When I moved to eastern France in 2019, I had no idea how much there was to do. I had been so focused on exploring Paris that I hadn’t considered some of the lesser-known destinations.
One of those places was Metz. I had heard mixed opinions about this city, and so I decided to explore it for myself.
It proved to be a captivating destination, with tons of historical sites, charming streets, and a fascinating culture.
I’ve since visited several times and can confidently say Metz is worth it.
In this guide, I’ll share with you the pros and cons of visiting Metz to help you decide if it’s worth adding to your itinerary.
19 Pros and Cons of Visiting Metz
1. Pro: Easy to Visit in a Day
One of the great things about Metz is that it’s easy to visit in a day.
The city center is small and compact, and it’s easy to walk from one site to another.
Every time I’ve visited Metz, I’ve done so on a day trip from Strasbourg. I was able to tour the city, visit museums, and even stop for lunch.
2. Pro: The Metz Cathedral
The Metz Cathedral, or Cathédrale Saint Étienne de Metz, is the number one thing to see.
Construction began in 1235, and it took 300 years to finish.
Once you see it, you’ll understand why it took so long. The intricate stone carvings are comparable to the Strasbourg Cathedral. It also has the third-tallest nave in France.
But what’s impressive is the stained-glass windows. They are the largest in Europe.
3. Con: Weather
Every time I go to Metz, there’s rain in the forecast. I think it’s just my bad luck, but I’ve come to expect it when I visit.
The rain does, however, lend to a moody atmosphere, and I’ve captured some incredible pictures because of it.
But if you’re not a fan of exploring a city in less-than-ideal weather conditions, it’s important to plan your trip accordingly.
The best time to visit Metz is from June to August. During these months, there is less chance of rain and the average temperature is between 22-24 degrees Celsius (73-76 degrees Fahrenheit).
4. Pro: A Lot of Historical Sites
With roots spanning over 3,000 years, Metz’s history is woven into its streets, buildings, and museums.
You’ll find Roman ruins, medieval heritage, and influences from both French and German cultures.
Some sites worth checking out include:
- Basilica of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains
- Porte des Allemands
- Palais du Gouverneur Militaire
- Gare de Metz-Ville
- Porte Serpenoise
- Tour du Temple de La Garnison
- Temple Neuf
5. Con: Lack of Outdoor Activities
Unlike destinations near the coast or the Alps, Metz does not cater to beachgoers or mountain enthusiasts.
However, the city does offer a variety of outdoor activities for those who love nature.
The Jardins Jean-Marie Pelt – Parc de la Seille is a beautiful park where you can take a leisurely walk or have a picnic.
For more athletic individuals, there are over 191 kilometers (118 miles) of cycling paths around the city.
Helpful Tip: The cycling paths are mostly flat.
6. Pro: The Centre Pompidou-Metz
The Centre Pompidou-Metz is a modern and contemporary art museum that is part of the renowned Centre Pompidou in Paris.
It has become one of the most important art hubs in France, with a gigantic exhibition space.
It hosts up to four temporary exhibitions every year.
They are unique, and you won’t find them anywhere else in the world. So, make sure to check the events page to see what’s on display.
On my last visit, I saw the infamous banana taped to a whiteboard.
7. Con: Not a Ton of Museums
While Centre Pompidou-Metz and Musée de la Cour d’Or are two incredible museums, they are the only two in town.
So, if you love visiting museums and art galleries and need more than the two it has, Metz might not be for you.
Helpful Tip: Nancy is a great alternative to Metz.
But, for me, all the historical sites and architecture are enough to make up for it.
Plus, those two museums take some time to visit. If you’re only in Metz for the day, they will keep you occupied.
8. Pro: It’s Walkable
The city is compact and easy to explore on foot. Major attractions are mostly clustered within walking distance.
Every time I’ve visited, I’ve walked from the train station to downtown Metz. I’ve explored the entire city on foot and never felt the need for public transportation.
There are also pedestrian-friendly areas, and the sidewalks are smooth, so it’s easy to walk around without worrying about tripping.
9. Con: Limited Public Transport
Metz is very walkable, but for some, that might not be possible.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a ton of public transport that runs between the different historical sites.
There were two buses added in 2021, Le Met’ (Lines 81 and 83), that stop at some of the sites downtown.
Helpful Tip: There are public buses in Metz (Le Met’) that go to the suburbs.
10. Pro: Parks and Green Spaces
Metz boasts several parks and gardens.
Below is a list of my favorites:
- Jardins Jean-Marie Pelt – Parc de la Seille: This park is full of outdoor activities. There are bike paths, basketball courts, and even ping pong tables.
- Jardin de l’Esplanade de Metz: This is a lush garden overlooking the Moselle River valley. There is colorful flora, sculptures from the 19th and 20th centuries, and benches where you can sit and relax.
- Plan d’Eau de Metz: This is a giant park surrounding the Moselle. There are wide walking paths, playgrounds, and even a Japanese Torii.
11. Con: Not a Foodie City
While the region that Metz is a part of, Lorraine, is known for its hearty and flavorful cuisine, the city itself is not the best destination for foodies.
Helpful Tip: Local dishes, such as Quiche Lorraine, are worth trying.
On my last visit, I saw more Italian restaurants than I did local brasseries. It was a big disappointment.
That doesn’t mean that local brasseries don’t exist. They are just a few and far between.
Helpful Tip: Chez Mauricette is my favorite restaurant in town. It’s located inside the Covered Market.
12. Pro: Friendly Locals
One of the best things about Metz is its friendly and welcoming locals.
In my experience, they are always willing to help and provide recommendations for places to visit or eat.
It’s unlikely that random strangers will strike up a conversation with you, but if you need help or have a question, don’t hesitate to ask a local.
13. Con: Language Barrier
While the locals are friendly, most only speak French.
So, it may be challenging to communicate and fully immerse yourself in the culture.
I always recommend learning simple words like “bonjour” and “merci.” Even if the rest of your sentence is in English, adding a French greeting or thank you goes a long way.
Helpful Tip: Most tourist areas and establishments have English-speaking staff.
14. Pro: Affordable
Metz is less expensive than France’s major tourist hubs, such as Paris or Nice.
Accommodations, food, and activities are all reasonably priced, so you won’t break the bank on your visit.
For example, all the parks, churches (like the Temple Neuf), and historical sites are free to visit. The Musée de la Cour d’Or even has free admission.
15. Pro: Convenient Location
Metz is conveniently located near other popular destinations in Europe, so you can visit without having to rent a car.
It’s only a 90-minute train ride from places like Paris and Strasbourg.
You can also access other nearby countries, such as Luxembourg, Germany, and Belgium, by train or car.
It is easy to add as a stopover or day trip from any of these places.
16. Con: Far from the Main Tourist Trail
On the downside, Metz is off the main tourist trail. You will have to either travel out of your way or purposefully add it to your itinerary.
For example, if you’re traveling from Paris to Strasbourg, you will need to detour 90 minutes to stop in Metz.
The extra travel time may not be worth it, depending on your schedule.
17. Pro: Less Crowded than Major Cities
Even during peak travel seasons, Metz maintains a calm atmosphere compared to major tourist hotspots.
I went during the summer, and it wasn’t overwhelming. I could visit museums and historical sites without fighting through crowds or waiting in long lines.
However, this doesn’t mean Metz is lacking things to do. It simply offers a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
18. Con: Limited Nightlife
While there are bars and restaurants, Metz’s nightlife is almost non-existent. This is not the place to go if you’re looking for a wild party scene.
Evenings here are low-key and stress-free.
If that’s something you enjoy, then Metz is for you.
19. Pro: Very Photogenic
With its beautiful architecture and charming streets, Metz is a photographer’s dream.
I’ve taken hundreds of photos during my visits, and I still can’t get enough.
The architecture is incredible, the parks are beautiful when they are in bloom, and the streets are always bustling with life.
If you’re someone who loves taking photos, you won’t be disappointed in Metz.
Conclusion
Metz is a stunningly beautiful city with a ton of things to see and do. Some of my favorite sites are the Metz Cathedral and the Porte des Allemands.
Of course, the Centre Pompidou-Metz needs to be mentioned.
It’s a small town that doesn’t have the glamour of Paris, but that’s what I love about Metz.
There’s history and culture around every corner, and you can see it all without having to fight through the crowds.
Now that you know more about Metz, why not check if Nancy is worth it?
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