Strasbourg, France Travel Guide: Half-Timbered Homes, Canal Cruises and Easy Day Trips
One direct flight from Tampa and one train ride will get you to Alsace, a storybook region in eastern France near the German border.
At the heart of it is Strasbourg, a city shaped by both French and German influences and best known as the “Capital of Christmas.” While it draws global attention in the winter for its famous markets, Strasbourg is just as charming year-round. In the summer, it’s extra easy to explore winding cobblestone streets, canals, and rows of historic half-timbered homes.
1. Climb Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg)
Start your time in Strasbourg at the cathedral, where 332 steps lead to the best view in the city. The platform sits about 216 feet above the ground, and on clear days, you can see for miles. The cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988.
Be sure to spend time exploring the interior as well. Inside, you will find the Renaissance astronomical clock, whose mechanism dates to 1842. It is a masterpiece in its own right, and every day at 12:30 p.m., visitors can watch a parade of the apostles.
2. Learn local lore on a walking tour
Dive deeper into Strasbourg’s history, cultural significance, and architecture on a walking tour. I highly recommend the “Welcome to Strasbourg! Walking Tour” with Kevin through Viator.
Over the course of two hours, Kevin guided our small group through the city, with stops at Pont Saint-Thomas, Place Kléber, and Place Broglie. One of the highlights was learning more about Petite France, Strasbourg’s most picturesque neighborhood.
2. Go on a river boat tour
Seeing Strasbourg from the water is one of the best ways to take in the city. On a tour with Batorama, the official boat operator, you’ll have panoramic views from glass-covered boats as you cruise through the canals. All guests are provided with an earpiece for the narrated tour, and you can select your language.
On the red tour, you’ll travel from the city center toward the European district, passing landmarks like the European Parliament and the Council of Europe. Strasbourg was chosen in 1949 as the seat of the Council of Europe in the spirit of post-war European reconciliation, and the area remains a symbol of unity today.
4. Stay in a traditional Alsatian house
Feel immersed in the history of Strasbourg by staying in a traditional half-timbered Alsatian home.
My Airbnb, known as Hélène’s House, was in a building more than 300 years old. It has been beautifully updated while still retaining the charm of classic Alsatian architecture, with exposed wooden beams and cozy, compact spaces.
5. Enjoy easy day trips from Strasbourg
One of the best parts of staying in Strasbourg is how easy it is to take day trips. The train station is within walking distance of the city center, making it simple to explore beyond the city.
Colmar, one of the most picturesque towns in Alsace, is just a 30-minute train ride away and makes for an easy day trip. Its “Little Venice” area is one of the most photographed spots in France, with colorful houses lining the canals. Boat tours are popular here, but be sure to bring cash.
Basel, Switzerland is just over an hour from Strasbourg by train. Known as Switzerland’s cultural capital, it feels noticeably different from Strasbourg. I especially enjoyed listening to this free audio tour and walking through the historic Old Town.
