Strasbourg Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Strasbourg’s historic centre is compact, walkable and full of character.

• Strasbourg Cathedral — Marvel at the pink sandstone Gothic cathedral and climb its platform for views over the city.
• Astronomical Clock — See the remarkable Renaissance-era clock inside the cathedral, with its moving figures.
• Petite France — Stroll the picturesque quarter of canals, bridges and half-timbered houses.
• Barrage Vauban — Walk across the historic dam and enjoy its rooftop terrace view of the covered bridges.
• Boat tour on the Ill — Glide around the Grande Île and out to the European Quarter by boat.
• European Parliament — Visit the European Quarter, home to the Parliament and the Council of Europe.
• Neustadt — Explore the elegant late 19th-century district with its grand avenues and buildings.

Strasbourg has a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. May to September is the best time for sightseeing, with pleasant temperatures for boat tours, café terraces and cycling along the canals and the Rhine. Spring brings flowers to the old town’s window boxes.

From late November to late December, Strasbourg hosts one of Europe’s oldest and most famous Christmas markets, with stalls spread across the city centre; it is very popular, so book accommodation early. Winters are cold and can be foggy, while autumn is ideal for exploring the Alsace wine route nearby.

Strasbourg Airport is located at Entzheim, about 10 kilometres south-west of the city centre. The journey into town is quick, making it easy to reach the old town after landing.

A short covered walkway links the terminal with Entzheim-Aéroport railway station, where frequent regional trains run to Strasbourg’s main station, from which trams serve the centre. Taxis are available outside the terminal and usually take around 20 minutes to reach the city centre, depending on traffic.

Strasbourg is compact and well served by trams, so most areas are convenient.

• Grande Île — Ideal for first-time visitors who want the cathedral and old town on the doorstep.
• Petite France — Perfect for a romantic stay among canals and half-timbered houses.
• Krutenau — A lively student quarter with bars, restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Neustadt and Orangerie — Elegant and quieter, near the European Quarter and the Orangerie park.

• Payments: Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including at market stalls, though some small vendors prefer cash.
• Getting around: Trams and buses are efficient, and Strasbourg is one of France’s most bike-friendly cities.
• Food: Try tarte flambée (flammekueche), choucroute garnie, kougelhopf and Alsatian wines.
• Etiquette: Greet shopkeepers with “bonjour” when entering and dress respectfully in churches.
• Day trips: Trains make it easy to visit Colmar, the Alsace wine villages and nearby Germany.