Visit Strasbourg : The Best Things to do in the Christmas Capital
Strasbourg, nestled along the Rhine River on the border between France and Germany, is a captivating blend of French charm and German influence. As the capital of the Alsace region and home to key European institutions, it stands as a vibrant symbol of unity and cultural exchange in the heart of Europe.
Things to see in Strasbourg
The Notre-Dame Cathedral of Strasbourg – Once the World’s tallest building for over two centuries,The Strasbourg cathedral is really a Gothic masterpiece.Built from unique pink sandstone, it features a magnificent 16th-century astronomical clock with automated figures that march daily. You can climb its 332-step spiral staircase to the rooftop viewing platform for panoramic views extending to the Black Forest.
Grande-Île de Strasbourg – The entire historic core of the city is situated on this island surrounded by the Ill River. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets, quirky medieval workshops, and timeless charm
Place Kléber – The heartbeat of the city’s commercial and social life. This sprawling pedestrian square is surrounded by vibrant cafes and historic architecture. If you visit in late November or December, it transforms into the epicenter of the world-famous Strasbourg Christmas Market, complete with Europe’s largest natural decorated Christmas tree
Quartier de La Petite France – Once the historic home of the city’s millers, tanners, and fishermen, this postcard-perfect neighborhood features half-timbered homes dating back to the 1500s. Its quiet, car-free streets are best explored during early morning strolls
Things to do in Strasbourg
Ponts Couverts de Strasbourg – This striking trio of bridges and four medieval stone towers dates back to the 13th century. They formed a critical part of Strasbourg’s ancient defensive ramparts
Barrage Vauban – Situated just a short walk upriver from the Ponts Couverts, this 17th-century pink sandstone dam offers completely free access to its panoramic roof terrace. It is widely considered the ultimate viewpoint for a classic photograph of the canals and cathedral spire
Palais Rohan – An opulent 18th-century classical palace that has hosted historical icons like Marie Antoinette and Empress Josephine. Today, it houses three distinct municipal museums: the Fine Arts Museum, the Decorative Arts Museum, and the Archaeological Museum. Admission is around €7.50 per museum, with free access on the first Sunday of every month.
Parc de l’Orangerie – Strasbourg’s oldest public park serves as a serene sanctuary filled with floral gardens, a boating lake, and multi-generational playgrounds. It is famously a reintroduction center for the white stork, the beloved symbol of the Alsace region. You can easily spot dozens of stork nests high up in the park’s trees and chimneys
Strasbourg the Christmas Capital
Strasbourg is also known as the Capital of Christmas. Every year around 2 million people visit their famous Christmas markets.
As well as being one of the best, it’s also one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe and the oldest in France! The big Christmas tree on Place Kléber is the most incredible part of all, standing 30 metres high as a real symbol of this centuries old tradition.
The Best Tours and Excursions in Strasbourg
Visit Strasbourg
Excursion Colmar Kaysersberg Riquewihr – Private Tour in Luxury Van (2 to 7 persons) – Full Day (8h)
Day trips from Strasbourg
Colmar – A 30 minute regional train/1 hour drive from Strasbourg, Comma is known for its old town, architectural landmarks and museums. It’s also a part of the Alsatian Wine Route and is known as the capital of Alsatian Wine.
Kaysersberg – A historical town meaning ‘Emperor’s Mountain’, Kaysersberg has a big fortress which overlooks the town and shows its strategic importance and wartime past. Its a 1 hour drive from Strasbourg or a train to Colmar followed by a local bus.
Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg – A medieval castle located in the Vosges mountains, which welcomes over half a million visitors every year. A 45 minute drive from Strasbourg.
The Alsace Wine Route – a 170-km-long tour through gorgeous villages, well-known wine towns and incredible landscapes.
Ribeauvillé – Another village on the Alsatian Wine Route, Ribeauvillé is found at the base of the Vosges Mountains. Find a beautiful town full of colour, overlooked by castle ruins.
Mulhouse – Often called the “Manchester of France” due to its rich industrial history, Mulhouse offers a completely different vibe than the fairytale wine villages—focusing instead on massive, interactive technical museums and a vibrant, art-filled city center. It’s about a 50 minute train from Strasbourg or a 1 hour 15 drive.
Local food in Strasbourg
Coq au Riesling – Regional variation of French classic Coq au Vin. It substitutes the customary bottle of red with Riesling.
Baeckeoffe – A meat and vegetable casserole
Bretzel – Given its German influence, a pretzel/bretzel is a famous food in Strasbourg. Usually served warm and sprinkled with coarse salt; they’re always on offer at market stalls and just as street food
Choucroute – It’s essentially the French version of sauerkraut with different flavours
Spaetzle – A real comfort food, spaetzle are tiny egg noodles or dumplings
Alsace Kougelhopf – Fruit bread baked in a Bundt mould
Mauricettes – Crusty pretzel-like rolls
Flammekueche/tarte flambé – Street food that’s a cross between pizza and a tart
Bredele – Traditional biscuits associated with Christmas. Bite sized these buttery biscuits come in different flavours like almond, lemon and honey.
