The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Strasbourg Itinerary

Whether you spend 1, 2 or 3 days in Strasbourg, you’ll be able to delight in the beautiful city centre that’s been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. Our Strasbourg itinerary will take you around the canals, passing the fantastic Franco-German architecture, and indulging in traditional Alsatian food and drink, with a few little treats along the way.

How Many Days in Strasbourg?

Strasbourg is a large city, but most of the attractions are located very centrally, within a 1.5 km walk of each other, so there’s no need to wonder how many days to spend in Strasbourg as you can marvel at the beauty in just an afternoon if that’s all the time you have to spare.

If you’re just stopping over and only have 1 day – or perhaps you’re only visiting for the Christmas market -, head straight to the central square, Place Kléber in the Grand-Île de Strasbourg and enjoy the half-timbered houses and mélange of French and German culture.

It’s easy to see all of the highlights of Strasbourg in one day, however, there is more to do in the city if you have more time.

Over 1 full day or 2 days in Strasbourg, you can still wander the beautiful inner city streets, but add a museum visit and perhaps a wine tasting.

If you have 3 days (or more), you can explore the outer city with the European institutional buildings, as well as take a tour of a neighbouring vineyard on the Alsace Wine Route. You could also visit one of the typical Alsatian towns, such as Colmar.

Getting To & Around Strasbourg

Strasbourg is located on the Rhine River, forming the border between France and Germany in Northeast France. If you’re driving through Europe, you can easily arrive in Strasbourg in a couple of hours from Nancy, Stuttgart, Luxembourg City and Basel.

Arriving in Strasbourg by plane is also very simple, as Strasbourg airport is just a 20-minute drive from Strasbourg central train station (Strasbourg Gare Centrale), or 25 minutes via the Entzheim-Aéroport train.

There are regular flights from all over Europe. If you want a more direct journey, you can fly into Stuttgart airport and drive to Strasbourg in less than 2 hours or take a bus for around 2 hours 15 minutes.

The bus station is just 6 minutes via tram into the centre, with the Langstross Grand’Rue stop closest to Place Kléber. You can take a 6-hour bus from Paris, a 7-hour bus from Lyon or a 3-hour bus from Bern with regular schedules, or use a ridesharing app to spend less and make some friends en route. 

Strasbourg is also very well-connected by train to a number of major French cities. You can view train schedules here.

Within Strasbourg, it’s recommended to walk around the city as the streets are beautifully cobbled and lined with colourfully decorated timber buildings.

However, there is a great tramway, with 6 lines connecting the central Grand-Île to the outskirts of the city, stopping at many of the popular tourist attractions.

When navigating the public transport system or trying to read signs in Strasbourg, you’d be forgiven for getting confused with the language. Strasbourg has changed hands many times throughout its history and it becomes very clear as you see many place names and foods in a Germanic style.

But don’t worry, French is the official language so you don’t have to learn any German to get by!

1, 2 or 3-Day Strasbourg Itinerary

Day 1 – Grand-Île de Strasbourg

The centre and old town of Strasbourg is located on an island, with the Canal du Faux-Remparts flowing around it. It’s such a beautiful area that you can easily spend one day in Strasbourg wandering around these streets.

If you want to learn more about the culture and history of Strasbourg there are a number of tours such as this bike tour or this walking tour.

Grand-Île de Strasbourg and Place Kléber

Arriving in Strasbourg, one of the first things you notice is that the architecture is very different from most other French cities, especially those in Brittany, the Côte d’Azur and the Pyrenees.

The Grand-Île is famous for its quaint cobblestone streets and brightly coloured houses with external beams that are centuries old – it’s no wonder the whole area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Starting off in Strasbourg’s largest square, Place Kléber, you’ll want to take a photo on every corner of these charming old-fashioned streets, especially if you’re visiting Strasbourg in December — arguably the most popular and best time to visit Strasbourg –, when you’ll get the chance to see the amazing Christmas market and sample some warming Glühwein a l’alsacienne (Alsatian white mulled wine).

One thing the French do well is flowers, and Strasbourg’s Grand-Île shows this off better than ever, with the bright splashes of colour decorating all 23 of the bridges that connect the island to the rest of the city – and most of the windowsills of the riverside properties.

It’s truly a beautiful area to wander the streets and nip into boutiques and cafés here and there to treat yourself with Strasbourg’s delicacies.

Barrage Vauban

One of these mighty bridges is Barrage Vauban in La Petite France district to the southwest of the Grand-Île.

This enormous bridge and weir over the River Ill in the entrance to central Strasbourg was built in the 1600s and formed the main defence of the city in the Siege of Strasbourg, a significant French defeat in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870.

The bridge was designed to be able to raise the water levels of the River Ill, which flooded the neighbouring land during the siege in an attempt to prevent the enemy’s arrival.

Today, you can still see the impressive structure, and you can even visit the terrace that was built in the 1950s to get a great panoramic view of the city and nearby Ponts Couverts for free. 

Ponts Couverts

Next to the Barrage Vauban is the original fortification of Strasbourg, the Ponts Couverts, built in the 14th century and disused after the construction of the Barrage Vauban.

These three large bridges and four towers form an impressive entrance to the city and are a must-see stop on your Strasbourg itinerary.

Despite the roofs being removed in 1784, the covered bridges kept their name, and look equally amazing at night as they’re boldly lit up.

Keep walking along the canal through pretty La Petite France, past the Église Saint-Thomas – the only example of a German hall-style church in Strasbourg – to the next stop on your journey.

Cathédrale de Notre Dame de Strasbourg and Maison Kammerzell

Still on the central island of Strasbourg, the Place de la Cathédrale is home to two outstanding buildings, not just in Strasbourg, but in the world.

The Cathédrale de Notre Dame de Strasbourg (the Strasbourg Cathedral) is a blend of many architectural styles as it began construction in the 1200s but wasn’t finished until 1647, however, the appearance is both harmonious and jaw-dropping.

With a height of 142 metres, this cathedral was the tallest building in the world for an incredible 227 years, before being surpassed by the Gothic Saint-Nicholas Cathedral in Hamburg, just 5 metres taller. It’s also the tallest surviving mediaeval structure and shouldn’t be missed.

You can ascend the North Tower to take in the views of the city with the Black Forest in the distance. You can also take in the incredible astronomical clock at the cathedral, as well. There’s no doubt that visiting the cathedral is one of the best things to do in Strasbourg.

To one side of the cathedral is the equally significant building, la Maison Kammerzell. Built in 1427, this building is expertly preserved and the interior is quite a sight.

Now a restaurant, you can finish your day here with a typical Strasbourg dish of choucroute (sauerkraut) or a sumptuous steak tartare.

Day 2 – History and Haute-Cuisine

If you have 2 days in Strasbourg, you can spend your second day having a fully Alsacian cultural experience, in the palace, museums, bars, and of course, wine cellars!

Palais Rohan

If you’re not used to being surrounded by 16th-century timber houses, all of the architecture in Strasbourg is remarkable, however, you should definitely head to the Rohan Palace while you’re in the city for an impressive sight. The palace was built in 1742 in the style of the Parisian mansions and stands out against the surrounding Alsatian buildings.

If you’re pushed for time, take a quick tour around the palace to admire the fine façade and incredible interior decoration. However, if you’re spending 3 days in the city and have time to spare for a cultural experience, head into one, or all of the three museums housed in the palace.

The Fine Arts Museum was moved to the palace in 1889, the Archaeological Museum in 1913 and the Decorative Arts Museum completed the trio in 1924.

Musée Alsacien

If you’d rather spend your afternoon learning more about the area and Alsatian culture, then cross the Pont du Corbeau and head over to the Alsatian Museum, a large 17th-century house on the River Ill.

Here you can learn everything you can imagine about the city of Strasbourg and its traditions, from clothing, tools and industry, to the extensive wine-growing history from the Roman period.

Krutenau District

South of the Grand-Île, between two stretches of the River Ill, is the popular Krutenau District. You can easily spend an afternoon wandering around the streets taking in the sites and smells as this area is home to a great many trendy bars and restaurants as well as small ateliers and museums.

There are many great pieces of street art on display, from small mosaics on street corners, to huge murals and colourful electrical pillar boxes, especially on Rue Sainte-Etienne and in Place d’Islande. Exploring here is a great way to see an alternative side of this historic city.

Head to the Haute École des Arts du Rhin to see the amazing building housing the art school, or the Fontaine des Zurichois to see the decorative fountain dedicated to Strasbourg’s friends in Zurich.

Strasbourg has a surprising number of Michelin-star restaurants, so if you’re keen to sample the best food Strasbourg can offer, head over to Restaurant Gavroche. Offering seasonal French cuisine with an Asian twist, this Michelin-star restaurant will sure to impress you.

Or if you’re hungry but don’t want to splash out too much, head back over the canal to Brasserie Le Vintage for a tarte flambée or Le Pigeon for some more choucroute. You can also take a gourmet food tour to learn more about the cuisine.

Cave Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg

End your second day with a trip down to the exquisite wine cellars of the Cave Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg.

Built in 1395 and serving as a religious hospice, providing food and shelter for the needy, you can feel a great deal of history within the walls of this magnificent building as you take a tour of the caves and sample the local wine.

This historic wine cellar is home to three ancient barrels of vintage wine – one of which is reportedly the oldest wine in the world! Made in 1472, this wine has only been served on three occasions, most recently to General Leclerc who led the liberation of Strasbourg in 1944.

You can visit the caves for free, or take a guided tour in French or English.

Day 3 – Day Trips from Strasbourg

If you’re lucky enough to have more than 3 days, you should definitely head on foot or via tram line E to the European Parliament building and the Orangerie with its park and ornate building. However, if you’re tired of the city centre and want to spend a little time exploring the Alsace region, here are a few great day trip ideas:

Wine Tour

Famous for its white and sparkling varieties, you shouldn’t visit Alsace without sampling the local wine. Go on a tour of a vineyard and wine cellars and finish with a spot of wine tasting in Domaine Bohr or go wine tasting in one of the many surrounding vineyards, such as Domaine Neumeyer.

If you don’t have a car, you can also take a guided tour such as this full-day tour to the vineyards surrounding Strasbourg and sample the crisp white Alsatian wines without having to worry about transportation.

Romanesque Route

Rent a car and go on a road trip following the Roman route through the French countryside, where vineyards are interspersed with mountains, from Wissembourg in North Alsace to Feldbach in the south.

Passing through Strasbourg, Colmar and Mulhouse, among hundreds of other destinations, you can experience some of Alsace’s finest Roman art and architecture over a few hundred kilometres, including several significant churches, abbeys and cathedrals.

River Cruises

If you’ve seen Strasbourg in 2 days but want a different perspective of the city, why not take a boat trip along one of the surrounding rivers and canals?

You can ride down the River Ill to the Rohan Palace, seeing all of the momentous buildings of Strasbourg over 70 minutes with a tour available in 12 different languages. Boats leave daily from 9.45 am with provider BATORAMA.

Visit Colmar

Part of the Alsacian Roman road, Colmar is a pretty town that shouldn’t be missed if you’re visiting Strasbourg in 3 days.

The birthplace of Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi, the creator of the Statue of Liberty, you can see more of his works in the Bartholdi Museum, or simply enjoy the friendly feel of the city streets, complete with flower-lined canals, colourful beamed houses and artisanal markets.

The city is also home to a historic centre, mediaeval ramparts and a covered market, so there’s truly something for everyone on a day trip to Colmar from Strasbourg.

Where to Stay in Strasbourg

Hôtel ORIGAMI – Mid-range travellers looking for a great accommodation option in this beautiful city will love this 3-star hotel in the centre of Strasbourg. They have a number of comfortable rooms to choose from and they even offer breakfast for guests each morning.

Hôtel Tandem – This lovely boutique hotel is perfect for those looking for a bit more of a high-end stay while in Strasbourg. Centrally located for exploring the city, they have a number of great rooms to choose from and plenty of other amenities for guests.

Aparthotel Adagio – Those after their own flat while visiting Strasbourg will love this centrally-located aparthotel. They have a number of different, fully-furnished apartments on offer along with all of the amenities you can expect from a hotel.

Ciarus – Located in the centre of Strasbourg, this hostel is an excellent choice for budget and solo travellers. They offer both private rooms and dorms along with excellent common areas that make it easy to meet other travellers.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Strasbourg hotels!

Alsace is a great region of France to visit as it has a great German influence which makes everything from the food to the architecture different from other areas of France. Whether you spend 1, 2 or 3 days in Strasbourg, you won’t be disappointed with the lively and colourful nature of this vibrant city.

Are you planning a trip to Strasbourg? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!