I’ve been living in France for over six years and spent three of those years in Paris.
I did hundreds of day trips during that time and visited beautiful cities like Lille and Lyon.
But the place that captured my heart was Strasbourg.
In fact, I loved my visit so much that I moved to Strasbourg in 2019.
This picturesque city is the capital of the Alsace region and is known for its half-timbered houses, savory cuisine, and charming canals.
In this post, I’ll share with you the perfect itinerary for a day trip to Strasbourg from Paris. It has everything you need to plan an amazing trip.
Overview
If you’re short on time, here is an overview of my helpful guide.
- Morning: Strasbourg Cathedral, Kammerzell House, Batorama Boat Tour, Palais Rohan, Alsatian Museum
- Afternoon: Le Gurtlerhoft, Au Fond du Jardin, Place Kléber, La Petite France, Ponts Couverts, Barrage Vauban
- Evening: Neustadt, Return to Paris
Getting to Strasbourg from Paris
While there are many ways to travel between these two cities, I recommend taking a high-speed TGV train for this day trip.
These trains leave from Gare de l’Est (Paris Est) in Paris and take about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
You’ll find tons of departure times throughout the day, but I recommend leaving early in the morning so you can make the most of your trip.
Helpful Tip: If you arrive by 9:00 am, you’ll be able to complete the activities listed in this guide.
You’ll arrive at Gare de Strasbourg. From there, you can walk (20 minutes) to the first attraction on this itinerary, take the tram (12 minutes) or a taxi (14 minutes).
You can buy your train tickets online or at the train station in Paris.
I always buy my tickets online and as early as possible, especially for this route. I’ve paid as low as €30 for a one-way ticket and as high as €110.
There are cheaper trains called OUIGO trains, but they can take up to four hours. They are also prone to strikes, delays, and cancellations.
Helpful Tip: I’ve driven this route, and it takes about five hours, so I don’t recommend renting a car.
One Day in Strasbourg – 12 Things to Do
Now that you know how to get to Strasbourg, let’s look at 12 amazing things you can do in one day.
1. Visit the Strasbourg Cathedral
The Strasbourg Cathedral is my favorite landmark in town and there’s no better place to start your visit.
Construction began in the 12th century and spanned a whopping 300 years. Its iconic spire is 142 meters (465 feet) high and can be seen anywhere in the city.
Helpful Tip: For the best view of the cathedral head to Rue Mercière.
Inside, you’ll find vaulted ceilings, stunning stained-glass windows, and an astronomical clock that dates to 1842.
You can also climb to the highest platform where you’ll have the most incredible panorama of Strasbourg (photo above).
It’s 330 steps and you’ll have to walk every one because there is no elevator.
I have vertigo and my legs were trembling most of the way, but once I saw the view, I forgot all about it.
Address: Place de la Cathédrale
Tram Stop: Langstross Grand Rue (Lines A and D)
2. Admire the Kammerzell House
Next to the Strasbourg Cathedral is the Kammerzell House or Maison Kammerzell. This is the oldest half-timbered building in town.
It dates to 1427 and was used for administrative purposes. Today, it’s a restaurant and a hotel.
Over the years, I must have visited the Kammerzell House a hundred times. I love the wooden panels on its exterior. Each is intricately carved and the fine details are beyond impressive.
If you look closely you’ll see different religious figures and mythical creatures.
Helpful Tip: If you climb the Strasbourg Cathedral, on the way down you’ll have a stunning bird’s eye view of the Kammerzell House.
Address: 16 Place de la Cathédrale
Tram Stop: Langstross Grand Rue (Lines A and D)
3. Take a Batorama Boat Tour
One of the most unique ways to visit Strasbourg is by boat. And, of the tours that I’ve done, Batorama offers the best value.
They have several routes, but my favorite was the Strasbourg: 20 Centuries of History tour.
It’s 70 minutes and passes by sites like La Petite France, the Barrage Vauban, and the European Parliament.
Not only that but you’ll learn all about the history and culture of Strasbourg.
Helpful Tip: If you’re short on time, they also have a 45-minute tour called Strasbourg, Grand Île.
Address (Ticket Office): 18 Place de la Cathédrale
Tram Stop: Langstross Grand Rue (Lines A and D)
4. Experience the Palais Rohan
The Palais Rohan was built in the early 18th century and was the residence of the prince-bishops of Strasbourg.
Today, it houses three incredible museums: the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Decorative Arts, and the Archaeological Museum.
The Museum of Fine Arts has an impressive collection of paintings, including works by Raphael and Gustave Courbet.
The Museum of Decorative Arts showcases furniture, tapestries, and other earthenware objects.
Then, the Archaeological Museum displays artifacts from civilizations that once inhabited the region.
I’ve been to all three and appreciated the exhibits at each. But, for this day trip, I recommend picking only one.
My favorite was the Museum of Decorative Arts because it showed what the interior would have looked like in the 18th century.
Helpful Tip: Most museums in Strasbourg, including the Palais Rohan, are closed on Tuesdays.
Address: 2 Place du Château
Tram Stop: Langstross Grand Rue (Lines A and D)
5. Tour the Alsatian Museum
The Alsatian Museum was established in 1902 to help preserve the culture of Strasbourg and the region.
It’s housed in three half-timbered houses and boasts an impressive collection of artifacts from the 18th and 19th centuries.
I loved wandering through the exhibits of clothing and household objects. They even had rooms set up to look like traditional Alsatian homes.
As you can see in the photo I took above, that’s how bedrooms were decorated back then.
Helpful Tip: If you’re short on time, you can visit the Alsatian Museum after lunch.
Address: 23-25 Quai Saint-Nicolas
Tram Stop: Porte de l’Hôpital (Lines A and D)
6. Lunch at Le Gurtlerhoft
No trip to Strasbourg is complete without trying traditional Alsatian cuisine. And Le Gurtlerhoft is my all-time favorite restaurant.
It’s housed in a 14th-century wine cellar under the Strasbourg Cathedral. The atmosphere is cozy, and the food is hearty.
They have a wide selection, but I ordered the Le Menu De L’Alsacien. It included a salad (salade Strasbourgeoise), choucroute garnie, and a tart for dessert.
As you can see in the photo I took above, the portions are generous so make sure to come with an empty stomach.
And don’t forget to pair your meal with an Alsatian wine.
They have an excellent wine list, but I prefer a glass of Riesling with choucroute garnie.
Helpful Tip: If you want to guarantee a table, I recommend making a reservation.
Address: 13 Place du Château
Tram Stop: Langstross Grand Rue (Lines A and D)
7. Stop by Au Fond du Jardin
After you’ve had your fill of hearty Alsatian food, your next stop is Au Fond du Jardin.
This charming tearoom is tucked away in a small alley near the Strasbourg Cathedral and serves the most delicious treats in town.
They are most known for their Madeleines du Voyage.
These small, buttery cakes come in a variety of flavors to satisfy any sweet tooth.
I tried the citrus and rose petal-flavored Madeleines, both were heavenly.
You can sit and enjoy your treats in their cozy tearoom or take them to go and continue exploring the city.
Helpful Tip: Au Fond du Jardin has both a tearoom and a boutique where they sell their Madeleines du Voyage. You don’t need a reservation to visit the boutique.
Address: 6 Rue de la Râpe
Tram Stop: Langstross Grand Rue (Lines A and D)
8. Discover Place Kléber
After indulging in some delicious treats, head to Place Kléber, Strasbourg’s largest square.
It’s named after Jean-Baptiste Kléber, a general who served during the French Revolution.
Here you’ll find a statue of Kléber surrounded by historic buildings like the Aubette.
Then, if you’re visiting Strasbourg’s Christmas market, it’s home to a gorgeous Christmas tree.
Over the years I’ve spent hours people-watching and taking in the beauty of this square. I love the atmosphere and the energy.
Plus, the afternoon flea market on Wednesdays is my favorite in town.
Address: Place Kléber
Tram Stop: Homme de Fer (Lines A, B, C, D, and F)
9. Explore La Petite France
La Petite France is easily the most picturesque neighborhood in Strasbourg.
It was once home to the city’s tanners, millers, and fishermen.
Today, you’ll find charming cafés, well-preserved half-timbered buildings, and tranquil waterways.
My favorite building is La Maison des Tanneurs. It was built in the late 16th century and was used by local tanners to clean and dry their hides.
Then, in the mid-1900s, it was turned into a cozy restaurant.
It sits at the end of Rue du Bain-aux-Plantes, one of the most famous streets in town.
For the best view of La Maison des Tanneurs and Rue du Bain-aux-Plantes, head to Quai des Moulins. That’s where I’m standing in the photo above.
Helpful Tip: Other spots worth checking out are Pont Saint Martin and Pont du Faisan.
Tram Stop: Langstross Grand Rue (Lines A and D)
10. Admire Ponts Couverts
Ponts Couverts, or Covered Bridges, is a series of three bridges and four towers that once formed an integral part of the city’s defensive system.
They were built in the 13th century, and, today, stand as one of the most iconic landmarks in town.
You can walk across the bridge and take in the views of the River Ill.
One of my favorite spots is at the corner of Ponts Couverts and Quai de la Petite France. That’s where I took the photo above.
Then, if you’re visiting in spring, stop by Maison Pont Couverts. The walkway that leads to it overflows with lilacs, making for an Instagram-worthy photo.
Address: 3 Ponts Couverts
Tram Stop: Langstross Grand Rue (Lines A and D)
11. Visit the Barrage Vauban
The Barrage Vauban, or Vauban Dam, was built in the 17th century to supplement the existing fortifications (Pont Couverts).
It was designed by the famous military engineer, Vauban, and was listed as a historical monument in 1971.
Today, it serves not only as a bridge but also as a viewing terrace. In fact, it’s one of my favorite places to admire the city.
From the middle of the terrace, you’ll see La Petite France, the River Ill, and even the Strasbourg Cathedral.
Plus, it’s free to enter, so what more could you ask for?
Address: Place du Qur Blanc
Tram Stop: Langstross Grand Rue (Lines A and D)
12. Meander around Neustadt
The Neustadt district was built by Germany after Strasbourg and Alsace-Lorraine were annexed in 1871.
It was designed to showcase German imperial architecture and urban planning.
And, in 2017, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Take a stroll through the wide avenues and admire the grand buildings. You’ll find the architecture here is drastically different from that of La Petite France.
Some of the most impressive buildings include the Palais du Rhin and the Bibliothèque Nationale et Universitaire de Strasbourg.
But my favorite is Église réformée Saint-Paul, especially at sunset. If you head to Pont Royal, you’ll have a perfect view of the church. That’s where I took the photo above.
Helpful Tip: There’s a small walkway and grassed area under Pont Royal. It’s a quiet place to sit and relax.
Tram Stop: Gallia (Lines C, E, and F)
Conclusion
Strasbourg is a charming and culturally rich city that makes for the perfect day trip from Paris.
From wandering through La Petite France to climbing the Strasbourg Cathedral, this itinerary is packed with things to do. It offers an experience unlike any other.
And, if you want to make the most of your visit, I recommend getting the Strasbourg City Pass and pre-booking your boat tour.
When I visited Strasbourg as a day trip (before I moved here), that’s what I did, and it made for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Now that you have your day trip itinerary, you might be wondering what time of year you should visit.
Read More Articles About France
I hope you enjoyed my post and found it helpful. Here are some other articles that I think you might find interesting.
- Colmar or Strasbourg: Which One is Better? (from a Local)
- The Perfect Colmar Day Trip from Strasbourg (by a Local)
- Is Strasbourg Safe? The Ultimate Safety Guide by a Local
