3 Days in Strasbourg: The Perfect Itinerary (from a Local)

In a country full of history and culture, Strasbourg holds its own. This quaint Alsatian town boasts beautiful architecture, mouthwatering cuisine, and is home to France’s most enchanting Christmas market.

Not only that, but its location creates a fascinating fusion of French and German cultures.

I moved to Strasbourg in 2019 and have since spent my free time exploring the city. I’ve visited popular sites, found hidden gems, and eaten at the best (and worst) restaurants in town.

In this guide, I’ll share with you my recommendations for spending three days in Strasbourg. It’s a well-rounded itinerary that includes the city’s history, culture, and cuisine.

This is Place de la République in Strasbourg. There are two giant magnolia trees and in the distance the Strasbourg Cathedral. It's a must visit if you are spending three days in Strasbourg. — Place de la République

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Day 1: History and Heritage

Morning

This is the view from the top of the Strasbourg Cathedral. There are the roof tops and in the distance the outline of the Vosges mountains. — View from the Strasbourg Cathedral

This is an exhibit a the Alsatian museum. It shows two figures dressed in traditional clothing eating at a table from the 18th century. — Alsatian Museum

Visit the Strasbourg Cathedral: Standing at 142 meters (465 feet), this masterpiece took more than 300 years to build. Inside, there’s the astronomical clock, sculptures, and paintings. You can also climb to the top platform for a 360-degree panorama.
Tour the Alsatian Museum: This is one of the best museums in Strasbourg. It focuses on the history and culture of Alsace between the 18^th and 19^th centuries.
Go on a Batorama Boat Tour: I recommend the Red Tour, which is a 70-minute ride that takes you around Grand Île and to the European Parliament. There’s an audio guide that covers the history of Strasbourg along the way.

Helpful Tip: The Alsatian Museum is currently undergoing renovations and will be closed until 2027. An alternative is the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg.

Free Printable Guide

Afternoon

This is the view from underneath Pont Saint Martin in La Petite France. There are three half-timbered houses along the canal. — Pont Saint Martin

Lunch at Fink Stuebel: A traditional Alsatian restaurant featuring traditional dishes, such as choucroute garnie and baeckeoffe. It’s tucked away in a charming half-timbered house, complete with classic tables and chairs.
Explore La Petite France: This is Strasbourg’s picture-perfect neighborhood. It’s where you’ll find the most colorful half-timbered houses. Highlights include Pont Saint Martin, Place Benjamin Zix, and Pont du Faisan.
Walk along Ponts Couverts: This series of three bridges and four towers was once used to fortify the city. While they’ve undergone renovations over the years, they first appeared in the 13th century.
Visit the Vauban Dam: Built in the 17^th century, it served to prevent enemy advancement by flooding the southern end of Strasbourg. The dam was only used once before it was converted into a historical monument. Today, you can climb to the top terrace for a beautiful view.

Helpful Tip: I’ve reviewed a lot of places to eat in Strasbourg, so I recommend checking out my restaurant guide if you need more options.

Evening

This is Place des Tripiers. It's a small square with benches and trees. There are buildings surrounding the square and people are sitting on the benches. — Place des Tripiers

Dinner at La Cloche à Frommage: Here, the shining ingredient in every dish is cheese. And they have everything from fondues to cheese tastings. I’ve eaten at La Cloche à Fromage three times and have never been disappointed.
Relax in Place des Tripiers: This small square has a few benches where you can sit, relax, and enjoy the evening. There are also a few bars and cafés around the square, perfect for a nightcap.

Day 2: Art and Culture

Morning

This is a previous version of Strasbourg's Astronomical Clock in the Museum of Decorative Arts. It's a giant clock with dials for the planets, the year, and other events. — Astronomical Clock at the Museum of Decorative Arts

This is St. Paul's Church as viewed from Pont Royal. There is the church and a magnolia tree framing it. — St. Paul’s Church

Visit the Palais Rohan: Built in 1720, the Palais Rohan served as the residence for the prince-bishops and cardinals of the House of Rohan. It was later converted into three museums: the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Museum of Decorative Arts.
Explore Neustadt: Built when Strasbourg belonged to Germany from the late 19th to the early 20th century. It’s mostly known for its architecture, particularly in Place de la République, but St. Paul’s Church and the Planetarium are also worth checking out.

Helpful Tip: While all three museums at the Palais Rohan are worth it, I recommend picking one. My favorite was the Museum of Decorative Arts. It displays the evolution of the palace over time, and it houses the previous versions of the astronomical clock.

Afternoon

This is an exhibit at the Tomi Ungerer Museum. It shows a book and drawings of cats. — Tomi Ungerer Museum

Lunch at Dampf&Nuddle: An Alsatian épicerie that offers a dine-in option. Their specialty is the dampfnudel, a traditional dumpling that can be eaten as a main dish or dessert.
Visit the Tomi Ungerer Museum: Dedicated to Tomi Ungerer, a Strasbourg-born illustrator and writer, this museum showcases his work and that of similar artists.
Explore Place Broglie: This is one of the main squares in Strasbourg. It’s also where Rouget de l’Isle reportedly sang the Marseillaise for the first time. And, alongside the Banque de France, there is a plaque dedicated to the event.

Evening

This is Place du Marché Gayot. It's a cobbled square surrounded by restaurants and cafes. — Place du Marché Gayot

Dinner at Binchstub Broglie: This eatery serves the best tarte flambée in Strasbourg. They have the traditional version as well as a few other variations, including dessert options. My favorite was the Munster tarte flambée.
Hang out in Place du Marché Gayot: Originally the home of a poultry market, it’s now a popular hangout spot. There are several restaurants, bars, and cafés to choose from. I’ve been to most of them, and you can’t go wrong with any.

Free Printable Guide

Day 3: Strasbourg Today

Morning

This is the audio guided tour on my cellphone at the European Parliament. I'm holding my cellphone in the plenary session room and it shows the different steps of the tour. — Audio Guided Tour of the European Parliament

This is the Fontaine de l'Orangerie in Parc de l’Orangerie in Strasbourg. It's a large fountain surrounded by a grassed area and flower beds. In the background there is a stone building. — Parc de l’Orangerie

Visit the European Parliament: You can visit the parliament via a self-guided audio tour and even listen to a plenary session. There’s also a terrace with a beautiful view of the city. It’s one of the best free activities in Strasbourg.
Walk around Parc de l’Orangerie: This is the largest park in Strasbourg. Admire the gardens, go for a walk, picnic on the grass, or rent a paddle boat to explore the lake.

Helpful Tip: If you’re traveling from Strasbourg’s city center, you will need to take the tram (Line E). Otherwise, it’s a 45-minute walk.

Afternoon

This is the oldest barrel of white wine at the Cave Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg. It's a large wooden barrel behind metal bars. — Oldest Barrel of White Wine at the Cave Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg

Lunch at Vino Strada: The menu is Alsatian cuisine with a modern twist. They also have an incredible wine selection.
Visit the Cave Historique des Hospices de Strasbourg: Established in 1395, this was where wine was made and used to cure various illnesses. Today, you can tour the cellar for free and visit the oldest barrel of white wine in the world (dated 1472).
Afternoon Tea at Au Fond du Jardin: This small teahouse is known for its Madeleines du Voyage. Each one is handcrafted to like a work of art. Stop by for teatime or buy a few from the boutique to take home.

Helpful Tip: If teatime is not for you, Taaka Beer Spa is a fun alternative.

Evening

This is Quai des Bateliers. It's a tree lined walkway with half-timbered houses on one side and the canal on the other. — Quai des Bateliers

Dinner at La Chaumière: This contemporary French restaurant prepares every dish with fresh seasonal ingredients. They also use a wood-fired oven so there’s a smoky flavor in every bite.
Walk Along Quai des Bateliers: There are several little shops and cafés where you can relax and enjoy the evening. Otherwise, alongside the canal, there’s a walking path that winds around the city.

Free Printable Guide

Conclusion

Strasbourg is the cultural and economic hub of Alsace.

Its canals and half-timbered houses give a small-town feel while its landmarks and museums showcase its history.

This three-day itinerary is meant to give you a feel of what Strasbourg has to offer.

So, take your time, wander the streets, try some local delicacies, and immerse yourself in all it has to offer.

Now that you have your itinerary, why not check out my guide on where to stay in Strasbourg?

I hope you enjoyed my post and found it helpful. Here are some other articles that I think you might find interesting.

3 Days in Strasbourg: The Perfect Itinerary (from a Local)

Day 1: History and Heritage

Morning

Afternoon

Evening

Day 2: Art and Culture

Morning

Afternoon

Evening

Day 3: Strasbourg Today

Morning

Afternoon

Evening

Conclusion

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Jen Ciesielski

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