Spending a day in Strasbourg is like walking into a fairy tale, with its blend of captivating architecture, rich history, and Alsatian charm. The city offers a multitude of attractions that could easily fill several days, so having a solid plan is essential if you only have one day to immerse yourself in the “Capital of Europe.”
- Tip: Consider spending one night in Strasbourg to explore the city early in the morning or experience its charms at night. We took the last direct high-speed train from Paris (1hr45) and slept at Hotel des Vosges*, conveniently located near the train station. If you have more time at your accommodation, consider choosing one with a view of the cathedral* or the canals* to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Strasbourg throughout your stay.
Morning: Start with a scenic boat tour
Begin your day with a relaxing Batorama boat tour; this is the perfect way to get an overview of the city’s layout and history without rushing. Glide through scenic canals as you pass by landmarks such as the European Parliament and the city’s modern quarters, all while absorbing commentary about Strasbourg’s unique role in European history. Make sure you buy your ticket online to save time and don’t worry about being cold as you can get a boat with a glass roof, but note that if you’d like to take good photos, an open-air boat will be better. We booked a 70-minute tour, and with the time required for boarding and disembarking, plan for a total of 1.5 hours for the cruise.
- Why it’s special: You’ll cover a lot of ground early in the day and better understand the history of Strasbourg, leaving you plenty of time for a deeper dive into the sights on foot.
- Tip: If you’re interested in politics, some boat tours stop to visit the European Parliament to get further insights into Strasbourg’s modern role in European governance. If you’re lucky, you might even get to witness a live plenary session. Of course, you will have to re-adjust your itinerary.
Mid-Morning: Marvel at Strasbourg Cathedral
After the boat tour, head over to Strasbourg Cathedral, one of Europe’s finest Gothic structures, completed in 1439. It held the title of the world’s tallest building for over two centuries, and its elaborate sandstone facade and stunning stained-glass windows never fail to impress visitors. It’s pretty distinct from the other cathedrals you come across in France. As you plan your itinerary, keep in mind that there are no skip-the-line tickets, even for guided tours*.
- Highlight: The Astronomical Clock inside the cathedral, a 16th-century masterpiece of engineering. The automaton show takes place every day but Sundays at 12:30 pm (be at the Saint Michel entrance on the right side of the cathedral from 11.30 am), and tickets (4€) can only be purchased on the same day.
- Tip: For 8€, you can climb the 330 stairs to a 66-metre high platform and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Lunch: Savour Alsatian cuisine and wines
After your visit to the cathedral, take your time for lunch at a traditional Alsatian restaurant to sample some local dishes like Tarte Flambée (a flatbread topped with whatever you like, but traditionally with cream, onions, and bacon – simple yet delicious), Baeckeoffe (a hearty stew made from pork, lamb, beef, and vegetables, often slow-cooked with Alsatian white wine – although I’d recommend the non-traditional version with Munster cheese and bacon), or a classic Choucroute garnie (sauerkraut served with local sausages and a variety of meats).
As an aperitif, you can order a glass of Crémant d’Alsace – the region’s sparkling wine – and make it even more special by adding a local liqueur, such as Gingerbread liquor. Pair your meal with a glass of Riesling, Gewürztraminer or Pinot Gris to fully immerse yourself in what the region does best.
- Tip: If you’re visiting during peak season, book in advance to save time. There are many restaurants around the Cathedral, the nearby canals, and Petite France.
Or skip a sit-down lunch to visit the Palais Rohan museums
If you’re more of an art and history lover than a foodie, consider skipping a sit-down lunch and heading to the Palais Rohan instead. Located near the cathedral, this elegant baroque palace inspired by Parisian buildings is home to three museums: the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the Musée Archéologique, and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (where you get access to royal apartments). It’s a perfect way to dive deeper into the history, art, and culture of Strasbourg and the Alsace region.
- Tip: For lunch, grab a quick bite of a local specialty by grabbing a Bretzel on the go at a bakery – it’s the region’s most iconic food! They sometimes load it with cheese and bacon.
Afternoon: Explore Petite France and take in panoramic views
After lunch, wander through Petite France, Strasbourg’s most picturesque and historic district. Petite France is only a 10-minute walk from the Cathedral, which is a lovely way to take in more of the city’s charm.
Petite France, with its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and tranquil canals, is part of the UNESCO-listed Grande Île. Strolling through its narrow lanes feels like stepping back in time. Petite France offers plenty of cozy corners for a relaxing coffee or a scenic spot for photos.
Once you’ve soaked in the charm of Petite France, take a short walk to Barrage Vauban and Ponts Couverts, where you’ll find one of the best views in Strasbourg and a glimpse into the city’s fortified past.
- Why it’s special: This area combines Strasbourg’s fairy-tale beauty with striking medieval architecture, offering both charm and history in one stop.
- Tip: Climb to the rooftop terrace of Barrage Vauban to enjoy a sweeping panoramic view of the city’s canals, bridges, and medieval towers.
Late afternoon: take some time to explore the Neustadt district
While it might be difficult to fit everything into a day trip, consider exploring Neustadt if you have some extra time before dinner or nighttime activities. The quickest way to get there is by taking the tram to Republique. From Petite France, head to Alt Winmarik (a 10-minute walk) and take the tram (line B or F) for about 5 minutes.
Built during the late 19th and early 20th centuries under German rule, Neustadt – which means new town in German – offers a striking contrast to the medieval charm of Grande Île. It features wide boulevards, grand buildings, and impressive examples of Wilhelminian and Art Nouveau architecture.
- Why it’s special: Spending part of your afternoon in Neustadt provides a different perspective on Strasbourg’s past and is an ideal balance to the older parts of the city. The district’s architecture and urban layout reflect the city’s changing identity, making it a fascinating area to explore for history and architecture enthusiasts. It’s also quieter and less touristy.
- Tip: Begin your walk at Place de la République, a square surrounded by notable landmarks like the Palais du Rhin and the National University Library. From there, stroll along Avenue de la Liberté, admiring the impressive public and residential buildings that define the district’s distinct character.
Evening: Dinner and more Alsatian delights
As night falls, finish your day with dinner at another one of Strasbourg’s cozy Alsatian restaurants, where you can indulge in more local specialties and wines.
- Tip: Find a restaurant with a view of the cathedral or the canal, such as Maison des Tanneurs (booking essential) or Cafe Atlantico for a drink. The night lights reflecting on the water add an extra touch of magic to your meal. If not available, many restaurants have Alsatian decor inside, so you will still have a lovely and unique experience.
Evening: Wander the historic streets and experience Strasbourg by night
As the day draws to a close, take some time to explore Petite France and the surrounding streets by night. The half-timbered houses reflected in the canal under soft evening lights create a postcard-perfect scene. Don’t hesitate to revisit some of the sites you saw earlier, like the Strasbourg Cathedral, which is beautifully illuminated as night falls. The intricate Gothic details of the cathedral’s facade look even more mesmerizing against the evening sky.
- Why it’s special: Strasbourg’s charm intensifies after dark. The city’s iconic landmarks are beautifully lit, providing a whole new perspective of the town.
- Tip: If you’re in Strasbourg during the holiday season, the area around the cathedral transforms into a fairy-tale wonderland, with the famous Strasbourg Christmas Markets adding festive cheer. Be sure to walk through Cathedral Square to enjoy its twinkling lights, craft stalls, and the scent of mulled wine filling the air.
Beyond Strasbourg: Explore the Alsace region
If you want to extend your experience beyond Strasbourg and discover more of the Alsace region, consider taking a half-day guided tour to explore the nearby villages. But be prepared for a fully packed day!
After enjoying a morning boat cruise and quickly visiting the nearby Cathedral, head out of town to explore the enchanting Alsatian villages that surround the city. You can hire a private driver* to visit picturesque towns like Colmar, Haut-Koenigsbourg, Eguisheim, and Riquewihr, known for their half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and stunning vineyards. These charming villages offer an authentic taste of Alsace’s rich history and culture. Many guided tours* also include wine tasting – sometimes even two tastings – giving you the opportunity to experience the renowned Alsace Wine Route firsthand.
- Why it’s worth it: You’ll discover another side of the region, with picturesque landscapes, storybook villages and a deep connection to Alsace’s traditional winemaking heritage.
- Tip: Most half-day tours last around 4 to 5 hours, giving you time to explore Strasbourg further in the evening.
Where is Strasbourg?
Strasbourg is located in the northeastern part of France, in the Alsace region, close to the border with Germany and along the Rhine River. The city is known as the Capital of Europe, as it is home to several important European institutions. Strasbourg is easily accessible from Paris in just 1 hour and 45 minutes by high-speed train, while driving takes approximately five hours.
