Article mis à jour le 17 Jul 2024

2 days in Strasbourg : visiting the must-sees

Last May, over the course of a weekend, I was able to discover the must-sees in Strasbourg, the specialities, some restaurants, bars, hotels, good deals…

The city of Strasbourg, Alsace’s jewel in the crown, captivates visitors with its blend of tradition and modernity. Well-known for its Christmas market, the city offers a wealth of things to see and do throughout the year. I think it’s a very dynamic city, while remaining on a human scale ! Without doubt one of the most beautiful cities in France, it’s a must-see at least once. It’s the perfect destination for a weekend away with your partner, family or friends.

Allow at least 2 days to visit Strasbourg.

Itinerary for visiting Strasbourg in 2 days

This article is in two parts :

• Firstly, I’ll guide you through the city, taking in the highlights that I think are a must.
• In the second part, you’ll find all the practical information about my weekend in Strasbourg (where to sleep, when to go, where to eat and where to have a drink).

What I like about Strasbourg is that everything can be done on foot or by bike. For those in a hurry, the main points of interest can be done in a day ! But, in my opinion, the ideal is to spend 2 full days in this beautiful city.

How do I get to Strasbourg ?

To get to Strasbourg, take a look at the various alternatives on the Ulysse website (car hire or flights). You can save €10 on your first flight booking by registering via our link !

You can also get there by train. Many TGV high-speed trains go to Strasbourg fairly quickly. From Paris, allow less than 2 hours. And from Lyon, 3h40 for the direct train.

What to do in Strasbourg during your weekend ?

⮕ Find many activities to visit Strasbourg according to your desires.

⮕ You can also opt for a free guided tour of Strasbourg, to discover all the richness of this city.

⮕ Or, if you fancy a little unusual tour of Strasbourg, this is your chance to hire a boat. You can find boats for half a day, without a licence, with / or without a skipper.

Visit the church of Saint Paul

To begin my discovery of Strasbourg, I went to the banks of the Ill, the river on the outskirts of the city. Here stands the impressive 76-metre-high Church of St Paul. Built between 1892 and 1897, it is a neo-Gothic masterpiece.

Please note that if you wish to visit the interior to see the magnificent coloured stained glass windows and the impressive organ, the monument is only open from 12pm to 6pm and is closed on Mondays.

Notre Dame Cathedral, Strasbourg

From the church of Saint-Paul, walk along the banks of the Ill for 15 minutes to find yourself in the centre of Strasbourg. You can’t miss it, Notre Dame Cathedral will be standing right in front of you. This time, we’re at a height of 142 metres with Gothic architecture. I was expecting it to be big, but it’s really impressive to stand in front of this monument.

The square around it is very pretty, with lots of terraces. You’ll also see the famous House Kammerzell, the emblem of half-timbered houses.

The must-see Petite France district

The Petite France district is undoubtedly the most picturesque and enchanting part of the city. I really fell in love with it! Located on the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage site, this historic district offers a journey back in time with its colourful half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and romantic canals. Don’t worry, just let yourself be guided and open your eyes wide. All these little canals and cobbled streets are a real feast for the eyes.

The wisteria house

Near the Petite France district, near the covered bridges, you’ll find the famous house of wisteria. Note that the wisteria are in flower at different times of the year. I was there at the right time, but the weather was too crazy this year. The city of Strasbourg has installed a gate because of the craze. The house is still visible, but you won’t be able to walk down the alley.

I’ll give you the address to get there : n°3 des Ponts Couverts, The Petite France district. I’ve also included a rendering of the wisteria 🌸 below. If you’re visiting Strasbourg in 2 days, this is a must-see !

Place Kléber

Situated right in the heart of the city, this is Strasbourg’s largest and most emblematic square. It’s also where you’ll find the illuminated Christmas tree in December. The Place Kléber is a convivial meeting place and an ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding shopping streets and Strasbourg’s historic sites. It perfectly embodies the spirit of the city, blending tradition and modernity, history and contemporary life.

The Orangery Park

The Orangery Park, Strasbourg’s oldest and largest park, covers 26 hectares near the European institutions. There are shady paths, a lake with boats and a waterfall. The park is also home to a free zoo and a mini-farm. In the park, the Joséphine pavilion, built for Empress Joséphine, hosts exhibitions and events. A haven of peace and greenery, the Orangery Park is a great place to relax and enjoy nature in the heart of the city. I even caught a glimpse of some storks !

Unusual : Visiting Strasbourg in a different way

⮕ This is clearly one of the must-do activities in Strasbourg. Weather permitting, you must take this cruise on the Ill, the river that runs through the city. It’s an opportunity to discover the locks from the water !

⮕ You can also tour the city on a Segway. Ideal for children and adults alike, this one-and-a-half-hour guided tour lets you explore the city in complete peace and quiet.

The Strasbourg Christmas market

Although I haven’t yet had the chance to experience it, the Strasbourg Christmas market is a real event. It’s one of the oldest (1570) and most famous in Europe. It enchants the city with its many wooden stalls and charming atmosphere. Located mainly around the cathedral and on the Place Kléber, with its huge illuminated fir tree, the market offers a magical atmosphere. There’s also music and entertainment. I can’t wait to go and share my impressions with you.

Where to eat during your weekend in Strasbourg ?

As in our article Weekend in Lyon : What to do in Lyon, there’s plenty to do in Strasbourg ! Thanks to its German and French influences, the city has many local specialities. You can’t visit Strasbourg in 2 days without sampling these dishes and pastries :

• Sauerkraut : emblematic, it is usually accompanied by sausages, bacon, various meats and potatoes.
• Tarte flambée (or flammekueche) : like a very thin pizza, topped with crème fraiche, onions and bacon. It is cooked over a wood fire.
• Bäckeoffe : a stew of marinated meat, slowly simmered with potatoes, onions and carrots. All flavoured with white wine and spices.
• Bretzels : salted dough in the shape of a knot, often sprinkled with coarse salt. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, they’re a delight !
• Kouglof : a soft brioche with sultanas and almonds. It is usually served with tea or coffee.
• For wine lovers, you must try Riesling and Gewurztraminer !

🍴 Restaurants in Strasbourg : my addresses

• La corde à linge : located in the heart of the historic district, you absolutely must try this address, especially if the weather is fine as there is a large terrace. Many Alsatian specialities are on the menu, including the famous Spätzle !
• L’archipel : the gourmet restaurant of the AC Hotel Strasbourg. The food here is refined, the cocktails very good and the setting is sublime! I recommend going there for dinner to watch the sunset from the 9ᵉ floor.
• Le tire-bouchon : I went to this traditional Strasbourg restaurant to try the famous sauerkraut and I was not disappointed. You’ll find plenty of Alsatian specialities.
• Mama Bubbele : Want to try the tartes flambées ? This is the place to go ! The prices are very reasonable, the service is top-notch and there’s a lovely terrace. Purists, you’ll be angry with me, but I recommend the one with truffled ham… Mamma !
• Madame Julia : this is the place to go for brunch ! Very nice menu, cosy place and dishes as beautiful as they are good.

Apart from the restaurants, here are 2 addresses where you can try Bretzels or Kouglof. For the first, go to Pain de mon Grand-Père. For the second, go to Pâtisserie Christian Meyer.

🥂 Where to have a drink in Strasbourg ?

Well, I soon realised that visiting Strasbourg rhymed with food and drink. It’s a very lively city, with lots of students. So there are plenty of places to have a drink. I wasn’t able to try them all because of timing (and the health of my liver), but I know you’ll find what you’re looking for ! Here are a few addresses not to be missed :

• Code Bar : if you like cocktails, this is the place to go. The place, on 2 floors, is quite narrow. But I really like the atmosphere, with its subdued lighting. The cocktails aren’t cheap, but they’re really excellent !
• Bar le grincheux : this time I’m talking to the beer and whisky drinkers. Very wide selection and good value for money.
• Le Purgatoire : for something a little more offbeat, I recommend you try this bar located inside a former chapel. With its wine library, it’s easy to find what you’re looking for.

Organising your weekend in Strasbourg : my advice

Where to stay in Strasbourg ?

During my 2 days in Strasbourg, I had the opportunity to stay at the AC Hôtel Strasbourg. I can’t recommend it highly enough : the prices are competitive, the rooms are modern, the food is excellent and the hotel is only 10 minutes from the city centre by tram (or 25 minutes on foot).

If you’re looking for accommodation in the heart of the city centre, I’d recommend this flat. It’s very well equipped, you can walk to everything, the view is great, and if you need to, you can cook for yourself to save money.

When to visit Strasbourg ?

To make the most of the good weather, I’d recommend visiting Strasbourg between May and October.

❄️ December is also a good time to visit if you want to take advantage of the Christmas markets.

Unusual : Visiting Strasbourg differently

This is clearly one of the must-do activities in Strasbourg. Weather permitting, you should take a cruise on the Ill, the river that runs through the city. It’s a great opportunity to see the locks from the water!

You can also tour the city on a Segway. Ideal for children and adults alike, this one-and-a-half hour ride with a guide will allow you to discover the city without any fuss.

This article contains affiliate links. If we’ve helped you organise your trip or you’d just like to support us, please consider booking your activities and hotels in Strasbourg by clicking on our links. We’ll earn a small commission and the price stays the same for you, of course. 🤍