One Day in Strasbourg – A Magical City in Any Season

Strasbourg is a city we keep coming back to, over and over. It helps that there is a direct train from our area in the south-west of France to Strasbourg twice a week! I wanted to put together a guide to one day in Strasbourg, just to get you started; and to ensure you hit the ground running if you only have a short visit.

Strasbourg is often a jumping-off point for trips around the Alsace, north into Germany to the Black Forest, or as a departure port for river cruises. The city can be reached by train from Paris in under 2 hours, making it an ideal add-on destination.

24 hour Itinerary for Strasbourg

With my 24-hour guides, I always run the timings from midday to midday, including lunch, dinner and breakfast spots alongside sightseeing. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below.

This itinerary will focus on the central Grande-Île and Petite France areas of Strasbourg. This is a manageable chunk, and the most picturesque.

Midday – Lunch in Petite France

With a myriad of restaurants, of every cuisine, Petite France is an ideal spot to enjoy lunch while watching the world go by. The charm is the mix of ancient buildings, crooked corners, and restaurant terraces that buzz with happy diners revelling in this gorgeous area.

As with the rest of the Alsace, the half-timber buildings are so cute, and lunch amongst this heritage is such a great place to start your visit to Strasbourg.

You can get all kinds of cuisine here, but here are some of my favourites:

• La Corde à Linge – with arguably the best terrace in Petite France, this bistro is always packed. You’re paying for the ambiance and views on this one.
• Tibet Gourmand – just around the corner from La Corde, down a small alleyway, is Tibet Gourmand. This accidental find served us the most incredible momos and other Tibetan dishes! And before you come at me for suggesting asian food in France – it’s not always easy to find, so when I find a good one, I like to promote it!
• Le Restaurant Pont Tournant – for fine dining on the canals, the Pont Tournant is such a lovely spot (located in the Hôtel Régent Petite France)
• P’tite-Fontaine – for a traditional tavern style, with Alsatian classics, the P’tite-Fontaine is your spot. Try the Flammekueche (Tarte flambée).

2pm – Barrage Vauban & Ponts Couverts

Bordering the western edge of Petite France, the Barrage Vauban and the Ponts Couverts are a set of medieval bridges and defensive towers that hint at the city’s fortified past.

The Barrage Vauban was built in the late 17th century as part of the city’s expanded defences. It was designed by the military engineer Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, and the dam could be used to flood the surrounding land and slow an invading army. Nowadays, it’s a covered walkway (Passage Georges Frankhauser) with historic statues housed along the inside.

The Ponts Couverts (Covered Bridges) have long since lost their wooden roofs, but they provide a lovely vantage point to admire the water and towers.

3pm – Choose a Museum

Visiting a museum is a great way to understand the history or culture of a place, even on a short visit. We have enjoyed a few different museums in Strasbourg, and here are our favourites:

• Palais Rohan – the city’s grand former prince-bishops’ palace houses three museums under one roof: the Museum of Fine Arts, the Archaeological Museum, and the Museum of Decorative Arts. Even if you don’t visit all three, the palace itself is worth seeing.
• Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMCS) – this spacious museum showcases works from the late 19th century onwards, including Picasso, Monet and Kandinsky, alongside temporary exhibitions. We loved the pop-art and curation – it flowed well.
• Historical Museum of Strasbourg – a fascinating look at the city’s evolution from a medieval trading centre to its changing roles under French and German rule.

4:30pm – Strasbourg Cathedral

I think Strasbourg Cathedral is one of the most impressive Gothic buildings I’ve ever seen. Not just because of the beautifully detailed Vosges sandstone exterior, but because of its location, and the way you can approach it and get incredible views of the facade.

I literally hurt my neck with all the craning I did trying to admire the detail on this building – it is spectacular.

The cathedral closes at 5:45pm, so get there early, as there is often a queue to go inside. Admire the rose window, and the astronomical clock. I spent more time enjoying the outside than the inside though – the gargoyles were particularly wonderful!

If you’re feeling energetic, climb the cathedral platform for spectacular views across Strasbourg’s rooftops.

TIP: In the summer, the cathedral comes alive with a spectacular light show. The Strasbourg Cathedral illuminations usually run for July and August, and make an already impressive building even more amazing.

6pm – Aperitifs with a Cathedral View

Choose a spot with a cathedral view for aperitifs. There are lots of bars along Rue Mercière, Place Gutenberg, and Place de la Cathédrale.

The changing dusk light and cathedral lit up (even just with the regular lighting) is quite magical.

8pm – Dinner Overlooking the Canals

I am always drawn to water wherever I am visiting, and there are so many convivial spots along the canals and waterways of Strasbourg. Whether you return to Petite France for the buzzing evening vibe, or whether you choose somewhere outside the usual tourist hub, there are lots of styles and price-brackets for you to choose from.

• L’Archipel – Take a 15 minute taxi ride north of the main centre to L’Archipel and its lovely rooftop terrace. This slightly removed aspect allows you to take in the size of Strasbourg, and to admire the rooftops and Cathedral from this lovely upscale eatery.
• Le Schnockeloch – Enjoy all the Alsatian classics in this cosy but suave restaurant. Try to get a window table upstairs, so you can watch the world go by along the canal.
• Kooma Brasserie Pub & Rooftop – For something a bit funky, Kooma has three different dining and pub options. Based in a former tobacco factory, this is the option for those who want variety, delicious food, and a good vibe.

10pm – Late Night Fun

Here are some after-dinner ideas for Strasbourg, depending on the type of trip you’re planning:

• For Families – Take an evening stroll through Petite France, when the half-timbered houses and canals are beautifully illuminated.Walk around Place du Château and the cathedral after dark, when the crowds are =thinner and the atmosphere is magical. Or enjoy an evening ice cream or crêpe while wandering the riverside.
• For Couples – Enjoy cocktails at Madame C, an elegant cocktail bar housed in a historic townhouse. Head to Le Douanier or L’Antichambre for expertly crafted cocktails in intimate surroundings. Or catch a performance at the Opéra National du Rhin or one of the theatres around Place Broglie.
• For Night Owls – Explore the lively Krutenau district, where cafés and bars stay busy into the night without feeling overly touristy. Dance until the early hours at Le Rafiot, a floating nightclub on the river. Or experience the legendary atmosphere at Les Aviateurs, one of Strasbourg’s best-known late-night bars with themed evenings and karaoke.

In December, your evening will be taken up by wandering around the Christmas Markets! Running from late November through to Christmas Eve, you can find them in lots of areas, usually around Place Broglie, Place Kléber (with the giant Christmas Tree), Place de la Cathédrale & Place du Château, and Place du Temple Neuf to name a few.

** Fall into bed at an undisclosed hour **

9am – Breakfast

Here are my top picks for breakfast or brunch in Strasbourg:

• Hey Mama Cathédrale – Generous homemade brunches inspired by African and Caribbean flavours, alongside classic favourites. 
• Café Joyeux – Café Joyeux is a social enterprise that provides employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their pastries and coffee are great too.
• Quatorze – Brunch & Salon de Thé – Expect beautifully presented sweet and savoury dishes, homemade cakes and quality teas and coffees in a stylish setting.

10:30am – Take Your Pick

River Ill sightseeing cruise

Giving you a completely different perspective of Strasbourg, it’s one of those experiences that appeals to almost everyone. You also get the commentary about the architecture and history of the city in various languages, so it’s a good activity for a short visit.

Visit the Cave Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg

Underneath the historic hospital complex, discover this centuries-old wine cellar, home to some of Alsace’s finest wines, including a legendary 1472 vintage that is considered one of the oldest wines in the world still preserved in barrels.

Please note that tastings are only available a few times a year on Open Door (Portes Ouvertes) days. But there is a shop, for the wine-lovers and wine-collectors amongst you!

Stroll the Parc de l’Orangerie and visit the storks

Escape the city centre with a relaxing walk through Strasbourg’s oldest park. There are elegant gardens, a lake, playgrounds, a mini-zoo and the famous stork enclosure (Alsace’s beloved symbol of good fortune).

Where to stay in Strasbourg

We have stayed at a variety of hotels in Strasbourg, both when arriving by car and by train (which leads to different hotel choices, as you can see below):

• Central and car-friendly – For those arriving by car, the ibis Strasbourg Centre Historique and Appart’City Confort Strasbourg Centre are comfortable mid-range options with preferential rates at the Zenpark underground parking nearby. They are 3 minutes walk from the Barrage Vauban.
• A bit of luxury – For something special, stay at the stunning historic Cour du Corbeau Hotel Strasbourg – MGallery Collection, the gorgeous and very central Pavillon Régent Petite France, or the more modern Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Île or Maison Rouge Strasbourg Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection.
• Krutenau – For great value, try something like Hôtel Diana Dauphine or Hôtel de L’ill in Krutenau.

If you have more time in Strasbourg

Within the city:

• Cycle along the city’s extensive bike paths – Strasbourg is one of France’s most cycle-friendly cities, with hundreds of kilometres of dedicated paths leading through historic neighbourhoods, parks and along the River Ill. Take a bike tour here.
• Visit the Botanical Gardens – Wander through peaceful gardens filled with thousands of plant species, tropical greenhouses and quiet walking paths just outside the city centre.
• Discover Strasbourg’s covered markets – Browse fresh produce, cheeses, pastries and Alsatian delicacies at the city’s markets, perfect for assembling a picnic or sampling local flavours.
• Enjoy a wine tasting – Learn about Alsace’s renowned white wines, including Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris, at one of Strasbourg’s specialist wine bars or tasting cellars.
• Take a guided food tour – Combine sightseeing with local cuisine by sampling regional favourites such as tarte flambée, Munster cheese, pretzels and artisan chocolates while exploring the city’s historic streets.
• Hire a kayak, canoe or take a small boat tour – Paddle along sections of the River Ill, passing under historic bridges and alongside picturesque neighbourhoods.

Day Trips:

• Take the tram to the Passerelle des Deux Rives – Hop on the D tram to the Passerelle des Deux Rives across the Rhine. You can stroll from France into Germany, and have the unique experience of crossing an international border on foot.
• Take a day trip to the Black Forest – Venture into Germany’s famous Black Forest – where scenic drives, charming villages, hiking trails and traditional cuckoo clock workshops offer a perfect contrast to Strasbourg’s city atmosphere. Don’t miss a slice of Black Forest Gateau!
• Explore the picturesque villages of Alsace – Spend a day discovering storybook villages such as Riquewihr, Eguisheim, Kaysersberg or Obernai, with their colourful half-timbered houses, flower-filled streets, local wineries and welcoming cafés that showcase the best of the Alsace Wine Route. If you’re in the area longer, here is my weekend guide to the Alsace.
• Take a day trip to Colmar – Just 30 minutes by train from Strasbourg, Colmar is a beautifully preserved old town with canals, medieval architecture, intricate façades and excellent museums. You can also take a tour that includes both the Alsace villages and Colmar.

Strasbourg FAQ

All photos & content © Hannah Henderson and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!). Images shot with a Canon DSLR T3i Rebel + Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM; and an iPhone.