Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do on a trip to Strasbourg. While many travel blogs will tell you all the fun things to do in Strasbourg, we want to be sure you know what you should NOT do when you plan a Strasbourg trip.
Don’t Be Surprised if You Feel Like You’ve Left France
Strasbourg is on the border of Germany, and it really feels more like a German village than a French one. The nationality of the city has changed hands a few times, and it’s immediately apparent in the architecture and the food. You can get good German food like sausages and sauerkraut in Strasbourg. You will hear both French and German being spoken in Strasbourg.
Don’t Expect Strasbourg to be Cheap
Strasbourg is not a budget destination. It’s expensive to eat in Strasbourg and accommodation is also expensive. Do some research ahead of time so you’re not caught off guard by the prices. When it comes to choosing your Strasbourg accommodation, don’t wait! Any affordable Strasbourg accommodation books up quickly! It’s wise to make sure you have a place to sleep before you actually book your train tickets.
Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Strasbourg
Don’t Miss the Top Things to Do in Strasbourg
Missing out on any of these things to do in Strasbourg would be a big DON’T in our book!
- The Grand Ile is the old town part of Strasbourg; it’s surrounded by water, with a river on one side and a canal on the other. The best thing to do in Strasbourg is just to walk around the Grand Ile or the “big island.”
- Petite France on the Grand Ile is the most picturesque part of Strasbourg. It’s a great place for photos and enjoying the surrounding architecture and scenery.
- The Cathedral Notre Dame of Strasbourg is one of France’s tallest churches. It’s beautiful from the outside, and even more from the inside.
- The Palais Rohan museums include the Archaeological Museum, Decorative Arts Museum, and Fine Arts Museum. These are all housed in an 18th-century episcopal palace next to the cathedral.
- The Musee Alsatian is my favorite Strasbourg museum; it’s a folk museum showing life in the Alsace region during different periods of history.
- The Musee de L’Oeuvre is a medieval religious art museum near the cathedral with some really interesting art.
- The Maison Kammerzell is probably the prettiest house in town; it’s an ornate 15th-century manor, and it’s well worth the tour to see the inside.
- The Contemporary and Modern Art Museum is one of the best on the continent; if you like art, definitely check it out!
Don’t Miss the Strasbourg Christmas Market
Strasbourg is the Christmas capital of France. The Strasbourg Christmas markets are some of the best in France, partly because Christmas markets are a German thing, and you’re so close to Germany. Even outside of the holiday season, the town has a very “Christmas feel” to it. If you do plan to visit the Strasbourg Christmas market, make sure you book your accommodation very far in advance! (If you wait too long, you can check Freiburg hotels as it’s just 40 minutes away.)
Christmas Traditions in France
Don’t Forget to Have a Picon or White Wine
The white wines in this part of France are excellent, but being so close to Germany, beer is also very popular. A popular way to have a beer is to order it with a shot of picon, which sweetens it up a bit.
Don’t Skip the Inside of the Cathedral
The Strasbourg Cathedral is beautiful, but many visitors only see the outside. Make sure you take time to go inside the cathedral as well. Between the stained glass windows, the rose window, and the astronomical clock, you’ll be straining your neck again to soak it all in. On the exterior, the stonework and masonry are equally impressive.
Don’t Forget to Buy Tickets to See the Astronomical Clock
Inside the Strasbourg Cathedral, the Astronomical Clock goes off each day at 12:30. You have to have a ticket to see it. If you have a Strasbourg Pass, it’s included. The doors open at 11:30 and at 12:00 they show a short movie about how the clock was made. The clock does not go off on Sundays or holidays, so plan your visit accordingly.
Don’t Get Frustrated with Tour Groups
Strasbourg is a famous destination, so you’ll see a lot of French tour groups, German tour groups, and international tour groups. It’s the tour guide’s job to keep everyone together and on track, so don’t get in their way! Don’t let them run you over!
Don’t Think Walking is Your Only Option
Like most European cities, you will do a lot of walking in Strasbourg. However, if your feet get tired, there are other options for getting around. There are buses, bike lanes, and boat tours for getting around Strasbourg. The boat tour is a great way to see the city, and you’ll go out to the European Parliament for a few minutes, which is really all you need.
Don’t Forget These Day Trips from Strasbourg
As much as we love Strasbourg, it’s also a great location for exploring the surrounding areas. There are so many places you can visit from Strasbourg. A few great day trips from Strasbourg include:
- Nancy, France (90 minutes)
- Freiburg, Germany (90 minutes)
- Basel, Switzerland (90 minutes)
- Paris (2 ½ hours)
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
Don’t be surprised if you fall in love with Strasbourg! It’s one of the prettiest towns in France, and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a little planning and budgeting, you will have a great time on your trip to Strasbourg.
Want more tips for traveling in France? Check out some of our other blog posts: