Strasbourg in 2 days: day-by-day itinerary

Strasbourg fits in a weekend: an old town surrounded by water, half-timbered houses, a stunning Gothic cathedral and Alsace's French-German mix on the plate. In December it becomes the 'Capital of Christmas'.

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Day 1. Cathedral, boat and Petite France

  1. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg

    One of Europe's great Gothic cathedrals. Inside is the astronomical clock, whose parade of figures runs at 12:30 with a ticket; climb to the platform (66 m) for the view.

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  2. Maison Kammerzell

    The most famous half-timbered house, with a carved wooden façade. Its restaurant serves choucroute, the local classic.

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  3. Palais Rohan

    An 18th-century palace next to the cathedral, home to three museums (decorative arts, fine arts and archaeology).

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  4. Batorama (embarcadère Palais Rohan)

    A boat tour of just over an hour loops around the Grande Île and goes through the Petite France locks.

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  5. La Petite France

    The old tanners' and millers' quarter, with canals and half-timbered houses. Beautiful at dusk.

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💡 Try tarte flambée (flammekueche) and an Alsace white wine in a winstub, the traditional taverns.

Day 2. Bridges, squares and the Neustadt

  1. Ponts Couverts

    Three medieval towers that once guarded where the river enters the city.

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  2. Barrage Vauban

    A 17th-century dam with a free panoramic terrace: the best view of the Ponts Couverts with the cathedral behind.

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  3. Place Kléber

    The main square, home to the giant lit-up Christmas tree in December.

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  4. Place Broglie

    The Christkindelsmärik has been held here since 1570: France's oldest Christmas market.

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  5. Place de la République

    The late-19th-century German quarter, a World Heritage Site with the Grande Île, with grand avenues and monumental buildings.

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  6. Parc de l'Orangerie

    The city's oldest park, next to the European institutions. A calm end to the trip.

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Practical tips

  • The centre is walkable; for longer trips there's the tram and an excellent cycle network.
  • In December book your stay well ahead: it's peak season.
  • Colmar and the Alsace Wine Route are under an hour away by train or car if you have an extra day.
  • During the Christmas market there are security checks into the centre; allow extra time at peak hours.

Frequently asked questions

Are 2 days enough for Strasbourg?

Yes: the Grande Île, Petite France and the Neustadt fit well in two days. With a third, visit Colmar or the Wine Route villages.

When is the Strasbourg Christmas market?

It usually opens in late November and runs until 24 December, with stalls spread over several squares in the centre.

When can you see the astronomical clock?

The parade of figures is at 12:30. You need a ticket for that session, and places are limited.

Make it yours

Plannit builds an itinerary around your interests and dates, with a map, photos and transport between stops.

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Opening hours and rules can change: check the official websites before you go.