Let’s start this article with an admission: Strasbourg has not attracted the attention it deserves. The incredible beauty and picturesque character of the place are in themselves a reason to visit this city at least once in your life. So if you are thinking of visiting Strasbourg and have two days devoted to discovering it, then you are in the right place. Let’s find out how to spend two days in Strasbourg France!
How to Spend Two Days in Strasbourg France
Strasbourg is a mixture of French and German architecture, as it is literally on the border of the two countries. It is the capital of Alsace and is famous for its gastronomy and wines.
Day One: Stroll around the historical monuments of the old town
Strasbourg has a long history and you can easily see this on your first walk through the city center. The imposing Gothic architecture is awe-inspiring to look at.
Breathtaking Cathedral
The first monument and trademark of the Alsatian capital is none other than the iconic Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg. This UNESCO World Heritage site is as impressive inside as it is outside. You can climb the 332 steps to the cathedral’s viewing platform for a breathtaking panorama of the cityscape.
Petite France
From the cathedral, you can head off on a riverside walk enjoying the route to the Petit France neighborhood. This is an idyllic neighborhood adorned with timber-framed houses and narrow cobblestone streets made out of a fairytale. Make sure to enjoy the view and wander the neighborhood’s alleys. Don’t miss the Covered Bridges, offering picturesque views and a glimpse into the city’s past.
For lunchtime, you can enjoy local flavors with a glass of wine in one of the charming restaurants of the old town.
Place Kléber
After enjoying your meal, your next stop should be Place Kleber, Strasbourg’s main square. This is a very large square where you can, if you find yourself in the morning, browse a farmers’ market with local produce, and this is the square that hosts the Christmas market and the impressive 30-metre tree during the Christmas season. Here you can enjoy your afternoon coffee while strolling along the narrow streets and sidewalks of the area.
What I would recommend you do to end your first night in Strasbourg is to head back to Petite France to witness the transformation of the cityscape as lights twinkle on the canals. Enjoy a glass of wine in the area or taste unique flavors.
Day Two: Morning walk around the “Parc de l’Orangerie”
The ideal way to start your second day is a morning walk in the beautiful (and vast) Parc de l’Orangerie. The park has fountains, ponds, a playground, and a zoo, and is perfect for enjoying your morning coffee.
At this point we should note something fundamental about Strasbourg that we did not mention earlier. With over 600 miles of bike lanes, Strasbourg is the most bikeable city in France. This means you can rent your bike and easily navigate the city.
Author’s advice: always check for bike traffic at traffic lights because you’re more likely to get hit by a bike than a car in this city!
European Parliament
A few minutes away from the park is the European Parliament. Immerse yourself in the political significance of Strasbourg by visiting the European Quarter. Strasbourg is home to the European Parliament and the Council of Europe, and a guided tour provides information on the workings of these institutions, promoting a deeper understanding of European governance.
Barrage Vauban
After you are done visiting the European Parliament, you can head to the Barrage Vauban. The Barrage Vauban is a bridge, a weir, and a key component of the defensive works built in the 17th century to protect the city of Strasbourg. There in the surrounding area you can enjoy local flavors and relax with a great view of the River Ill.
River Ill boat-tour
Closing your day, at sunset time, is the perfect time to take a boat tour on the Ill River. Usually, these activities are expensive and overpriced but I assure you this boat ride is worth it. You can listen to commentaries in 12 languages, and have a unique experience!
Where to Stay in Strasbourg
Stay in central Strasbourg close to the sightseeing and historical monuments. Here are our pics of the best places to stay in Strasbourg. To save money and cook for yourself, opt for an apartment further outside the city center.
Best Overall Accommodation
Hotel Cour du Corbeau Strasbourg – MGallery – This 4-star hotel is set in a renovated 16th-century building in central Strasbourg with guest rooms featuring Louis XV-inspired furniture and serves a wonderful buffet breakfast every morning.
Pavillon REGENT PETITE FRANCE – Pavillon Régent Petite France is located in the heart of Strasbourg, just a 3-minute walk from the Covered Bridges. Breakfast is served every morning.
Best Boutique Accommodation
Hôtel Tandem – Boutique Hôtel – This eco-friendly Boutique Hotel is just 1.1 mi from the city center and a 5-minute walk from the picturesque Petite France district. This Boutique Hotel offers local organic produce at its daily breakfast buffet. Bike and tandem rental is available onsite and secure bike storage space is also available.
Best Rental Apartments
Le Carré Confidentiel – This spacious apartment is housed in a new building about 3 miles from the center of Strasbourg. Providing a terrace and garden views, the space includes 2 bedrooms, a living room, cable flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen, and 1 bathroom with a bath.
Studio Strasbourg avec jardin – Studio Strasbourg avec jardin offers accommodations in Strasbourg, about 3 miles from the city center. There’s private parking as well as an electric vehicle charging station. This modern 1-bedroom apartment has a flat-screen TV and a kitchen with a microwave and fridge. Guests can also relax in the garden.
For more options, search here for additional accommodation choices in Strasbourg.
In case you have more time
The above suggestions are about how to spend two days in Strasbourg, France. There are many interesting museums in Strasbourg that you can visit if you have more than two days to spend. For example, you can visit the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg or the Musée Alsacien to discover the history of the whole region. If you also have more days at your disposal, another article will follow with magical wine road trips in Alsace!
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