This article was updated in 2026.
Alsace is the region I once only connected with history lessons and dates described as „Alsace taken by Germany” or „Alsace given back to France”. From XVIIth century till the end of II World War the region went from French to Germans and back six times!
Till now German influence is clearly visible in Alsace – in the cuisine, architecture, beer and white wine produced from grapes popular in Germany. It’s also visible in the local Alsatian language which doesn’t sound like anything I heard before. It does sound much more German than French, that’s for sure. In Strasbourg itself names of many streets and places are given in two languages – Alsatian and French.
I have a friend in Alsace and during my first stay there we went to the capital of the region. Check out what we did during a trip to Strasbourg.
If you plan to visit Paris too, I have you covered! Check my full guide to spending a weekend in Paris.
Strasbourg – interesting facts and practical information
Strasbourg is the capital of the Alsace region in eastern France, located near the German border on the Rhine River. The city itself has about 290,000 inhabitants, while the wider metropolitan area counts more than 800,000 people.
For centuries Strasbourg has stood at the crossroads of French and German cultures. The city changed hands multiple times between the two countries, which is still visible today in its architecture, cuisine, and local traditions.
The historic city centre, known as the Grande Île, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988. It is one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in Europe, full of narrow streets, canals and traditional half-timbered houses.
Strasbourg is one of the key cities of European institutions. It hosts the seats of the European Parliament, the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights.
Public transport in Strasbourg is efficient and easy to use, with an extensive tram and bus network. Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines at tram stops or via mobile apps.
The city is famous for Alsatian cuisine, which blends French and German culinary traditions. Local specialities include tarte flambée (flammekueche), choucroute garnie, and wines from the nearby Alsace vineyards.
Where to stay in Strasbourg? Recommended districts
Strasbourg is quite compact, so many neighbourhoods allow you to explore the city on foot. The main differences between areas come down to atmosphere, prices, and proximity to major attractions. The most recommended areas to stay are Grande Île, Petite France, Krutenau, and Neustadt.
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Grande Île (Historic Centre)
The best location for a stay in Strasbourg for short city-breaks, especially if you only have one day. It’s also perfect for first-time visitors and travellers who want to explore everything on foot.
Why stay here:
- Located in the heart of the city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Walking distance to the main attractions such as the cathedral, squares, and canals
- Classic Alsatian atmosphere with colourful half-timbered houses and cobbled streets
Downside:
Accommodation can be expensive, and the area gets busy in peak season (especially during the Christmas market).
Petite France
The most picturesque part of Strasbourg, perfect for couples on a romantic getaway and Romantic trips travellers who want the most scenic part of the city right outside their door.
Why stay here:
- Beautiful canals and historic bridges
- Charming former fishermen’s houses
- Excellent restaurants along the water
Downside:
Very touristy and often the most expensive area.
Krutenau
A lively neighbourhood with a local vibe, great for food lovers and travellers who enjoy a more local and relaxed atmosphere.
Why stay here:
- Accommodation is often more affordable than in the historic centre
- Still within walking distance from the most important sights
- Plenty of cafés, restaurants, and bars
- Young, student-friendly atmosphere thanks to the nearby university
Neustadt
An elegant district, less touristy, closer to the European institutions – for travellers looking for a quieter stay.
Why stay here:
- Convenient location between the historic centre and the European institutions
- Impressive architecture from the German imperial period (19th century)
What to do during one day in Strasbourg?
1. Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg (Cathedrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg)
The Cathedral is one of the examples of connecting styles – German and French gothic architecture. You can’t miss it during your trip to Strasbourg.
For two centuries the tower of the cathedral was the tallest church tower in the world. In preliminary project the cathedral was supposed to have two towers but eventually only the northern one was finished. It’s not clear why – probably the city ran out of money and gothic architecture stopped being popular.
There was plenty of time for architectural trends to change – the cathedral was being built for three centuries! Because of that the cathedral is not symmetrical and personally I think it makes it more interesting.
The inside is surprisingly simple and not very decorative but there is an interesting renaissance astronomical clock, a technological masterpiece of these times. It’s 18 meters high, which makes it one of the biggest in the world.
2. Cathedral’s viewing platform
It’s worth climbing 330 steps, get on cathedral’s viewing platform and have a look on Strasbourg from 66 meters high. The entrance to the platform costs 5 EUR.
3. Little France (La Petite France)
From the Cathedral walk along the river Ill towards a famous district called Petite France (Little France). The district’s name has an interesting and surprising history. Apparently, it doesn’t originate from the architecture, the inhabitants aren’t particularly patriotic either.
In XVth century there was a hospital in the district which cured people with syphilis – a so called “French disease”.
The district also used to be full of tanneries and it was also called “the tannery district” even though fishermen and millers worked here as fell.
Whatever its history, trust me – the district is enchanting.
Petite France is a great place to rest in one of numerous small restaurants and enjoy a glass of Riesling – white wine produced in Alsace. Also make sure to try the famous Alsatian dish – tarte flambée (flammkuchen). Your one day in Strasbourg won’t be complete without trying them!
If you feel like tasting more wine, check wine route in Alsace or visit Lyon, France!
4. Place Kleber
The main and biggest square of Strasbourg city center. It is named after Jean-Baptiste Kleber – French talented and successful general from the times of revolution. He supported Napoleon in his campaign in Egypt and he got assassinated in Cairo.
On the Square itself you will find a monument of Kleber – as well as many historical buildings. One of them is L’Aubette which used to serve as military building. It’s been restorated and re-decorated and some call it “The Sistine Chapel of abstract art”. Currently a part of it became a luxury shopping mall.
If you plan your trip to Strasbourg around Christmas time, you will have an opportunity to see one of the largest natural Christmas trees in Europe. It is placed every year on Kleber square. I’ve seen it in 2019 and it is over 30 meters – impressive!!
5. Park L’Orangerie
From the city center you can take a tram to the park called l’Orangerie. I recommend you to go there because it’s home for so many storks!
A stork is one of the symbols of Alsace. When I first heard about it, I laughed. A stork is a Polish symbol, what can French people know about them?
But I was wrong. For my whole life in Poland I haven’t seen so many storks as during four days in Alsace.
In the Parc de l’Orangerie you can see a lot of them. They are sitting in their nests, walking around, flying over visitors’ heads. I heard that you can see them even in winter because a many lost their instinct to migrate to Africa.
We spent a lot of time in l’Orangerie – resting and chasing the storks with the camera 🙂 They made my day fun and they definitely can improve your trip to Strasbourg too.