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Discover Strasbourg, one of France’s gems in the Grand Est region, home to fine Alsatian cuisine and culture, with charming city streets that take you back in time.
Strasbourg is special for so many reasons, but especially because of the way it was shaped and influenced from French and German heritage, and the whole Alsace region. The language, customs, and food of the people still stands out, and the historic timber-framed homes are simply iconic.
Whether you’re a family looking for art and culture, a couple looking for interesting things to do in Grand Est, or a fine dining lover, Strasbourg is a fantastic choice to explore.
Read on for my guide on the city, plan your perfect trip through Grand Est with stops in Strasbourg, Nancy, and Reims, and watch my video guide on YouTube.
Getting to Strasbourg and where to stay
Petite-France, Strasbourg
Strasbourg is part of the historic Alsace region and it’s the perfect example of Franco-German culture, where you can see the effects of both cultures on the buildings, the culinary scene, and the people. The city is located in Grand Est, in the north eastern region of France, close to the border of Germany.
While the city was founded in 1681, it became German in 1871, and only rejoined France once again in 1918, after the end of the war.
Strasbourg is a little under 4 hours from Lyon by train, or around 2 hours by train from Paris. There are numerous hotels around the city centre, and the surrounding area, for all kinds of budgets and preferences. I stayed at the Maison Rouge Strasbourg Hotel & Spa, part of the Autograph Collection, and it was wonderful and central to all of the best of the city.
The hotel has a classic bar, a charming restaurant, with Art Deco aesthetics that are inviting and cozy. And I loved the classic European buffet breakfast. My room gave me a view out over the old city building tops, and I loved the design of the space.
There are at least 20 top hotels in the area to stay. Browse a map of top hotels in the city, or scroll down to explore the full map.
What to do in Strasbourg
Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Strasbourg
At the heart of the city the Strasbourg Cathedral, or Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Strasbourg, is a monument to the history of the town, combining German and French influences. One of the most popular attractions in the city, it’s free to visit, and also features a Renaissance-era astronomical clock, and the chance to climb up to the roof for a bird’s-eye view of the city for a small additional fee.
Walking through the quaint city streets you’ll find La Petite France, one of the most beautiful area in the city, with long flowing canals, trees, and buildings that are distinctly Alsatian. Once a working part of the city for tanners and millers, today you can find restaurants and shops, or take a Batorama boat tours along the water ways.
The boat tour offers a lot of history and exceptional views of the city and the unique canals. It’s a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the city and see more of it than you would otherwise.
Guided tours in the city are a good way to learn a lot about the history and the culture, in around 2 hours of walking. The Starsbourg Tourist office at 17 place de la Cathédrale does rent out audio guides as well.
For culture, the Opéra National du Rhin and the Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra are much loved in the city, and Strasbourg has a number of notable museums, including the Secrets of Chocolate by Schaal, and the Alsatian Museum.
When you’re ready for an exceptional meal, it’s worth considering both Chez Yvonne and Restaurant 1741, two of the best gastronomic experiences in the Strasbourg.
Chez Yvonne – S’Burjerstuewel is a classic winstub, a type of restaurant in the region that specializes in classic Alsatian cuisine, and it’s Michelin-recognized as Bib Gourmand. Everything is delicious, but they are recognized for their cockerel in Riesling, garnished sauerkraut, and braised knuckle.
Restaurant 1741 is a Michelin-starred haven for a romantic evening out of fine dining and exceptional local wine. They offer a nine course meal that is as beautiful as it is delicious, and the service is impeccable. They do offer a lunch, if you want something simpler, but I would highly recommend reserving a dinner, which is about two hours. For larger groups, the Robert de Cotte Lounge is wonderful and private, with a view out over the street and the canal.
Part of the nine course meal at Restaurant 1741Travel resources
To help plan your trip to Strasbourg, browse Visit Strasbourg, and Visit Alsace, which both offer more information on how to get there, what to do, and other highlights.
While I visited in the fall, Strasbourg is also a haven for Christmas lovers, and there is a lot to do from the end of November until the end of December. Learn more about Strasbourg’s Christmas traditions.
Browse a map of top hotels in the area, or scroll down to explore the full map.
Strasbourg Gallery
All photos by W. Andrew Powell/The GATE.