Straddling the border of France & Germany is the charming city of Strasbourg – capital of Alsace, self proclaimed capital of Christmas and one of four de facto capitals of the European Union. 

… in other words, a pretty big deal, and capital of many tourist hearts to boot. 

You see, Strasbourg, in all its loveliness, is a city of fascinating clashes. Historic yet modern, French, yet German, free-spirited and studenty yet also home to some of Europe’s most important democratic institutions…

… yes, it might sound like a dreadful identity crisis, but somehow it works! And that’s precisely what makes Strasbourg such a fun and unique place to explore. Granted, I somewhat prefer the smaller towns and villages of Alsace if it’s pure storybook appeal you’re after, but for a little taste of everything, Strasbourg is an excellent bet.

So, if you’re curious about the best things to do in Strasbourg, read on for a list of must-dos! I hope you’re ready to fall in love.

1. Strasbourg Cathedral

Strasbourg’s main showstopper of an attraction is its epic cathedral, a structure so grand and massive, you’ll struggle to capture it properly in photos… so let’s start there.

The cathedral’s construction began way back in 1015, in the Romanesque style, but over the years, it transitioned into the Gothic style we see today. This shift happened around the 13th century, which was a time when Gothic architecture was all the rage. The project took several centuries to complete, primarily because it was such an ambitious undertaking for its time… and wow can you tell!

Strasbourg Cathedral is a true stunner, best known for its intricate facade and soaring spire, which stands at about 142 meters (466 feet) tall. Fun fact: this spire was actually the tallest structure in the world until the 19th century, which is pretty impressive!

The exterior is adorned with an incredible array of sculptures and carvings that depict biblical stories and medieval life, but the interior has plenty to offer as well. The rose window for instance is absolutely stunning, and the astronomical clock is a marvel of engineering. This clock, which dates back to the 16th century, is not just a timepiece but also a calendar and a mechanical show, featuring figures of the apostles that move around at noon. Wild, considering its age.

PS: Don’t forget to do a little lap around Place de la Cathédrale while you’re here. It’s gorgeous, and you, too, can get photos of you wandering around it looking like a lost child:

2. Place Gutenberg

Close to Strasbourg Cathedral is one of the city’s main squares, Place Gutenberg, dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg, inventor of the printing press.

Gutenberg lived in Strasbourg for a while, and in honour of his revolutionary invention, today he not only has a square named in his honour, but a fun statue too, unveiled in 1840. It’s a pretty grand statue, showing Gutenberg holding a page from the Bible, symbolizing the spread of knowledge that his invention made possible, so yeah, bragging rights secured.

The square itself is pretty nice too – playing a central role in public life since the medieval times. Today, t’s surrounded by beautiful, old buildings that reflect the classic Alsatian style, with their half-timbered facades and steep roofs.

The nostalgic carousel here is also one of the most photographed sights of the city.

3. Explore La Petite France

While large swaths of Strasbourg are modern, there is one neighbourhood guaranteed to zap you back in time, with fairytale charm in spades… and that’s of course the picturesque district of La Petite France.

Thanks to its network of canals lined with half-timbered houses, this enchanting area is perfect for leisurely strolls, admiring the quaint architecture, and enjoying Alsatian cuisine at waterside restaurants (though be ready to pay a premium for the privilege).

Once upon a time, this neighbourhood would have been the home of fishermen, millers, and tanners. It gets its name, interestingly enough, from a hospital that treated patients with syphilis, which was known as the “French disease” back then. Though the name stuck, the connotation has long since faded… which is probably for the best.

Of course, the significance of La Petite France goes beyond its beauty – it also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage site!

4. Barrage Vauban

Another must-see on any Strasbourg sightseeing tour is the Barrage Vauban, a historic bridge and dam that houses a panoramic terrace with fantastic views of Petite France and beyond.

Constructed in the late 17th century, it is (of course) named after its designer, Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, who was a military engineer for King Louis XIV. The purpose of the dam was quite strategic—it was built to control the waters of the Ill River and to flood the southern part of the city in case of an attack, making it difficult for enemies to advance. So, while it might look like just a bridge, it had a critical defensive role too.

Design-wise, it’s about 120 meters long and features a series of 13 arches, AKA plenty of space to frolic so be sure to stop by. Inside, there are also spaces that have been used for various exhibitions over the years.

5. Walk along the covered bridges

Another thing you’ll notice as you explore La Petite France are the Covered Bridges (Ponts Couverts), which are… funny enough, not actually covered anymore, but they still have their name.

Originally built in the 13th century, these bridges were a vital part of Strasbourg’s defenses and therefore once covered with wooden roofs to protect the soldiers who guarded the city.

Sure, the roofs are now long gone, but you can still admire the bridges that remain, which span the channels of the Ill River at the western end of La Petite France. Each bridge is guarded by a stone tower, with four of these towers in total to ogle.

The view from the bridges are of course stunning, offering a perfect perspective of the surrounding canals, half-timbered houses, and the impressive Barrage Vauban nearby. They’re also a part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage designation and a popular spot for scenic strolls.

6. Meander around Grande Île

Translated literally to ‘Big Island’, Strasbourg’s Grande Île refers to the island in the city’s historic centre sandwiched between the Ill River and the Canal du Faux-Rempart. This is the touristic heart of the city, with many of the main sights clustered here, along with plenty of beautiful small streets perfect for frolicking through.

Besides Strasbourg Cathedral and Petite France, some highlights of this area include…

• Palais Rohan: a grand palace that houses three museums; Fine Arts, Decorative Arts, and Archaeology.
• Opéra national du Rhin: Strasbourg’s opera house, a stunning 19th century construction to see live opera, ballet and orchestras
• Place Kléber: another square worth exploring with beautiful buildings housing cafés and shops – including L’Aubette shopping mall
• The Neubau: a magnificent late 16th-century building overlooking Place Gutenberg, which serves as the local chamber of commerce and is particularly stunning at Christmas

7. Enjoy a sightseeing cruise

While I definitely think that exploring Strasbourg on foot is the way to go, if you’re looking for a more relaxed way to sightsee, then hopping on a boat cruise is a great way to see a lot in a short time.

This cruise, for instance, will take you all around the Grande-Île, then through Neustadt, and the European Quarter. You’ll get to see the famous covered bridges and Barrage Vauban from an entirely different perspective, as you float along the Ill River. It’s a great way to see the main sights and get some stunning photos, while also resting your legs a little bit!

8. Do some church hopping

Of course, while Strasbourg Cathedral is the city’s most famous and beloved church, there are actually a fair few others in Strasbourg that are worth checking out.

If you’re hoping to expand your sightseeing itinerary, here are some of the most popular ones:

• St. Paul’s Church: An architectural masterpiece blending Romanesque and Gothic styles known for its stunning stained glass windows and peaceful interior
• St. Thomas Church: A late-Gothic church known for its tombs and an organ that Mozart once played on
• Saint-Pierre-le-Vieux Church: A beautiful medieval church known for housing the relics of St Brigit of Kildare as well as 10 Passion of Christ gothic paintings
• Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune Church: Known for its 14th century frescoes and pretty cloisters
• Saint-Etienne Church: One of the oldest churches in Strasbourg, on the site of what was once a Roman fort with the remains of a fifth-century Roman basilica in the crypt

9. Visit the The Historic Wine Cellar of Strasbourg Hospital

For one of the most unique attractions in Strasbourg, head to the Historic Wine Cellar of Strasbourg Hospital, or Cave Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg, which dates back to 1395.

Yes, you read that right! This cellar has been around for over six centuries and was originally built to store wine made from the hospital’s own vineyards. Back in the day, wine was considered a crucial part of medical treatment, used for both its nutritional value and medicinal properties… and oh how I wish that were still the case!

In any case, the cellar itself is an impressive space, spanning over 1,200 square meters. It has that classic medieval charm, with vaulted ceilings, stone walls, and rows of massive oak barrels, some of which are hundreds of years old.

The coolest part? There’s a barrel of wine from 1472 still aging in the cellar! It’s one of the oldest wines in the world, and has only been tasted a handful of times in history.

Today, the cellar is a cultural treasure. It’s been restored and is open to the public, allowing visitors to explore its storied past for free! You can hire an audio guide for €3 if you want to know more about the cellar and there’s also an open house twice a year where you can even attend a wine-tasting event.

10. Enjoy Strasbourg’s Museums

For those with more time to spend in Strasbourg, another fun thing to do is a lap around some of the city’s most beloved museums.

Strasbourg is a cultural powerhouse, with museums covering a wide range of topics, including…

• Alsatian Museum and the Historical Museum: On opposite sides of the Pont du Corbeau – Rawebruck Bridge are these two historical museums, one dedicated to the history of Strasbourg and the other focusing on the history of the wider Alsatian region.
• Musée Tomi Ungerer: A unique collection of his illustrations and sculptures, as well as works by other illustrators and cartoonists.
• Musée de l’Œuvre Notre-Dame: This museum showcases medieval and Renaissance art from the Upper Rhine region, with a special focus on the Strasbourg Cathedral’s original sculptures and stained glass.
• Musée d’Art Moderne et Contemporain (MAMCS): A vibrant museum featuring modern and contemporary art, including works by famous artists such as Jean Arp and Gustave Doré, as well as temporary exhibitions.
• Le Vaisseau: An interactive science and technology museum aimed at children, offering hands-on exhibits that make learning fun for the whole family.

11. Relax in the Parc de l’Orangerie

Looking for more relaxing things to do in Strasbourg?

Parc de l’Orangerie is a picturesque park with a lake, swans, and lovely greenery – perfect for a leisurely walk or picnic. You can rent a rowboat and enjoy a paddle on the lake, pay a visit to the park’s mini zoo, which houses a charming collection of animals, including storks (the symbol of Alsace) or simply frolic and enjoy the happy vibes.

There’s even an on-site restaurant, set in a charming 18th-century building, which offers an excellent spot to savor Alsatian cuisine while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

12. Parc de la Citadelle

Speaking of green spaces, another one to add to the list is Parc de la Citadelle, a serene park surrounding the former military citadel.

As you wander through the park, you’ll quickly notice its historical roots, with remnants of the 17th-century citadel designed by the famous military engineer Vauban. These ancient fortifications give the park a distinctive character and make for some fun exploration opportunities, while the pathways winding around the old walls and moats provide a scenic backdrop, perfect for a leisurely walk or a jog.

For those looking for more active pursuits, this park also contains a skate park, basketball courts, table tennis tables, a bocce ball court and a soccer field, so it’s quite popular with sporty locals!

13. Savour Alsatian cuisine

Alsatian cuisine is a gorgeous blend of German and French influence, with hearty comfort food like the beloved Coq au Riesling – chicken braised in white wine or addictive Tarte Flambée – a flatbread of sorts topped with crème fraîche, cheese and lardons… a well as some more aggressive dishes, like the divisive Choucroute garnie, which is literally just a mountain of sauerkraut topped with sausage and random meats.

… Of course, when in Strasbourg, you should make it your mission to try as many of these local dishes as possible! You’ll have no trouble finding places that serve them, particularly in more touristy areas. While I tend to avoid restaurants too close to major attractions, I enjoyed my meal at Chez Yvonne… though I think you could probably find better quality somewhere farther from the Cathedral.

Want to sample as much as possible in a small amount of time? You can book a foodie walking tour like this one.

14. Tour Strasbourg’s less-explored neighbourhoods

Of course, there’s more to Strasbourg than just Grand-Île. If you have time to explore further, then another great Strasbourg activity is expanding your horizons and seeing other neighbourhoods, like…

• European District: a vibrant area housing key European institutions such as the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights, surrounded by modern architecture and lush parks. Book a tour here
• Krutenau: a lively and charming neighborhood known for its bohemian atmosphere with an eclectic mix of bars, cafes, and restaurants. Book a tour here
• Neustadt: a grand district showcasing late 19th and early 20th-century German architecture. Book a tour here

15. Strasbourg Christmas Markets

Finally, if you time your visit for the festive period, you’re in luck – Strasbourg’s Christmas markets are often considered among the best Christmas markets in Europe.

With 10 markets to explore, there’s a little something for everyone whether you’re after a traditional market experience, a place to shop for local foods, or an alternative twist on Yuletide fun.

Be sure to read my full guide to Strasbourg’s Christmas markets for more details.

Did I miss any of your favourite things to do in Strasbourg?

Let me know in the comments so I can add more of the best Strasbourg activities to the list. Happy and safe travels! 🙂