Day 1 in Strasbourg
Welcome to Strasbourg! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do.
Begin your afternoon getting acquainted with the city. We suggest a walking tour that will provide an overview and history of Strasbourg. You`ll hear fascinating stories about the city and see key architectural landmarks.
Make sure to enjoy spending some time in Old Town, the entire central island of the old town is surrounded by the river Ile, a World Heritage Site that has a feel of a village. At the western end of the Grand Ile is the Petite France district where there are winding mazes of canals and narrow, old streets, lined with charming half-timbered houses. Don`t miss Rue du Bain-aux-Plantes, where you`ll come across Maison des Tanneurs, now a restaurant and a great spot to enjoy some authentic Alsatian cuisine.
Continue your exploration of the charming streets in the historic center. Check out the unmissable landmark of the gothic Cathedral Notre Dame. Take some time to admire its gargoyles, sculpted figures, beautiful stained glass windows and the magnificent bird`s eye view of the city from the top. To the southwest are the Ponts Couverts (Covered Bridges) that were formerly roofted. Four of the town`s medieval defense towers also stand on these bridges. From the Grande Écluse (Covered Bridge that is the Vauban Dam), there is a panoramic view of the other Covered Bridges and the Strasbourg cityscape in the background. The Grande Écluse is open to the public during the day and illuminated at night.
As night falls, stick around the cathedral and along Rue des Juifs and Rue des Freres to enjoy a lively atmosphere with numerous bars and traditional restaurants serving Alastian specialties such as, choucroute garnie.
Day 2 in Strasbourg
Grab some breakfast and head out to explore more of the city with a boat trip, a great way to cover a lot of territory while enjoying sights from the water and venturing beyond the old district. The journey will take you north to the German Quarter, and further north, the European Quarter, home to several illustrious institutions and stunning contemporary architecture such as the European Parliament.
The boat trip will end you right near the 18th-century Rohan Palace, home of three museums in one: the Archeological Museum, the Museum of Decorative Arts and the Fine Arts Museum. Spend the afternoon discovering the treasures within this grand palace.
Alternatively, head over to the Musee Alsacien, just a short walk away. In the museum visitors will be able to learn about typical living in this part of France and about its folk art and traditions. The visit guides tourists through replicas of ancient housing and thousands of objects that show what rural life was like in Alsace.
After an enlightening day, delve into the local wine culture at the Caves Historiques des Hospices de Strasbourg. Situated in the medieval basements of the city hospital founded in 1395, the wine cellars go back to a time when medical services were sometimes paid for in kind (in the form of parcels of vineyards). The winery still functions to this day under the influence of the national healthcare system. It houses carefully selected Alsatian wines which are bottled on the spot.
End your day at one of the finest old burgher`s house in the city, the Maison Kammerzell. Considered a gem of Alsatian architecture, the Kammerzell House now serves as a hotel with a renowned restaurant. Take in the beauty of the building while enjoying a memorable meal. After dinner, take some time to stroll the beautiful cobblestone streets and take in the city ambiance at night.
Day 3 in Strasbourg
Wake up early and head out for a bike ride. With over 240 miles of bike paths, the city is one of the most `cyclable` cities in France. If you buy a Strasbourg Pass you will be able to hire a bike for a half day for free, while those who do not have a pass are able to hire one in the various shops that are scattered around the city.
Apart from cycle around the city, we suggest you take a ride through the Parc de l`Orangerie, the oldest park in Strasbourg which offers beautiful surroundings complete with a lake and waterfall. The park also features a gourmet restaurant and a bowling alley. Even if cycling isn`t on the agenda, the Parc de l`Orangerie is a must visit, since it is one of Strasbourg`s gems. The park also offers boating on the lake, a mini-zoo and farm for kids.
Just across the river from the Park is the European Parliament, and visiting this striking building of huge significance not only to France, but toEurope as a whole, is a fascinating experience. Strasbourg is one of the three non-capital cities around the world to have an international institution. Inside are three `internal streets`, one of which has a winter garden with a philodendron forest. This is a must see on your visit, but we recommend to call ahead to get a tour.
Spend the last part of your day enjoying more of what this beautiful city has to offer. Explore the bridges of the city. There are over 20 bridges throughout the town, and some of them are truly stunning. Discover the beautiful churches: Église Saint-Thomas and Eglise Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune right in the city center are both beautifully decorated and offer wonderful insight into the religious background of the city. Explore more of the museums in the city, there are so many to choose from and several different museum cards if you plan to go to more than one.
On your last evening in Strasbourg, enjoy the Quartier Krutenau. This is one of Strasbourg`s most lively neighborhoods that combines old world charm with trendy restaurants, fashionable shops, and art galleries. This district of canals and half-timbered homes was once where boatmen and fishermen lived, as indicated by the names of the streets.
After a busy day of sightseeing, head back to your hotel for a good night rest.
Additional Days in Strasbourg
Should you be able to spend additional days in Strasbourg we recommend you take a day trip to discover other parts of northern France, southern Germany and even Switzerland. If you`re feeling adventurous, make your way to Schwarzwald, Germany`s Black Forest, and soak up the lush natural surroundings. Or if you prefer something different, take a trip south of Strasbourg to the area which produces wine and is full of picturesque vineyards.
Your Last Day In Strasbourg
Depart your hotel for the airport or train station where you will head home or make your way to more European adventures. Savor the memories of a very special time in Strasbourg and the northern France region.