Sitting snugly alongside the Franco-German border, the enchanting city of Strasbourg enjoys a prime location along the banks of the River Ill in the historic region of Alsace. With ties to both French and Germanic culture, Strasbourgradiates old-world charm through its timber-framed medieval houses, cobbled lanes and awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral dominating the skyline.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Cruise Under Bridges on the Ill River | Glass-topped riverboat cruise offering scenic views. |
| Marvel at Strasbourg Cathedral’s Intricacies | Visit the towering cathedral with intricate interior and views. |
| Wander Through Petite France | Explore the quaint quarter with waterways and colorful houses. |
| Browse Les Halles Market Halls | A market with local produce and specialties. |
| Savor Local Wines at Cozy Winstubs | Experience local wines and comfort foods in traditional winstubs. |
| Tour European Parliament & Institutions | Visit EU institutions and understand their workings. |
| Christmas Markets | Enjoy festive markets during the holiday season. |
| Panoramas from Cathedral’s Viewing Platform | Enjoy panoramic city views from the cathedral. |
| Embrace Cafe Culture | Relax in local cafes, enjoying drinks and snacks. |
| Pedal Along Scenic Bike Paths | Explore Strasbourg by bike through scenic routes. |
| Visit Stork Island Villages | Explore nearby villages and natural settings. |
| Tour Imperial Architecture in Neustadt | Discover grand architecture in the New Town area. |
| Experience Festival Season | Enjoy cultural festivals and events throughout the year. |
| Indulge in Chocolate Shops & Patisseries | Sample sweets and pastries in historic shops. |
| Conclusion | Embrace the enchanting mix of culture, history, and gastronomy in Strasbourg. |
2024 brings fresh opportunities to uncover Strasbourg’s unique Alsatian flavors, world-renowned Christmas markets, European institutions andfestive events new and old. Read on for the 15 top things to add to your Strasbourg bucket list!
Cruise Under Bridges on the Ill River
Name and Location: Ill River, Strasbourg, France
History and Significance: The Ill River flows through the center of Strasbourg, dividing the city’s historic center into Grande Île and Petite France districts. Several bridges like the medieval Ponts Couverts span the river, which has long been key to Strasbourg’s trade, transport and development.
What to Expect: Cruising on the Ill allows you to glide under the charming bridges, view the illuminated cathedral, and admire the postcard scenery of the old town from a unique vantage point. Batorama and other companies offer short tour rides.
Visitor Information: Ill River cruises typically last 30-50 minutes. Batorama boats depart frequently from Quai des Bateliers by the Palais Rohan. Tickets are around €13 for adults. Audio guides and small snacks are provided on board.
There’s no better introduction to Strasbourg’s scenic cityscape thanfrom onboard a glass-topped riverboat cruise. Sail smoothly past the compact historic city center’s photogenic facades glowing pinkish-gold under the evening sun. Look up at the towering spire of Strasbourg Cathedral as you gently float underneath the ornate Ponts Couverts bridges spanning the River Ill.
Several boat tour companies ply this key artery through town offering perspectives of Petite France’s hanging wisteria and gabled houses not easily seen from ashore. Sit back sipping local Rieslingwhile revealing Strasbourg’s charms from a tranquil vantage point.
Marvel at Strasbourg Cathedral’s Intricacies
Name and Location: Strasbourg Cathedral, Place de la Cathédrale, 67000 Strasbourg, France
History and Significance: Strasbourg Cathedral is an awe-inspiring Gothic masterpiece completed in 1439, noted for its asymmetrical spire, ornate facade, medieval statuary and immense rose window. At 142 meters tall, it remained the world’s tallest church for 227 years. The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What to Expect: Visitors can tour the cathedral’s interior to admire the intricately carved pillars, stained glass windows, 16th century astronomical clock and more. For a few euros, you can also climb over 300 steps to the viewing platform at the base of the spire.
Visitor Information: Strasbourg Cathedral is open daily from 7-11:15am and 12:45-7pm, except during services. Admission is free but a €1-3 donation is suggested. The platform is open April-September only, weather permitting. Modest attire is required.
Constructed over nearly 300 years starting in the 12th century, the Strasbourg Cathedral captivates from first glimpse thanks to its single spire rising some 466 feet tall, the tallest Medieval-era church steeple in existence. But venture inside to witness the true intricacy found in carved choir stalls, filigreed sandstone statuary and vivid stained glass windows that astonished Goethe back in the 1770s.
Take time touring the winding walkways to uncover details like the 16th century working Astrological Clockwith daily shows at solar noon, 3pm and sunset or seek out the eerie but beautiful 12th century sculpted heads lining the exterior base course. Don’t forget to look down through floor windows into the archaeological crypts for a snapshot of the site’s more ancient history!
Wander Through Petite France’s Idyllic Waterways
Name and Location: Petite France, Strasbourg, France
History and Significance: Petite France is the most picturesque historic district in Strasbourg, situated on an island between canals. Known for its half-timbered homes, winding alleys, locks, and footbridges, it resembles a quaint Alsatian village within the city that charms visitors.
What to Expect: Wandering through Petite France’s narrow cobblestone lanes allows you to admire the medieval charm and snap that perfect photo. Cafes, shops, crêperies, and restaurants abound in the area. Boat and walking tours also explore the scenic waterways.
Visitor Information: Petite France is very walkable and located right in central Strasbourg. Free public parking is available at Parking des Bateliers. The nearest tram stop is Porte de l’Hôpital. Go early to avoid crowds on summer weekends.
Arguably Strasbourg’s quaintest corner snuggled against the River Ill, the Petite France quarter enchants with its photogenic views down narrow waterways under iconic half-timbered houses glowing bright in an array of pastel hues. Cross any of the short bridges for boutiques filled with everything from handmade soaps to colorful textiles and inventive takes on traditional gingerbread called pain d’épices.
At night when illuminated, these medieval facades transform into fairytale scenes made for sipping tarte flambées Alsatian flatbread and beers al fresco next to the lock system originally built for 17th century tanners and millers alongside sloping canals.
Browse through Les Halles Market Halls
Name and Location: Les Halles Market, Strasbourg, France
History and Significance: Les Halles is Strasbourg’s central fresh market, comprised of multiple historic market halls that have served as important community hubs since medieval times. Vendors sell regional produce, baked goods, meats, cheeses, wines and more.
What to Expect: Browsing Strasbourg’s covered markets allows you to shop for artisan foods and goods, try Alsatian street food like pretzels and tarte flambée, and soak up the lively atmosphere. Don’t miss the 16th century Grande Boucherie historic butcher shop.
Visitor Information: Les Halles markets are centered around Place de la Cathédrale in the old town, open Tuesday-Saturday generally 7am-7pm. Individual structures like the Grande Boucherie have varying hours. Everything is within walking distance.
For tantalizing tastes of Alsatian seasonal specialties, make your way to Les Halles food market conveniently located right in Strasbourg’s historic core. Follow your nose through several adjoining buildings to uncover stalls piled high with farm-fresh produce, pungent cheeses, smoked cured meats, buttery pretzels and sweets while absorbing chatter echoing in the local Germanic dialect.
Don’t resist sampling a few flavors for yourself or gather the makings for a picnic lunch to go enjoy canal side! Just beware prices here skew higher than your average French market thanks to imports trucked in across borders but the quality shines through.
Savor Local Wines at Cozy Winstubs
Name and Location: Winstubs of Strasbourg
History and Significance: Winstubs are small, cozy wine taverns typical to the Alsace region of France and Strasbourg. They have been local institutions for centuries, serving regional wines along with traditional cuisine in a warm, rustic setting.
What to Expect: Strasbourg’s winstubs allow you to sample Alsatian wines by the glass, such as crisp Rieslings and bold Pinot Gris, alongside dishes like choucroute garnie and tarte flambée. Winstubs like Maison Kammerzell or Cave des Sommeliers offer classic atmospheres.
Visitor Information: Winstubs are scattered throughout Strasbourg’s old town. Many don’t take reservations. Look for the traditional winstub sign above the door. Opening hours vary but kitchens often close around 10pm. Prices are reasonable, expect to spend around €25-40 per person.
Strasbourg’s winemaking credentials date back to the 4th century BC when ancient Romans cultivated what they called Argentina winery plots nearby. Continuing the legacy, cozy winstubs permeateStrasbourg’s dining scene focusing on warming comfort foods and exceptional Alsatian wines for the cellar-like atmospheres. Try choucroute garnie (sauerkraut heaping with assorted meats) alongside floral, minerally Rieslings or opt for Pinot Gris pairing nicely with buttery onion tarts called Flammekueche. With over 50 producers represented, request an Alsace wine flight to sample the full range of varietals this unique winemaking region excels at producing.
Tour European Parliament & Other Leading Institutions
Name and Location: European Parliament, 1 Avenue du Président Robert Schuman, 67000 Strasbourg, France
History and Significance: The European Parliament building has been located in Strasbourg since 1999, though parliamentary sessions also take place in Brussels, Belgium. The Louise Weiss building designed by Paris-based Architecture-Studio is open for visitors to observe workings of the EU’s legislative body.
What to Expect: Free guided tours provide an inside look at the Parliament’s striking glass tower architecture, the hemispheric chamber where political groups meet, and displays on EU history. Tours must be booked in advance online and require ID to enter.
Visitor Information: Parliament tours run weekdays on varying schedules. Tram line E stops directly outside the complex. Visitors must pass an airport-style security check. Separate tours of Winston Churchill’s Congress of Europe can also be booked online.
As the official seat of major European Union institutions like European Parliament, the European Council and European Court of Human Rights, Strasbourg provides a front row look into workings behind these pivotal legislative bodies. Europe devotees shouldn’t miss the opportunity to tour Parliament’s ultramodern glass and steel Louise Weiss complex or attend open sessions observing international laws being shaped in real time.
History and political buffs can also peruse exhibits about EU workings at the Parlamentarium museum or get briefed on duties of the Council across from the Palais de l’Europe. Just be sure to book guided visits well in advance due to routine conferences and strict security procedures.
Celebrate the Magic of Christmas at Strasbourg’s Famed Markets
Name and Location: Strasbourg Christmas Markets, Place Broglie and Place de la Cathédrale, Strasbourg, France
History and Significance: Strasbourg’s Christmas Markets date back over 450 years and are considered among the oldest and finest in Europe. From late November through December, Strasbourg transforms into a magical Christmastown with lights, decorations, gifts, foods and holiday cheer.
What to Expect: The markets spread over several city squares with hundreds of beautifully decorated stalls selling ornaments, toys, local crafts, sweets and Strasbourg’s famous bredele Christmas cookies. A 30-meter Christmas tree towers over Place Kléber.
Visitor Information: The markets are open daily from late November to December 24th. Place de la Cathédrale and Place Broglie are the two main locations. Come evenings and weekends to best experience the illuminations and festive ambiance. Entry is free.
From late November through early January, Strasbourg shifts into overdrive celebrating the yearend holiday season with not one but several interlinking Christkindelsmärik mercados arranged around the cathedral and historic center. Between the lights festival Illuminations dazzling downtown buildings after dark and quaint wooden chalet stalls brimming with handicrafts, sweets and warming drinks, Strasbourg offers holiday magic that sets it apart from any other French city. Don’t miss special events like dancing displays, nativity plays or picking out this year’s tree ornament keepsake!
Absorb Panoramas from Strasbourg Cathedral’s Viewing Platform
Name and Location: Strasbourg Cathedral Viewing Platform, Strasbourg, France
History and Significance: Strasbourg Cathedral’s viewing platform sits right below the base of the cathedral’s famous asymmetrical spire, which soars 142 meters high. Reached by climbing 332 spiral stairs, the platform rewards visitors with unmatched panoramic views over Strasbourg.
What to Expect: From the viewing platform, you can gaze out over Strasbourg’s sea of red-tiled roofs in every direction, with sweeping vistas of the city center and beyond. On clear days, the panorama stretches to the Black Forest in Germany. The sweeping views make the climb well worth it.
Visitor Information: The platform is open April-September, weather permitting. Entry costs €2-5. Prepare for 332 steps up a spiral staircase. The platform closes occasionally for maintenance. Dress appropriately as it can be windy on top. Interior cathedral tours also available.
While views gazing up at Strasbourg Cathedral prove jaw-dropping enough, the sweeping 360 degree vistas peering out across red-tiled rooftops from its viewing platform will astonish even more. Reach the panoramic terrace up 330 steps spiraling through the open stonework steeple revealing both Strasbourg’s historic neighborhoods and modern districts in the distance. Use coin-operated viewers to spot important sites like the European Quarter across the river or pick out nearby Black Forest mountaintops across Rhine river valley plains. Don’t forget to pat the tower’s bronze astronomical clock mechanism affectionately called the “rattler” as you pass!
Embrace Strasbourg’s Cafe Culture Like a Local
Name and Location: Café terraces of Strasbourg
History and Significance: Strasbourg has a lively cafe culture, especially in the historic city center and along the Ill River. Sipping coffee or local beer at an outdoor table is a favorite pastime. Iconic brasseries like Maison Kammerzell and historic cafes offer prime people-watching.
What to Expect: Grabbing an outdoor seat lets you relax and absorb Strasbourg’s charms at a leisurely pace: meandering riverside walks, imposing cathedral views, handsome architecture, and the buzz of the old town. Expect a welcoming ambiance and attentive service.
Visitor Information: Many cafes surround major sights like the cathedral, Petite France, and Place Kléber. Terrasse seating is seasonal. Arrive a bit before mealtimes to secure tables, as spots fill up. Prices are moderate, expect to spend €3-8 for drinks and light bites.
Like all self-respecting French cities, Strasbourg excels at slowing down to embrace leisurely cafe culture with relaxing outdoor terraces for optimal people watching. Join locals readying for relaxed aperitif hour to unwind over a demi pression draft beer or bold glass of fruity white Pinot Gris while chatting with friends or digging into hearty cooked meat platters involving thick hunks of ham hock, knack sausages and bacony pork products. Hearty alternatives involve giant piles of choucroute sauerkraut or rustic potato Rösti pancakes ensuring you’ll leave stuffed! Wherever you choose to post up with a drink or regional nibbles, Strasbourg’s convivial atmosphere will instantly envelop you.
Pedal Along Scenic Bike Paths Through Town & Beyond
Name and Location: Bike paths, Strasbourg, France
History and Significance: Strasbourg has an extensive network of scenic cycling paths both within the city and connecting to outlying areas like Route des Vins wine villages. Biking is a popular and convenient way to explore Strasbourg’s architectural treasures and natural surroundings.
What to Expect: Pedaling past verdant canals, medieval covered bridges, stately buildings, and the Vosges countryside reveals new perspectives on Strasbourg. Several bike routes link wineries. Batorama also does bike/boat tours. The city center has bike lanes.
Visitor Information: Strasbourg has a public bike share program, Vélhop, with rental stations around town. Independent rentals are also available. Pick up a bike map at the tourism office. Expect to pay around €10-15 per day for bike rentals.
With hundreds of miles of dedicated bike lanes weaving through both city streets and further out along canal tow paths into wine country, Strasbourg serves up bountiful opportunities to saddle up on two wheels for leisurely sightseeing. inside town, locals love cycling over to Parc de L’Orangerie to visit its serene gardens or follow the signposted itinerary towards Petite France’s photogenic waterways and canals before stopping for picnic provisions near the cathedral. More ambitious riders might continue along the River Ill bikeway out of the city center for longer relaxed rides surrounded by verdant nature.
Escape to Nearby Stork Island Villages
Name and Location: Villages south of Strasbourg, France
History and Significance: The villages and towns south of Strasbourg in the Alsace region are collectively known as the Route des Cigognes (Stork Route). Steeped in rural traditions, they feature charming half-timbered houses, stork nests atop chimneys, and crêperies galore.
What to Expect: Highlights include Hunawihr, Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, and Mittelbergheim. Exploring these storybook villages allows you to taste Alsatian wines, admire pastoral scenery dotted with storks, and shop for pottery and crafts.
Visitor Information: The villages are connected by regular buses from Strasbourg and Colmar that run €5-15 roundtrip. Having a car makes it easier to explore multiple towns. Most towns have free parking lots on the outskirts to stroll in from.
Picturesque villages inhabited by the iconic white stork dotted across the River Ill flood plain lure many visitors eager to loosen up beyond Strasbourg’s urban confines. Base yourself out of rustic 18th century guesthouses for few nights to fully soak up the slower pace found in these off-the-beaten-path wine hamlets overflowing with charm. The commune La Wantzenau directly accessible by bike path from Strasbourg or dainty Marlenheim further north by car make ideal home bases for multi-day excursions to enable digging into hyperlocal history and culture over leisurely vineyard lunches between bike rides spotting feathered friends swirling the skies overhead.
Tour Imperial Architecture in “Neustadt” New Town
Name and Location: Neustadt, Strasbourg, France
History and Significance: Strasbourg’s Neustadt (“New Town”) district was constructed when the city was under German rule from 1871-1918. The Germans built imposing government structures, museums, universities and more – many reflecting a blend of Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Nouveau styles.
What to Expect: Strolling through Neustadt allows you to admire sights like the National and University Library, Palais du Rhin, Museum of Decorative Arts, and the Grand Église Saint-Paul Catholic church modeled on the Hagia Sophia. Germanic architectural influences abound.
Visitor Information: The Neustadt district extends south from the Ill River around Place de la République. Guided tours are available through the tourist office. The area is very walkable from the old town. Don’t miss a drink at historic Brasserie Excelsior.
While Strasbourg’s historic Grande Île center dominates many itineraries, the larger Neustadt district ringing just beyond warrants exploration to witness how Strasbourg blossomed into an important strategic city under German empire rule post-1870. Grand statement buildings like Palais du Rhin, National and University Library and museums facing stately Place de la République offer a peek into the Prussians’ creation of an orderly model city blending Prussian efficiency with lavish Second Empire style. Get the full backstory and context around stratetic city planning of this UNESCO site via the tourist train or simply stroll the majestic boulevards radiating out from Place Kléber absorbing all the architectural eye candy!
Experience Festival Season Along the Banks of the Ill
Name and Location: Strasbourg festivals
History and Significance: Music and performing arts festivals liven up the streets and riverbanks of Strasbourg over the summer. Major annual events include street theater at Festival Mondial du Cirque, world music at Festival Musica, and jazz at Jazzdor.
What to Expect: Attending a Strasbourg festival allows you to catch live music shows, observe circus and dance acts, and soak up a festive nighttime ambiance across various outdoor venues and neighborhoods. The festivals infuse the city with extra energy and creativity.
Visitor Information: Festival schedules are posted on Strasbourg’s tourism website. Festival Mondial du Cirque runs late April. Festival Musica spans late June-July. Jazzdor takes place in November. Most events are free or reasonably priced. Hotel reservations should be made well in advance.
A continuous lineup of cultural festivals and events fills Strasbourg’s open plazas and parks from early spring onwards, bringing welcome energy and enthusiasm to both locals and visiting fans. Kick off with April’s lively Streets of Spain world music festivities or June’s Stras’Bourbaki street art extravaganza before transitioning into endless outdoor summer concerts at venues like Parc de L’Orangerie and Zenith arena right along the River Ill.
Autumn brings Oktoberfest-style beer tents while anticipation revs up for the magical Christmas market season. Whenever you visit, lively entertainment awaits!
Indulge at Historic Chocolate Shops & Patisseries
Name and Location: Chocolate shops and bakeries, Strasbourg, France
History and Significance: Strasbourg has a long pastry-making tradition and is renowned for its indulgent chocolate shops and bakeries. Local favorites include gingerbread, macarons, Kugelhopf cake, tarte flambée, bredele cookies, and specialty chocolates.
What to Expect: Highlights include Christian craft chocolate, centuries-old patisserie Maison Albrecht, and Tarte Flambée Flamme et Tradition. Visitors can shop for pretty packaged sweets and experience the artistry of French pastry-making. Cupcake shops and candy stores also abound.
Visitor Information: Bakeries and chocolate shops are found throughout Strasbourg’s city center. Prices range from €5 for bredele cookies up to €50+ for elaborate chocolate boxes. Opening hours typically run 9am-7pm. Tasting tours like “The Mouth of Alsace” are also available.
Many global sweets hounds recognize Alsace as one of France’s premier regions for bold indulgences, especially venturing into Strasbourg where chocolate shops and cake-filled patisseries tempt around every cobbled corner. Historic Maison Kammerzell traces its confectionery legacy back to 1427 counted among Alsace’s oldest businesses while Christian serves up chocolate creations since the late 1800s. Sample melt-in-your-mouth macarons, fruity kougelhopf marbled quick breads or spice-infused gingerbread specialties called bredela in every size and shape imaginable! Pro tip: ask for a box of goodies to savor slowly on your strolls or as edible souvenirs to take home. Because life is just too short not to eat dessert first while discovering Strasbourg’s sweet side!
Conclusion – An Enchanting Escape Beckons in Strasbourg
From its dreamy waterways to towering cathedral andhistoric culinary specialties fused from neighboring countries, Strasbourg promises not just quintessential French charm but also cosmopolitan energy as the nucleus of major European institutions. Yet the city manages to balance weights of history and European progress with grace and liveliness at once nostalgic and forward-thinking. Use this list of top things to do in Strasbourg 2024 as a starting point while leaving room for fleeting fancies and spontaneous detours as captivating new moments await around every ancient corner. Heading to colmar or reims? No matter which direction inspiration strikes, create adventures yielding memories to last long after bidding this Alsatian beauty adieu!