Strasbourg: One of Europe’s Most Beautiful Cities

Strasbourg: One of Europe’s Most Beautiful Cities – Situated on the Rhine River in eastern France, Strasbourg is the capital of Alsace. Close to the German border, the city has a strong German influence. Whether you are traveling alone or in a company, there are many things to see and do in Strasbourg.  You’ll find a combination of French and German culture that has shaped the ancient buildings and the architecture of the city. 

Strasbourg is a very popular tourist destination all year long, but has a significant peak of visitors around Christmas: the Christmas market (Marché de Noël), held here since the XVI century, draws about million visitors each year. It is famous for its unique atmosphere, and delicacies such as Mannele (Alsatian pastry made of sweet leavened dough, in the form of a man) or delicious pain d’epice (ginger bread), best accompanied by a warm mulled wine.

This region also has the greatest number of medieval feudal castles. Due to the turbulent history of the region most of them are now in ruin, however they are still worth a visit. We encourage you to visit Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle (fully restored, and not far from Colmar), Wangenbourg Castle, Petit Arnsbourg (Obersteinbach) Castle, and Fort Mutzig  – the biggest fort built before the First World War. You can visit The Best Rhine River Cruise Guide here, or visit us on Pinterest.

Strasbourg Weather – Best Time to Visit Strasbourg

Strasbourg has semi-continental climate. Winters are cold and dry. Summers are hot and very sunny. It does not rain a lot because the Vosges Mountains keep the clouds away. Spring is splendid in Strasbourg. Villages are full of flowers. Vineyards are green again and the weather is not too hot. June & July is the high tourist season. There are more people but it is never overcrowded .The weather is nice and warm. In September & October it’s harvest time. The vineyards turn golden, and the colors are beautiful. The end of November thru December is when you can visit the famous Christmas Markets. This is also considered high season and there are markets everywhere. Enjoy the beautiful decorations on all the houses and the great atmosphere with the villages all lit up.

Best 5 Essential Things to Do In Strasbourg

Visit the Strasbourg Cathedral

Dating to the 13th century, the absolutely stunning Strasbourg Cathedral (also known as Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg) is known as one of the best examples of late Gothic architecture. The building truly is a marvel, and is among the most important points of interest in Strasbourg.

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Take a Boat Tour Along the Canals

Kicking back for a relaxing boat tour through the canals is a fabulous way to see some of the best points of interest in Strasbourg without needing to seek them out yourself, including the covered bridges, Barrage Vauban, and European Parliament. The buildings of La Petite France never look prettier than when you’re seeing them from the water.

Strasbourg Cathedral’s Astronomical Clock

Strasbourg Cathedral’s magnificent astronomical clock has a history that reaches back to the 14th century, though the bulk of the incredible clock we see today dates to the 19th. If you’d like to see it in action, come for the midday show (there is a small fee for this show, but it is included with the Strasbourg City Pass).

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Stroll Through La Petite France

Once the home of tanners, fishermen, and millers (in other words, not the most pleasantly fragrant corner of town), today La Petite France is the most picturesque part of Strasbourg, all canals, half-timbered houses, and beautiful footbridges.

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Visit the Alsatian Museum

Dedicated to showing typical Alsatian life in the 18th and 19th centuries, the Alsatian Museum originally opened in 1902 as a display of region’s unique cultural identity–at the time, the region was part of Germany.

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Best Strasbourg Restaurants

Relais de la Poste $30 & Over

The house where the Relais de la Poste restaurant is now located, used to be a Post Office during the 18th century. It is now a very elegant restaurant where some of the specialties are: Grilled bass with herbs from the Provence, Beef fillet, warm goose liver pate, potatoes au gratin with Fresh goose liver, Muscat jelly, and farmhouse bread. Telephone: 33 3 88 59 24 80  Web: Relais de la Poste

Le Buerehiesel $30 & Over

This restaurant is in the center of the Parc de l’Orangerie offering a peaceful atmosphere. Some examples from its menu are: Shellfish and cuttlefish tagliatelle salad with preserved lime and fresh coriander, Roast line-fished bass with mashed potatoes with poultry juice, and Roast Alsace pigeon with simmered winter vegetables and lamb’s lettuce. Telephone: 33 3 88 45 56 65 Web: Le Buerehiesel

Au Crocodile $30 & Over

The Crocodile can sit up to 40 guests. It has a warm atmosphere and is the ideal place for intimate gatherings. The menu offers Green Asparagus Cream Soup with poached Egg and Parmesan Cheese, Dublin Bay Prawns on a Skewer, Eggplant, and Tomato Crouton, Orange Vinaigrette and much more. Telephone: 33 3 88 32 13 02 Web: Au Crocodile

La Maison des Tanneurs $11 -30

This restaurant was built in 1572 and was formerly a tannery. It became a restaurant in 1949 and was restored in 1972 for its 400th anniversary. Some dishes on the menu include Duck Terrine with hazelnuts, Snails with Garlic butter, Veal kidneys in Alsatian white sauce, Pike/Perch fillet with white wine sauce, and more. Telephone: 33 3 88 32 79 70 Web: La Maison des Tanneurs

L’ancienne Douane $11 – 30

This is the largest restaurant in Strasbourg, with the capacity for more than 800 people. It is located in the oldest part of the town, and its décor is very formal. Telephone: 33 3 88 45 56 65 Web: L’ancienne Douane

Best Strasbourg Bars

La Salamandre

You can listen to all kinds of music here, from salsa, ’80s, house, pop, rock’n’roll, etc., but also accordion music every Sunday afternoon. Telephone: 33 3 90 41 87 27 Web: La Salamandre

Le Chalet

All types of contemporary music – from Disco to Techno -Go-go dancers every Friday and Saturday. Telephone: 33 3 88 311 831

L’Exils

This is a Pub/Nightbar. It has cool background music, 6 different draught beers, 40 different bottled beers, as well as darts, pool, pinball and a lot of fun. Telephone: 33 3 88 25 79 42 Web: L’Exils

Best Strasbourg Hotels