What to do in Strasbourg?
Places to visit
If you're wondering what to do in Strasbourg, here’s a list of some iconic places to visit:
Notre-Dame Cathedral, Strasbourg
This masterpiece of Gothic architecture stands out for its 142-metre-high spire and its pretty dress of pink Vosges sandstone lace. A true symbol of Strasbourg, it is the second most visited cathedral in France. Its remarkable stained glass windows include a sublime rose window 14 metres in diameter.
This architectural gem is also renowned for the astronomical clock it houses. This masterpiece of Renaissance clockwork will surprise you with the precision with which it indicates the movement of the planets. At an altitude of 66 metres, the cathedral platform offers an exceptional panoramic view of the city.
La Petite France
Close to the hotel, this historic district, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will amaze you with its authenticity and picturesque character. Built on the water's edge, this district was once home to fishermen, millers and tanners whose livelihood depended on the river.
As you stroll through the district, you'll appreciate the typical, charming architecture of the half-timbered houses.
European institutions
A must-see visit to Strasbourg, immerse yourself in European culture and discover these mythical institutions such as the official seat of the European Parliament, the European Ombudsman, the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights.
The Grande-Ecluse
Also known as the ‘Vauban Dam’, the Grande-Écluse was built between 1681 and 1688 to flood the land to the south of the city to keep enemies away in the event of an attack.
In 1966, a terrace was built on its roof. In addition to its rich military past, this terrace offers a splendid view of the cathedral. This remarkable building was listed as a historic monument in 1971.
Museums
The city of Strasbourg is renowned for its museums and cultural treasures. With ten in total, it is one of the largest networks of French museums. If you are wondering what to do during your stay in Strasbourg, you’ll no doubt find something of interest.
Alsatian Museum
Discover the Alsace region and its history through a series of objects, costumes, and customs. Dive in to our traditional and poetic world.
Archaeological Museum
Uncover the city's oldest secrets in the cellars of the Palais Rohan. The atmosphere contained within the cellars will immerse you in a dark and captivating atmosphere.
Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
Close to the Petite France district, here you’ll find 5,000 m² of space dedicated to showcasing modern and contemporary works.
Historical Museum
Exploring the history of the city, from the Middle Ages to the creation of the European institutions, the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg offers an authentic and engaging experience.
Museum of Fine Arts
Located on the ground and first floor of the Rohan Palace, this former residence of the prince-bishops, built between 1732 and 1742, will captivate you with its wealth of culture.
Museum de l’Œuvre Notre-Dame
Located at the foot of the cathedral, the Musée de l’œuvre Notre-Dame offers a walk where you can discover 7 centuries of art from Strasbourg and the Upper Rhine region.
Tomi Ungerer Museum
Also known as the International Centre of Illustration, this museum is dedicated to the 14,000 drawings of Tomi Ungerer, a renowned Strasbourg artist.
Botanical garden
Allow yourself to be whisked away to this area brimming with natural treasures. For nature enthusiasts, this is the place to be if you want to take time out and discover new insights into our environment.
Zoological museum
Passionate about wildlife, the evolution of living things, animals? This museum is for you!
Prints and Drawings Room
Located on the third floor of Strasbourg’s former Imperial School of the Military Health Service, this museum will delight enthusiasts with its collection of over 150,000 works of graphic art (prints, engravings, lithographs, drawings).
Gastronomy and wine tourism in Alsace
Alsace is renowned for its gastronomy and its wealth of local produce. To date, the region boasts no fewer than 34 Michelin-starred restaurants, 13 of which are in Strasbourg.
You can also experience traditional Alsatian cuisine in an authentic setting by dining in one of the region's famous winstubs. In these welcoming bistros, you’ll find dishes with the flavours of yesteryear, such as flamenkuche (tarte flambée), lewerknepfle (liver dumplings), bäckeoffe (a marinated meat dish), the famous garnished sauerkraut, and bibeleskäs (garlic cottage cheese with fresh herbs).
Alsace is also renowned for its sweet delicacies. Damson pie, rhubarb meringue, and kougelhopf will entice even the most discerning palates. At the end of the year, it is customary to find gingerbread and shortbread biscuits (known as bredele) on the tables.
The pleasure of dining is a real institution in Alsace. If you’re wondering what to do when visiting Strasbourg, the "Alsace Wine Route" is a wine tourism experience not to be missed. Thanks to its excellent geographical location, the Alsace vineyard produces wines of great diversity with varied aromatic richness.
Seven grape varieties stand out: Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Sylvaner and Muscat. Late harvests and noble grain selections result in elegant, sweet and powerful wines.
The development of "noble rot" on the grapes grown only serves to enhance the concentration of sugars and aromas. Sparkling wine lovers will also be able to appreciate the finesse of Crémants d’Alsace wines. Some are crafted from a single grape variety, while others come from a harmonious blend of several.