17 Top Things to Do
Overview Table
| Name | Appeal | Type | Visit | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Strasbourg Cathedral | ★★★★★ | Cathedral + Panorama | Self | Either |
| 02 | Old City Center - The "Island" | ★★★★★ | Walking Around | Self | Free |
| 03 | Petite France Quarter | ★★★★★ | Walking Around | Self | Free |
| 04 | Christmas Market | ★★★★★ | Christmas Market | Self | Free |
| 05 | Walking Tour | ★★★★★ | Walking Tour | Tour | Paid |
| 06 | Food Tour | ★★★★★ | Food Tour | Tour | Paid |
| 07 | Bike Tour | ★★★★★ | Bike Tour | Tour | Paid |
| 08 | Segway Tour | ★★★★☆ | Segway Tour | Tour | Paid |
| 09 | Boating with Skipper | ★★★★☆ | Boating with Skipper | Tour | Paid |
| 10 | Self-Boating | ★★★☆☆ | Self-Boating | Self | Paid |
| 11 | Batorama | ★★★☆☆ | Boat Cruise | Tour | Paid |
| 12 | 3 "Covered" Bridges | ★★★☆☆ | Walking Around | Self | Free |
| 13 | Vauban Dam + Passage | ★★★☆☆ | Walking + Panorama | Self | Free |
| 14 | Notre-Dame Museum | ★★★☆☆ | Museum - Medieval Art | Self | Paid |
| 15 | City Historical Museum | ★★★☆☆ | Museum - City History | Self | Paid |
| 16 | Le Vaisseau | ★★★☆☆ | Museum - Science for Kids | Self | Paid |
| 17 | Spa Beer | ★★★☆☆ | "Beer" Spa + Food & Beer | Self | Paid |
01. Strasbourg Cathedral
Appeal ★★★★★
Type Cathedral + Clock + Panorama
Visit Self
Cost Free or Paid
Cathedral
Cost Free
The Strasbourg Cathedral of Notre-Dame is a true gem of Gothic architecture. A Romanesque-style cathedral was erected in 1015, of which only the crypt remains today. After a fire in 1176, the building was progressively reconstructed in a Gothic style and was completed in 1439 with its spire reaching 142 meters, making it the tallest structure in Christendom at the time.
It is particularly known for its majestic pink sandstone façade, which gives it a distinctive hue that changes throughout the day depending on the light. The richness of its sculptures, adorning every corner of the façade, depicts biblical scenes, the lives of saints, and medieval symbols.
The interior of the cathedral, with its towering height and bathed in light from its magnificent stained glass windows dating from the 12th to 14th centuries, is equally impressive. The stained glass panels recount biblical stories and scenes from the life of Christ while subtly coloring the dark stone of the nave. The choir, on the other hand, is embellished with more intimate side chapels, each with its unique atmosphere, relics, and decorative elements.
⚙️ Visitor Info
Astronomical Clock
Cost Paid
The astronomical clock is a Renaissance masterpiece, originally designed in the 16th century by Swiss clockmakers and mathematicians. The current mechanism dates from 1842.
Standing 18 meters tall, it captivates with the complexity of its mechanisms and the richness of its decorations. Its multiple dials display the movements of the planets, the phases of the moon, the equinoxes, and religious feast days, while its automatons, animated every day at noon, depict the procession of the apostles before Christ.
⚙️ Visitor Info
Top Platform
Cost Paid
The platform at the top of the Strasbourg Cathedral of Notre-Dame, located 66 meters high, offers a spectacular panorama of the city and its surroundings. Accessible after climbing 330 steps, it rewards visitors with a breathtaking view of Strasbourg’s rooftops and, on clear days, the hills of the Black Forest in Germany.
⚙️ Visitor Info
02. Old City Center - The "Island"
Appeal ★★★★★
Type Walking Around
Visit Self
Cost Free
The historic heart of Strasbourg is called “Grande Île” in French, meaning “Big Island,” because it is surrounded by the arms of the ill River.
It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting remarkable architectural and cultural wealth, blending medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.
The Grande Île is particularly known for the Notre-Dame Cathedral, but it is also dotted with half-timbered houses, narrow and wide cobblestone streets, and picturesque squares.
Numerous museums, shops, and cafés enliven the island, making it a vibrant and dynamic place to be. The Grande Île is a must-visit destination for anyone wishing to explore the rich cultural and historical heritage of Strasbourg.
03. Petite France Quarter
Appeal ★★★★★
Type Walking Around
Visit Self
Cost Free
La Petite France, located in the southwest part of the city center, is one of the most charming and iconic neighborhoods of Strasbourg. This picturesque area is known for its well-preserved half-timbered houses, narrow streets, and scenic canals. Once a district for fishermen and tanners, La Petite France retains a historic atmosphere, with colorful façades and flower-filled balconies.
04. Christmas Market
Appeal ★★★★★
Type Christmas Market
Visit Self
Cost Free
The Strasbourg Christmas market takes place every year from late November to late December.
Also known as “Christkindelsmärik” in Alsatian language, is the largest in France. Established in 1570, it attracts millions of visitors each year. Located on the Grande Île, it offers a magical and festive atmosphere, especially at dusk.
The typical wooden chalets of the market showcase a variety of handcrafted products, Christmas decorations, handmade gifts, and of course, Alsatian culinary specialties such as pretzels, sauerkraut, and spiced mulled wine. The ambiance is enhanced by twinkling lights, creating a warm and friendly experience.
05. Walking Tour
Appeal ★★★★★
Type Walking Tour
Visit Tour
Cost Paid
Discover the enchanting streets of Strasbourg on a walking tour. Stroll through the UNESCO-listed Grande Île, marvel at the stunning architecture of the Strasbourg Cathedral, and explore charming neighborhoods like La Petite France. Knowledgeable guides will share the city’s rich history, fascinating anecdotes, and hidden gems along the way.
06. Food Tour
Appeal ★★★★★
Type Food Tour
Visit Tour
Cost Paid
Indulge your taste buds on a food tour, where you can savor the culinary delights of Alsace. Sample local specialties to get a flavor of the region’s gastronomic heritage.
07. Bike Tour
Appeal ★★★★★
Type Bike Tour
Visit Tour
Cost Paid
Experience Strasbourg’s bike-friendly atmosphere with a guided bike tour. Cycle along picturesque canals and through lush parks while soaking in the city’s scenic beauty. With dedicated bike paths, this eco-friendly option allows you to cover more ground and discover both iconic sights and lesser-known treasures.
08. Segway Tour
Appeal ★★★★☆
Type Segway Tour
Visit Tour
Cost Paid
For a unique and fun way to explore, try a Segway tour of Strasbourg. Glide effortlessly through the city’s charming streets and parks, with an expert guide leading the way. This activity combines sightseeing with a touch of adventure.
09. Boating with Skipper
Appeal ★★★★☆
Type Boating with Skipper
Visit Tour
Cost Paid
Set sail on the waterways of Strasbourg with a boating experience led by a professional skipper. Relax as you navigate the city’s picturesque canals and rivers, taking in the beautiful scenery and historic landmarks from a unique perspective. This leisurely outing is perfect for families and small groups looking to enjoy a memorable time on the water.
10. Self-Boating
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Self-Boating
Visit Self
Cost Paid
For those seeking a more hands-on experience, self-boating allows you to take the helm. Rent a small electric boat and explore Strasbourg’s serene waterways at your own pace.
11. Batorama
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Boat Cruise
Visit Tour
Cost Paid
Batorama is a river cruise company in Strasbourg.
Batorama’s boats, which are either open or covered depending on the weather, allow visitors to admire the city and its historical sites while relaxing on the water.
12. 3 "Covered" Bridges
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Walking Around
Visit Self
Cost Free
The “Covered” Bridges of Strasbourg are a set of 3 stone bridges dating back to the 13th century, located over the ill River and connecting the Grande Île to the surrounding neighborhoods. These bridges are emblematic of the city’s medieval architecture and were originally built to protect access routes to Strasbourg and to monitor the rivers.
The name “Covered” comes from the wooden roofs that once covered the structures, providing protection from the elements. Although these roofs have largely been removed, the bridges retain their historic charm and are surrounded by beautiful half-timbered houses.
13. Vauban Dam + Frankhauser Passage
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Walking + Panorama
Visit Self
Cost Free
The terrace of the Vauban Dam, stretching 120 meters along the ill River, is a promenade offering a panoramic view of the Petite France district and the 3 Covered Bridges. Built in the 17th century, this dam was designed both as a defensive structure and as a means of regulating water levels.
⚙️ Visitor Info
14. Notre-Dame Museum
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Medieval & Renaissance Art Museum
Visit Self
Cost Paid
This museum is primarily dedicated to Medieval and Renaissance art and architecture, with a particular focus on the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Strasbourg and its heritage.
The museum houses an extensive collection of artworks, including sculptures, stained glass, tapestries, and liturgical objects, some of which come directly from the cathedral. Visitors can discover models of the cathedral, architectural elements, and handcrafted works that illustrate the history of the building’s construction and the cathedral’s significance in the cultural and religious life of Strasbourg.
It is located in a historic building dating back to the 14th century, which was extensively renovated in the 16th century.
⚙️ Visitor Info
15. City Historical Museum
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type City History Museum
Visit Self
Cost Paid
This museum is dedicated to the history of the city of Strasbourg. It features a diverse collection of objects, artworks, and documents that trace the evolution of Strasbourg from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Several themes are covered, including urban planning, daily life, culture, and politics in Strasbourg. Visitors can discover historical artifacts, models of the city, paintings, sculptures, and handcrafted items that illustrate the richness of Strasbourg’s heritage.
The museum is located in a historic 16th-century building that once housed the city’s former grand butcher shop.
⚙️ Visitor Info
16. Le Vaisseau
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Science Museum for Kids
Visit Self
Cost Paid
The Vaisseau is a scientific and cultural museum, specifically designed for children and families. It stands out for its interactive and playful approach, allowing visitors to explore science and technology through exhibitions and hands-on workshops.
The building, featuring a contemporary design inspired by a spaceship, houses thematic spaces dedicated to various fields such as physics, biology, technology, and the environment.
⚙️ Visitor Info
17. Spa Beer
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type “Beer” Spa + Beer & Food
Visit Self
Cost Paid
The Taaka Beer Spa is an innovative concept that combines wellness with the experience of beer.
Visitors can enjoy not beer baths, but baths typically enriched with hops and yeast, known for their skin benefits and relaxation properties.
There is also a sauna available.
In addition to treatments, the establishment often provides a friendly and warm atmosphere where customers can sample artisanal beers and food while relaxing.
