Known for its famous Christmas market or its European institutions, the Alsatian capital will amaze you with its historical heritage and its typical charm.
Strasbourg is the must-see city of Eastern France, attracting many tourists every year. With its half-timbered houses, its museums, its majestic cathedral and its historic centre, it is certain that you will have plenty to discover about this magnificent European capital.
We've put together a top 10 list of things to see and do in Strasbourg.
The Grand Island: the historic centre of Strasbourg
The ideal place to start your visit to the Alsatian capital, the Grand Island of Strasbourg will surprise you with its remarkable architecture. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the central point of Strasbourg to admire the main monuments.
Strasbourg's Notre-Dame Cathedral
Standing majestically in the heart of Strasbourg's city centre, Notre-Dame Cathedral is a must-see! At 140 metres high, this imposing building of Gothic architecture is the city's pride and joy. Admire it from the outside, visit the inside (plus the visit is free) and for a panoramic view of Strasbourg, don't forget to climb the platform of the Cathedral Tower.
Little France
A picturesque district of the Grande Île, La Petite France is Strasbourg's postcard. Admire all the charm of Alsace with its half-timbered houses full of flowers, its cobbled streets, its restaurants and its canals. Don't miss the Maison des Tanneurs or the impressive plane tree on the Quai de Turckheim (planted in 1667). What's more, the island is reserved for pedestrians and cyclists, peace and quiet guaranteed!
Place Kleber
A favourite meeting place for the people of Strasbourg, Place Kleber is the main public square in Strasbourg. This is where you can admire the huge Christmas tree during the Christmas period. Entirely pedestrian, the square is animated all year round, with the Kleber statue in its centre. Around the square you will find shops, restaurants and the Aubette, a pink sandstone building dating from 1770.
The Kammerzell House
Considered the most beautiful house in Strasbourg, the Kammerzell house is a listed historic monument thanks to the beauty and richness of its half-timbering so typical of the Alsace region. Take the time to admire its beauty and its wooden sculptures representing characters and scenes from history. The Kammerzell house is also an excellent restaurant, succumb to the house speciality, the three fish sauerkraut!
The Rohan Palace
Located in the heart of the Grande Île, the Rohan Palace, once a princely residence, now houses 3 museums. Here you will find the archaeological museum on the complete history of Alsace, the Fine Arts museum, with a rich collection of paintings, and the decorative arts museum, with a collection of furniture and ceramics. A must-see for history and art lovers, and worth a visit for its beautiful façade.
The Alsatian Museum
Immerse yourself in the old life of Strasbourg during your visit to the Alsatian Museum. A museum of art and popular traditions, your visit will reveal objects, costumes, clothing, furniture and toys from the past which retrace and bear witness to the rural life of the region from the 18th to the 20th century. The museum offers you a charming tour through the old Strasbourg houses, a real journey into the past.
Taste the Alsatian gastronomy
It is impossible to think of Alsace without thinking of its gastronomy. Don't miss the traditional Alsatian restaurants, called Winstub. You won't find a better place to taste the best of the local cuisine, the Alsatian sauerkraut of course but also the tarte flambée, the baeckeofe and the famous kougelhopf.
The European Parliament and the European Institutions
Known as the European capital for its institutions, a visit to Strasbourg involves a walk around the European Parliament. Not far from the Orangery Park, you will find the European Parliament, the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights. A 2.5 km walk around the European quarter will allow you to discover these majestic places in a playful way.
Would you like to know more? Read our article dedicated to the European Institutions in Strasbourg.
The Strasbourg Christmas market
Impossible to miss the most famous and oldest Christmas market in France. The Strasbourg Christmas market is a real trip. With its 300 chalets, soak up the magic of Christmas and stroll between Christmas decorations, crafts and local products. Admire the impressive Christmas tree erected on Place Kleber for the occasion and marvel at the shop windows adorned with their most beautiful illuminations.
Visit Strasbourg and stay in an apartment hotel near the station and the city centre
Planning to visit Strasbourg for a few days? Stay in our City Residence apartment hotel. Our fully furnished studios and flats offer you all the comfort of a hotel room with the facilities of a flat, including a fully equipped kitchenette.
Enjoy our continental buffet breakfast before exploring the city. Ideally located, just a few steps from Strasbourg Central Station and a ten-minute walk from the historic centre, a stay in our Strasbourg Centre or Strasbourg Access apartment hotels will be a successful one!
Remember to book your apartment hotel in Strasbourg today to benefit from the best guaranteed rates.
Practical information for visiting Strasbourg
Enjoy a visit to Strasbourg as a family, couple or with friends with the Strasbourg Pass.
Valid for 3 consecutive days, it gives you time to discover the Alsatian capital at your own pace. Take advantage of many reduced rates on guided tours of the city, museums or even walks and rides on the little train or boat.
Would you like more information on how to plan your visits to Strasbourg? Visit the official website of the Tourist Office.
