Things to do in  Strasbourg

Strasbourg’s compact center makes it easy to explore in one day. A walking tour of the Grand Île will cover all the top attractions—stroll the cobbled lanes of the La Petite France quarter, admire the Covered Bridges and Strasbourg Cathedral, then take a boat cruise along the canals.

Strasbourg is famous for hosting France’s largest and most popular Christmas Market, which draws around 2 million holiday visitors. The Alsace capital is also renowned for the picturesque architecture of its UNESCO-listed Grande Île, its unique Alsatian cuisine and wines, and as the official seat of the European Parliament.

Strasbourg is renowned for its annual Christmas market, which draws more than 2 million visitors to the city. Travelers also come to Strasbourg to stroll its UNESCO-listed Grand Île (Big Island), admire its half-timbered buildings and magnificent cathedral, and enjoy wine tasting in the Alsace wine region.

Strasbourg is known for its Alsatian cuisine, which is infused with French and German flavors. Regional specialties include choucroute (sauerkraut with sausage), flammekueche (pizza-like flatbread), baeckeoffe (meat casserole), and coq au riesling (the Alsace-version of French dish coq au vin). Pair it with an Alsace white wine or local beer.

Yes, Strasbourg is ranked the seventh most visited city in France for tourists, especially over the holidays. Top sights like Strasbourg Cathedral and La Petite France can get busy, but it’s easy to escape the crowds outside the Grande Ile.

Yes, you will find many people speak German in Strasbourg. The official language in Strasbourg is French, but the city’s close proximity to the German border and the multicultural heritage of the Alsace region mean that many languages are spoken. Expect to hear French, English, German, and even Swiss French.