Cool 16 Tourist Attractions to See and Things to Do in Strasbourg, France

June 15, 2023 Mustafa Natalwala 2951 Views

Strasbourg is a city in the Grand Est region of France. Some of the best things to do in Strasbourg include exploring history, art, architecture, cuisine, and wines. The city sits on the border of Germany and is a part of the historic Alsace region. As a result, you see the influence of both French and German cultures in many of the best places to visit in Strasbourg. The city is a major center for Alsatian history and culture.

The majority of things to see in Strasbourg today date between the 17th and 19th centuries. You will see churches, palaces, old commercial buildings, colorful districts, bridges, and more. Although some of Strasbourg’s tourist attractions, including the fortifications, date back to medieval times. The city is also home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Strasbourg Cathedral and Grande Ile District.

The cathedral is famed for its incredible architecture and artworks that adorn its interiors. There are also several other churches and cathedrals among Strasbourg attractions featuring a variety of architectural styles including Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, Romanesque, German Hall-Style, and so on.

The Grand Ile is the historic district of the city. It has several wonderful places to go in Strasbourg including timber houses used by tanners and fishermen. It is also known for the public squares, markets, restaurants, cobbled streets, and colouful buildings. This area is one of the most picturesque places to see in Strasbourg.

You can also take a boat tour to explore this area from River Ill. The tour also covers other aspects of Strasbourg sightseeing with an onboard guide.

Today the city is the official seat of the European Parliament. It is one of the only 3 non-capital cities in the world to have such an international organization. The complex is one of the most popular tourist spots with a variety of fun activities to do in Strasbourg for people of all ages.

Another major aspect of Strasbourg travel is exploring the Alsatian history and culture. You can learn about the history through museums and historical sites. You can experience the culture through the markets, festivals, and cuisine. You should try out regional preparations of Choucroute, Tarte Flambee, Baeckeoffe, and more when you visit Strasbourg.

The region is also famous for its wines. You can head to local taverns, called Winstubs, where you can try out the local wines and cuisines. These are Strasbourg’s top attractions in their own right.

Or you can also head straight to the source. You can take a tour to explore the wineries and historical villages if you are looking for fun things to do near Strasbourg. You can explore the wineries, and try out the famous wines and traditionally prepared dishes. The villages are also popular among places to visit near Strasbourg for the treasure trove of cultural experiences.

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Table of Contents

Top 16 Tourist Places to Visit in Strasbourg, France

When you visit Strasbourg, some of the activities I suggest you must try as per your interest. So here below I am mentioning some of the top-rated tours and unique things to do in Strasbourg.

1. Palais Rohan

This palace was built in 1730 for Cardinal Prince Bishop Armand-Gaston de Rohan-Soubise. It is one of the best places to visit in Strasbourg, France for its historical and architectural significance.

Over the years the palace has played several roles and housed several monarchs and noblemen. Presently, the museum houses three museums: the Museum of Decorative Arts, the Fine Arts Museum, and the Archeology Museum.

Collectively, this one place is known for some of the best things to do in Strasbourg, France. You will need about 2 to 3 hours to tour this palace and the museums within it.

2. Alsatian Museum (Musée alsacien)

This museum looks at the Alsatian history and culture between the 7th and 19th centuries. It is one of the most important cultural Strasbourg attractions. The museum is built within three period homes and looks at several aspects of the lifestyle of Alsatians during different periods.

The museum is spread over 30 rooms containing artifacts concerning daily life including images, furniture, clothing, homeware, furniture, religious items, and so on. You will need about an hour to tour this museum when you visit Strasbourg, France.

3. Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (Musée d’Art Moderne et Contemporain de Strasbourg)

The museum is housed inside large glass buildings and contains a vast collection of modern and contemporary artworks. It is one of the most popular Strasbourg tourist attractions. You will see paintings, photographs, sculptures, stained-glass windows, decorative arts, and more.

The collection includes creations of renowned artists including Gauguin, Picasso, Magritte, Monet, Kandinsky, Sander, Muybridge, Mapplethorpe, and more. You will need about an hour from Strasbourg travel to tour this museum.

4. Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg)

Also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg, this was the tallest building in the world till 1874. It is one of the most beautiful things to see in Strasbourg, France. Victor Hugo, the acclaimed French poet, called it “A Gigantic and Delicate Marvel”.

The cathedral features Gothic architecture and emits a soft pink hue owing to the sandstone. The 142-meter tall spire and the intricately carved facade are the most recognized features of the cathedral.

Even from the inside, it is one of the most magnificent places to see in Strasbourg, France. You will need an hour to explore this church.

5. Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune Protestant Church (Église protestante Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune)

This church is one of the oldest buildings in the city. It was consecrated as a church in 1053, however, it was built on the site of a Merovingian chapel that dated back to the 7th century. It is one of the most important historical places to go in Strasbourg, France.

The church is also known for its architectural features that date back to different centuries. The central building has incredible frescoes and a Gothic structure. Three of the fourth arched galleries were built in the 11th century.

These layers inside and outside the church make it one of Strasbourg’s top attractions. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this church.

6. Vauban Dam (Barrage Vauban)

This bridge was built in the 17th century on River Ill. It was first built as part of the city’s defenses to flood the land and prevent attackers from coming in. It is one of the top things to do in Strasbourg, France for its architecture, sculptures, and scenic beauty. You need about 20 to 30 minutes to tour this bridge.

7. Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg (Musée historique de la ville de Strasbourg)

The museum looks at the history of the city’s several aspects. It is housed in a 1587 building which used to be a slaughterhouse. This is one the most attractions of Strasbourg sightseeing as it helps put the rest of the things in perspective.

The museum looks at key figures and important events in the city’s history. It also shows how the city evolved over the years and aspects of the everyday life of people living here at different times. You will need about an hour to tour this museum.

8. Musée de l’Œuvre Notre-Dame

This museum is known for its extensive collection of Medieval and Renaissance artworks. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and more. It is one of the top activities to do in Strasbourg for art admirers and practitioners.

The collection includes some renowned pieces such as Christ’s Head on stained glass by Wissembourg, crystal baskets painted by Sebastien Stosskopf, Cavalry stained glass window by Mutzig, Madonna in the Vine Arbor by Hans Baldung, and more. You will need an hour to tour this museum.

9. La Petite France

This area is the most vibrant and colorful place to visit in Strasbourg. The buildings stand on the river creating waterways, weirs, and locks. Many of these buildings are made from white-timber and date between 1500 and 1600s.

They feature colourful and patterned exteriors making it one of the most photogenic Strasbourg attractions. These buildings were once used by fishermen and tanners. You will need an hour or so to tour this area.

I suggest you should try a Pedicab Tour of La Petite France.

10. Tanners House (Maison des tanneurs)

This historic half-timber building is among Strasbourg’s top attractions in the Le Petite France district. Dating back to 1572, it is one of the remnants of the tanning industry of the city.

As you tour the house, you will see how it was designed to support the trade. The timbered galleries and slanted roofs were used to sun-dry the animal hides. The house is now a restaurant named La Maison de la Choucroute. It is one of the best places to go in Strasbourg for traditional Alsatian cuisine. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore the place.

11. Ponts Couverts

These three fortified bridges and four accompanying towers herald the entrance to Le Petite France. The sight is one of the most iconic things to see in Strasbourg, France. The structure dates back to the 1300s and was part of the city’s original fortification.

You can see this sight from the Barrage Vauban Bridge or during the River Ill boat cruise tour. You can also visit these historical Strasbourg tourist attractions up close and walk the historical bridges. It takes about an hour to explore these structures.

12. Parc de I’Orangerie

This park is one of the best places for recreational activities to do in Strasbourg with family. It has a boating lake, lawns, greenhouses, gardens, a farm, and a mini-zoo. The park also has historic significance for the city.

It was founded after the revolution when 140 orange trees (hence the name) were brought from Chateau de Bouxwiller to the city as a gift. You can still see three of the original 140 trees when you visit Strasbourg. People can easily spend 30 to 45 minutes relaxing at this public park.

13. River Ill Strasbourg Sightseeing Boat Tour

This boat tour begins its journey from downtown and takes you on a journey to see 20 centuries of history. The open boat gives you an unhindered view of the beautiful town as the guide narrates stories, facts, and legends.

It is one of the most fun things to do in Strasbourg, France. You will need about 2 hours for this tour. You can also choose shorter boat tours for Strasbourg travel that only cover specific areas.

I suggest you should book a Private Strasbourg Sightseeing Boat Tour in advance.

14. St. Thomas’ Church (Église Saint-Thomas)

The church was built in the 1520s and used to be a Lutheran church. When the city became a part of France in 1681 it became a Protestant church. However, it is one of the best places to see in Strasbourg to witness the classic German Hall-Style architecture.

The structure is wildly different from most religious structures you would find in France. Even the interiors bear some cultural treasures including gothic frescoes depicting Saint Michael, a Gallery Organ played by Mozart, and the Romanesque sarcophagus of Bishop Adeloch. You will need 30 to 45 minutes from Strasbourg sightseeing to explore this unique church.

15. European Parliament

Strasbourg is one of only three non-capital cities in the world to host an international institution. It exhibits impressive architecture and is one of the most popular places to go in Strasbourg.

It has museums, interactive experiences, galleries, and activity areas. You can tour certain parts of the building and the complex to learn about the different functions of the European Parliament.

You can also explore parts of the garden and philodendron forest in the complex. There are several different tours to choose from, the longest one takes about 2 to 3 hours.

16. Medieval Village & Wine Tasting Tour

The city is surrounded by incredible valleys, villages, and wineries that offer some of the best things to do near Strasbourg. You can tour quaint historical villages that blend French and German cultures in unique ways.

Some of these villages have structures dating back to medieval times. You can taste the famed French wines as you explore the valleys and dine on authentic Alsatian dishes. This is day-long tour covers some of the most magical places to visit near Strasbourg including Bergheim, Ribeauville, Hunawihr, Riquewihr, Kayserberg, Eguisheim, and more.

I suggest you should go for a Day Trip to Visit of Medieval Village and the Wine Tasting Tour.

If you are looking for more activities to do in Strasbourg or around it check out the sections below. We have created a complete list of attractions in the city and the surrounding areas for you to explore.

Things to do in Strasbourg, France

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Strasbourg, France

Cathedral de Notre Dame de Strasbourg
Alsatian Museum
Barrage Vauban
Palais Rohan
Ponts Couverts de Strasbourg
Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
St. Thomas Church
Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg
St. Paul Church
Saint Pierre le Jeune Protestant Church
Museum Oeuvre Notre Dame
Cave Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg
Tanner’s House
Palais du Rhin
Strasbourg Museum of Fire Arts
Tomi Ungerer Museum
Grande Mosque
Church of Old St. Peters
Chateau Musee Vodou
Aubette 1928
The Temple Neuf
Russian Orthodox Church
Strasbourg Zoological Museum
Saint Pierre le Jeune Catholic Church
Pont du Faisan
MM Park Military Museum
Strasbourg Archeological Museum
Statue de Johannes Gutenberg
Lieu d’Europe
Paroisse Protestante Saint Guillaume
Eglise Saint Jean
Bains Municipaux de Strasbourg
Sainte Madeleine Strasbourg
Observatoire Astronomique de Strasbourg
Place de la Republique
Musee Adolf Michaelis
Planetarium of Strasbourg
Musee de Mineralogie
Palais du Gouverner Militaire
Museum of Seismology and Earth Magnetism
The Cabinet des Estampes et des Dessins
Galerie Cartel
The Egyptian House
Archdiocese of Strasbourg
Fort Grossherzog von Baden
Musee du Chocolat par Schaal
Fort Rapp Moltke
Museum Manufactory
Fort Ducrot Podbielski
Park Alsatian House
Fort Foch
Chateau de Kolbsheim
Unterlinden Museum
Choco Story Colmar

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Strasbourg, France

Reserve Naturelle de I’lle du Rohrshollen
Foret de la Robertsau
Parc Naturel Urbain Ill Bruche
Le Rhin Tortu
Rohrschollen
Foret du Heuhof
Parc Animalier Friedel
Blauelsand
Lake Bagersee
Lac du Baggersee
River Souffel
Lac Achard
Lake Plan d’Eau de Plobsheim
Andlau

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Strasbourg, France

Parc de I’Orangerie
Le Vaisseau
Jardin des Deux Rives
Parc de la Citadelle
Aerodome Strasbourg Polygone
Parc du Heyritz
Tras Kart
Parc de I’Etoile
Monument aux Morts de Strasbourg
Parc du Contades
Natura Parc
Parc Schulmeister
Mini Ferme de I’Orangerie
Parc de Pourtales
Domaine Xavier Muller

Shopping in Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg Christmas Markets
Grand Rue
Place de la Cathedrale
Galeries Lafayette
Marche de la Place Broglie
Rivetoile Mall
Kleber Square
La Nouvelle Douane
Rue des Juifs
Place des Halles

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Strasbourg, France

Boat Tour
Skydiving
Nature Trails
Miniature Train Tour
Cycling

Sightseeing in Strasbourg, France

Place Kleber
Grand Ile de Strasbourg
La Petite France
Place du Chateau
Pont de I’Europe
Square Louis Weiss
Place Gutenberg
Beatus Rhenanus Bridge
Place d’Austerlitz
Bruche Canal
Pierre Pflimin Bridge

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Strasbourg, France

Maison Kammerzell
Maison des Tanneurs
House of Tanners Restaurant
Le Pied de Mammouth
Binchstub
Le Botaiste
Dim Sum Sam
Le Kuhn
Come a Marco
Chez Yvone
Le Stras’
Brasserie Des Haras
Restaurante de la Victoria
La Cloche a Fromage
Hey Mama
Aedaen Place
Le Garde Fou
Au Pont Corbeau
La Riviere
Restaurant 1741
La Cloche a Fromage
Dontatien Maitre Eclair
Vino Strada Stub

Where to Stay in Strasbourg?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range, and Budget Hotels in Strasbourg. You can check the below-listed hotels for your perfect stay in Strasbourg.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Strasbourg

How to Reach Strasbourg, France?

By Air

The city is served by Strasbourg International Airport. You can get direct flights to visit Strasbourg from Athens, Lyon, Amsterdam, Madrid, Brussels, Warsaw, Casablanca, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Marseille, Tunis, Porto, Rome, Nice, Toulouse, Faro, Palermo, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, and several other cities in Europe.

You can get trains, buses, and cabs to get to the city from the airport. The train runs to the town centre every 15 minutes.

By Road

You can get direct trains for Strasbourg travel from several cities in France and neighboring countries including Paris, Dijon, Lyon, Metz, Nancy, Marseille, Lille, Frankfurt, Luxembourg, Brussels, Bordeaux, Stuttgart, Mulhouse, and a few more.

You can also get buses to reach Strasbourg from France and border countries. Some of the popular connections include Zurich, Munich, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Mannheim, Constance, Dortmund, Lyon, Marseille, London, Paris, Reims, and more.

If you want to reach Strasbourg by road, you should head for routes A5, A4, or A35.

By Water

There are no direct water routes to get to Strasbourg.

Image Reference

Palais Rohan – Claudia Schillinger / Flickr
Alsatian Museum (Musée alsacien) – Patrick / Flickr
Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (Musée d’Art Moderne et Contemporain de Strasbourg) – stefano Merli / Flickr
Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg) – Guilhem Vellut / Flickr
Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune Protestant Church (Église protestante Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune) – Pedro J Pacheco / Wikimedia Commons
Vauban Dam (Barrage Vauban) – Patrick / Flickr
Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg (Musée historique de la ville de Strasbourg) – Patrick / Flickr
Musée de l’Œuvre Notre-Dame – stefano Merli / Flickr
La Petite France – Claudia Schillinger / Flickr
Tanners House (Maison des tanneurs) – Patrick / Flickr
Ponts Couverts – Sekau67 / PixaBay
Parc de I’Orangerie – Elaine / Flickr
River Ill Strasbourg Sightseeing Boat Tour – PxFuel
St. Thomas’ Church (Église Saint-Thomas) – Naval S / Flickr
European Parliament – Leonardo / PixaBay
Medieval Village & Wine Tasting Tour – Patrick / Flickr