19 best things to do in Strasbourg, France, in 3 days

Introduction

For a few years, we have been based in Europe, in France. Strasbourg is currently the city we call home, and it has been our base for the last few years. We’ve spent countless hours wandering its streets and have come to know it quite well. 

Not only do we love the city, but we also believe it is one of the top destinations to visit in France. Strasbourg truly has two distinct faces. During spring and summer, the sunny weather makes it perfect for strolling along the canals, parks, and vibrant city center. Then, when Christmas comes, the city transforms into a magical wonderland. Strasbourg dons one of the most impressive holiday displays we’ve ever seen, with every street adorned with stunning decorations and sparkling lights.

For this article, the photos are from Nadia Audigié Photography, one of our good friends in Strasbourg, and a professional photographer passionate about portrait photos, who speaks French, English & Russian and will be super happy to take you on a photo journey. 

Here are all your accommodation options in Strasbourg

Getting there

Strasbourg is one of the easiest cities to reach in France, thanks to its location right on the German border.

If you’re flying, the closest airport is Strasbourg-Entzheim Airport (SXB), just 15 minutes from the city by train or shuttle bus. For more international flights, you can also land in Basel-Mulhouse, Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden, or even Frankfurt and connect by train.

Trains are the most popular mode of transportation to Strasbourg. The city is on the TGV network, meaning you can reach it from Paris in under 2 hours, and there are direct trains from Germany, Switzerland, and Belgium as well.

Driving is another option, especially if you’re planning to explore the Alsace wine route or nearby villages. Strasbourg sits at the junction of major highways, but parking in the city center is limited, so check hotel parking options or plan to use park-and-ride lots.

Check all your transportation options online — from buses to trains and ferries — it makes planning so much easier.

Moving Around

Strasbourg doesn’t have a metro, but it makes up for it with an excellent tram and bus network that covers the whole city. Getting around is easy and efficient, and trams are especially handy if you’re staying outside the historic center.

That said, the best way to discover Strasbourg is still on foot. Most of the main sights are close to each other, and strolling through Petite France or along the canals is part of the charm.

Tip: To really get to know the city, consider booking a walking tour with a local guide. If you’d rather explore on two wheels, there are guided bike tours, or for a more relaxed option, try the 90‑minute sightseeing tour by PeliCab — you’ll sit back while someone pedals you around the highlights.

We recommend to rent a car through Discover Cars with free cancellation. Book your rental car here.

When to Visit

Strasbourg is beautiful year‑round, but the vibe changes completely with the seasons.

• Spring (March–May) – Mild and pleasant, with temperatures around 10–20 °C (50–68 °F). The city starts blooming, café terraces fill up, and it’s perfect for walking and cycling.
• Summer (June–August) – Warm and lively, averaging 18–28 °C (64–82 °F). Expect long days, canal boat tours, and lots of events. It’s also the busiest season for tourists, so book hotels early.
• Autumn (September–November) – Cooler, around 8–18 °C (46–64 °F). The leaves turn golden, vineyards nearby are stunning, and the crowds thin out — a great time for a slower visit.
• Winter (December–February) – Cold but magical, with temperatures between 0–7 °C (32–45 °F). December is when the city shines as the “Capital of Christmas,” with its legendary markets and festive lights.

If your trip is about the Christmas markets, late November to late December is the time to go. For quieter sightseeing and mild weather, spring or autumn are ideal.

We usually travel with Airalo eSIMs, but when we need unlimited data for work, we go with Holafly.

Where to Stay

Finding the perfect accommodation is essential to fully enjoy tyour stay, and this charming city offers options for every budget. Whether you’re seeking boutique stays or luxurious experiences, Strasbourg has it all.

• (€): Hôtel Tandem – Boutique Hôtel : A stylish and eco-friendly option just steps from the train station, ideal for travelers looking for comfort and convenience without breaking the bank.
• (€€): Hôtel & Spa Le Bouclier D’or: Located in the heart of the historic Petite France district, this elegant hotel offers a serene spa experience and a touch of Alsatian charm.
• (€€€): Hotel Cour du Corbeau – MGallery : A luxurious choice blending history and modernity, this stunning hotel features timber-framed architecture and an unbeatable location.

Here are all your accommodation options in Strasbourg

What to Eat

There are tons of traditional dishes to try in Strasbourg, and as far as we know, there isn’t one that’s healthy! But they are undeniably delicious. Here are some must-try options:

• Tarte Flambée: A thin pizza-like dish topped with cream, onions, and bacon, with countless variations like cheese, mushrooms, or ham.
• Baeckeoffe: A hearty mix of pork, beef, and lamb cooked with potatoes, cabbage, carrots, onions, and white wine for 24 hours.
• Bretzel: A classic Alsatian snack—soft bread sprinkled with salt, perfect for on-the-go exploring.
• Alsatian Salad: A refreshing dish made with local cold cuts and grated cheese.
• Choucroute: A mix of fermented cabbage, potatoes, and various meats or fish, paired with cold cuts.
• Spaetzeles: A local pasta dish that’s comforting and versatile.
• Kougelhopf: A traditional Alsatian brioche, which can be sweet or savory.

We highly recommend trying the Tarte Flambée and Bretzel. For a more immersive experience, consider the Traditional Food Walking Tour with Tastings could be a good option. Or, for wine enthusiasts, the  Alsace Half-Day Wine Tour from Strasbourg is an interesting tour. 

Things to do Strasbourg

Kléber square

Place Kléber is the central square of Strasbourg. It is the largest square at the center of the city and was named after French revolutionary general Jean-Baptiste Kléber, born in Strasbourg in 1753. The Kleber square is surrounded by lots of shopping mall and store. In winter, it’s there that the big Christmas tree of the city is setup. 

Here are all your accommodation options in Strasbourg

Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg

To continue with the best things to do, the cathedral. Up to 1874, the stunning Cathedral of Strasbourg was the tallest building in the world and hold this title for 227 years. Today it is still the highest surviving structure to have been built entirely during the medieval period.

The entrance to the cathedral if free and if you wish to get a top view of the city, you can walk up its tower for 8€ (entrance on the right side).

PS: there are 66m to get on over 332 steps.

Palais Rohan

Located on the right side of the Cathedral, this baroque Episcopal palace was built in the 1720s following the designs of Robert de Cotte, the “first architect” of Louis XV.

There are three museums to visit inside, an archaeology exhibit in the basement, decorative arts on the ground floor and a display of fine art on the first floor.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

Temple Neuf

The Temple Neuf is a Lutheran church built on the site of the former Dominican convent where Meister Eckhart studied.

The Temple was errected at the end of the 19th century after the old Dominican Church was destroyed during the Siege of Strasbourg during the Franco-Prussian War.

The ensuing fire also destroyed the libraries of the University of Strasbourg and the City of Strasbourg which were located at the Temple Neuf site

Batorama

Get on a tour on the canal with Botorama is one of the best things to do in Strasbourg. The company offers various circuit going all over the city. The most iconic one is “Strasbourg, 20 centuries of history” but they also offer: European Parliament cruise, les bâtisseurs, the European, Grande ïle.

Tip: To really get to know the city, consider booking a Strasbourg walking tour with a local guide. If you’d rather explore on two wheels, there are guided bike tours, or for a more relaxed option, try the 90‑minute sightseeing tour by PeliCab — you’ll sit back while someone pedals you around the highlights.

Le Coin d’Alsace

That is not really one of the best things to do in Strasbourg but it is our favorite boutique in town. The shop is located in an old Alsatian Half-timbered house on 3 floors. Even, if you do not intend to shop there, it is worth visiting. The house is amazing and going upstairs on the narrow staircase is a great experience.

Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg

Also located in the hyper center, this museum is one of our favorites and a must-visit while exploring the best things to do in Strasbourg. Housed in the city’s former slaughterhouse, the museum showcases the history of Strasbourg from the Middle Ages to the 18th century.

The exhibits include weapons, maps, clothing, sketches, and sculptures, all of which vividly illustrate the city’s rich and complex history. The highlight of the collection is a masterpiece: a plan-relief from 1727, a meticulously detailed 1/600 scale model of Strasbourg that offers a unique perspective on the city’s past.

Musée Alsacien

The Alsatian Museum is located in a 17^th-century house and provide several reconstructions of historic home scenes and workshops from the Alsace region. All presented with original ceramics, costume, furniture, tools, toys, and everyday utensils.

The most intriguing gallery is the one called “savoir-faire” (know-how) of the Alsace region. Illustrating how, wine was pressed in the 1700s and taking you through the Roman origins of winegrowing.

Quai des Bateliers

Quai des Bateliers is a gorgeous pedestrian street going from the city center of Strasbourg to the Saint Paul Church.
It’s a great place to walk along the canal and discover the city center of Strasbourg from its outer ring

Reformed Church Saint Paul

The St. Paul’s Church of Strasbourg is a major Gothic Revival architecture building. Built between 1892 and 1897 during the time of the Reichsland Elsass-Lothringen (1870–1918), the church was designed for the Lutheran members of the Imperial German garrison stationed in Strasbourg. For us, this is one of the best things to do in Strasbourg, however we wouldn’t recommend visiting it.

We usually travel with Airalo eSIMs, but when we need unlimited data for work, we go with Holafly.

Palais du Rhin & Neustadt

This area of Strasbourg is home to many official and government buildings. Neustadt (German for new town) is also known as the German Quarter for its Prussian-style buildings including the Palais du Rhin (Place d’Austerlitz), the National Theater and University Library. In fact, it was built by the Germans during the Reichsland period (1871–1918) to serve as a new city center.

Petite-France

The most iconic spot in town and one of the best things to do in Strasbourg. La petite France is a district made of half-timbered house and surrounded by waterways. The houses date back the 1500s and 1600s. In its center, you can see boat going on their elevator and then passing a rotation bridge.

Tip: To really get to know the city, consider booking a walking tour with a local guide. If you’d rather explore on two wheels, there are guided bike tours, or for a more relaxed option, try the 90‑minute sightseeing tour by PeliCab — you’ll sit back while someone pedals you around the highlights.

Église Saint-Thomas

The Saint-Thomas church is a protestant church which was the main Lutheran place of worship after Strasbourg became part of France in 1681. The Saint-Thomas church was completed in the 1520s and is the only example of a German-style hall church in the region.

Meaning that the nave and the aisles have the same height.

Ponts Couverts

This set of 3 fortified bridges and 4 towers were built in the 1300s and were another part of Strasbourg defense system. The name Ponts Couverts mean Covered bridges because up to the 1700s, the bridges were protected by long roofs.

Tip: To really enjoy this one best things to do in Strasbourg, go on the top floor of the Vauban dam. 

Barrage Vauban

The Vauban dam was built in the 1600s and is originally a fortified bridge. It was a cornerstone of the Strasbourg’s defense system up until the Franco-Prussian war (1870). Made of pink sandstone from the Vosges, its was design to raise the level of the Ill and flood the lands to the south and prevent invaders from passing through.

There is an inside corridor that can be visited (it is now used to stock old statues and parts from the cathedral) and there is an access to its rooftop for an incredible view toward the Ponts Coverts.

Catholic Church Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune

This remarkable church was for 200 years divided in two: The Protestant got the nave, while the Catholics used the choir. Only in 1898 did the Catholics relinquish their claim to the older place.

The Catholic Church Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune has a stylized blend of neo-Romanesque and neo-Byzantine. It is crowned by the largest dome in Alsace (interior height 50 meters, maximum interior diameter 18.5 meters)

Orangerie

L’orangerie is a district in Strasbourg and is famous for its park (Parc de L’orangerie). Located next to the EU Parliament, the park took shape during the French revolution when 140 orange trees confiscated from Château de Bouxwiller were granted to the city. Unfortunately, there are now only 3 of these trees remaining. 

But the Orangerie Park has much more to offer. There is a large boating lake, a huge mansion in its center, a mini zoo (free), lots of nice walking path and a bowling/Snooker club.

There is also a stork reintroduction center. This type of bird is a symbol of the Alsace region and has a special place the local folklore. Tt’s meant to be good luck for a household if a pair perch on the roof.

PS: Further than the folklore, the storks are beautiful birds but super noisy if on your roof. The way they communicate is by clapping their beak. 

Parlement européen

The European parliament of Strasbourg is a beautiful structure that can be visited. In fact, Strasbourg is also called European Capital (but it is not official) and it makes lots of sense since it has always been a place where different cultures, faiths and languages have been reconciled.Strasbourg is one of three non-capital cities around the world to have an international institution.

If you want to know more, the European District Walking Tour is a great option. 

Rivetoile

For a more modern approach of the city, Rivetoile is district south of the city where a huge shopping mall and cinema complex are located. It’s also a nice area for a walk along the canal.

This place is a cool area of strasbourg and appear in this best things to do in Strasbourg but not a must to visit, unless you have time. 

Here are all your accommodation options in Strasbourg

Strasbourg Itinerary

Day 1:

• Kléber square
• Temple Neuf
• Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg
• Palais Rohan
• Le Coin d’Alsace
• Batorama
• Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg

Day 2:

• Alsatian Museum
• Reformed Church Saint Paul
• Place D’Austerlitz
• Petite-France
• Église Saint-Thomas
• Ponts Couverts, Strasbourg
• Barrage Vauban

Day 3 :

• Catholic Church Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune
• Palais du Rhin
• Orangerie
• Parlement européen
• Rivetoile

More best things to do in Strasbourg

If you have more time and would like more best things to do in Strasbourg, than we suggest that you visit some of Alsace medieval towns:

• From Strasbourg: Best Of Alsace Historical Day Trip: Discover the historical sites of Alsace on a day trip from Strasbourg. Visit the Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, wander through the villages of Riquewihr and Kayserberg, and follow the Wine Route in a bus. 
• From Strasbourg: Medieval Villages & Wine Tasting Day Trip: Explore picturesque medieval villages on this day trip along the Alsace wine route from Strasbourg. Learn about the character and history of the area and enjoy wine tasting with an Alsatian winemaker.