Parliament
Strasbourg is one of only three non-capital cities in the world to host an international institution. It exhibits impressive architecture and is one of the most popular places to go in Strasbourg.
It has museums, interactive experiences, galleries, and activity areas. You can tour certain parts of the building and the complex to learn about the different functions of the European Parliament.
You can also explore parts of the garden and philodendron forest in the complex. There are several different tours to choose from, the longest one takes about 2 to 3 hours.
16. Medieval Village & Wine Tasting Tour
The city is surrounded by incredible valleys, villages, and wineries that offer some of the best things to do near Strasbourg. You can tour quaint historical villages that blend French and German cultures in unique ways.
Some of these villages have structures dating back to medieval times. You can taste the famed French wines as you explore the valleys and dine on authentic Alsatian dishes. This is day-long tour covers some of the most magical places to visit near Strasbourg including Bergheim, Ribeauville, Hunawihr, Riquewihr, Kayserberg, Eguisheim, and more.
I suggest you should go for a Day Trip to Visit of Medieval Village and the Wine Tasting Tour.
If you are looking for more activities to do in Strasbourg or around it check out the sections below. We have created a complete list of attractions in the city and the surrounding areas for you to explore.
Things to do in Strasbourg, France
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Strasbourg, France
- Cathedral de Notre Dame de Strasbourg
- Alsatian Museum
- Barrage Vauban
- Palais Rohan
- Ponts Couverts de Strasbourg
- Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
- St. Thomas Church
- Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg
- St. Paul Church
- Saint Pierre le Jeune Protestant Church
- Museum Oeuvre Notre Dame
- Cave Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg
- Tanner’s House
- Palais du Rhin
- Strasbourg Museum of Fire Arts
- Tomi Ungerer Museum
- Grande Mosque
- Church of Old St. Peters
- Chateau Musee Vodou
- Aubette 1928
- The Temple Neuf
- Russian Orthodox Church
- Strasbourg Zoological Museum
- Saint Pierre le Jeune Catholic Church
- Pont du Faisan
- MM Park Military Museum
- Strasbourg Archeological Museum
- Statue de Johannes Gutenberg
- Lieu d’Europe
- Paroisse Protestante Saint Guillaume
- Eglise Saint Jean
- Bains Municipaux de Strasbourg
- Sainte Madeleine Strasbourg
- Observatoire Astronomique de Strasbourg
- Place de la Republique
- Musee Adolf Michaelis
- Planetarium of Strasbourg
- Musee de Mineralogie
- Palais du Gouverner Militaire
- Museum of Seismology and Earth Magnetism
- The Cabinet des Estampes et des Dessins
- Galerie Cartel
- The Egyptian House
- Archdiocese of Strasbourg
- Fort Grossherzog von Baden
- Musee du Chocolat par Schaal
- Fort Rapp Moltke
- Museum Manufactory
- Fort Ducrot Podbielski
- Park Alsatian House
- Fort Foch
- Chateau de Kolbsheim
- Unterlinden Museum
- Choco Story Colmar
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Strasbourg, France
- Reserve Naturelle de I’lle du Rohrshollen
- Foret de la Robertsau
- Parc Naturel Urbain Ill Bruche
- Le Rhin Tortu
- Rohrschollen
- Foret du Heuhof
- Parc Animalier Friedel
- Blauelsand
- Lake Bagersee
- Lac du Baggersee
- River Souffel
- Lac Achard
- Lake Plan d’Eau de Plobsheim
- Andlau
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Strasbourg, France
- Parc de I’Orangerie
- Le Vaisseau
- Jardin des Deux Rives
- Parc de la Citadelle
- Aerodome Strasbourg Polygone
- Parc du Heyritz
- Tras Kart
- Parc de I’Etoile
- Monument aux Morts de Strasbourg
- Parc du Contades
- Natura Parc
- Parc Schulmeister
- Mini Ferme de I’Orangerie
- Parc de Pourtales
- Domaine Xavier Muller
Shopping in Strasbourg, France
- Strasbourg Christmas Markets
- Grand Rue
- Place de la Cathedrale
- Galeries Lafayette
- Marche de la Place Broglie
- Rivetoile Mall
- Kleber Square
- La Nouvelle Douane
- Rue des Juifs
- Place des Halles
Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Strasbourg, France
- Boat Tour
- Skydiving
- Nature Trails
- Miniature Train Tour
- Cycling
Sightseeing in Strasbourg, France
- Place Kleber
- Grand Ile de Strasbourg
- La Petite France
- Place du Chateau
- Pont de I’Europe
- Square Louis Weiss
- Place Gutenberg
- Beatus Rhenanus Bridge
- Place d’Austerlitz
- Bruche Canal
- Pierre Pflimin Bridge
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Strasbourg, France
- Maison Kammerzell
- Maison des Tanneurs
- House of Tanners Restaurant
- Le Pied de Mammouth
- Binchstub
- Le Botaiste
- Dim Sum Sam
- Le Kuhn
- Come a Marco
- Chez Yvone
- Le Stras’
- Brasserie Des Haras
- Restaurante de la Victoria
- La Cloche a Fromage
- Hey Mama
- Aedaen Place
- Le Garde Fou
- Au Pont Corbeau
- La Riviere
- Restaurant 1741
- La Cloche a Fromage
- Dontatien Maitre Eclair
- Vino Strada Stub
Where to Stay in Strasbourg?
Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range, and Budget Hotels in Strasbourg. You can check the below-listed hotels for your perfect stay in Strasbourg.
Luxurious Hotels
- Hotel Chateau de Pourtales
- Hotel Cour du Corbeau Strasbourg – MGallery
- Regent Petite France & Spa
- Chateau de l’Ile & Spa
- Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Ile
- Hotel Le Bouclier d’Or et Spa
- Maison Rouge Strasbourg Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection
- Hotel Les Haras
- Hotel Gutenberg
- Athena Hotel & Spa
Mid-Range Hotels
- Hotel Hannong
- Hotel Origami
- Arok Hotel
- Hotel Beaucour
- voco Strasbourg Centre – the Garden, an IHG Hotel
- Best Western Plus Monopole Metropole
- B&B HOTEL Strasbourg Nord Schiltigheim Lac 4 etoiles
- Hotel Les Alizes
- Holiday Inn Express Strasbourg – Centre, An IHG Hotel
- BOMA
Budget Hotels
- Citadines Kleber Strasbourg
- Hotel The Originals Bristol Strasbourg Centre Gare
- Kyriad Strasbourg Sud – Lingolsheim
- Ibis Strasbourg Centre Halles
- ibis Styles Strasbourg Nord Palais Des Congres
- Hotel Patricia – Strasbourg Hyper Centre
- Hotel Strasbourg Montagne Verte
- Hotel Restaurant d’Alsace The Originals Boutique
- Hilton Strasbourg
- Ibis Strasbourg Centre Gare
Custom Tours Package in Strasbourg
How to Reach Strasbourg, France?
By Air
The city is served by Strasbourg International Airport. You can get direct flights to visit Strasbourg from Athens, Lyon, Amsterdam, Madrid, Brussels, Warsaw, Casablanca, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Marseille, Tunis, Porto, Rome, Nice, Toulouse, Faro, Palermo, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, and several other cities in Europe.
You can get trains, buses, and cabs to get to the city from the airport. The train runs to the town centre every 15 minutes.
By Road
You can get direct trains for Strasbourg travel from several cities in France and neighboring countries including Paris, Dijon, Lyon, Metz, Nancy, Marseille, Lille, Frankfurt, Luxembourg, Brussels, Bordeaux, Stuttgart, Mulhouse, and a few more.
You can also get buses to reach Strasbourg from France and border countries. Some of the popular connections include Zurich, Munich, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Mannheim, Constance, Dortmund, Lyon, Marseille, London, Paris, Reims, and more.
If you want to reach Strasbourg by road, you should head for routes A5, A4, or A35.
By Water
There are no direct water routes to get to Strasbourg.
Image Reference
- Palais Rohan – Claudia Schillinger / Flickr
- Alsatian Museum (Musée alsacien) – Patrick / Flickr
- Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (Musée d’Art Moderne et Contemporain de Strasbourg) – stefano Merli / Flickr
- Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg) – Guilhem Vellut / Flickr
- Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune Protestant Church (Église protestante Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune) – Pedro J Pacheco / Wikimedia Commons
- Vauban Dam (Barrage Vauban) – Patrick / Flickr
- Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg (Musée historique de la ville de Strasbourg) – Patrick / Flickr
- Musée de l’Œuvre Notre-Dame – stefano Merli / Flickr
- La Petite France – Claudia Schillinger / Flickr
- Tanners House (Maison des tanneurs) – Patrick / Flickr
- Ponts Couverts – Sekau67 / PixaBay
- Parc de I’Orangerie – Elaine / Flickr
- River Ill Strasbourg Sightseeing Boat Tour – PxFuel
- St. Thomas’ Church (Église Saint-Thomas) – Naval S / Flickr
- European Parliament – Leonardo / PixaBay
- Medieval Village & Wine Tasting Tour – Patrick / Flickr
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