Itineraries for Your Trip to Strasbourg
2 Days in Strasbourg for First Timers
As a travel writer and guidebook author, I’ve traveled to (and written about) almost every corner of France by now. So, I feel pretty confident in declaring Strasbourg one of my favorite spots. I’ve visited several times, flying in during the festive season to feast on gingerbread and browse the famous Christmas markets or taking summer road trips through the vineyard-clad slopes and fairy tale villages of the Alsace.
Franco-German roots define Strasbourg, and this fusion of cultures makes it a fitting host for the European Parliament headquarters—and a fascinating city to explore. Two days is ideal for a first-time visit or a weekend escape from Paris, and this itinerary is packed with highlights.
Strasbourg’s tall buildings provide plenty of shade in summer, but it can feel chilly at night.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Grand Île.
Strasbourg’s pedestrianized central island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so start your trip with a walking tour to admire its historic architecture. Stroll along the pretty canal ways and covered bridges of La Petite France, peek inside the grand Strasbourg Cathedral of Notre Dame, and admire the Alsatian-style buildings with their half-timbered facades and ornate details—Kamerzell House (Maison Kammerzell) and Pfister House (Maison Pfister) are must-sees.
After lunch, take a scenic boat cruise along Strasbourg’s canals and see the city from the water. Spot sights like the Rohan Palace and the Vauban Dam as you sail around the Grand Île, then continue along the River Ill into the European Quarter, where you can see the European Parliament buildings and cruise through the picturesque Orangerie Park.
Spend your first evening tasting the city’s German-influenced culinary delights, including classics such as flammekueche (crème-fraiche and bacon-topped pizza), choucroute garnie (sausage and sauerkraut), and pain d’épices (gingerbread). If you’re lucky enough to be visiting during the holidays, the evening is also the most atmospheric time to visit the Christmas markets.
On your second day, head out of the city to explore the verdant countryside of the Alsace region. Follow the Alsace Wine Route through the rolling mountain foothills and stop along the way to visit local cellars and wineries. Take a walk through the vineyards, learn about the unique terroir that the region is famous for, and taste a variety of Alsatian wines, such as riesling and gewürztraminer.
Back in Strasbourg, it’s time to explore the city’s creative side: Marvel at innovative artworks at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, admire Alsatian folk art from medieval times at the Alsatian Museum, or see works by the French masters at the Fine Arts Museum. Don’t forget to check out Strasbourg’s growing street art scene, too—a guided walking tour will take you to striking mosaics and open-air galleries.
For your final night in Strasbourg, you’ll find plenty of great restaurants, bars, and student hangouts to choose from. Enjoy a craft beer tasting and learn about the future of beer production in Alsace (this might be the only French region where beer is as popular as wine!), choose one of the cozy bars around La Petite France, or check out the nightclubs and live music venues of Krutenau.
