The building truly is a marvel, and is among the most important points of interest in Strasbourg. Its the only day where you will get a chance to visit the parliament! Around the square there is a pink sandstone building dating from 1770, the Aubette. 1. Barrage Vauban This day trip includes bus transport, an audio guide, the entrance ticket to the castle and a tour in a small tourist train through Colmar. To visit the city of Strasbourg and its main monuments, you should plan a 2-day stay. However, before we get to our Strasbourg itinerary, we just wanted to remind you to purchase travel insurance. In 1 day, you will discover the castle of Haut-Koenigsbourg, the wine route, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg and Colmar . Book a half-day, wine-centered tour of the Alsace Wine Route now! From Tann to Marlenheim, this 170-kilometre itinerary will take you through the communes of Alsace to discover local white wine. Strasbourgs Christmas markets rank among the best in Europe, and if youre considering a winter trip to Strasbourg, they should be the #1 reason why! Republic Square - Hang out for a while in this buzzing location and imagine life as a local resident. The Neustadt is roughly crescent-shaped, covering the western, northern and eastern parts of Strasbourg. It is not the castle that will impress you the most by its architecture, Its main interest being the view it offers on a large part of the plain, hence its nickname of The Eye of Alsace (lil de lAlsace). Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. There is also a collection of traditional costumes and furniture. And to complete your journey in learning more about Strasbourg history, take a short tour of the Alsatian Museum (Muse Alsacien). Im goin to travel solo to Strasbourg, Riquewihr, Colmar, and Eguisheim for winter holiday. Check rates & book your stay at Appartements Le 32! The bridges name is a bit of a misnomer these days as they arent actually covered any more: Up to the 1700s the crossings were protected by long roofs that would have offered cover during sieges. Another classic served up at traditional stubs around the old quarters is tarte flambe, bread dough rolled out, covered with fromage frais and topped with onion and lardons. . More than 300 chalets are scattered over a dozen sites, including the Cathedral Square and along Broglie Square. If you are interested in Alsatian history and culture, you can visit the Historical Museum of Strasbourg (Muse historique). The best places to stay in Strasbourg are on the Grande le, from which all the main attractions are easily reachable. Is there an app I can add to my smart phone that will include a lot of information above? It was built to protect Strasbourg when the covered bridges became obsoletes because of the evolution of artillery. Its the historical centre of the city and the place where you can admire the main monuments and points of interest that make Strasbourg famous. You need to book your Skip-the-Line tickets by clicking here. This is for sure the best option for cheap parking in Strasbourg! Its a breathtaking building, erected for Cardinal Armand-Gaston de Rohan-Soubise the Prince Bishop of Strasbourg and loved for its high classical facade. The Petite France (Little France) is Strasbourgs most picturesque and visited area. I book my guided tour of the Christmas Market now! Even on Sundays, you will find things to do in Strasbourg: you can, for example, go to a museum. The galleries provide several reconstructions of historic home scenes and workshops, all presented with original ceramics, costume, furniture, tools, toys and everyday utensils. In 2 days in Strasbourg, you will be able to do the first day of the itinerary presented above and add: If you can spend 3 days in Strasbourg, you can take the itinerary of the 2 previous days and visit the surroundings of Strasbourg: If you have to leave by the north of Strasbourg to go to your next destination, make a loop of the castles of Alsace in the following order: If you are lucky enough to leave Strasbourg from the South to go to your next destination, I recommend you to do the following itinerary: If you prefer, you can also opt for half-day or full-day guided tours to discover the surroundings of Strasbourg. A few meters upstream of the covered bridges is the Vauban Barrage (Vauban Dam). Do not hesitate to visit the surrounding forest and take a walk around it to admire the viewpoints. Check out the clock on the right-hand side of the cathedrals interior, or if youd like to see it in action, come for the midday show (there is a small fee for this show, but it is included with the, o matter which option you choose, its worth getting out of town during your trip to Strasbourg to see what its all about. And like the one there this instrument has national renown, and was used by the organist Helmut Wacha to record the works of Bach. If you click through a link on Our Escape Clause, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Stretching 170km from just outside of Strasbourg all the way south past Colmar, the Alsace Wine Route is one of the major draws to the region and one of the best day trips from Strasbourg. Enchanting Emilia-Romagna, Italy: Itinerary for 7 Food-Filled Days, 19 Best Day Trips from Barcelona (+ How to Get There! Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, Im working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA. If youre planning on getting panoramic views from the top of the Strasbourg Cathedral, taking a canal tour via boat, and visiting a museum or twoall of which you should definitely add to your list of what to do in Strasbourg, but well get into the more belowthe city pass will more than pay for itself. Of course you wont be able to enter the institutions, but its always interesting to see the places where important decisions are made. Choucroute is the obvious entry point, with sauerkraut (fermented cabbage with a sour flavour) combined with different kinds of sausages, including frankfurters and smoked Morteau, as well as cuts of pork and potatoes. TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES In this guide, I will also suggest you the best place to stay in Strasbourg depending on your budget as well as a few itineraries to visit Strasbourg in 1, 2 or 3 days. Check rates & book your stay at Htel Gutenberg! To avoid queuing at the ticket office, you should really book your skip the line tickets in advance by clicking on the button below: The Alsatian region is renowned for its many castles, so I have chosen 2 of them that are fairly close to Strasbourg for you. This historic garden has been around for 400 years and is home to 6,000 plant species so its not only a peaceful place for a stroll, but also basically paradise if you have a green thumb. Theres even a flight simulator that just opened. Considered one of the most beautiful buildings in Strasbourg and located right on the Place de la Cathedral, this gorgeous house is a must-see when visiting Strasbourg. THE BEST Things to Do in Strasbourg - Tripadvisor The capital of the Alsace region has one of Europes largest medieval quarters. The other big find inside the cathedral is the astronomical clock, which masks its complex mechanics with its cute appearance. This is the best amusement park you can visit in the surroundings of Strasbourg! See also its library, the auditorium and the graphic art room. Kicking back for a relaxing boat tour through the canals is a fabulous way to see some of the best points of interest in Strasbourg without needing to seek them out yourself, including the covered bridges, Barrage Vauban, and European Parliament. I book my guided tour of the Alsatian villages now ! Htel Gutenberg Featuring spacious, modern rooms, glowing reviews, and incredible views of the Strasbourg Cathedral from the hotel, Htel Gutenberg is the perfect place to check into in Strasbourg if youre looking for a luxurious stay! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Home Travel Guides France 15 Best Things to Do in Strasbourg (France). As the self-proclaimed Capital of Christmas, Strasbourg goes all-out for the holiday season, with 10 Christmas markets, elaborate decorations on its beautiful half-timbered houses, an ice skating rink, Christmas trees, and more. Top 10 Things to Do in Strasbourg, France - National Geographic After an ascent of exactly 332 steps in a spiral staircase, you will have the privilege of contemplating the city from the cathedrals roof. Last Updated on September 9, 2022 by Kate Storm As the capital of the delightfully charming Alsace region in northeast France, there is no shortage of fun things to do in Strasbourg. This is just like a good travel guidejust enough, but not too much, information and very useful links. For an original experience, you should book a Segway tour in Strasbourg. The months of July and August are particularly favourable, with the numerous wine fairs organized in the villages. Just take a good breath and let the Christmas spirit penetrate you and everything will go well! This means that unlike most churches in France, the nave and the aisles have the same height. Finally, to finish the tour of the best museums in Strasbourg, I advise you to go to the Zoological Museum (Muse zoologique). If Colmar has one standout house you have to see, its the Maison Pfister, which dates back to 1537. Its a very fun way to discover the area and learn more about the different institutions with your guide. Its scheduled to reopen in 2022. For castle hopping, renting a car is anyway 100% mandatory, as there is no transportation service between castles. The closest park-and-ride to the city center of Strasbourg are: Discover all our articles about France: All Voyage Tips articles about France are listed here. Strasbourg Christmas Market - Allow some time to check out this place of local importance. This vacation residence gives you a comfortable and functional space for your stay, within walking distance of some of Strasbourgs prettiest spots. To discover the city, there is nothing better than doing a guided bike tour of Strasbourg! While the greater city of Strasbourg covers quite a large area, youll mostly stick to the lovely historic center with this itinerary. And this include some amazing castles! Youll see not only the citys charming historic center and scenic waterfront, but also pieces of other interesting neighborhoods. Rotonde Ticket is only for the Rotonde park and ride. Fun Things to Do in Strasbourg with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. A visit to the cathedral isnt complete until you see the immense interior. The Petite France 9. and during the Christmas markets, and both versions of Strasbourg are absolutely lovely. Thanks and have a good day, Lenny. Another astounding thing about the cathedral is how much of it dates to the 1100s, including the entirety of the apse on the east side of the building. If theres one part of Strasbourg that leaves visitors in complete awe, its Petite France. You will have the choice between 2 tours: Another option to visit Strasbourg by boat is to choose a lunch cruise with the Les bateaux de lIll company. Naturally theres a lot more to this fantastic park than that: You have a large boating lake, lots of long, leafy avenues, lawns, and even a mini-zoo and farm for kids. So you will just pay 4.20 for 7 people. Its thus really worth buying this convenient pass! 01 of 15 Visit Strasbourg Cathedral Museimage / Getty Images Address Pl. Learn how your comment data is processed. The easiest Alsace day trip to take independently from Strasbourg is Colmar, the fairytale town thats an easy half-hour train ride away. To make the most of your visit to Strasbourg, you should buy the Strasbourg Pass. Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Strasbourg - Atlas Obscura However, for the boat, you need to first go to the ticket office, show your Strasbourg Pass, and they give you a boat ticket. Kammerzell House 8. 2. We re looking forward to our visit. 1. A day in a destination always feels like a blur when its the only one you have there, but this particular city is easy enough to cover in a day if you follow our Strasbourg travel itinerary. In a single day, this city will dramatically enhance your understanding of what France has to offer. Thats pretty much a winstub: theyre cozy, theyre relaxed, and they tend to serve incredible food. Terrassee Panoramique & Barrage Vauban: Things to do in Strasbourg for a View The Barrage Vauban This fortified bridge was a cornerstone of the city's defenses from the 1600s when it was built, until as recently as the Franco-Prussian war in 1870. Enjoy a well-guided tour of the Strasbourg city where you will get to marvel at the various sceneries including the covered bridges, the beautiful canals, the European Parliament, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, The glise Saint-Thomas and the Janus Fountain. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. This guided tour also includes the visit to the most popular districts of Strasbourg: The Petite France, Grande Ile and the Neustadt district. Children have a merry-go-round, several playgrounds and a mini zoo with free access. If you are looking for what to do in Strasbourg, then keep on reading. Alsace is the only French wine region in which most of the wines produced are varietal, and so made only with the grapes that give them their name. Starsbourgs Christkindelsmrik is the oldest and most famous Christmas market in France. Maybe see you soon on the blog for another destination. But it would be the same with a PDF guide for example). And good news, if you are there at lunchtime, Kammerzell House is now a restaurant offering local cuisine. I book my guided bike tour of the Christmas markets now! Despite being built in the 1600s this fortified bridge and weir on the River Ill was a cornerstone of the citys defences as late as the Franco-Prussian War in 1870. You never know what will happen and, trust us, you do not want to get stuck with thousands of dollars in medical bills. You can click the links in the summary menu to go faster to the section you are interested in, its more convenient on smartphone. Thanks also for the will, I try to proofread, but it seems I missed some mistakes. So what are the best things to do in Strasbourg? Check out our list of the best day trips from Strasbourg. Event-filled history engagingly related. Visits to the interior and cultural events are also organized. Many thanks. All rights reserved. But youll certainly believe it as you walk through them, across creaking floorboards and up narrow staircases, and see the wonderful courtyard that joins them. It of course goes to the Orangery Park! THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Strasbourg - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor So, for children aged 3 to 6, theres a building site where they can build to their hearts content and with guidance learn about the processes of design and construction. There are 130 interactive exhibits like this one, as well as a 3D movie that is updated every few months. Petite France is a winning combination of waterways and traditional houses that makes for one of the prettiest spots in France. Home to the historic center of the city, your Strasbourg sightseeing will undoubtedly include plenty of time in this beautiful neighborhood. This is a highly detailed 1/600 scale model of Strasbourg and its outskirts, covering almost 80 square metres. The sense of cross-pollination continues in the cuisine and wine, and also in the presence of international institutions like the European Parliament. Its valid for 3 days and includes a free sightseeing cruise, a museum ticket and numerous discounts. If youd like to tour the interior of the European Parliament, check the official schedule here. You need to click on the green button below to buy your Strasbourg Pass: After the cathedral, you can visit the 4 medieval churches of the Grande le of Strasbourg and the magnificent St. Pauls church of Strasbourg (glise Saint-Paul). Written July 3, 2023 . 7 Essential Things To Do in Strasbourg, France As long as you are in the Petite France district, take advantage of this opportunity to visit Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (muse dart moderne et contemporain de Strasbourg). The idea was that in times of siege it would raise the level of the Ill and flood the lands to the south, and also drop barriers to prevent invaders from passing through. Even if you can see the highlights of Strasbourg in one day, theres plenty more to see in this area. Perfect to admire the maze of Strasbourg canals, covered bridges and the Petite France. You can find more medieval goodness south of Colmar in the fairy-tale village of Eguisheim. The first is late spring: the flowers will be blooming, the weather (hopefully) fairly mild, the summer crowds (and hotel prices) not quite at their peak. On the Alsace wine route, there is more than 300 wineries and 67 wine-producing municipalities, some of them being among the most beautiful villages in France. Weve visited Strasbourg during both spring (though a bit earlier than idealno flowers yet!) If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Were left with a city boasting beautiful turn-of-the-century districts built by the Germans, and hi-tech 17th-century fortifications designed by Vauban. And yes, in Strasbourg there is more than just the Christmas market and its mulled wine! Oh, and dont miss your chance to see the city from the top of the cathedral tower! Following whatever grabs your attention, set out along the winding streets and discover Strasbourg on your own terms. A wine tasting in the wineries of the Alsace wine route. The best things to do in Strasbourg are to walk the picturesque lanes, see the half-timbered houses and marvel at the incredibly detailed cathedralbut that is just the beginning. There are three museums to browse inside, an archaeology exhibit in the basement, decorative arts on the ground floor and a display of fine art on the first floor. One branch of the EU Parliament is located in Strasbourgand on certain dates, you can visit! City Rsidence Strasbourg Centre Ill be perfectly honest: Strasbourg, especially during peak season, is far from the most budget-friendly destination. The shining star of the collection is a plan relief dating to 1727. It is difficult to read websites on a smart phone. Points of Interest & Landmarks Half-day Tours City Tours Monuments & Statues Airport & Hotel Transfers Top Picks Historic Sites Luxury & Special Occasions Outdoor Activities Sports Complexes Likely to Sell Out Water Tours Sacred & Religious Sites Shopping Tours Multi-day & Extended Tours Churches & Cathedrals Ports of Call Tours Speciality Museums Lets explore the best things to do in Strasbourg: For 227 years up to 1874 this spellbinding sandstone cathedral was the tallest building in the world, and is still the highest surviving structure to have been built entirely during the medieval period. The Grande le is the ideal place to start your visit of the city and soak up its historical atmosphere. If you are planning to visit Strasbourg with your children, I recommend the following activities: If its unfortunately raining during your stay in Strasbourg, here are a few visits you can do while the weather improves: To buy your Strasbourg pass, its super easy: just click on the following link: Buy the Strasbourg Pass. Start your visit in the Old Town to see the citys most noticeable landmark by far the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg. The island is reserved for pedestrians and cyclists, so you can enjoy the calm of the place. You may have to call ahead to get a tour of this modern cylindrical structure, housing the 750-seat debating chamber. Driving from Rome to Florence: Where to Stop + Travel Tips! To find authentic and home made products while avoiding tourist traps, I recommend you: To discover the best of Alsatian gastronomy, there is nothing better than a gastronomic tour with a local guide! I am really happy you like my travel blog and it helps you to plan your trip to Strasbourg. Further proof that Strasbourg is at a cultural crossroads is this protestant church, which was the main Lutheran place of worship after Strasbourg became part of France in 1681. Alternatively, you can use the citys network of trams and buses, which is especially useful if you are going to or from the train station or outer spots like the Botanical Gardens of Strasbourg University. It motivates me to translate more articles to English! As a bonus, the buildings of La Petite France never look prettier than when youre seeing them from the water! Here are some other superb Alsatian destinations that you can visit on a day trip from Strasbourg if you have time. 1. The shared bus and tram tickets start at 1.70 (about $1.82) for a single trip. Theres much to explore inside, including a large gothic fresco of St. Michael and the stunning romanesque sarcophagus of Bishop Adeloch, from the 1100s. With its exceptional scenery and stunning half-timbered houses, few would dispute that Colmar is one of the best places to visit in Europe. Hai Vincent, Love your page, one of the very best online travel blog i must say. ). The fabulous thing about sightseeing in Strasbourg is that no matter what time of year you decide to visit, youll find plenty of fun things to do in Strasbourg. Follow the guide to discover all the must-see attractions and highlights during your stay in this emblematic French city. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip. If you dont feel like visiting the European district on foot, you can also explore it by Segway. Some bits to discover include the areas around the Parc de lOrangerie, the University, Place de la Rpublique and le Sainte-Hlne. In the past, tanners, fishermen and millers used to live and work there, because of the water nearby. How to Take a Fun Florence to Venice Day Trip (No Tour Necessary! As a bonus, I will also tell you about all the best places to visit around Strasbourg. Highly rated activities with free entry in Strasbourg: The top things to do for free. Strasbourg Cathedral Source: FreeProd33 / Shutterstock Strasbourg Cathedral For 227 years up to 1874 this spellbinding sandstone cathedral was the tallest building in the world, and is still the highest surviving structure to have been built entirely during the medieval period. 15 Best Things to Do in Strasbourg (France) - The Crazy Tourist To make the most of your visit to Strasbourg, book your guided bike tour by clicking on the button below: And if you prefer to take a private tour of Strasbourg, you can book the following tour: No doubt you will want to start your visit with the most famous monument of the city, the one you can see on all the postcards: the famous Notre-Dame de Strasbourg cathedral. Place Kleber 6. During this period, all the shop windows of the main shopping streets are decorated with grandiose Christmas lights illuminations. All of Strasbourg is at your fingertips from the Htel Gutenberg, making it an incredible choice for visitors to Strasbourg who dont want to waste a single second of their time in the city with getting into the center. There are now only three of these trees remaining, and you can still see them on certain days in the parks greenhouses. If youre planning to visit Strasbourg in December, this is THE destination you shouldnt miss! Originally a princely residence, it was home to 4 princes of the Rohan family, hence its name, and now houses 3 museums: If you dont want to visit the museums, I still advise you to go and admire the architecture and facade of the Rohan Palace. Visit Strasbourg: 25 things to do and see - Voyage Tips Lenny. You could also consider somewhere across the canal or river but still convenient. In the crypt for instance are the vestiges of a Columban Church from the 600s, and the cloister is mostly romanesque, dating to the 1000s. Strasbourg cathedral 3. The second, obviously, is late November through December, when some of the best Christmas markets in Europe take over the city. Appartements Le 32 This is where we stayed on our most recent trip to Strasbourg, and we were completely satisfied with these suites! I dont know of an app (but I dont think so), however the website is optimized for smartphones, and reads well (just, there is a lot of info, so you may have to scroll a bit! Once you finish admiring the exterior and take a moment to appreciate the interior of the cathedral, here are a couple more things to be sure to do at the Strasbourg Cathedral: Strasbourg Cathedrals magnificent astronomical clock has a history that reaches back to the 14th century, though the bulk of the incredible clock we see today dates to the 19th. Add in a fantastic atmosphere, some of the arguably best Christmas markets in Europe, and a fascinating history, and sightseeing in Strasbourg has never failed to make us want to kick back and stay in the area a bit longer. Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. If the sky is clear, you can even see all the way to Germany. As you cross the charming Ponts Couverts, a series of three fortified medieval bridges, stop to admire the Barrage Vauban, a covered stone bridge over a weir in the river. It is the oldest wine route in France. Photograph by Diego Mariottini, EyeEm / Getty Images Travel Discover the Best of. Alsace and wine go hand in hand, so why not head to some wine cellars to reward yourself after all that sightseeing? In case you prefer to explore on two wheels, though, the city has a bike-sharing service, Vlhop, with flexible rental periods.
