STRASBOURG
Alsace is a region where French and German cultures intertwine, creating a unique and enchanting blend. It is a land of medieval towns, storybook castles, and a world-renowned wine route.
Strasbourg, the heart of Alsace, is a city that bridges a rich medieval past with its modern role as the capital of Europe. It offers a captivating mix of Gothic grandeur and picturesque, half-timbered houses.
Most Popular Attractions
Strasbourg City Core:
Strasbourg Cathedral: A masterpiece of Gothic architecture and one of the world’s tallest churches. Don’t miss the intricate facade and the famous astronomical clock inside.
La Petite France: The most picturesque district, with a labyrinth of canals, cobblestone streets, and well-preserved half-timbered houses.
Grande Île: The historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site encircled by the Ill River, known for its diverse monumental heritage.
Kammerzell House: One of Strasbourg’s most famous and ornate buildings, a stunning example of Renaissance architecture with intricate wooden carvings.
Barrage Vauban: A 17th-century covered bridge and dam offering panoramic views of the city, the Ill River, and the Ponts Couverts.
Ponts Couverts: A series of three bridges and four towers that once served as a key medieval fortification for the city.
Alsatian Museum (Musée Alsacien): A museum dedicated to the folk art and traditions of the Alsace region, housed in a charming half-timbered building.
Palais Rohan: An exquisite baroque palace that houses three distinct museums: the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Decorative Arts, and the Archaeological Museum.
Place Kléber: The largest and most central square in Strasbourg, a popular meeting point surrounded by historic buildings and shops.
Place Gutenberg: A beautiful square named after Johannes Gutenberg, featuring a statue of the printing press inventor and excellent views of the cathedral.
Strasbourg Parks & Modern Sites:
Parc de l’Orangerie: Strasbourg’s oldest park, famous for its picturesque lake, waterfall, and the storks that nest there, which are a symbol of the region.
European Parliament: The official seat of the European Parliament, a striking modern building that symbolizes Franco-German reconciliation.
Jardin des Deux Rives: A public park on the French and German sides of the Rhine River, connected by a pedestrian bridge.
Musée d’Art Moderne et Contemporain (MAMCS): A modern art museum with impressive collections of European art from 1870 to the present day.
Strasbourg Botanical Garden: A peaceful green space with thousands of plant species, greenhouses, and a historic arboretum.
St. Paul’s Church: A stunning Gothic Revival church on the Ill River, often photographed for its impressive spire and reflections in the water.
Strasbourg Covered Bridges & Vauban Dam: The medieval bridges and dam provide a historic defensive structure with a rooftop terrace for exceptional views.
Strasbourg Astronomical Clock: Located inside the cathedral, this Renaissance masterpiece comes to life daily with its moving figures.
Tomi Ungerer Museum: A unique museum dedicated to the work of the famous Alsatian illustrator.
Christmas Market (Christkindelsmärik): One of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Europe, transforming the city into a festive wonderland during the holiday season.
The Alsace Wine Route & Villages:
Colmar: A fairytale-like town often called “Little Venice,” known for its colorful half-timbered houses, canals, and charming old town.
Riquewihr: A beautifully preserved medieval village surrounded by vineyards, famous for its 16th-century architecture and fortified walls.
Kaysersberg: Voted “France’s Favorite Village,” it’s a picturesque town with a fortified bridge, a ruined castle, and cobbled streets.
Eguisheim: A stunning village with concentric streets and brightly colored houses, often cited as one of France’s most beautiful villages.
Obernai: A fortified medieval town on the Wine Route with a distinctive marketplace, belfry, and well-preserved ramparts.
Ribeauvillé: A lovely town known for its three ruined castles and the Pfifferhüs, the house of the minstrel guild.
Sélestat: Home to the Humanist Library, a repository of rare medieval manuscripts, and a beautiful old town with a rich history.
The Alsace Wine Route: A 170-kilometer route winding through rolling hills and vineyards, offering a chance to taste local wines like Riesling and Gewürztraminer.
Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle: A majestic, fully restored medieval fortress perched high in the Vosges mountains, offering panoramic views.
Other Regional Sites & German Day Trips:
Mont Saint-Odile: A significant pilgrimage site and former convent set on a mountaintop, offering breathtaking views of the Alsace plains.
Le Vaisseau: A hands-on science and technology center designed for children and families.
Fort de Mutzig: A massive, modern fortress from the late 19th century that offers tours showcasing military history.
Memorial Museum of the Natzweiler-Struthof Concentration Camp: A solemn and important memorial site and museum at the location of a former WWII concentration camp.
Europa-Park (Germany): A huge theme park just across the border, known for its thrilling rides and themed lands.
Black Forest (Germany): A scenic region for hiking and exploring, with charming towns like Freiburg im Breisgau, just an hour’s drive away.
Freiburg im Breisgau (Germany): A lively university town known for its medieval city center, canals, and stunning Gothic cathedral.
Baden-Baden (Germany): A famous spa town known for its elegant thermal baths and beautiful parks.
Heidelberg (Germany): A romantic medieval town with an impressive ruined castle overlooking the Neckar River.
Kehl (Germany): A charming town on the other side of the Rhine, easily accessible by tram or a pedestrian bridge from Strasbourg.
The Vosges Mountains: A beautiful mountain range offering opportunities for hiking, skiing, and exploring picturesque villages.
Activities & Experiences
Explore the Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg): Climb to the top of the Gothic masterpiece for panoramic views of the city. Don’t miss the astronomical clock inside and the nightly light show during summer.
Take a Boat Tour of the Petite France District: Glide along the Ill River on a Batorama boat tour, offering a unique perspective of the city’s picturesque half-timbered houses and historic bridges in the charming Petite France quarter.
Go Wine Tasting on the Alsace Wine Route (Route des Vins d’Alsace): Drive or cycle through charming villages like Riquewihr and Colmar, stopping at local vineyards (caves) to sample Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris.
Visit the European Parliament: Take a guided tour of one of the European Union’s main political hubs to learn about its history and function.
Experience a Tarte Flambée (Flammkuchen) Workshop: Learn to prepare this classic Alsatian dish—a thin, crispy dough topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon—in a hands-on cooking class.
Hike in the Vosges Mountains: Discover a network of hiking trails in the nearby Vosges Mountains, offering stunning views, serene forests, and opportunities to visit historic castles and lakes.
Explore the Museums of Strasbourg: Spend a day museum hopping, from the fine art collections at the Musée des Beaux-Arts to the fascinating history of the region at the Musée Alsacien and the contemporary works at the Musée d’Art Moderne et Contemporain.
Wander through the Barrage Vauban: Stroll along the top of this 17th-century dam and bridge, offering fantastic views of the covered bridges (Ponts Couverts) and the Petite France neighborhood.
Attend a Traditional Alsatian Market: Immerse yourself in local culture at one of the many weekly markets, where you can find fresh produce, regional cheeses, and traditional crafts.
Visit the Forts of the Maginot Line: Explore the historic military fortifications of the Maginot Line, a defensive system built by France in the 1930s to protect against German invasion.
Take a Day Trip to Europa-Park: Located just across the border in Germany, this is one of Europe’s largest and most popular theme parks, offering thrilling rides and diverse themed lands.
Local Tips & Transport
Walking is Best in the City Center: Strasbourg’s historic core, including the Grande Île, is compact and best explored on foot. All major sights are within easy walking distance.
Public Transport: Strasbourg has an excellent public transport system, managed by CTS (Compagnie des Transports Strasbourgeois), which includes a comprehensive tram network and buses.
- Trams: The tram network is extensive, modern, and efficient. It connects the city center with suburbs, train stations, and key locations like the European Parliament. Tickets can be purchased at tram stops from automated machines.
- Buses: The bus network complements the trams, reaching areas not served by the tram lines. Tickets are interchangeable between buses and trams.
Bikes: Strasbourg is a very bike-friendly city. Consider using the Vélhop public bike-sharing service, which has numerous stations and offers an easy and enjoyable way to get around the city.
From the Airport: The best way to get from Strasbourg Airport (SXB) to the city center is by train. A shuttle train (TER) connects the airport station to Strasbourg’s main train station (Gare de Strasbourg) in just a few minutes.
Bilingual Culture: The region of Alsace has a unique Franco-German cultural blend. While French is the official language, you’ll see street signs and hear some locals speaking Alsatian, a German dialect. Learning a few basic phrases in both French (e.g., Bonjour) and German (e.g., Guten Tag) can be appreciated.
The Food Culture: The cuisine is a hearty mix of French and German influences. Don’t leave without trying choucroute garnie (sauerkraut with various sausages and meats), tarte flambée (flammkuchen), baeckeoffe (a meat and potato stew), and the local pain d’épices (gingerbread).
Dining Times: Meals are typically eaten at French times. Lunch is usually from 12 PM to 2 PM and dinner from around 7:30 PM. Many restaurants are closed between these hours.
Wine is Everything: Strasbourg is the gateway to the Alsace Wine Route. The region is famous for its white wines, especially Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris. Visiting a local winery (cave) for a tasting is a quintessential Alsatian experience.
Winter Wonderland: If you visit in December, you will be immersed in the “Capital of Christmas” experience. The Strasbourg Christmas Market is one of Europe’s oldest and most famous, transforming the city into a festive paradise.
Hidden Gems:
- Le Vaisseau: An interactive science and technology museum perfect for families and children, with hands-on exhibits that are both fun and educational.
- Place du Marché aux Poissons: Tucked away behind the cathedral, this charming square was once the old fish market. It’s now a quiet, picturesque spot to enjoy a coffee.
- Quartier Krutenau: Explore this bohemian and artistic neighborhood, which is less touristy than Petite France. It’s full of small art galleries, boutiques, and trendy bars.
- The Petite France Rooftops: While the boat tour is popular, a different perspective can be gained by finding a rooftop bar or a hidden terrace to enjoy a drink with a view of the famous half-timbered houses.
Top Restaurants
Le Tire-Bouchon [$30-$50] – A classic winstub in the heart of Strasbourg, with a cozy and traditional Alsatian atmosphere and a menu of local specialties like choucroute garnie and tarte flambée.
Chez Yvonne [$35-$60] – A historic and iconic winstub in Strasbourg, this restaurant is known for its authentic Alsatian cuisine and its rustic, traditional décor.
Maison Kammerzell [$40-$70] – Located in a stunning medieval building on Place de la Cathédrale, this restaurant is a local institution that serves refined Alsatian cuisine in a beautiful historic setting.
Winstub Le Pfifferbriader [$30-$50] – Tucked away in a small street in the city center, this is a charming and authentic winstub with a cozy atmosphere and a menu of traditional Alsatian dishes.
Au Pont Corbeau [$35-$55] – A popular and classic restaurant in the city center that serves generous portions of traditional Alsatian food in a lively, rustic setting.
Le Clou [$30-$50] – A traditional winstub in a cellar setting, known for its friendly service and a menu of Alsatian classics like baeckeoffe and presskopf.
La Corde à Linge [$25-$40] – A lively and popular restaurant in the Petite France neighborhood, known for its large terrace and a menu of traditional Alsatian and French dishes.
Winstub S’kaechele [$30-$50] – A small and authentic winstub in the Krutenau neighborhood, with a menu of traditional Alsatian dishes and a cozy, rustic feel.
La Fignette [$35-$60] – Located in a beautiful setting in the Petite France neighborhood, this restaurant offers a refined take on traditional Alsatian cuisine.
Winstub du Sommelier [$40-$70] – A well-regarded winstub with a beautiful interior and a focus on refined Alsatian cuisine paired with an excellent wine list.
Le Saint-Sépulcre [$30-$50] – A traditional winstub in the heart of Strasbourg, with a menu of Alsatian classics and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Au Coin des Pucelles [$35-$55] – A popular and authentic winstub near the cathedral, known for its traditional Alsatian dishes and friendly service.
Le Schnockeloch [$25-$40] – A rustic and traditional restaurant in the Krutenau neighborhood, offering a menu of classic Alsatian dishes in a laid-back setting.
Le Gruber [$30-$50] – Located in the heart of Strasbourg, this historic restaurant serves traditional Alsatian cuisine in a charming, old-world setting.
La Vignette [$30-$50] – A charming and authentic winstub located in the Petite France neighborhood, with a focus on traditional Alsatian food and local wines.
Winstub Le Cru [$35-$60] – A well-regarded winstub in the city center, offering a refined take on traditional Alsatian cuisine and a great selection of local wines.
Au Gutenberg [$30-$50] – A traditional winstub located in the old town, known for its classic Alsatian dishes and a cozy, friendly atmosphere.
S’Musauer [$25-$40] – A small, no-frills winstub in a quiet street, known for its simple and authentic Alsatian dishes at a reasonable price.
Winstub Le Dolder [$30-$50] – A traditional winstub in the Petite France area, offering classic Alsatian fare in a warm and welcoming environment.
Le Gurtlerhoft [$30-$50] – Located in a vaulted cellar near the cathedral, this restaurant offers traditional Alsatian cuisine and a unique, atmospheric dining experience.
Winstub La Stub [$25-$40] – A traditional winstub in the city center, known for its classic Alsatian dishes and a laid-back, local feel.
Le Lohkäs [$25-$40] – A cozy and authentic winstub in the city center, offering traditional Alsatian food and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
La Choucrouterie [$35-$60] – A classic Alsatian restaurant with a focus on choucroute garnie and other traditional dishes, located in the historic center.
Winstub Le Fink’stuebel [$30-$50] – A small, family-run winstub in the city center, known for its traditional Alsatian dishes and friendly service.
Le Faitout [$25-$40] – A simple and authentic restaurant in the city center, offering a menu of traditional Alsatian specialties.
Les Haras [$50-$80] – Located in a beautifully renovated 18th-century royal stud farm, this elegant restaurant offers modern and refined French cuisine in a stunning architectural setting.
Le 1741 [$100-$150] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant located in a historic building on the Ill River, offering a sophisticated and modern tasting menu.
Umami [$40-$70] – This modern and creative restaurant in the city center offers a fusion of French and Asian flavors in a stylish setting.
Winstub Le Bistrot des Connaisseurs [$40-$70] – A modern bistro that reinterprets traditional Alsatian cuisine with a creative and contemporary flair.
Le Gavroche [$50-$90] – A fine dining restaurant with a focus on creative and modern French cuisine, located in the city center.
La Maison des Tanneurs [$50-$80] – Located in a beautiful half-timbered house in Petite France, this restaurant offers a refined and modern take on traditional Alsatian dishes.
L’Alsace à Table [$35-$60] – A modern restaurant that offers a creative and contemporary take on classic Alsatian cuisine.
Restaurant Gurtlerhoft [$35-$60] – A popular restaurant in the city center that offers a modern and creative menu with a focus on local ingredients.
Le Bistrot des Halles [$30-$50] – A modern and lively bistro in the city center, known for its creative dishes and a great selection of wines.
Le Bistrot des Copains [$30-$50] – A modern bistro with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and a menu that changes frequently.
Côté Cour [$80-$120] – A fine dining restaurant in the city center, known for its elegant setting and a menu of refined French cuisine.
Le Buerehiesel [$150-$250] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant located in a beautiful park, offering a sophisticated and creative tasting menu.
Le Jardin des Remparts [$100-$150] – A Michelin-starred restaurant in a beautiful historic building, known for its refined and creative cuisine.
Le Gavroche [$50-$90] – A fine dining restaurant with a focus on creative and modern French cuisine, located in the city center.
Au Crocodile [$150-$250] – A Michelin-starred restaurant with a long history, offering a classic fine dining experience with a modern touch.
La Carpe Diem [$70-$120] – A refined restaurant in the city center, known for its elegant setting and a menu of modern French cuisine.
La Cuillère à Pot [$25-$40] – A cozy and charming restaurant with a focus on traditional French and Alsatian dishes, located in the city center.
Le Caillou [$20-$35] – A popular spot in the Krutenau neighborhood, known for its creative and affordable vegetarian and vegan options.
Le Purgatoire [$30-$50] – A unique and atmospheric restaurant located in a former church, offering a menu of creative and modern dishes.
Marché de Noël (Christmas Market) – A seasonal must-visit, with numerous food stalls offering Alsatian specialties like bredeles (cookies), pain d’épices (gingerbread), and vin chaud (mulled wine).
Le Panier du Chef [$25-$40] – A charming little shop and restaurant that offers a delicious selection of local cheeses, cured meats, and wines.
Au Brasseur [$20-$35] – A popular brewpub with several locations in Strasbourg, offering a menu of traditional Alsatian dishes and a variety of house-brewed beers.
Le Douanier Rousseau [$25-$40] – A cozy and popular restaurant in the Krutenau neighborhood, known for its traditional Alsatian and French dishes.
Les Trois Brasseurs [$20-$35] – A lively brewpub with a location in the city center, offering a menu of traditional Alsatian fare and a variety of house-brewed beers.
Au Chasseur [$30-$50] – A traditional Alsatian restaurant in the town of Obernai, known for its classic dishes and a cozy, rustic atmosphere.
Le D’Gust [$35-$60] – A refined restaurant in Obernai, offering a modern take on traditional Alsatian cuisine.
La Couronne [$40-$70] – A well-regarded restaurant in the town of Ribeauvillé, known for its refined Alsatian and French cuisine.
Le Gil [$50-$90] – A Michelin-starred restaurant in the town of Riquewihr, offering a sophisticated and creative tasting menu.
Auberge de l’Ill [$200-$300] – A three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the town of Illhaeusern, a world-renowned temple to Alsatian gastronomy with a refined and elegant menu.
Le Chambard [$150-$250] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant in the town of Kaysersberg, offering a sophisticated and creative tasting menu.
Winstub du Paysan [$25-$40] – A traditional winstub in the town of Barr, known for its classic Alsatian dishes and a friendly, local atmosphere.
Au Boeuf Rouge [$30-$50] – A classic restaurant in the town of Molsheim, known for its traditional Alsatian cuisine and a cozy, rustic setting.
Restaurant La Carpe [$35-$60] – A well-regarded restaurant in the town of Mittelbergheim, offering a refined take on traditional Alsatian cuisine.
Le Kien [$40-$70] – A refined restaurant in the town of Rosheim, known for its creative and modern French cuisine.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Le Douanier: A speakeasy-style bar located behind a nondescript door in the city center, offering expertly crafted classic and inventive cocktails in an intimate setting.
Le Code Bar: This trendy bar, found in the heart of Strasbourg’s historic center, is known for its creative cocktails and lively atmosphere. The bartenders are always ready to surprise you with a unique creation.
Les Frères Berthom: While primarily a beer bar, this popular spot in the Krutenau district also offers a great selection of cocktails in a cozy, rustic setting.
L’Escalier Club & Bar: A versatile establishment near the cathedral that functions as both a cocktail bar and a club. It’s known for its sophisticated ambiance and well-made drinks.
La Mandragore: A charming and quirky bar in the center of the city, specializing in absinthe and unique cocktails with a bohemian flair.
What the Fox: Found in the Quartier de la Gare, this cozy and inviting bar offers a friendly atmosphere and a wide selection of cocktails, from classics to their own creations.
El Barrio de la Cité: With a Latin American theme and a vibrant interior, this bar in the city center is a lively spot for cocktails and tapas.
Le 1891: Located in the beautiful, historic building of the Bourse, this bar offers a sophisticated atmosphere, great wine, and a selection of classic cocktails.
Le Bateleur: This bar, close to the TGV station, is celebrated for its original, high-quality cocktails and friendly service, making it a great spot for a pre-dinner drink.
Le Délirium Café: While a part of an international chain, the Strasbourg location in the Krutenau district is popular for its vast beer selection but also offers a variety of spirits and cocktails.
L’Alchimiste Bar: A stylish and intimate bar in the city center known for its carefully curated drinks menu and a passion for mixology.
Le Têtard: This bar in the Krutenau district is known for its relaxed, friendly atmosphere and a good variety of classic and modern cocktails.
Le Dandy: Situated in the city center, this bar offers a sophisticated, cozy setting perfect for enjoying a well-made cocktail or a glass of fine wine.
L’Origami Club: While also a club, its bar area is a stylish spot to enjoy a cocktail before hitting the dance floor. It’s located just a short walk from the central Place Kléber.
L’Abri de la Tour: This bar and lounge offers a relaxing atmosphere and is a great spot for an after-work drink or a cocktail before a night out in the city center.
La Laiterie Artefact: A renowned music venue and club located near the university campus, known for hosting a wide range of live concerts and DJ sets, from indie to electronic music.
Le Living Room: A popular and trendy nightclub in the city center, known for its eclectic mix of music, from hip-hop to pop, and its lively atmosphere.
Kulture Club: Found in the city center, this club is a hub for electronic music enthusiasts, hosting local and international DJs in a modern, underground setting.
Le Rafiot: A unique club set on a boat docked on the Ill river, offering a laid-back vibe and a variety of music styles, from reggae to techno, making it a favorite during the summer.
Elastic Bar Club: A lively and welcoming club located near the city center, offering a mix of music and a great spot for dancing and meeting new people.
L’Oxygène: A mainstream club in the city center that attracts a younger crowd with its mix of chart-topping hits, R&B, and electro music.
Studio Saglio: A spacious and popular nightclub located slightly outside the city center, known for its large dance floor and diverse musical programming, from techno to commercial hits.
Tapis Rouge Club: Located in the heart of Strasbourg, this club is known for its friendly atmosphere and a mix of music that keeps the party going late into the night.
Le Fat: A small and intimate club in the Krutenau district, popular for its underground vibe and a good selection of house and techno music.
Jimmy Club: A classic club in the city center with a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for those looking to dance to a mix of popular music.