When in Strasbourg, you feel like you are jumping in and out between two different cultures! One moment, you are strolling past grand French palaces; the next, you are surrounded by half-timbered houses that look straight out of a German fairy tale. Located in northeastern France, near the German border, in the Alsace region, this city has spent centuries flipping between two worlds, and today, it embraces both with pride.
Its breathtaking Gothic cathedral stands as a timeless masterpiece, while its canals invite you to slow down and soak in the charm of La Petite France Strasbourg. Add in world-class cuisine, a vibrant cultural scene, and the prestige of being home to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, and you have a destination that is as fascinating as it is beautiful. If you are looking for the best things to do in Strasbourg, this city delivers!
A stroll through La Petite France
Step into a living postcard as you wander through La Petite France, the city’s most picturesque and romantic quarter. With its half-timbered houses, flower-filled balconies, and tranquil canals, this district feels like stepping back in time! Once home to tanners, millers, and fishermen, today it’s a dreamy escape where history and charm go hand in hand.
Lose yourself in the maze of cobbled streets, and discover a new delight in every corner - an inviting café, a hidden courtyard, or a bridge with a perfect view. The Ponts Couverts and the Vauban Dam offer some of the best panoramas of the area, especially at sunset. By day or night, in any season, this district is the heart of Strasbourg’s charm.
The majestic Strasbourg Cathedral
Towering above the city, Strasbourg Cathedral, or Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, is an awe-inspiring masterpiece of Gothic architecture. With its intricate façade, soaring spire, and mesmerizing rose window, it is a sight that stops visitors in their tracks. For centuries, it was the tallest building in the world! And even today, it remains one of Strasbourg’s top tourist attractions.
Step inside to admire the cathedral’s grand stained-glass windows and its stunning astronomical clock, a 19th-century marvel that puts on a daily show at 12:30 p.m. If you are up for a climb, the 332 steps to the viewing platform reward you with panoramic views over Strasbourg and, on clear days, all the way to the Black Forest. Discovering these Strasbourg Cathedral highlights is an essential part of any visit.
The European Quarter: Strasbourg's role on the World Stage
Strasbourg is more than an enchanting city of history and charm - it is also a city of power! As one of the capitals of the European Union, it plays a crucial role in shaping Europe’s future. The European Quarter is where politics and diplomacy meet, home to institutions like the European Parliament in Strasbourg, the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights.
The district’s sleek, glass-fronted buildings contrast sharply with the city’s medieval heart, offering a glimpse into Strasbourg’s global influence. A stroll through the area—especially around the peaceful Parc de l’Orangerie - shows another fascinating layer of this city that effortlessly blends old and new.
A taste of Alsace
Strasbourg is a feast for the senses, and its cuisine is just as rich as its history. Influenced by both French finesse and German heartiness, Alsace food and wine experiences are bold, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.
Start with the iconic tarte flambée (flammekueche) - a thin, crispy flatbread topped with crème fraîche, onions, and smoky bacon. For a hearty dish, the traditional braised pork or the choucroute garnie, which brings together sauerkraut and an assortment of deliciously seasoned meats. The famous pretzels can be the perfect snack! This popular food pays homage to the region’s German influences while turning it into an equally French delicacy!
Paired with a glass of Alsace’s world-renowned wines, such as a crisp Riesling or an aromatic Gewürztraminer, every meal becomes a celebration of tradition and taste!
Seasonal magic in the Strasbourg's Christmas Market
When December arrives, Strasbourg embraces its title as the "Capital of Christmas" with an enchantment that feels straight out of a holiday dream. The Christmas Market Strasbourg France, known as the Christkindelsmärik, dates back to 1570 and is one of Europe’s oldest and most magical holiday markets. The city fills with twinkling lights, festive melodies, and the scent of cinnamon and spiced vin chaud.
More than 300 wooden chalets spread across the city, offering handcrafted ornaments, artisan gifts, and irresistible seasonal treats like bredele cookies and gingerbread. At the heart of it all, the dazzling Christmas tree in Place Kléber stands as a symbol of Strasbourg’s holiday spirit. Strolling through illuminated streets, wrapped in the warmth of tradition, visitors quickly understand why this market is considered one of the best things to do in Strasbourg during the winter season.
Daytrips in Alsace's Wine Route and Historic Villages
Strasbourg is a gateway to some of the most charming villages in France, each brimming with history, half-timbered houses, and rolling vineyards. A journey along the Alsace Wine Route day trips unveils breathtaking landscapes and world-class wineries, where crisp Rieslings and aromatic Gewürztraminers await.
Colmar, with its pastel-colored façades and winding canals, feels like a fairy tale come to life. Riquewihr and Eguisheim, often ranked among France’s most beautiful villages, captivate with their medieval charm. For a touch of grandeur, the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg offers stunning views over the Rhine Valley. Exploring these historic villages in Alsace is an experience that lingers long after the journey ends.
Experience the magic for yourself
Strasbourg is as easy to explore as it is to fall in love with! The city’s walkable center makes it perfect for strolling, and for longer distances, the efficient tram system is a great way to get around. If you are arriving by train, how to visit Strasbourg from Paris is simple - Gare de Strasbourg connects seamlessly to the French capital and beyond!
Visit in spring and summer for lively terraces and warm weather, or in December for the magical Christmas market Strasbourg France. We can help you plan your visit, to experience Strasbourg's fairy-tale streets and Gothic grandeur, with rich flavors and festive traditions. Strasbourg is a city that lingers in your heart!
