Things to Do in Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg sits right on the border between France and Germany, and it uses that position better than almost any city I know. The old center is a forest of half timbered houses, the cathedral is one of the tallest and most beautiful in Europe, and a network of quiet canals runs through the historic quarter. It is a compact, walkable gem. Here is what I would do with a couple of days in Strasbourg.

Start at the cathedral

The cathedral pulls you in before you even plan to see it, rising above the rooftops with a lace like single tower that has dominated the skyline since the 1400s. The facade is unbelievably detailed sandstone, and the interior holds a famous astronomical clock that sets off a little daily procession at midday. Take the spiraling climb up the tower for the best view in the city, over the old roofs and across the plain toward Germany. I would go early in the morning, before the school groups, to have the nave and the details to yourself.

Wander La Petite France

The picture postcard district of Strasbourg is La Petite France, where the old tanners and millers once worked along the canals at the edge of town. The area is a tangle of half timbered houses with steep roofs, wooden galleries, and bridges over the slow green water. The locks and water gates here were part of the old fortifications, and the few surviving lock houses are still lived in. For the classic view, cross the covered footbridges to the terrace just above the locks and look back down the canal. It is busy in summer, so go at first light for the quiet version.

Take a boat tour on the canals

The best way to understand how Strasbourg’s canals work is from the water. The flat bottomed tour boats thread through the locks of the old quarter, passing the half timbered houses of La Petite France and gliding under low stone bridges before reaching the wide water around the historic district. The commentary, available in several languages, explains both the craft heritage and the city’s role at the heart of Europe. It is relaxed, takes about an hour, and gives you context that walking alone never quite delivers. Book afternoon seats for the softest light.

See the European institutions

Strasbourg is a center of European politics, hosting the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the human rights court. The modern quarter across the river from the old town holds sleek glass buildings, and the parliament offers visitor access and guided tours when it is not in session. Even for travelers who normally skip politics, the contrast between the fairy tale old town and the serious, futuristic institutions is one of the city’s most interesting sights. It shows how Strasbourg straddles two roles at once, medieval crossroads and modern capital.

Stroll the island and the markets

The historic center sits on an island in the Ill river, and crossing its many bridges reveals a compact, jumbled, endlessly pretty interior. Wander the pedestrian streets, browse the shops, and stop in the courtyards where locals live. The city also holds some of the best markets in France, and in the weeks before Christmas its famous Christkindelsmärik, one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, turns the whole center into a glowing wonderland of wooden stalls.

Taste the border cuisine

The food in Strasbourg shows its dual identity on the plate. Look for choucroute, the sauerkraut piled with sausages and smoked pork, and the flammekueche, a thin bread topped with cream, onion, and bacon baked blistering hot. Wine from the nearby Alsace region, especially riesling and gewurztraminer, pairs beautifully with both. The old town is full of winstub, the cozy local taverns where this food is served, and sharing a tarte flambée with a carafe of local wine is one of my favorite ways to end a day here.

When to go and what to know

Strasbourg shines from May to October, when the water, the terraces, and the walking are all enjoyable, and it is magical in December for the markets. The city is flat and easy to cover on foot, with an efficient tram for the outer areas. Two days is enough for the highlights, three if you want to add a day trip into the Alsace wine villages. Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and an empty stomach, and let the border between two countries show you how well the two can mix.