guided city tour strasbourg

Guided tour of Strasbourg Cathedral

• Description
• Prices & Opening times
• Practical info

History, art and culture lovers rejoice! The Tourist Office of Strasbourg and its Region invites you to an exceptional guided tour of Strasbourg's Notre-Dame Cathedral and its surroundings. Immerse yourself in the heart of the city's landmark and discover all its mysteries! Founded in 1015 and completed in 1439, this architectural marvel is a masterpiece of Gothic and Romanesque art, where every detail has a fascinating story to tell.

Behind every stone corner of Strasbourg's Notre-Dame Cathedral lies a secret, a story, a legend. On the outside, its facade rises like a majestic living fresco, telling a thousand and one stories of the Middle Ages. The countless sculptures create a ballet of light and shadow, sublimated by the changing shades of pink sandstone in the sunlight.

As you pass through its doors, the Cathedral's stained glass windows, dating from the 12th to 14th centuries, are a veritable mosaic of light, elegantly adorning the Cathedral. The eye is then drawn to the monumental organ, whose case is adorned with automata that seem to watch over the place. And what about the astronomical clock? This Renaissance treasure, whose mechanism dates back to 1842, is a spectacle in itself, featuring the fascinating procession of the Apostles, faithful to the 12:30 appointment.

But this exploration doesn't stop at the cathedral! During this 1h30 immersion tour, not only will you discover the wonders of this edifice, but you'll also venture out into the surrounding area, where each building rivals the others in beauty and history.

Book your visit now and discover or rediscover Strasbourg through its eternal stones! This guided tour will be a discovery you won't soon forget.

• Average duration 1h30
• Languages spoken French
• Difficulty Suitable for all

From 05.09.2023 to 24.11.2023

• Full price: €9.5
• Duo offer: €17 (€8.5 per ticket)
• Reduced rate Students, Strasbourg City Card holders, jobseekers, children’s tours (all participants): €6
• Children under 12: free
• Guided tour of Strasbourg Cathedral and its surroundings
• February, March and November: Fridays at 3pm
• April: 14, 21 and 28/04 at 3pm
• May and June: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3pm
• July and August: daily at 3pm
• September and October: Tuesdays at 3pm

Meeting point: In front of the Tourist Office - Place de la Cathédrale - 67000 Strasbourg.

For more information, please go to the footer in the 'Legal information' section or go directly to the page: Rights and obligations

• Discover all the little and big secrets of Strasbourg's Notre-Dame Cathedral
• An unusual, immersive experience in one of France's most emblematic cathedrals
• An opportunity to admire the magnificent buildings surrounding the cathedral

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Office de tourisme de Strasbourg et sa Région

Welcome to Strasbourg! There are a thousand and one ways to (re)discover the capital of Alsace, and this is what we want to show to all the curious through our program of guided walking tours (for individuals) with a guide-lecturer. Strasbourg is a two-thousand-year-old city with a unique cultural and architectural heritage. The Grande Ile and Neustadt districts, which have witnessed the city's evolution since the Middle Ages, are monumental ensembles of remarkable quality, both of which are classified as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Walking through the streets of the city, marvelling at the prodigious Notre-Dame cathedral, observing the variety of its architecture, is to set off on a journey through time, to meet the events and people who have shaped it and contributed to its influence. History, architecture, gastronomy, modern and contemporary art, famous men and women, legends, unusual anecdotes, visits by day, by night, in summer, at Christmas... there is something for everyone. Even children are not left out, with a dedicated program during the short school vacations. In total, there are about sixty different themes, presented throughout the year, which allow you to discover our beautiful city in a new light. Whatever the theme chosen, we guarantee that no one will be disappointed by what they learn. All our guided tours are conducted by professionally certified guides. We hope that these tours will make you appreciate Strasbourg (even more) and wish you many wonderful discoveries!

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Discovery menu in 4 acts at the Restaurant Au Crocodile

Respecting and protecting nature, favouring short supply chains, putting women and men at the heart of the experience, prioritising environmentally friendly practices, discovering the sharing economy and more. We share all of these values in Grand Est, and they are the basis of responsible and sustainable tourism.

This offering is fully in line with these values. By booking it, you contribute to supporting more sustainable and responsible tourism. What’s not to like?

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We’re proud to be part of the Free Tour Community, a group of top-rated local and independent tour initiatives in over 80 cities worldwide, offering quality-oriented tours led by local guides.

Free Walking Tours & Private Guided Tours

WE ARE PROUD OF OUR REWARDS

Private Guided Tours

Happy Strasbourg also offers private, customisable guided tours, for team building, family trip, bunch of friends, or even to simply enjoy your own private guide! We offer guided tours in English, French, or German for your pleasure.

Professionals

Happy Strasbourg also works with travel agencies, we can adapt our tours to your programs and provide several guides at once for large groups.

Our Philosophy

In the Happy Strasbourg Team we have our own way to see things :

We are independent

We value our philosophy very much, therefore, in order to respect it, we remain independent, not affiliated to any organization other than us. For our love for Strasbourg we would not tolerate any compromise. And as such every tip, story and/or recommendation is inspired by the will to share the best bits of Strasbourg, the way we like it.

100% local guaranteed !

Because who could introduce you to the city better than the people living in it, and knowing the local culture from the inside? And as such we are able to give all the tips about what to do and where to go. Anne, Gabriel, Gustave, Leo, Matthias, Remy, Thomas and Viviane were raised in Alsace, fed by alsatian food, immersed in local culture since childhood, we are ambassadors of our region.

Every tour is different

Because each of our guides created his own tour, regarding his own interests, specialities and personality. We are no robots, and therefore, each one has his own unique way to guide a tour and present things. And of course every one of you is different and we adapt our tours to our guests, because we love to exchange and interact with you!

Because while being fun-loving and openhearted, we take our job seriously and professionally, we give you the best of ourselves each and every guided tour, and try to answer every possible question, adapting ourselves to your interests and knowledge.

Because we love our city and we love sharing it. We are eager to talk about everything and would hate to be boring, even for a minute.

You are 100% free

Y ou can join our free tours whenever you want, no need to book, and you are free to leave whenever you want as well.

We are united

Happy Strasbourg is a member of the Free Tour Community , whose members are all local and independent initiatives, all operating under the “name your own price” model. Its new members are selected by current members on quality criteria, the most obvious of which is the overall rating given on sites like Tripadvisor. In this community we remain independent of each other, but we are committed to supporting each other to provide the highest quality cultural experiences and to promote the concept of free tours around the world. The idea is that by helping each other we all become better.

Was very nice to make the tour with Mathias. He really knows a lot about the city and it's history.

here's the thing - I was coming from Venice where I thought I had met the best guide ever and even though Strasbourg is a city you can't get to ... read more know in 2 hours, I was amazed by Matias' knowledge, language, skills and knowledge! He knew amazing things that were completely off-topic (example questions from people: which buildings were the tallest after the cathedral - he knew). He spoke clearly, without accent and loudly. I would give it 6/5 if possible! Give him a chance and he will charm you!

Mattias was a good and inspirational tourguide

Ann did our tour and we loved it! She is an enthusiast and fun guide who knows very well every bit of the city. Also, she added her own experience ... read more and perspective which made it even better. Thank you Ann!

A great tour of Petite France. There were lots of stories that make up the overall area with facts. Gabriel is a very nice and knowledgeable your. Highly recommend to ... read more orient yourself with the city.

on Tripadvisor

Our latest articles

The Mid-2021 news

by Gabriel | Jun 1, 2021

First of all, we will resume on Wednesday, June 9th. From that date until June 30th, we will be offering the Original Tour in English EVERY DAY at 14h30 (2:30pm) as before. Saturdays and Sundays you can enjoy the Petite France Tour in English at 11h (11:00am)

Statue’s secrets – Kléber

by Happy Strasbourg | May 7, 2021

HistoryAdresses Statue's secrets - Kléber May 7th 2021, by Remy Strasbourg city center is home to some pretty statues. Yet the inhabitants sometimes pay little attention to them. Of course, as we pass by them every day, they are now part of our daily routines and we...

The half-timbered style

by Gabriel | Mar 31, 2021

Let’s talk a little about Alsatian houses, the half-timbered houses (maisons à colombage) also referred to in French as the houses with timber frame panels or studwork. This “colombage” allows us to add this monument to the five “C’s” of Alsace.. which, of course, work better in French : cathédrale (easy enough), choucroute (=sauerkraut), cigogne (=stork), coiffe (=headdress) and colombage (=half-timbering).

The Battle of Hausbergen

by Gabriel | Mar 8, 2021

The Battle of Hausbergen, an important event in the history of Strasbourg. And what better time than March 8th to do a little historical reminder? Yes, because it was on March 8th of the year 1262 that took place this battle which was to change the fate of Strasbourg.

Best thing to do and see in Strasbourg

Strasbourg is one of the most important cities in France , after Paris, Marseille or Lyon. It is located in the eastern part of the country, very close to the border with Germany, it is the capital of the region in which it is located, the Great East and has the privilege of hosting the headquarters of the European Parliament . In addition, its location makes the city a very peculiar mixture of German-French cultures, differing from most French cities. The most prominent element of the city is the Notre-Dame Cathedral and located in the historic center declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988. At the architectural level it is Gothic style that also usually offers shows around its astronomical clock, in addition to be able to admire the views it offers from its spire of the Rhine River as well as the entire city. When defining a tour of this city, it is very useful to have the advice of local experts who can guide you and teach you the history and culture of the most important points of interest. This is what happens when we do a free walking tour in Strasbourg with a local guide, who can also recommend where to eat, where to buy souvenirs or how to get around the city. The essential places you should visit should try to be ordered, so you can go walking without having to go around absurdly. For example, you could take a tour where you started seeing the Cathedral, then you will pass by the Kammerzell House, nearby you will find the Rohan Palace Museum, as well as the Plaza du Marché Gayot. If you cross the river, you will reach the German quarter where the Republic Square is located and following that side of the river you arrive at the Palace of Justice. Once this spectacular building, you can go back to the island to see the Town Hall (Hôtel de ville or the Hôtel de Hanau) as well as the churches of San Pedro el Joven and San Pedro el Viejo to end up going to the Petite France neighborhood in which the Church of Santo Tomás stands out. Finally, we recommend that you do not forget the European neighborhood where you will see the Parliament building, as well as the European Court of Human Rights. One of the alternatives that those who do a free tour in Strasbourg usually look forward to is taking a boat ride that takes them mostly through the Historic District and the European quarter. In addition, local cuisine always accompanies the entire tour, helping travelers to gain strength, as well as to enjoy local specialties.

Free walking tour near Strasbourg

Others cities to visit after strasbourg, find other guruwalks in strasbourg, where are you traveling to.

Self-guided and interactive tour of Strasbourg  

Book your pack

Full access to the mobile application with the interactive tour of the city

A backpack with 6 Alsatian souvenirs items

A map of the city

Visit of the interior of the cathedral

Works offline

English, French, German and Spanish

About the tour

Explore the city with family or friends, let our application guide you! Discover its buildings, its history, its legends and its secrets. Play together! Take quizzes and observation challenges. Your answers will unlock 6 surprises from the backpack, objects and local products selected in collaboration with Alsatian craftsmen and companies! PRICE PER GROUP! Share 1 pack containing 6 surprises. All group members can download the application. Totally FLEXIBLE : take a break when you feel like it and then continue the exploration! Take the tour whenever you want! The pack can be picked up at the tourist office, open every day. Check the opening hours of the tourist office of Strasbourg Audioguide included! Read the texts or listen to the audio comments. Offline mode included! Take the tour without internet connection after unlocking the application with your email and password. It is possible to download the audio commentary before the tour so that it is available without internet access in the city.

A cultural, innovative and fun experience!

If you have some questions you can visit our faq to get answers follow this link, display problem follow this link.

Self Guided City Audio Tour in Strasbourg

• Audio guide app for iPhone and Android
• Offline map with route for easy GPS navigation
• 19 audio recordings about the sights of Strasbourg
• Illustrations to recognize the landmark
• Food and drinks
• Pont Kuss, Rue du Maire Kuss, 67000 Strasbourg, France Please, start the tour from the Pont Kuss bridge, and launch the mobile app with an audio tour.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Cathedrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg
• Église Saint-Thomas
• Barrage Vauban
• Église Protestante Saint-Pierre-le-Vieux
• Pont Du Faisan

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Pont Kuss Rue du Maire Kuss, 67000 Strasbourg, France Please, start the tour from the Pont Kuss bridge, and launch the mobile app with an audio tour. See address & details
• 1 Eglise Protestante Saint-Pierre-le-Vieux Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 2 Place Benjamin Zix Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 3 Pont Du Faisan Stop: 7 minutes See details
• 4 Petite-France Stop: 10 minutes See details Pass by Barrage Vauban
• 5 Ponts Couverts de Strasbourg Stop: 6 minutes See details
• 6 Pont Saint-Martin Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 7 Eglise Saint-Thomas Stop: 7 minutes See details
• 8 Place Gutenberg Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 9 Rue Mercière Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 10 Cathedrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg Stop: 10 minutes See details
• You'll return to the starting point

More to explore in Strasbourg

Self Guided City Audio Tour in Strasbourg provided by TouringBee - Strasbourg

Strasbourg City Center Guided Bike Tour W/ Local Guide

Winding through the cobbled streets of Strasbourg on a guided bike tour is akin to unraveling a tapestry of history and culture. Each pedal stroke reveals a new thread of the city’s narrative. As the local guide shares tales of the past, participants are transported back in time to witness the evolution of this charming French-German gem.

But what lies beyond the surface of these stories? Explore the hidden gems and untold secrets of Strasbourg ‘s heart on this immersive journey that promises a deeper understanding of its soul.

Other bike experiences happening nearby

• Electric Bike Rental 4 Hours
• Bike Ride on the Wine Route From Sélestat

Just The Basics

• Explore Strasbourg’s City Center on a 2-hour bike tour with a knowledgeable local guide.
• Discover key landmarks like the Old Town and Neustadt district while gaining insights into the city’s history.
• Enjoy a highly rated tour experience with positive traveler reviews emphasizing educational and enjoyable aspects.
• Convenient logistics with hotel pickup, drop-off , and specific meeting instructions provided for a seamless experience.

Here's some more nearby activities we've reviewed

• Strasbourg Traditional Food Tour – Do Eat Better Experience
• Strasbourg Private Walking Tour
• Day Trip: Colmar, Haut-Koenigsbourg, Riquewihr and Kaysersberg
• 2-Hour Strasbourg Euro Tour by Segway

Tour Details

Discover the intricacies of the Strasbourg City Center Bike Tour through its comprehensive tour details.

The 2-hour bike route covers key landmarks such as the Old Town and Neustadt district, providing historical insights into Strasbourg’s rich past.

With pricing starting from $43.20, participants are accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide who enhances the experience.

The tour includes the use of bicycles and offers hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience.

While food and drinks aren’t provided, the focus remains on exploring the city center with informative commentary.

This tour is ideal for those interested in delving into the historical and cultural fabric of Strasbourg while enjoying an active and engaging experience.

Meeting and Pickup

To ensure a smooth start to the Strasbourg City Center Bike Tour, participants should make their way to the designated meeting location at 10 Pl. d’Austerlitz, 67000 Strasbourg, France , ready for a 2:00 PM departure. Specific instructions for the meeting point will be provided to ensure easy identification.

Transportation logistics are convenient, with the tour starting and ending at the same location, offering simplicity for participants. The central location of the meeting point adds to the tour’s accessibility and ease of coordination.

Once gathered at the meeting spot, participants can look forward to a seamless transition into the biking experience, setting the tone for an informative and enjoyable exploration of Strasbourg’s key landmarks.

The bike tour through Strasbourg City Center covers iconic landmarks, providing a fascinating glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture.

Immerse in History: Explore the enchanting Old Town and learn about its medieval heritage.

Architectural Marvels: Witness the grandeur of the Neustadt district’s impressive buildings.

Notre Dame de Strasbourg: Admire the stunning cathedral’s intricate design and history.

Cultural Insights : Gain a deeper understanding of daily life in Strasbourg through local perspectives.

Strasbourg Opera House: Discover the elegance of this historic venue and its significance in the city’s cultural scene.

Traveler Reviews

Visitors on the Strasbourg City Center Bike Tour have consistently praised the knowledgeable guides and unique experiences offered during the journey.

The tour has garnered a highly rated 5.0 overall rating, with positive feedback highlighting the educational and enjoyable aspects. Traveler reviews emphasize the local insights provided by the guides, allowing participants to explore the cultural exploration of Strasbourg.

Past participants have recommended the tour for visitors interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the city’s history and daily life. The combination of insightful commentary and visits to key landmarks like Notre Dame de Strasbourg and the Strasbourg Opera House creates a comprehensive tour experience that leaves a lasting impression on those exploring the city center by bike.

Additional Information

Praised for its comprehensive and insightful experience, the Strasbourg City Center Bike Tour offers additional information to enhance participants’ understanding of the tour logistics and inclusions.

Detailed Logistics: From hotel pickup and drop-off to specific meeting instructions, the tour ensures a hassle-free experience.

Insider Tour Insights : Gain a deeper understanding of Strasbourg’s history and daily life through the local guide’s expertise.

Personalized Experience: Tailored to cover key landmarks like the Old Town and Neustadt district, creating a memorable journey.

Safety Measures: Ensuring a secure biking experience with well-maintained bicycles and adherence to traffic rules.

Participant Reviews: Positive feedback highlighting the tour’s educational and enjoyable aspects, guaranteeing a worthwhile exploration of Strasbourg.

Cycling through the heart of Strasbourg, the tour showcases iconic landmarks and hidden gems, providing a dynamic exploration of the city center.

The scenic routes wind through picturesque streets, offering breathtaking views of the city’s architectural wonders. Participants pedal past the enchanting Old Town, where timber-framed houses line the cobblestone lanes, and venture into the Neustadt district, known for its grandiose buildings and spacious avenues.

Notable highlights include the impressive Notre Dame de Strasbourg cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and the elegant Strasbourg Opera House.

The tour encapsulates the essence of Strasbourg, offering a perfect blend of historical insights and modern charm while immersing visitors in the rich culture and vibrant atmosphere of this enchanting city.

Pedaling through the heart of Strasbourg on the city center bike tour offers an immersive and enriching experience that unveils the essence of this captivating destination. Visitors can expect to be captivated by:

• Local Insights : Gain insider knowledge from a knowledgeable guide.
• Cultural Exploration : Enjoy the rich culture and history of Strasbourg.
• Hidden Gems: Discover off-the-beaten-path sites that reveal the city’s charm.
• Interactive Learning: Engage in a hands-on exploration of Strasbourg’s heritage.
• Personal Connections: Connect with the locals and experience the city from a unique perspective.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we have reviewed.

• Wine Tasting and Immersive Cellar Tour
• Strasbourg Like a Local Customized Private Guided Walking Tour
• BOAT ALSACE Visit Strasbourg in a Private BOAT Captain
• Alsace Tour : Wine Tasting, Villages & Castle Visits With Friendly Tesla Driver
• Selfguided and Interactive Tour of Strasbourg
• Strasbourg Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour

Common questions

Are Helmets Provided During the Bike Tour?

Safety is a top priority during the tour, ensuring participants’ well-being. Proper equipment , including helmets , is provided for each guest. This precaution enhances the overall experience, allowing visitors to explore Strasbourg comfortably and securely.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participants on the Bike Tour?

For participants on the bike tour, there might be age restrictions . Parental consent could be necessary for minors. It’s essential to check specific tour details regarding age requirements to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available Along the Tour Route?

Restroom facilities are available along the tour route, ensuring convenience for participants. Cycling breaks may be scheduled at points where these facilities are accessible, offering comfort and necessary amenities for a seamless experience.

What Happens in Case of Bad Weather During the Bike Tour?

In case of bad weather during the bike tour, alternative activities may be arranged, such as exploring indoor attractions or adjusting the itinerary. The tour operator ensures a contingency plan is in place for a rainy day to ensure an engaging experience.

Is There an Option to Rent Electric Bikes for the Tour?

Electric bike rentals are available, providing eco-friendly transportation options. They offer a convenient and sustainable way to explore Strasbourg during the guided bike tour. Experience the city center with ease and reduce your carbon footprint.

Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

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• Personal Taxi Driver Strasbourg Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport (Cdg)
• Discover the Secrets of Strasbourg While Playing! Escape Room
• Private Taxi Driver Strasbourg Train Station to City Center
• Private Transport Car With Driver Strasbourg Erstein
• Private Photo Session With a Local Photographer in Strasbourg
• Strasbourg Walking Tour for Couples
• Taxi Private Driver Strasbourg – Haguenau
• Taxi Shuttle Private Chauffeur Strasbourg – Europa-Park
• Strasbourg & Christmas Market Private Familial Guided Tour
• Private Driver Taxi Strasbourg – Paris

To sum it up, the City Center Guided Bike Tour in Strasbourg offers a fantastic way to explore the city’s top attractions with a knowledgeable local guide.

With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, visitors can explore the rich history of Strasbourg while cycling through its charming streets.

Don’t miss out on this immersive and enjoyable experience that has received rave reviews from travelers seeking a unique way to discover the beauty of Strasbourg.

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One day in strasbourg: a free, self-guided walking tour.

Are you wondering what to do in just one day in Strasbourg? As I visited this gorgeous city on a day trip from Colmar this is where I can help you.

Hit the ground running with my Strasbourg self-guided walking tour. On a two-mile stroll, you’ll discover the best things to see in this historic city and I’ve included a free map to guide you.

Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . Read the full disclosure here .

IN THIS ARTICLE

Why You Should Visit Strasbourg

Strasbourg is one of my favourite solo travel destinations in France and one of its prettiest cities.

Its historic city centre, the Grande Île, is a  UNESCO World Heritage site . Steeped in history, between 1681 and 1914 its ownership see-sawed between Germany and France, the legacy of which can be seen in its architecture, food and language.

Many streets have two signs: one in French, the other in German. The local Alsatian language, a Germanic dialect, is spoken by some residents.

A Strasbourg Self-Guided Walking Tour + Map

• Walking distance:  2 miles
• Walking time:  45 minutes

It’s easy to explore Strasbourg in a day on a self-guided walking tour. As the historic heart of the city is spread over a small area, it’s very walkable and the list of must-see sights is modest.

Here’s my Strasbourg walking tour map to guide you. For an interactive map with walking directions, or to send to your phone, click here or on the image.

Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathèdrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg)

From the train station, it’s an easy 15-minute walk to the Cathedral, the first stop on our Strasbourg walking tour.

Standing on the site of a Roman temple, Cathèdrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg is unabashed Gothic splendour. Its 142-meter tower rises above the city like an exclamation mark and for four centuries it was considered to be the tallest building in the world.

As Hitler had his beady eye on its magnificent  stained glass  windows, they were placed in salt mines during WW2. The rose window above the main entrance is particularly striking.

When you visit the cathedral, don’t leave without paying your respects to the  sculpture of the dog  in the pulpit. It is said that when the Geiler of Kayserberg preached from this pulpit, he was always accompanied by his faithful friend. As his sermons were often long and earnest, his dog would often have forty winks.

His hound now sleeps for eternity. Legend has it that if you rub his nose, good luck and blessings will come your way.

For a small fee, you can climb the 332 steps of a spiral staircase to a viewing platform for views over the city and beyond. The cathedral’s famed astronomical clock whirrs into action Mon-Sat at 12.30 pm.

Before moving on, step into Rue Merciere , the best spot for taking a photo of the cathedral.

La Petite France

Located at the western end of the Grand Île, La Petite France dates from the Middle Ages. This was once the city’s industrial heart, home to its millers, tanners and fishermen.

It is here that you will find the largest concentration of Strasbourg’s candy-coloured,  half-timbered buildings , dating from the 16 th  and 17 th  Centuries.

Ponts Couverts

The Ponts Couverts is a set of four towers and three bridges dating from the mid-13 th  Century.

Originally built as a defence for Strasbourg, they were eventually superseded by the Barrage Vauban over 400 years later.

Their name comes from the wooden roof that originally covered the bridge to protect the defenders stationed there. Although the roof was torn down at the end of the 18 th  Century, the name remains.

Barrage Vauban

Barrage Vauban, the next stop on our Strasbourg walking tour, is a stone’s throw from the Ponts Couverts. This is a bridge, weir and defence which was built in the 17 th  Century.

To be honest, it is an unremarkable building and today houses artworks. But climb the 60 steps to its  terrace  for terrific views of La Petite France and the Ponts Couverts.

Strasbourg’s Street Art

On your way back to the station, keep an eye out for street art on the city’s walls and buildings. If you are interested in exploring this in more depth, take a look at this  Strasbourg street art interactive map .

How to Get to Strasbourg

Strasbourg has excellent rail connections to cities in France and other European destinations. Thanks to a direct high-speed train link, it is possible to visit Strasbourg as a day trip from Paris in under two hours.

Strasbourg has a small international  airport , 10 km west of the city centre. It is also a popular stop on  Rhine cruises .

How to Get Around Strasbourg

As Strasbourg‘s main attractions are close to each other, walking is your best option. For areas that are further out, there’s the city’s bus and tram system.

When to Visit Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg is a year-round destination and the best time to visit will depend on what you would like to do there.

With warm and sunny days,  summer  is a good time to visit Strasbourg. The city hosts its famous Light Show in July and August. When I visited in September, the weather was perfect.

Autumn  brings cooler temperatures but fewer crowds.

Winter  in Strasbourg can be cold and frosty but visitor numbers peak again with the arrival of the Christmas markets.

You have a greater chance of seeing rain if you visit Strasbourg in  spring . However, the city is quieter and the flowers will be in full bloom.

Strasbourg’s Christmas markets  usually run from late November until Christmas. Spread across 11 sites in the city, its Christmas markets are amongst the best in Europe. After Christmas, only the stalls at Place de la Cathédrale, Place du Château and Place du Marché-aux-Poissons remain open.

If You Have More Than One Day in Strasbourg

More time in Strasbourg? Consider taking a 70-minute boat tour  of the Rhine Canal. Or linger for longer in La Petite France, visiting a few of the winstubs.

Take a day trip to Colmar , one of the most gorgeous towns in France.

Strasbourg is an excellent base for exploring the villages and wineries of the Alsace region . Take it easy on yourself, by joining an organised tour of the Alsatian wine route .

Thank you for reading my guide to the best things to do in Strasbourg

I hope that my walking tour helps you have the best day in Strasbourg. It’s a beautiful and interesting city.

I visited Strasbourg as part of an Interrail trip through Switzerland and France, taking in the epic scenery of the Bernese Oberland , the Glacier Express train and the lakeside resort of Locarno . I’ve written this guide to using European rail passes and have weighed up the pros and cons of Interrail passes .

If you are travelling around Northern France, take a look at a few of my other guides:

• What to Do in One Day in Colmar: A Perfect Itinerary
• Solo Travel in France: Ultimate Guide & Best Places to Visit
• A Weekend in Normandy: Day Trips from Honfleur
• One Day in Lille, Northern France

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

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Anti-israel radicals share guide for taking over university buildings.

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A Big Apple anti-Israel group blasted out a how-to guide to seizing buildings as protests rocked universities in Manhattan .

Days after cops arrested over 100 Columbia University students and cleared a large anti-Israel encampment at its upper Manhattan campus, The Peoples Park radicals posted “The Do-It-Yourself Occupation Guide” on its Instagram account, which has 2,300 followers.

“We are sharing educational-only materials on tactical skills like holding down occupations *inside* of university buildings,” read the post , originally penned by the group Palestine Action US, which featured the hashtag “EscalateForGaza.”

The 32-page booklet details tips for breaking into abandoned and commercial buildings; diagrams and step-by-step guides for barricading doors; and advice for how to maintain control of an occupied space.

When “less-destructive methods [for entering a space] don’t work, more aggressive options are abundant. Use a crowbar to open a window. Cheap Milgard latches and latches on older aluminum windows often break in place,” the guide suggests.

It also included tips for how to create shields out of trash cans for protesters to defend themselves during a march onto a property, and advice for handling different alarm systems. 

“We look ahead to when we enter the buildings, take over the streets, and occupy the city,” the text reads. 

“To do this we need to further cultivate the various techniques of occupation that have been put on the table for building takeovers.” 

City Council Minority Leader Joseph Borelli tore into student demonstrators looking to further ratchet up tensions with their anti-Israel protests on campus. 

“These trust fund troopers and future cat ladies should go to Gaza with their homemade trashcan shields and barricades,” he quipped. “I’m embarrassed for their parents, especially ones working second jobs so their loser kid can go act a fool.” 

The Peoples Park and Palestine Action US did not respond to requests for comment.

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