Strasbourg was one of the first cities in France I visited, and it’s also one of those places I wanted to come back to. I’ve been here several times, and every visit has left me with a really good impression.
So, if you’re planning a trip around France and wondering which cities to add to your itinerary, I definitely recommend Strasbourg.
It’s beautiful, relatively compact, easy to explore on foot, and has everything you want from a European city break: a historic old town, canals, beautiful architecture, cosy cafés, restaurants, and plenty of photogenic spots.
At the same time, Strasbourg has a character of its own. It doesn’t feel quite like the France you usually see on postcards. You can really feel the influence of Alsace and the city’s French and German history.
Where is Strasbourg?
Strasbourg is located in eastern France, in the Alsace region, close to the German border.
The city has around 300,000 residents, so it’s a fairly large city, but the historic centre is very easy to explore on foot.
Strasbourg is also an important European city. The European Parliament and several other European institutions are based here.
Its historic centre, Grande Île, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while the Neustadt district is also included in the same World Heritage listing.
Strasbourg and Switzerland: You Can Easily Combine Both
Strasbourg is also easy to combine with a trip to Switzerland.
Basel is not far away and can be reached in around an hour and a half by car or just over an hour by direct train. Check Strasbourg to Basel train connections → Here. So, if you have an extra day, you can easily add another country to your itinerary and visit Basel.
If you’re planning a trip around Switzerland, I also have a separate guide to the country — read my article about Switzerland.
I really like this kind of itinerary, where you can visit more than one country during the same trip.
What to See in Strasbourg?
Strasbourg Cathedral
One of the first places I recommend visiting is Strasbourg Cathedral — Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg.
It’s one of the city’s main landmarks and one of the most famous Gothic buildings in France.
The cathedral is built from distinctive pink sandstone and stands 142 metres high.
Inside, you can see beautiful stained-glass windows, sculptures, and the famous astronomical clock.
I’ve been inside the cathedral and definitely recommend going in. Even if you’re not particularly interested in architecture or churches, the scale of the building is impressive.
You can also climb up to the viewing platform for a panoramic view of Strasbourg.
Petite France
If you’ve seen photos of Strasbourg, chances are you’ve seen Petite France.
This is one of the prettiest parts of the city, with half-timbered houses, canals, bridges, and waterfront streets.
It’s one of the places I would definitely include in your itinerary.
Take your time here, walk around, stop at a café or restaurant, and enjoy the architecture.
And if you’re looking for beautiful photo spots, Petite France is definitely one of the best areas in Strasbourg.
Strasbourg’s Canals
The canals are another thing that makes Strasbourg special.
They run through the historic centre and are particularly beautiful around Petite France.
You can simply walk along the water or take a sightseeing boat.
A boat trip is a great option if you want to see Strasbourg from a different perspective — especially the historic houses, bridges, waterfront, and Petite France.
Grande Île
Grande Île is the heart of historic Strasbourg.
This is where you’ll find the cathedral, Place Kléber, Maison Kammerzell, historic buildings, cafés, restaurants, and shops.
My advice is to give yourself a few hours to simply walk around the historic centre rather than trying to rush from one attraction to another.
Strasbourg is one of those cities where wandering around is part of the experience.
Neustadt
If you have more time, explore Neustadt.
This district looks very different from the old town and reflects the German period of Strasbourg’s history.
The architecture here is completely different, making it an interesting area to explore if you want to see another side of the city.
Neustadt is also part of Strasbourg’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The European Quarter
Strasbourg isn’t only about historic buildings.
It’s also one of the major centres of European politics, so it’s worth visiting the European Quarter and seeing the European Parliament.
I especially like the contrast between the old historic centre and the modern architecture of the European institutions.
Strasbourg in Every Season
One of the advantages of Strasbourg is that you can visit throughout the year. Each season simply offers a slightly different experience.
Strasbourg in Spring
I visited Strasbourg in spring, and it’s a really good time to explore the city.
The weather is great for walking, outdoor terraces start opening again, and you can spend most of the day outside.
In spring, I recommend:
exploring the historic centre;
visiting Strasbourg Cathedral;
walking around Petite France;
strolling along the canals;
taking a boat trip;
visiting museums;
sitting at outdoor cafés;
taking day trips around Alsace.
If you want to spend a lot of time walking and taking photos, spring is a great choice.
Parc de l’Orangerie
If you want a break from the historic centre, I recommend visiting Parc de l’Orangerie, one of the most well-known parks in Strasbourg.
It’s a lovely place for a walk, with plenty of greenery, flowers, beautiful paths, and a lake. It’s especially nice in spring and summer when everything is in bloom.
You can also spot storks here, which are one of the symbols of Alsace. If you’re visiting during the warmer months, I would definitely add this park to your itinerary.
The park is located close to the European Quarter, so it’s easy to combine the two in one route.
Strasbourg in Summer
Summer is perfect for long walks around the city.
You can cycle, take a boat trip, enjoy outdoor terraces, and use Strasbourg as a base for exploring more of Alsace.
If you’re planning a longer trip around the region, summer is a particularly convenient season.
Strasbourg in Autumn
Autumn is a quieter time to visit.
It’s a great season for museums, food, wine, and exploring the Alsace Wine Route.
If you’re interested in local food and wine, I would definitely consider visiting Strasbourg in autumn.
Strasbourg at Christmas
Winter is when Strasbourg becomes one of Europe’s best-known Christmas destinations.
The city is known as the “Capital of Christmas”, and its Christmas market dates back to 1570.
In December, the historic centre is covered in lights and decorations, Christmas stalls appear across the city, and a huge Christmas tree is installed at Place Kléber.
The Christmas market isn’t limited to one location — the stalls are spread throughout the historic centre.
If you love Christmas markets, Strasbourg is definitely a place I would recommend visiting in December.
Just keep in mind that this is also the busiest time of year, so booking accommodation well in advance is a good idea.
What to Eat in Strasbourg?
Strasbourg is also a great place to try Alsatian cuisine.
The food reflects the region’s French and German influences, so you’ll find plenty of dishes that are quite different from classic French cuisine.
I recommend trying:
Tarte flambée / Flammekueche
Choucroute
Baeckeoffe
Bretzel
Kougelhopf
local cheeses
Alsatian white wines
It’s also worth visiting a Winstub, a traditional Alsatian restaurant.
If you want to try local food in a more traditional setting, this is a good place to start.
Is Strasbourg Expensive?
In my experience, Strasbourg isn’t an extremely expensive city.
Of course, prices depend on the season, location, restaurant, and type of accommodation.
The biggest difference is during the Christmas market, when demand for accommodation is particularly high.
Outside the Christmas season, you can find a range of cafés, restaurants, and accommodation options for different budgets.
So I wouldn’t skip Strasbourg because you think it’s necessarily an expensive destination.
How Many Days Do You Need in Strasbourg?
I recommend spending 2–3 days in Strasbourg.
You can see the main highlights in one day — the cathedral, Petite France, Grande Île, and the canals.
But two or three days give you more time to explore without rushing, visit museums, see the European Quarter, try local food, and simply enjoy the city.
If you have more time, Strasbourg also makes a great base for exploring the rest of Alsace.
Here Are My Favorite Hotels in Strasbourg
⭐ Hôtel Patricia — a simple and affordable option right in the historic centre. [Check rates & availability →]
⭐️⭐️ LÉONOR Hôtel — a stylish and modern option with a great central location, perfect if you want a little more comfort. [Check rates & availability →]
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Cour du Corbeau Strasbourg – MGallery — a beautiful historic hotel near Strasbourg Cathedral, ideal if you’re looking for a more special stay. [Check rates & availability →]
These three options cover different budgets and styles, so you can choose what works best for your trip.
Is Strasbourg Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
I’ve visited Strasbourg several times, and that’s why I can confidently say that it’s a city I would recommend adding to a France itinerary.
I like the combination of historic architecture, canals, cafés, restaurants, local food, and the city’s very particular French-German character.
It also has a great location. You can easily combine Strasbourg with other places in Alsace, Germany, or even Basel and Switzerland.
So if you’re planning a trip around France and want to visit a city that feels a little different, I would definitely add Strasbourg to your itinerary.
Visit in spring or summer if you want long days of walking and exploring, in autumn for food and wine, or in winter if you want to experience one of Europe’s most famous Christmas markets.
I’ve been to Strasbourg several times, and I can honestly say: it’s a city worth visiting.