View Map

France

Things to do in Strasbourg

Located just 4km from France’s border with Germany, there are a variety of cool things to do in Strasbourg combining the two cultures to make a very interesting holiday destination. Being located on the Rhine River you can also be surrounded by picturesque views to create the perfect relaxing break.

Home to the European Parliament building, one of Europe’s best Christmas markets, and named as France’s most cycle friendly city, there are plenty of things to do in Strasbourg that make this city worth visiting.

It takes around 6 hours to drive from our Calais port to Strasbourg. If you are after a road trip filled with memories to last forever with your family, you could choose to extend your journey by an hour and drive through parts of Belgium and Luxembourg too for a true European adventure. Book your ferry to France now to start your European adventure.

Get a Quote

DVR

Dover

CQF

Calais

Morning	02:00	04:25	06:50	09:15
Midday	11:40
Afternoon	14:05	16:30
Evening	18:55	21:15	23:40

Book from £ 126

See More Times

1
Strasbourg's Old Town
2
Parks
3
Christmas Market
4
Eating and drinking

Things to do in Strasbourg

Discover Strasbourg's Old Town

One of the most popular things to do in Strasbourg is to discover the Old Town which stretches across the Grande Île and is a wonderland of half-timbered houses, colourful flowerboxes, and cobbled squares encircled by gently flowing canals.

One of the best things to do in Strasbourg includes crossing the historic Barrage Vauban bridge and you'll come across Petite France, a beautiful paradise full of restaurants, bars and cafés where you can sit and watch the world go by. Just a short walk away is the rose coloured sandstone masterpiece, Cathédrale Notre-Dame, and a climb up its 332 step tower will reward you with views of the mountains of the Black Forest as well as your next stop, the grand Palais Rohan.

Built by the same architect that created the Palace of Versailles, this former home to bishops and cardinals now serves as three museums covering archaeology, decorative arts and fine arts. It truly is the perfect city to visit with so many places to see in Strasbourg you will never be bored.

If you want to marvel at some of the city's finest architecture, stroll past the stained glass windows of Maison Kammerzell, a gem of Alsatian architecture, to arrive at the Aubette Palace which takes pride of place in the largest central square, Place Kléber.

Free things to do in Strasbourg - Parks in Strasbourg

As one of the most cycle-friendly cities in France, one of the most popular free things to do in Strasbourg is go on endless bike rides through its beautiful and serene parks. You can immerse yourself in its nature whilst getting away from the city’s hustle and bustle.

The Parc de l’Orangerie is the city’s oldest park and offers lots to do. Simply wander across the green spaces. Some of the top things to do in Strasbourg for families include visiting the zoo where you can spot monkeys, birds, and other small animals, or visit the bowling centre. Children will love the playground, and there is also the opportunity to rent a boat and sail on the lake where you will find a lovely waterfall.

History fans may feel more at home in the Parc de la Citadelle which is located among the citadel’s ruins. Parts of the old citadel are still in place so you can imagine what it must have looked like in the past, and you can explore by walking along the winding paths and over the bridges which cross the moats. As one of the best things to do in Strasbourg, why not book your Dover to Calais ferry now so you can start admiring the beauty of Strasbourg straight away.

Top things to do in Strasbourg France

Strasbourg is home to one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, and there are so many things to do in the city during the festive period that you will be spoilt for choice.

With more than 300 stalls, thousands of twinkling fairy lights, a choir on every corner, and decorations hanging from house, shop, and church windows, Strasbourg truly comes alive with the magic of Christmas and offers a fantastic atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.

One of the main attractions is the Great Christmas Tree which can be found in the centre of Place Kléber. Some of the best places to eat in Strabourg across the festive season can be found in the Christmas market. Don’t forget to indulge in mulled wine and traditional bredele biscuits which are either glazed or decorated and come in a variety of flavours, including almond, honey, and lemon.

Eating and Drinking in Strasbourg

Due to its mix of French and German cultures, one of the best things to do in Strasbourg is to experience the results of this combination at the dining table. Here, French culinary classics like coq au vin, crème brûlée, and the Alsatian fried pasta spätzel meet German pizzas (flammkuchen), pretzels, and sausages, providing plenty of choice for foodies.

Visit the city's various food markets, like the farmers' market on Place du Marché aux Poisson, and pick up delicious specialties including locally produced fruit, foie gras, cheese, and sausages which you can eat during your trip or bring home with you.

You can’t leave the city without visiting one of the best places to eat and drink in Strasbourg. Strasbourg’s City Hospital offers great history and some of the oldest wines in the world. Previously wine was donated to the hospital by patients as payment which resulted in a brick-vaulted medieval basement where you'll find one of the oldest wines in the world, plus there's a wine shop where you can pick up a souvenir or gift.

When you need a little break from the city, you can head to one of Strasbourg’s parks where you will be able to relax, take a walk, and explore

St Pauls Church by the river in Strasbourg

Christmas Market Decorations in Strasbourg

Ponts Couvert Medieval Bridge in Strasbourg

FAQs:

1. Where is Strasbourg?

Strasbourg is located in northeastern France, near the German border. It is the capital of the Alsace region and sits on the Rhine River, blending French and German cultures to provide a variety of fun and unusual things to do in Strasbourg to suit everyone of all ages.

2. Is Strasbourg Worth Visiting?

Yes, Strasbourg is a must when you visit France! Strasbourg offers a unique mix of history, culture, and stunning architecture. Its medieval charm, UNESCO sites, and modern European institutions make it a must-visit destination.

3. What to Do in Strasbourg?

There are plenty of things to do in Strasbourg all year round for all ages. Make sure to explore La Petite France, visit Strasbourg Cathedral, enjoy a boat tour on the Ill River, and explore the European Parliament. Don’t miss the Christmas markets if visiting in winter, as it is one of the best Christmas markets in France!

4. What to Visit in Strasbourg?

With so much architecture in Strasbourg why not visit Strasbourg’s Cathedral, the charming La Petite France district, the European Parliament, and Place Kléber. Here you can explore plenty of historical monuments across the city whilst enjoying the many tourist attractions the city has to offer.

5. Where to Stay in Strasbourg?

There are many places to stay in Strasbourg depending on what you want to visit and explore. You can stay in La Petite France for its charm, Place Kléber for central access, or the European Quarter for a quieter, modern experience. Wherever you decide to stay, travelling to Strasbourg couldn’t be easier with P&O Ferries. Here you don’t have to worry about luggage requirements and can bring back as many souvenirs and gifts as you please. So, why not book your Dover to Calais crossing today and discover this picturesque city for yourself.

Similar destinations

France

Winter break in Bruges

Belgium

Winter activities in the Netherlands

Netherlands

See all destinations