Strasbourg - Tour Highlights and Travel Tips
Tour Highlights
- Embark on captivating Strasbourg tours and discover the city's most popular attractions, from the majestic Strasbourg Cathedral to the enchanting district of La Petite France, from the lush Parc de l'Orangerie to Place Kléber with the iconic Maison Kammerzell, located in the heart of the Grande Île.
- Unwind in the Jardin des Deux Rives, a tranquil cross-border park straddling the Rhine River between Strasbourg and Kehl, Germany. This expansive green space is not only a symbol of the robust partnership between France and Germany: it is also an important cultural and artistic center, hosting concerts, ballets, and theater performances.
- Enter the opulent Palais Rohan, a magnificent palace housing three museums: the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Decorative Arts, and the Museum of Fine Arts. Roam through grand halls adorned with priceless artifacts and artworks, uncovering the city's cultural evolution from ancient times to the present day.
- Visit the Protestant Church of St. Thomas, an architectural marvel in Romanesque and Alsatian Gothic style with a distinctive pink sandstone facade. Inside the chancel is the imposing mausoleum of Marshal de Saxe, a masterpiece of 18th-century Baroque funerary art.
- Ascend to the Imperial Castle of Haut-Kœnigsbourg, perched above the plains of Alsace and Lorraine, less than an hour southwest of Strasbourg. If you are lucky enough to visit the castle on a particularly clear day, you will be able to catch a glimpse of the nearby Vosges Mountains, Germany's Black Forest region, and even the Swiss Alps.
- Strasbourg is a nerve center for European institutions, a symbol of unity and cooperation in the Old Continent. While the hemicycle of the Louise Weiss building hosts the monthly sessions of the European Parliament, the Palais de l'Europe is home to the Council of Europe, whose role is to promote human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
- Take part in a wine tour (Strasbourg) and visit local vineyards and cellars to taste the renowned wines of the region including crisp Rieslings, aromatic Gewürztraminers, and elegant Pinot Noirs. Pair your wine tastings with exquisite Alsatian specialties like flammekueche (a thin-crust pizza stuffed with crème fraiche and smoked bacon), choucroute garnie (sauerkraut with sausages and other meats), or jambon en croute (crusted ham).
- Strasbourg is famous for hosting Europe's oldest Christmas market, the Christkindelsmärik, which dates back to 1570. From the last week of November to the first week of January, the city's historic center is transformed into a winter wonderland, with more than 300 stalls decked out in twinkling lights and festive decorations.
Travel Tips
- Consider planning your visit to Strasbourg in December so that it coincides with the renowned Christmas markets. However, if you want to avoid the crowds typical of the period, opt for quieter and warmer months, such as April, May, or September.
- Schedule your Strasbourg tours early in the morning. This way, you will be able to explore popular attractions such as the Strasbourg Cathedral and La Petite France without the usual crowds and have the chance to take incredible pictures!
- Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in a Strasbourg wine tour along the Alsace Wine Route. Be sure to book your visit in advance, as this is one of the most popular activities in the region.
- For a relaxing holiday, book your stay in Krutenau, a lively neighborhood south of the Grande Île, known for its cozy atmosphere, diverse dining options, and trendy boutiques. Take advantage of its proximity to the riverfront to enjoy a relaxing evening stroll or an aperitif with your fellow travelers.
- With a pedestrian-friendly historic center, the best way to get around Strasbourg is on foot, which also allows you to discover hidden gems that otherwise would not be accessible by other means of transportation. Bicycles and electric scooters are other popular and environmentally friendly options, especially if you want to visit the surrounding natural areas.