In a nutshell
- Strasbourg sits right on the border with Baden-Württemberg and makes for an easy day trip from southwestern Germany — or a great standalone destination.
- Strasbourg Cathedral and La Petite France are the absolute must-sees in the city center — and both are totally walkable from each other.
- In the European Quarter, you’ll find the Council of Europe and the European Parliament — the latter is free to visit and you can even watch a plenary session.
- Top things to do in Strasbourg include cycling, a boat tour on the Ill, and day trips to Colmar and the Alsace Wine Route.
- In our opinion, the best tarte flambée in the city is at La Fignette and Au Brasseur — don’t leave without trying it.
All Strasbourg Highlights on One Map
For a better overview of where to find each highlight in Strasbourg, we’ve marked all the top attractions on a map.
Strasbourg Sights in One Day
Even if you’re only making a day trip to Strasbourg, you’ll still have plenty of time to see most of the city’s highlights. Here’s our checklist for a one-day visit:
- Strasbourg Cathedral
- Astronomical Clock
- La Petite France
- Maison Kammerzell
- Barrage Vauban
- Ponts Couverts
- Eat tarte flambée
All of these must-sees are located very close to each other in the city center, in the district known as Grande Île.
Since everything on the Grande Île is easily reachable on foot, you can comfortably tick all of these off in a single day. And you can eat tarte flambée anytime, anywhere.
If you arrive early in the morning and leave late in the evening, you can also make it out to the European Quarter to visit the European Parliament.
That will make for a pretty packed day, though — so we’d recommend staying overnight instead.
Buildings and Icons in Strasbourg
Strasbourg Cathedral
The cathedral is the landmark of Strasbourg and ranks among the best sights in France. Built in the Gothic style from pink Vosges sandstone, the tower stands an impressive 142 meters tall.
It’s simply incredible that such a masterpiece could have been created by human hands!
We couldn’t stop marveling at it — and that’s saying something, given we’d seen it countless times in photos.
You can visit the cathedral for free. It’s open daily, but closes between 11:15 AM and 2:00 PM. Opening hours vary on Sundays.
From the cathedral’s observation platform, you get a fantastic view over the city. You’ll need to climb 330 steps to get there — but it’s absolutely worth it! An adult ticket costs 10 euros.
Astronomical Clock
The Astronomical Clock is the standout feature inside Strasbourg Cathedral — and it earns its place as a sight in its own right.
The clockwork dates back to the Renaissance era and is a genuine tourist magnet.
The main draw is the figurine display, which takes place daily at 12:30 PM inside the cathedral. At that time, the figures spring into motion and a crowd gathers to watch the spectacle.
Admission to see the Astronomical Clock costs 4 euros. Access is through the south portal of Strasbourg Cathedral. There is no figurine display on Sundays and public holidays.
La Petite France
The historic La Petite France quarter is the most beautiful neighborhood in Strasbourg and should be right at the top of your list of things to do in Strasbourg.
La Petite France consists of small islands on the Ill River. The charming quarter is lined with beautiful half-timbered houses and lovely little bridges — every building looks like it’s straight out of a storybook. It’s no wonder this is one of the top Instagram spots in Strasbourg.
Maison Kammerzell
Maison Kammerzell, also known by its German name Haus Kammerzell, sits right next to Strasbourg Cathedral.
It’s often called the most beautiful house in Strasbourg — an old half-timbered building dating back to 1427 that has been remodeled several times since. The characteristic carved facade, for example, wasn’t added until the 16th century.
Maison Kammerzell is a seriously popular photo subject in Strasbourg. The building itself houses a hotel and a restaurant.
Ponts Couverts
Ponts Couverts translates as the covered bridges — though the three bridges are no longer covered today. When they got their name, they were still sheltered by wooden galleries.
The Ponts Couverts consist of three bridges and four towers, connecting La Petite France, the Grande Île, and the far bank of the Ill with each other.
Barrage Vauban
Right next to the Ponts Couverts stands the dam known as the Barrage Vauban. It also serves as a covered pedestrian bridge — which can be a little confusing, given that it stands right beside the Ponts Couverts.
The highlight here is the observation platform, which you can visit for free. From up top, you get a great panoramic view of Strasbourg and some fantastic photo opportunities.
The interior of the bridge also features various exhibitions of sculptures and gallery work.
Pauluskirche
The Pauluskirche, known in French as Église Réformée Saint-Paul, is not on the Grande Île but rather in Strasbourg’s Neustadt — even so, it’s only a 12-minute walk from the cathedral.
Built in the Neo-Gothic style, it bears a strong resemblance to the Elisabethkirche in Marburg.
Thanks to its position at a fork in the river, the Pauluskirche makes for an excellent photo subject from the bridge opposite.
One thing to know: the church only opens to visitors on Wednesdays from 12:00 PM to 6:45 PM. We visited on a Saturday and found it closed.
Admission is free — when it’s actually open.
The European Quarter in Strasbourg
European Quarter
The European Quarter is located a bit outside the city center, in the northeast of Strasbourg. In French, the district is called Lieu d’Europe.
Strasbourg is the official seat of the European Parliament, which is located here in the European Quarter.
The European Court of Human Rights, the Council of Europe, and the EDQM (European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines) are also based here.
You can find more information about the individual institutions on the European Quarter’s website. We’ll take a closer look at the European Parliament in a moment — because you can actually visit it.
Take tram line E toward Robertsau L’Escale to get from the Grande Île to the European Quarter in about 15 minutes.
A Segway tour is also a great option if you’d like to explore the European Quarter and its institutions in style.
European Parliament
The European Parliament in Strasbourg is open to visitors and completely free of charge. You can even watch a plenary session — and you really should! It’s not something you get to experience every day.
To enter the building, you’ll need a valid national ID or passport, and there’s a security check at the entrance, similar to what you’d expect at an airport. No dress code, though.
Once you’re inside, you can explore the hallways, the plenary chamber, and the Parlamentarium Simone Veil — with or without an audio guide available in 24 official languages.
Individuals and groups of up to nine people can visit without a prior reservation.
Groups of ten or more need an online reservation for the European Parliament. The visit remains free of charge.
The same rules apply for attending a plenary session — a reservation is only required for larger groups. You can find session times and details on the European Parliament’s website.
Parc de l'Orangerie
If your head is spinning from politics and European institutions, take a breather at the Parc de l’Orangerie and soak up some nature.
The park is about a 15-minute walk from the European Parliament and is one of the most beautiful parks in all of Strasbourg.
It’s the perfect spot to sit by one of the small lakes, grab an ice cream, and go for a leisurely stroll.
The Most Beautiful Squares in Strasbourg
Place Kléber
Place Kléber is one of Strasbourg’s main squares and sits right in the heart of the city. It’s a popular gathering spot with plenty of cafés, shops, hotels, and a shopping arcade.
The square is home to a statue of Jean-Baptiste Kléber, a general of the French Revolutionary armies, and during the Advent season a giant Christmas tree is added to the mix.
On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, a book market is also held here.
Place Gutenberg
Place Gutenberg isn’t as large as Place Kléber, but we find it just a little bit more charming.
The square is framed by beautiful, distinctive buildings and has a character all its own. At its center stands a statue of inventor Johannes Gutenberg.
It’s located just a few hundred meters from Strasbourg Cathedral — easy to combine with a visit.
The Most Fascinating Museums in Strasbourg
Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Strasbourg (MAMCS)
The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art lives up to its name even from the outside. The building immediately caught our eye as we crossed the Barrage Vauban.
The whole place has a totally modern and hip design, and young artists get to showcase their work across a vast exhibition space.
From an art library to photography to an auditorium, the MAMCS really does have it all. Even if museums aren’t usually your thing, you’re very likely to find something here that speaks to you.
The MAMCS also has a restaurant and a lovely outdoor terrace with views over Petite France.
Admission to the MAMCS costs 7.50 euros.
You also have the option of picking up a 1-day museum pass for Strasbourg. It costs 16 euros for adults and gives you free entry to all of Strasbourg’s museums for one day.
Museum pass info and prices for Strasbourg’s museums
Palais Rohan
The Palais Rohan is another impressive building in Strasbourg, located right behind the cathedral.
You can simply admire it from the outside and snap some great photos, or head inside to visit one of the three museums within.
You get to choose between the Decorative Arts Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Archaeological Museum.
Admission costs 7.50 euros for each museum.
If you want to visit all three, the 1-day museum pass for 16 euros is definitely the smarter move.
Musée Alsacien
The Alsatian Museum is housed in an old, traditional townhouse in Strasbourg.
Here you get a really authentic look into the life of the Alsatians — their traditions, way of life, and religions.
If you want not only to see the region but also to understand it, this is exactly the right place.
Admission to the Musée Alsacien also costs 7.50 euros.
The Coolest Things to Do in Strasbourg
Strasbourg isn’t just full of beautiful points of interest — there’s also a ton to experience. Here are our best recommendations for what to do in Strasbourg.
Boat Trip on the Ill
The Ill River winds practically everywhere through Strasbourg, so it only makes sense to take a boat trip while you’re here. From the water, you get a completely different perspective on the half-timbered houses and historic buildings.
A great provider is Batorama — you can book tickets online in advance.
A boat trip is also a fantastic activity if you’re visiting Strasbourg with kids.
Bike Tour in Strasbourg
Strasbourg is a cyclist’s dream. There are bike lanes throughout the city, and cyclists are given a lot of consideration by drivers.
On top of that, Strasbourg is neither too big nor too small — making a bicycle the perfect way to explore.
A great option is to rent a bike through the city’s public bike-sharing service, Vélhop.
Even better, in our opinion, is a guided bike tour. You’ll pick up fascinating facts about the city along the way and discover spots you might never have found on your own.
Bike Tour through Strasbourg with a Local
Eating Tarte Flambée
Okay, we know — food isn’t technically a sight. But tarte flambée in Strasbourg kind of is. It’s the signature specialty of the Alsace region, plain and simple.
In the streets of Strasbourg’s historic center, you’ll find tarte flambée on the menu at practically every restaurant. So you really can’t help but try it.
Classic with onions and bacon, vegetarian, or loaded with cheese — there are quite a few tarte flambée variations to work through.
For the truly delicious stuff, head to La Fignette and Au Brasseur. Both are right on the Grande Île.
Strasbourg Christmas Market
The Christkindelsmärik in Strasbourg, as the Alsatians call it, is the oldest Christmas market in France and one of the most popular events in the city.
If you’re thinking about visiting France during the Christmas season, we honestly can’t recommend Strasbourg highly enough.
A Christmas tree at least 30 meters tall goes up on Place Kléber, stalls and booths spread across the entire Grande Île, and the square in front of the cathedral is beautifully decorated for the holidays.
The Best Day Trips from Strasbourg
There are plenty of wonderful places to discover not only in Strasbourg itself, but throughout the surrounding Alsace region. Here are our favorite day trips from Strasbourg.
Colmar
The small city of Colmar is only half an hour away from Strasbourg by train. By car, the drive takes just under an hour.
For us, Colmar is one of the most beautiful small cities in all of France. Just like in Strasbourg, the historic center of Colmar is lined with beautiful half-timbered houses.
The top Instagram spot in Colmar is La Petite Venise. This little version of Venice genuinely evokes the city of canals and bridges in Italy.
Alsace Wine Route
If you enjoy wine, you absolutely have to drive the Alsace Wine Route at least once. Here you can sample delicious regional wines and get a real taste of life among French winemakers.
Along the 170-kilometer route, you’ll pass through charming villages, fantastic wineries, and wine cellars.
You can also explore the Alsace Wine Route as part of a guided tour from Strasbourg, stopping at the most beautiful spots along the way.
Day Tour along the Alsace Wine Route from Strasbourg
Haut-Kœnigsbourg
The medieval Haut-Kœnigsbourg sits between Strasbourg and Colmar, perched atop a 757-meter mountain with a breathtaking panoramic view over Alsace.
Admission costs 12 euros for adults. Your best bet is to arrive by car — there’s a free parking lot in front of the castle, but plan to arrive in the morning as it fills up fast.
Alternatively, there’s a shuttle bus from Sélestat train station for 2.50 euros per ride — and if you show your ticket at the castle, you’ll only pay 6 euros for entry.
General Tips for Strasbourg
Now you know the top things to do in Strasbourg. To make sure you’re perfectly prepared, here are a few more practical tips to keep in mind.
#1 Strasbourg City Card
If you want to see lots of attractions in Strasbourg and save some money while doing it, the Strasbourg City Card is worth picking up.
The Strasbourg City Card is a discount card that gets you attractive savings on several attractions. It costs just 6 euros for adults and 3.50 euros for children.
For example, you’ll pay only 6 instead of 10 euros for the cathedral’s observation platform, and just 12.80 euros instead of 16 euros for a boat trip through the city.
For those two attractions alone, the City Card already pays for itself. Of course, it all depends on what you plan to see.
All discounts and info about the Strasbourg City Card
You can pick up the Strasbourg City Card at the Strasbourg Tourist Office. It’s valid for seven consecutive days.
#2 Where to Stay in Strasbourg
Planning to stay for more than just a day? Great idea — you’ll have so much more time to explore everything the city has to offer.
To help you find the perfect place to stay, we’ve put together our accommodation tips in a separate article.
#3 Getting Around Strasbourg
The infrastructure in Strasbourg is seriously impressive. We’ve already mentioned how great it is for cycling and exploring the city center on foot.
If you want to check out other neighborhoods or your accommodation is a bit further out, public transit is also an excellent option.
Strasbourg’s public transit consists of a tram and bus network that gets you pretty much everywhere. A single ticket costs 1.90 euros. When you buy one, you’ll pay an extra 20 cents for the card, which you can then reload. A 24-hour ticket costs 4.60 euros.
#4 Getting to Strasbourg
Strasbourg is right on the border with Germany — from the German city of Kehl, you just cross a bridge and you’re there. So getting here by bus, train, or car is really straightforward.
From Saarbrücken in the Saarland, the journey takes about 1.5 hours by both Flixbus and train. From Freiburg, both options take just over an hour.
From Mannheim, it’s only 70 minutes by ICE, and from Frankfurt it’s just under two hours.
If you’re arriving by car, we recommend parking a little outside the center and taking the tram in. This makes parking in Strasbourg much easier and cheaper.
Good options include the P+R Meinau or the parking lot at the Baggersee. For either of these, you’ll only pay 4.20 euros for the entire day.
The Baggersee is also one of our insider tips for Strasbourg — so you can easily walk there straight from the parking lot.
