1 Day in Strasbourg
A French-German mashup
Spending one day in Strasbourg is like stepping into a postcard. French and German influences blend seamlessly in a city of half-timbered houses, colourfull squares and a Gothic cathedral. When I was there I found that exploring Petite France in the morning was peaceful and picturesque. Located in the Alsace region, Strasbourg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its history, architecture and mixed culture. Whether you like cobblestone streets, the charm of La Petite France or the politics of being the seat of European institutions, one day in Strasbourg is an adventure.
Planning Your Day
Getting to Strasbourg
Strasbourg is easy to get to, so it’s a great destination for travelers. If you’re flying in, Strasbourg Airport is 10 km from the city centre and has a quick and easy transfer to your hotel or first sightseeing spot. If you prefer to travel by train, Strasbourg’s train station is well connected with frequent trains from Paris, Lyon and Zurich. The train journey is comfortable and scenic so you can relax and enjoy the views of the Alsace region. If you’re driving, Strasbourg is part of the European highway network but be aware that parking in the city centre can be a bit tricky. To avoid the hassle, use the park-and-ride or rent a bike and explore the city at your own pace.
Best time to visit Strasbourg
When planning your trip to Strasbourg, timing is everything. The best time to visit Strasbourg is in spring and summer, from April to September when the weather is mild and the city is in full bloom. This is peak tourist season so the streets and squares will be lively. But if you prefer a more peaceful experience, the autumn months of October and November are cooler and less crowded, perfect to visit the sights at your own pace. Winter, especially December is a great time to visit Strasbourg, the city becomes a winter wonderland with Christmas markets. The city is decorated with festive lights, wooden stalls and the smell of glühwein in the air. Just be prepared for cold weather and pack accordingly.
Strasbourg Pass: Is it worth it?
If you want to make the most of your one day in Strasbourg the Strasbourg Pass is a great option. This pass gives you free access to several top sights, including the Strasbourg Cathedral, the European Parliament and the charming Petite France neighbourhood. It also gives you reduced prices at other sights and public transportation so it’s a cost effective way to visit the city. If you plan to visit several sites the Strasbourg Pass will save you time and money. You can buy the pass online in advance or at the Strasbourg Tourist Office so you have everything you need to start your adventure.
The perfect day in Strasbourg
Morning: A fairy tale beginning in Petite France
Gourmet breakfast
Start your day in Strasbourg with a gourmet breakfast at one of the city’s favourite cafes. Try traditional Alsatian dishes like tarte flambée (flammkuchen), a delicious flatbread topped with crème fraîche, onions and bacon or a slice of kugelhopf, a sweet bread filled with raisins and almonds. Some popular spots in the city centre to try these treats are Café de l’Opéra, Café des Anges and Le Bistrot des Artistes. These cafes not only serve great food but also a lovely atmosphere to start your day. Get there early to book a table as these cafes can get busy quickly, especially during peak season.
Morning: A fairy tale beginning in Petite France
Start your 1 day in Strasbourg by visiting Petite France, the most beautiful and historic part of the city. The half-timbered houses along the streets are straight out of a fairy tale, their facades painted in bright colours, flowers in the windows. The River Ill runs through this district and the reflections of the cobblestone streets and medieval architecture in the water add to the magic. As you walk along the riverbank you’ll come across the Maison des Tanneurs, a historic tannery turned restaurant where you can try traditional Alsatian cuisine.
Take your time to stroll through La Petite France, famous for its covered bridges and views of the city. Stop by the Palais Rohan, a beautiful baroque palace housing several museums including the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Alsatian Museum, great places to learn about Strasbourg’s history and French and German influences.
Afternoon: City centre
Back on land, continue your 1 day in Strasbourg by visiting more of the city centre. Strasbourg’s Place Kléber, the city’s biggest square, is surrounded by shops, restaurants and beautiful historic buildings. During Christmas time the square has a huge Christmas tree so the city is even more like a fairy tale.
As you walk you’ll see the French and German influences in the city’s architecture, food and culture. The half-timbered houses in Petite France contrast with the more German style architecture in the Imperial Quarter. For lunch try one of the traditional Alsatian restaurants and try local specialties like choucroute garnie (sauerkraut with sausages and other meats) or tarte flambée (a thin-crust pizza-like dish topped with crème fraîche, onions and bacon).
Evening: La Petite France
As your day in Strasbourg comes to an end return to La Petite France for dinner at one of the riverside restaurants. The Maison des Tanneurs is a great choice if you want to try traditional Alsatian cuisine. Enjoy your meal with a glass of local wine and watch the sunset over the half-timbered houses and the River Ill.
If you visit Strasbourg during Christmas time the Christmas markets will be lit up at night with twinkling lights, festive decorations and the smell of roasted chestnuts and spiced mulled wine in the air. There’s no better way to end your day in Strasbourg than by strolling through the market, soaking up the atmosphere and maybe buying some souvenirs.
Strasbourg Cathedral: A Gothic Wonder
Next head to the city centre where the Strasbourg Cathedral towers above the city. Known as Notre Dame Cathedral this Gothic masterpiece is one of the top Strasbourg attractions. The intricate details of the facade, the spiral staircase and the sheer height of the cathedral (it was the world’s tallest building for over 200 years) make it a must see for anyone visiting Strasbourg.
Step inside to see the grandeur of the stained glass windows and the famous astronomical clock, a medieval marvel that still draws crowds every day. Time your visit for noon to see the astronomical clock inside come to life, the figures of the apostles moving in procession. It’s like watching Strasbourg’s history unfold before your eyes.
From the cathedral you can also visit the Place de la Cathédrale, the square in front of the cathedral. Here you’ll find charming cafés and local shops where you can stop for a coffee and a local wine and soak up the city’s atmosphere.
A River Ill Boat Tour
After the cathedral take a break from walking and hop on one of the city’s boat tours. Strasbourg is a city best seen from the water and a leisurely boat ride along the River Ill will give you unique views of Strasbourg’s attractions like the covered bridges, the European Parliament and the Imperial Quarter. As the boat glides through the historic Grande Île you’ll learn more about the city’s history and its role in the European Union. The audio guide provided during the tour is a great way to understand Strasbourg’s politics and its French-German culture.
If you visit during Christmas time the Christmas markets along the river are a must see. Strasbourg’s Christmas market is one of the oldest in Europe and famous for its twinkling lights, wooden stalls and the smell of mulled wine.
European Institutions
In the afternoon take a short walk or tram ride to the European Parliament, one of the main European institutions that gives Strasbourg its status as a European capital. You can visit the Parliament for a guided tour and learn about the work done here that affects the whole European Union. The modern architecture is a contrast to the medieval city centre and shows Strasbourg as a forward thinking city in Europe.
If you’re more into history the Historical Museum is just a short walk away and will give you a comprehensive view of the city’s past from medieval times to its border city between France and Germany.
Visit Strasbourg: History and Modernity
One day in Strasbourg may not be enough to see everything but it’s enough to see the highlights and the unique French-German mix that makes it so special. Whether you’re drawn to the historic La Petite France, the grandeur of the Notre Dame Cathedral or the politics of the European Parliament Strasbourg is a city that will leave you with lasting memories.
From the narrow cobblestone streets to the gothic cathedral Strasbourg is a city where history, culture and politics meet in the most lovely way. On your next European trip make sure to add Strasbourg to your list – you won’t regret it. Whether you stay one day or a few more you’ll fall in love with Strasbourg like millions before you.
