Best things to do in Strasbourg, the beautiful capital of Alsace

Strasbourg wasn’t on my travel plans, bucket lists, or goals. But the week I spent there left me enchanted by the city, which is absolutely charming. In just one or two days, you can cover the basics, but Alsace's capital truly deserves more time! There are many cool things to do in Strasbourg.

The city is known for hosting major institutions like the European Parliament, the European Court of Human Rights, and the Council of Europe—which brought me there for an event. However, wandering through the streets of the old town guarantees some of the most pleasant surprises. Here are my top recommendations:

Best things to do in Strasbourg

Free Walking Tour

On my first day in Strasbourg, I headed straight to the Cathedral, which was the meeting point for a free walking tour—a type of guided tour I love doing whenever I travel.

I joined the Happy Original Tour, and it was great! The guide departs from Place de la Cathédrale, which is very central and small enough to easily spot the tour sign. If you’re not familiar with free walking tours, it’s worth noting that they’re not exactly “free,” as the guides make a living from them, and it’s expected that you give them a tip at the end.

I highly recommend this type of tour as an introduction to the city. During the tour, you’ll visit several landmarks and get an overview of the local culture. Afterward, you can revisit your favorite spots at a more relaxed pace and explore less touristy areas.

Next, I’ll share my top tips on what to see in Strasbourg.

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Place de la Cathédrale

The Cathedral is Strasbourg's main highlight. Absolutely stunning, it stands out with its grandeur amidst the surrounding low-rise buildings. And when I say “grandeur,” I mean it literally: until 1874, it was the tallest building in the world. 

The best part? You can climb up to enjoy the view. It’s 332 steps, but the sight of the city’s rooftops makes it totally worth it. You can also visit the astronomical clock inside the church—one of the largest in the world, with a mechanism dating back to 1842.

From there, take a moment to check out Maison Kammerzel, one of the best-preserved medieval buildings in the city, located in the same square. Not only is it gorgeous, but it also houses a restaurant.

Right next to the church, you’ll find Palais Rohan, a palace that once served as the main building of the University of Strasbourg. Today, it’s home to three of the city’s top museums: the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Decorative Arts, and the Fine Arts Museum.

Boat Tour

On the other side of Palais Rohan is the Ill River, and right there (at Quai des Bateliers), the Batorama tourist boats depart to take you around the city. There are two tour options: one that covers just the Grande Île, and a more comprehensive tour called “Strasbourg, 20 Centuries of History,” which lasts 1 hour and 10 minutes and goes all the way to the European institutions.

It’s worth stopping by to get your ticket early and then exploring the surroundings on foot, as there might be a bit of a wait for the next boat. During the ride, you can use headphones to listen to information about the city in various languages.

The tour passes by many historical landmarks, but in my opinion, the most exciting part is going through a water lock, which fills and empties to allow the boat to change levels.

Later in the tour, you’ll also see the European Parliament and the Council of Europe, where the activities I participated in took place. With ultra-modern buildings, this part of the city feels very different from the rest. I like to think about all the important decisions made behind those walls – pretty impressive, right?

To truly explore, though, nothing beats the city center. So, get ready to do some walking when the boat brings you back to the starting point of the tour.

Strasbourg’s Squares

Besides getting lost in the little streets around the Cathedral, like Rue Mercière and Rue des Hallebardes, make sure to check out the surrounding squares. One of the closest is Place Gutenberg, which had a beautiful carousel when I visited.

From there, walk along Rue des Grandes Arcades, and you’ll reach Place Kléber, the city’s commercial hub, surrounded by several great shops.

Fun fact: the French national anthem, La Marseillaise, was composed in one of these buildings. Yes, the anthem doesn’t actually originate from Marseille. The song was created overnight and earned its name because it was sung by the Marseille army on their way to Paris.

If you turn right, you’ll find Place Broglie, and continuing straight ahead will lead you to Place de la République. Around this square, you’ll see the Palais du Rhin (Palace of the Rhine), the National Library (which has the country’s second-largest collection after Paris), and the National Theater (the only one outside Paris).

At the center of the square is the Monument to the Fallen, depicting a mother with one German son and one French son, both wounded in the war—united in death, as the free walking tour guide pointed out. As you might remember from history lessons, Alsace was heavily contested between the two countries (some people even changed nationality four times during their lifetime!).

Petite France

Next, head toward Petite France, one of the most touristy and charming parts of the city, which is sure to be on any “things to do in Strasbourg” list.

With its many half-timbered houses (a typical German style with wooden beams crisscrossing the walls), the area is surrounded by canals, bridges, flowers, and outdoor cafés. It’s absolutely adorable!

But I was told that the name “Petite France” (meaning “Little France”) has a less sweet backstory than its picturesque appearance suggests. In the 15th century, a hospital was built on the island for smallpox victims and later for French soldiers with syphilis—which the Germans referred to as the “French Disease,” while the French called it the “Italian Malady.” So, it seems that the name “Petite France” has more to do with this negative association than with any sense of patriotism.

Another curious fact that I also found in some other parts of Europe: in the Middle Ages, these quaint half-timbered houses were home to professionals such as fishermen, millers (meuniers), and leather tanners (tanneurs). To this day, some streets are named after these professions (e.g., Rue des Meuniers, Rue des Tanneurs).

One of the highlights of this part of town is the Ponts Couverts (Covered Bridges), historic bridges flanked by towers that were once used to protect the city. Despite their name, the bridges are no longer covered today.

Bars and restaurants in Strasbourg

I checked out several bars, cafés, and restaurants in the city. While the nightlife in Strasbourg isn’t super lively, it’s perfectly enjoyable for a short visit. For dancing, one of the go-to spots is Barco Latino, a boat-bar located on the Quai des Pêcheurs.

Here, you can dance to Latin music, or, if it’s not winter, relax at one of the outdoor tables with a beer or wine in a laid-back atmosphere. There are other boat-bars nearby worth visiting as well.

If you’re looking to enjoy some good beers, another option is La Lanterne, a microbrewery on the street of the same name that produces its own house beers. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants and bars called winstubs all over the city.

Finally, I recommend L’Épicerie, a restaurant specializing in tartines (open-faced sandwiches or toasts, basically bread with something on top). The decor, styled like an old-fashioned grocery store (épicerie in French), is reason enough to visit.

Sitting at a shared table, enjoying savory and sweet tartines or one of their homemade pies, and listening to a soundtrack of classic French songs are all part of the charm that makes the experience so delightful.

Best time to visit Strasbourg

Strasbourg is charming all year round, but each season offers a unique experience. Choose the time that best suits your travel style:

• Spring (March to May):

The city blooms with vibrant colors, especially in parks and gardens like Parc de l’Orangerie. The weather is mild, perfect for walking and exploring the narrow, charming streets of La Petite France.

• Summer (June to August):

The long, sunny days make this the best time for outdoor activities. In addition, there’s a vibrant atmosphere with music festivals and cultural events.

• Fall (September to November):

This is one of the most picturesque seasons in the region, with the leaves changing color and the vineyards of Alsace offering incredible landscapes.

• Winter (December to February):

Strasbourg comes alive with the magic of Christmas. Its famous Christmas market, the Christkindelsmärik, lights up the city with lights, craft stalls, and the scent of vin chaud (mulled wine).

If you visit in winter, bring very warm clothing. In summer, be prepared for some light rain.

Christmas Market in Strasbourg

If you are planning a trip to Strasbourg at the end of the year, get ready to be enchanted by the Christmas spirit that takes over the city. Known as the "Capital of Christmas," Strasbourg is home to the Christkindelsmärik, one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Europe, first held in 1570.

There are more than 300 stalls spread across squares like Place Broglie, Place Gutenberg, and Place de la Cathédrale. Here, you can find handicrafts, Christmas decorations, traditional toys, and typical food. Try a glass of vin chaud (mulled wine), perfect for warming up on cold winter nights, or the traditional Alsatian cookies called bredele, available in various flavors like cinnamon, ginger, and almond.

In addition to shopping and food, the Christkindelsmärik is also an opportunity to experience Alsatian traditions and attend Christmas music concerts in historic churches like the Notre-Dame Cathedral. The city also hosts events such as choir performances and festive parades.

Strasbourg gets very busy at this time of the year, so it’s a good idea to plan your trip in advance.

Day trip from Strasbourg to Colmar

Got some extra time? Another great thing to do in Strasbourg is to take a day trip to Colmar. It’s the third largest city in the region, after Strasbourg and Mulhouse, but its tourist center is small and can be explored in just a few hours.

From Strasbourg, simply hop on a train, and you’ll be there in about an hour. Tickets can be purchased online on the SNCF website or directly at the station. Trains run frequently, and the fares are affordable.

The best thing to do in Colmar is to wander aimlessly through its charming streets. But if you prefer specific destinations, make sure to visit the churches, stop by the covered market, and explore one of the city’s museums.

The most famous is the Bartholdi Museum, the former home of Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor who created the Statue of Liberty in New York. Another noteworthy attraction is the Unterlinden Museum, housed in a beautiful 13th-century Dominican convent, featuring works by medieval and Renaissance artists, as well as archaeological pieces, architecture, stained glass, and more.

And if you’re a wine enthusiast, you’re in for a treat: Colmar is one of the main stops along the Alsace Wine Route.

The Alsace Wine Route

Another interesting excursion from Strasbourg is the famous Alsace Wine Route. Winding roads bordered by rolling vineyards lead to medieval villages with half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and church towers that seem frozen in time. Besides Colmar, two of the most charming villages along the route are Riquewihr and Eguisheim.

Throughout the route, many wineries offer tastings and tours, where you can learn about the history and techniques of wine production. The scenery along the way is breathtaking, with vineyards framing the picturesque villages, creating postcard-worthy views. You can explore the route by car, bike, or on guided tours.

Volunteer with Worldpackers and explore French culture

If you’re looking to make your trip to France more affordable while diving deep into the local culture, consider volunteering through Worldpackers. This platform connects travelers with hosts offering work exchange opportunities, allowing you to trade your skills for accommodation, meals, and a truly immersive experience.

While Strasbourg itself doesn’t currently have Worldpackers positions, these can come up at any moment, and there are great opportunities in its surrounding areas. Many of these positions involve tasks like helping at guesthouses, farms, or eco-projects, which offer the perfect chance to interact with locals, practice your French, and learn about the unique traditions of the region.

Volunteering through Worldpackers not only makes your trip more budget-friendly by cutting accommodation costs but also provides you with meaningful connections and experiences you won’t find as a typical tourist. Plus, picturesque scenery like Alsace countryside—with its vineyards, medieval villages, and warm hospitality—are the perfect backdrop for a culturally rich adventure.

If you want to pair your Strasbourg itinerary with a more authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience, check out Worldpackers for opportunities in France. It’s an excellent way to travel deeper, spend less, and create memories that last a lifetime.

Here’s an example of a great opportunity near Strasbourg:

Help at a guest house in Labaroche près Colmar, France

This Worldpackers host offers an incredible opportunity to volunteer at a charming guest house. Volunteers assist with tasks like housekeeping, cleaning, preparing meals, maintaining the pool and spa, gardening, and general home chores. The schedule is manageable, with an average of 25 hours per week.

In return, you’ll enjoy shared dormitory accommodation, along with three meals a day, free laundry, and access to the kitchen. The host also provides free tours, hiking excursions, language lessons, high-speed internet, and two days off per week to explore the area at your own pace. With a perfect 5.0 rating from past volunteers, this host promises a welcoming and enriching experience.

Do you have any other tips on things to do in Strasbourg? Share them in the comments!

And keep exploring our blog for more travel tips and inspiration, such as our guides on planning a month-long Europe trip and on how to travel Europe on a backpacker's budget.