What to do in Strasbourg?

-Strasbourg’s classified historic heritage

Narrow, winding streets, beautiful houses dating from the Renaissance, Parisian-style manor houses... The city of Strasbourg has managed to preserve traces of the different eras since Antiquity. Thanks to this cultural and architectural wealth, the whole city has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.

-The cathedral and 142-metre-high spire.

Victor Hugo described Strasbourg Cathedral as a “gigantic and delicate marvel”, and it stands proudly, 142 metres high, overlooking a vast paved square, just like in the Middle Ages. You will enjoy admiring its beautiful Romanesque portal, famous statues and magnificent stained-glass windows.

-The Grande Île

The Grande Île is both the historic city centre and cosmopolitan urban centre of Strasbourg, with no less than 21 bridges linking this island to the rest of the city. This is a must-see when you are visiting the region, as there are so many buildings here worth seeing. Some buildings to visit are the Maison Kammerzell, Palais Rohan and the Ancienne Douane (former customs house). And to round off your exploration, head to the Cathedral District and venture inside one of the traditional Winstubs, a restaurant/wine bar that serves Alsatian specialities!

-__The Petite France district

Petite France was once known as the tanners and millers district, and it is an adorable, picturesque area in the historic centre of Strasbourg. It is sometimes called ‘little Venice’ due to the presence of the river Ill, which provides this area with a peaceful, rustic vibe. You will no doubt love exploring the superb half-timbered houses, narrow streets and canals here.

-Neustadt

“New town” built between 1871 and 1914 when the region came under Prussian rule, tripling the size of Strasbourg. This urban and architectural gem is well-known for its impressive squares, wide avenues and wonderful landscaped creations.

-The European Parliament and surrounding area

The city of Strasbourg was named the capital of Europe at the end of World War Two, and there are countless European institutions to visit in the city. Of these, the European Parliament, completed in 1999, is easily recognisable for its circular and elliptical design. This is the official seat of the European deputies, who are elected by direct universal suffrage every 5 years.

-The astronomical clock

The astronomical clock is a masterpiece of the Renaissance and one of the main attractions of Strasbourg Cathedral. It had not been in use since the Revolution when it was brought back to life in 1842 by clockmaker Jean-Baptiste Schwilgué. Every day, visitors can witness a wonderful display of automated figures when, at 12:30pm on the dot, there is a procession of the Apostles before Christ, interspersed with flapping wings and a crowing rooster. And every fifteen minutes, the four different ages of life, personified by a child, a teenager, an adult and an old man, all parade past Death.

-The Musée d’Art Moderne et Contemporain

Calling all art fanatics: The work of Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Sarkis Zabunyan and so many other famous artists is on display at Strasbourg’s Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, inaugurated in 1998. While here, do not miss the spectacular, 25-metre-high central glass-covered walk, and the exceptional library with close to 100,000 books.

-The Botanical Garden

Right at the heart of the city centre, 6,000 different plant essences cover the 3.5 hectares of Strasbourg’s botanical garden, which is one of the biggest in France. This garden with a whimsical vibe was created between 1880 and 1884 and is home to tropical, ancient and rare species from all five continents.

-Hire an electric boat without a boating permit from Marin d’Eau Douce and sail along the canals.

Explore Strasbourg in a fun, original way on an electric boat trip. Marin d’Eau Douce has various routes to suggest for you along the 40 km of waterways, so you can explore the whole city while basking in the sun.

-Come and discover all the secrets behind making pretzels at the Fabrique à Bretzels

You can’t possibly come to the region without visiting the famous Fabrique à Bretzels! Take a tour of the first museum to be entirely devoted to the production and history of pretzels, in Gundershoffen, just 30 minutes from Strasbourg. In this 500 m² venue, you’ll have a chance to discover the secret recipe behind this famous Alsatian treat and then taste it.

-Come and explore the oldest Christmas market in Europe

The Christkindelsmärik (‘Market of the Christ Child’ in Alsatian dialect) is believed to be one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the world. Every year, craftspeople and shopkeepers bring their creations to the 300 chalets, offering visitors the chance to find original gifts and keeping this ancient end-of-year tradition alive. Come and embrace the festive magic in the Christmas capital, with scents of cinnamon and mulled wine wafting through the air, magical Christmas lights, and a huge tree full of twinkling decorations.

-Climb the 330 steps of the cathedral up to the viewing platform and guard’s house

If you’re feeling brave, take on the 330 steps to get to the top of the cathedral where you'll find the viewing platform and guard’s house. Easier said than done! But all that effort will be rewarded because when you arrive at the top, you’ll come face-to-face with a breathtaking view of the city and surrounding area.

-Swimming and relaxing in the municipal baths, a wonderful piece of Strasbourg's heritage and a classified Historic Monument.

The Strasbourg municipal baths were designed by architect Fritz Beblo in the early 20th century, and the building boasts a truly remarkable style and design. When you arrive, you’ll be immediately plunged into another era thanks to the various Baroque Revival and Art Nouveau features. There’s a sauna, steam room, hot baths and so much more. You can expect a relaxing afternoon, in a simply historic setting.

-Come and watch an immersive show at the Jardin des Sciences planetarium.

The planetarium is a show venue devoted to astronomy, for an experience filled with new discoveries and amazement. The 360° screenings across a 15-metre-wide screen will make you feel like you’ve actually been beamed up into space. A perfect activity for people of all ages.

-Take a stroll around the Krutenau district, which is laid out like an artistic, welcoming little village with galleries and trendy boutiques.

Once populated by boatmen, fishermen and market gardeners, Krutenau is now one of the most lively districts in Strasbourg. In this district that resembles a little medieval village, there are some unmissable places including the municipal baths, the École Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs and the iconic Rue Sainte-Madeleine with its quaint little shops.

-Look out for the Egyptian-inspired fresco, and take some photos!

At the heart of the German Neustadt district, set off on a quest to find this unusual fresco dating back to 1905, that is a blend of Art Nouveau and Orientalism. A surprising artwork that is really worth the detour!

-Visit Perle brewery and discover the iconic local beer made there

The Perle beer adventure is not a particularly recent one. Pierre Hoeffel actually created his first beverage in 1882. Today, it is his great, great grandson, Christian Artzner who has taken over the reins, and the brewery offers visitors the chance to come and discover the secrets behind making this popular beer, followed by a tasting of course. It’s impossible to resist!

-Explore the city by bike: 600 km of cycle paths!

Strasbourg is France’s leading city for cycling, with countless routes to visit the fascinating heritage sites and beautiful natural areas. We recommend the 25-kilometre Franco-German route, “Les Deux-Rives” for example, which is an opportunity to explore both sides of the border, as you cycle through two nature reserves.