Become Strasbourgeous for the weekend and explore the Alsatian capital, seeing new things and going out... This city is well worth a visit! Find tickets to Strasbourg here !
Book a train ticket
Book a train ticket
Things to do in Strasbourg over a weekend:
Saturday Morning: the old town
Every visit should start in the square of the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral a masterpiece of gothic art with its lace-like facade. As the first point of interest you must go inside to see its astronomical clock from the Renaissance period, whose mechanism dates back to 1842. It’s a real sight to see! After a more or less tiring climb up the steps to the top, the view of the city from the terrace will take your breath away or give you a lift!
Back in the cathedral square, the maison Kammerzell house catches the eye with its fine old-style facade, painted with motifs inspired by the Bible, Greco-Roman Antiquity and the Middle Ages. Go to the restaurant for a short break that will also allow you to admire the wall paintings of Leo Schnug (circa 1905).
On the other side of the cathedral you will find Palais Rohan . The former episcopal palace has housed the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Archaeology and Decorative Arts since 1924.
The Grande Ile is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is in fact also another name for the old town of Strasbourg. Lose yourself in the shopping streets behind the maison Hammerzell house to find tasty fare for a picnic by the canal, and of course to do a little shopping!
La petite France is a little island inside the Grande Ile. Still following? Then head to La Petite France, the most picturesque district of old Strasbourg which has kept its half-timbered houses of fishermen, millers and tanners, dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. On the way, stop at the place du marché aux poissons for guaranteed entertainment!
The winding canals and each bridge are opportunities to take beautiful pictures. You’ll also be able to find a nice little corner to enjoy your picnic.
Saturday afternoon: Stroll along the canals and enjoy modern art
Obviously you must stop in front of Vauban dam, which is only a few metres away from the covered bridges. At the top of the building there is a pleasant panoramic terrace. Another way to appreciate the architecture of the dam and the banks of the canals is to board a boat for a small cruise guided tour that will teach you a lot about the area...
Then cross the bridge in rue des Frères Matthis to visit the MAMCS, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.
Leaving the MAMCS, cross the bridge again and follow the canal to the hospital... To visit the caves des hospices wine cellar !
Saturday Night: Enjoy Alsatian specialities
After dining in a restaurant in the historic centre, on a local speciality like sauerkraut, baeckeoffe (potatoes, meats, and vegetables mixed with spices and white wine), Tarte flambée (flame-grilled Alsatian tart), spaetzle (Alsatian pasta) or foie gras... Explore Strasbourg by night.
Sunday morning by bike: Musée de l’illustration and parc de l’Orangerie
After a good breakfast on a red gingham tablecloth, rent a bike to stretch your legs along the l’Ill until you get to the parc de l’Orangerie. Make a little detour to visit the musée Tomi Ungererer, the international centre for illustration which is a must-see in Strasbourg.
At parc de l’Orangerie you will meet the famous storks, the symbol of the city and you can also take a boat trip around the lake. The children can go on carousels, play in the playgrounds and meet animals at the petting zoo. Bowls starts at 9 a.m. on Sundays. Foodies will also find something to enjoy.
Sunday afternoon by bike in the European Quarter or on the fort trail
Just in front of the parc de l’Orangerie you will find the European Quarter. Even if you can’t enter the European institutions, the buildings are still impressive to see!
With the children, you can go on to visit the botanical garden and its planetarium on the way back!
You can also choose to make the most of your bike a little more by taking the fort trail...
