One Day In Strasbourg Itinerary: Local’s Guide (2024)
Do you have one day in Strasbourg and wonder what the best things to do in Strasbourg in one day are?
I’ve got you covered!
I lived in Strasbourg for about 2 years exploring every corner of this picturesque city. However, I understand that most people will have limited time to discover the city.
Strasbourg is a perfect day trip destination with colorful, half-timbered houses, romantic walks by the canals, and lively student nightlife.
Whether you’re backpacking France or visiting Strasbourg on a day trip, this Strasbourg one day itinerary covers everything you need for a perfect day in Strasbourg, including what to see, where to stay, and how to visit Strasbourg on a budget!
Keep reading to learn how to make the most of one day in Strasbourg!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. I hope you find the information here helpful!
Is One Day In Strasbourg Enough?
The historic center of Strasbourg is small and compact. Hence, it is possible to see all the main highlights in one day.
Depending on your tempo, and the weather conditions, it is likely you will be able to see everything on this itinerary!
However, you likely won’t have enough time for any day trips from Strasbourg to explore the rest of the Alsace region.
Alsace region is a region like no other in France! You will notice the German influence as soon as you arrive, as the region changed nationalities in every French-German conflict in the past 300 years.
Therefore, Alsatians developed a strong regional identity. Alsace even has its language – Alsatian, a language closer to German than French!
What To Do In Strasbourg For One Day?
Discovering Strasbourg in one day might seem rushed if you are the type of person who likes to take their time and soak in the atmosphere of the place.
I’ve lived in the city for two years, and I was still looking around in awe every time I walked into the city center!
You don’t have to follow this itinerary in a specific order. Everything in the city center is within walking distance. Perfect for a day trip to Strasbourg!
- If you are on a tight schedule, joining this “Strasbourg City Center Guided Bike Tour with a Local” guarantees you’ll hit all Strasbourg highlights, in a true Strasbourg style – by bike!
1. Go On A Free Walking Tour
My favorite thing to do in a new city is to join a free walking tour. If there is a free walking tour at my destination, I make sure to go and familiarize myself with the new place.
I use it as an introduction to a place and revisit the locations alone to enjoy and appreciate them without being rushed.
I loved the free walking tour I went on in Strasbourg. The tour lasted just under 2 hours, and I learned so much about the city in that short time.
The guide was very knowledgeable and friendly and pointed out many details and trivia about the city that I wouldn’t have known otherwise!
🚶Browse all free walking tours in Strasbourg!
2. Explore la Petite France
La Petite France, with its colorful, half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets will make you feel like you stepped into a fairytale.
If you don’t join a free walking tour, I suggest you spend a significant part of your time in Strasbourg here. It is the most picturesque area of the city, with numerous little streets to explore.
Maison Tanneurs in La Petite France is one of the oldest buildings in the city, built in 1572. Today, it houses a traditional Alsatian Winstub restaurant.
3. Admire Vauban Dam and Covered Bridges
Vauban Dam and Ponts Couvert are part of La Petite France.
Covered bridges might sound confusing, as they are not currently covered. However, they used to be covered with wooden roofs to protect them from attackers. Hence, the name Ponts Couverts. They consist of three bridges and four towers dating back to the 13th century.
Vauban Dam, built in the 17th century, served as a defense mechanism. Today, you can walk through the passage and climb the panoramic terrasse for a stunning view of La Petite France. The entrance is free!
4. Visit Strasbourg Cathedral
Strasbourg Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city. The construction of the Cathedral started in the 11th century and ultimately finished in 1439.
At 142 meters tall, it was the tallest building in the world from 1647 to 1874!
It is truly a fascinating architectural piece, and you could spend a while admiring all the details on the facade.
The Cathedral is equally as stunning inside as it is on the outside. Inside the Cathedral, you will find the Astronomical Clock. The main attraction is the animated figures that come to life every day at 12:30.
Climb the Cathedral viewing platform for the best view of the city and the Alsace region. Check the prices and the opening hours of the viewing platform here.
5. Wander the cobblestone streets of Grand Ill
I love Strasbourg’s architecture, so I suggest you take your time to enjoy strolling the cobblestone streets of the city center.
Check out the Kammerzell House on Cathedral Square, the oldest house in Strasbourg. It was built in 1427 and is one of the most well-preserved medieval civil housing buildings in late Gothic architecture.
Rue du Maroquin is the most photographed spot during the Christmas markets, thanks to the stuffed bears decorating the buildings!
La Place du Marché Gayot is another cute square lined with terraces filled with locals as the days get warmer.
6. Have a Bretzel!
Unfortunately, most Alsatian food, like tarte flambée, is not vegan. However, one vegan Alsatian snack is Bretzel! You can find them in every bakery, and during the Christmas market, they are displayed on nearly every food stand.
7. Walk Along The Canals Or Go On A Cruise
Once you had your snack or lunch, walk along the canal. It is usually a peaceful walk, with not that many people.
It is a free version of a canal cruise!
Alternatively, you can also join the Strasbourg boat tour and see the city from a different perspective.
8. Visit European Institutions (optional)
Strasbourg is the capital of Europe. European Parliament and the Council of Europe both have their seat here.
The European institutions are somewhat outside the city center, so depending on your interest and time, they are not a must-see. But, if you have time, they are an integral part of the city’s identity.
However, I might be biased, as that is why I ended up in Strasbourg in the first place!
If you rent a bike or join the Strasbourg City Center Guided Bike Tour with a Local, you can easily add European institutions to your Strasbourg itinerary.
9. Try Alsatian Wine
If you are a wine lover, you must know that the Alsace region is famous for its wine. If wine tasting is out of the budget, grab at least one glass and enjoy it on a terrace in La Petite France.
Alsace region is famous for its Reisling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris!
10. Have the best vegan kebab in Végéman
I can’t end this itinerary without mentioning the best vegan fast food in Strasbourg – Végéman is my favorite spot for a simple dinner or lunch.
11. Grab a drink at Place Austerlitz
End your day in Strasbourg the way locals do! Grab a drink on the terrace of one of the many bars in the city center.
Place Austerlitz is a great place for happy hour drinks!
More Things To Do In Strasbourg
Depending on your pace and interests, you might want to discover more of the city.
If you plan to visit many paid attractions, it is worth considering the Strasbourg pass. It is valid for 7 days and gives you free entrance to many tourist attractions in the city.
Another popular tourist activity in Strasbourg is the Boat Tour. I did not try it, but it is on my list of things to do.
Alternatively, you can rent a boat and explore the canals yourself!
However, if you have two days in Strasbourg, the best thing to do is to explore more of the Alsace region.
It is one of the most beautiful regions in France, and you could easily spend a whole week in the region of vineyards and the most beautiful villages in France.
Some of the best day trips from Strasbourg are:
- visiting Colmar and the picturesque Alsatian villages of Riquewihr, Ribeauville and Eguisheim
If you visit Alsace in the autumn, you should take advantage of wine tasting in wineries along the Alsace wine route.
- For more unique ideas on what to do in Strasbourg, check out my Strasbourg in the summer article!
Best Time To Visit Strasbourg
Most activities in Strasbourg are not weather-specific, so it is possible to visit any time of the year and enjoy the city!
Yet, Strasbourg has two completely different high seasons.
The first one is spring and summer. Just like many other European destinations, it is a popular summer city break destination. The weather is perfect for exploring the region, and the wineries are open for wine tasting.
The second one is in December. As a self-proclaimed Capital of Christmas, Strasbourg goes all out at Christmas.
The whole city turns into a Christmas fairytale, and tourists flock to the city to enjoy France’s most famous Christmas market!
How To Get To Strasbourg
You can reach Strasbourg by air or land!
It is well connected by an extensive bus and railway network to the neighboring European countries. Strasbourg is close to 3 airports so you can pick the most affordable flight!
Traveling to Strasbourg by train
Strasbourg is well connected by train to Paris and other French cities and nearby European destinations. Thanks to the fast TGV train, you can visit Strasbourg on a day trip from Paris.
I love Omio to find and book trains, especially for international trips!
Traveling to Strasbourg by bus
If you visit Strasbourg in a true backpacker fashion, you can’t go cheaper than Flixbus.
With its extensive destinations network, you can visit Strasbourg by Flixbus from many nearby European destinations.
Flying into Strasbourg
Strasbourg has an international airport located 10 km west-southwest of the city. However, it is also easy to reach Strasbourg from Karlsruhe / Baden-Baden and Basel Airport!
Karlsruhe / Baden-Baden airport to Strasbourg: Firstly, take a bus 285 to Baden-Baden train station. The ride takes around 30 minutes. Then, take a train from Baden-Baden to Strasbourg.
Basel airport to Strasbourg: Firstly, take a bus to the Saint Louise train station. The bus takes less than 10 minutes. Then, take a train to Strasbourg!
- To keep the ticket price low, consider packing in a personal item only so you don’t pay baggage fees!
Getting Around Strasbourg
The best way to get around Strasbourg is on foot.
The historic centre is small and walkable, and this whole itinerary can be done by walking.
However, depending on Strasbourg’s unpredictable weather, you might need to use public transport to the European institutions or your accommodation.
Public transport in Strasbourg
Strasbourg public transport includes trams and buses. You can use Google maps to see which line you need to reach your destination.
One Aller simple ticket is valid for a single ride in one direction with or without connection. It will cost 2€ if you buy it on the bus, and 1,80€ if you buy it on a machine. You can find ticket machines at most tram stops.
If your accommodation is further from the city centre, you should consider a 24h ticket, or a 10 journey ticket. You can check out all ticket options on the CTS website.
When taking a tram, you validate your ticket on a validation pole at the tram station before entering the tram. You validate the bus ticket upon entering the bus.
Should you rent a bike in Strasbourg?
Renting a bike is a fantastic idea if you want to discover Strasbourg like a local and squeeze in some farther attractions, like the European Parliament and the European Court of Human Rights.
Strasbourg is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world! Bike is the preferred transportation of the locals, and bike lanes are everywhere.
You can join the Strasbourg City Center Guided Bike Tour to discover the city on a bike with a guide, or just rent a bike on your own.
It is super simple to rent a bike here. You will find Velhop rental stations in many locations around the city.
It is a budget-friendly way to explore the city! A bike will only cost you 1€ per hour or 5€ if you take it for 12 hours.
Check out the prices and rental conditions on the Velhop website.
Where To Stay In Strasbourg
If you only have a day in Strasbourg and want to spend a night in the city, the best area to stay is around the historic center.
Backpackers Hostel: The People is perfectly located in Krutenau, a lively neighborhood slightly outside the historic center. Each bed comes with a curtain, plugs, a reading light, and a locker.
Budget hotel: Budget is a relative term in Strasbourg. Hotel des Arts is located just outside the Grand Ile, just a short walk from all the attractions.
Splurge traditional Alsacian buildings: If you ever wondered how those half-timbered houses look inside, LE NID DE L’ILL is a perfect place to stay!
Vegan Restaurants In Strasbourg
France might not be vegan-friendly, but you will have no issue finding plant-based options in Strasbourg! There are many vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants all around the city.
Some of my favorite vegan restaurants in Strasbourg are:
- Végéman – the fast food restaurant I think about at least once a week ever since I moved. Their vegan durum kebab is the best fast food you can have in the city!
- Origin – the only fully vegan cafe in Strasbourg. If you are looking for vegan croissants and pain au chocolat, this is the place to go!
- Velicious – a fully vegan restaurant. Most vegan spots in town are fast food/lunch grab-and-go, so it is nice to have a place where you can feel like you came to a restaurant.
- Velicious Burger – a vegan burger spot in the city center. Their burgers are tasty, but not Beyond Meat Style if that’s what you’re looking for.
- Harmonie Bowl & Juice – a delicious and healthy take on Asian food.
Budget For One Day In Strasbourg
France is not a cheap country, and that includes Strasbourg as well. However, you can visit Strasbourg on a backpacker’s budget, as you can keep the price low!
- Accommodation in Strasbourg is not cheap and will be your most significant expense. You are looking at 40€ for a hostel to 80€ for a private room for the night.
- Transportation can be 0€ if you choose to walk. Otherwise, one tram ticket is 1,70€.
- Food is pricey in restaurants but, somewhat affordable in stores. If you cook for yourself, you can budget 15€ per day. A meal in an average restaurant will cost you around 15€, while you can get a vegan kebab for 7,5€.
- Drinks are 5€ during happy hour otherwise, they are around 8-10€.
- You can visit Strasbourg without paying for any attractions! But if there is something on your wishlist, remember to budget for the tickets as well.
Therefore, if you are backpacking Strasbourg on a budget, you should budget anywhere between 55-90€ a day with accommodation!
Is Strasbourg safe for solo female travelers?
Yes! Strasbourg is generally a safe destination for solo female travelers.
I did not feel unsafe at any moment walking alone, and I’ve lived there for 2 years. There are no dangerous neighbourhoods. It is safe to walk and bike alone at night.
As a solo female traveler, the same advice always applies. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye on your belongings, as pickpocketing happens.
- If you want to go clubbing, check out my Guide on how to enjoy nightlife as a solo female traveler.
General advice is, do not do anything you would not do at home. Use your common sense and avoid unnecessarily risky situations.
FAQ: 1 Day In Strasbourg
Yes, it is possible to walk from Strasbourg to Germany. In fact, it is super simple – you just have to cross the Europa bridge! You can walk or bike across the bridge, and many people do it daily.
Final Thoughts: One Day in Strasbourg Itinerary
And that is everything you need to know about how to spend 1 day in Strasbourg!
Hopefully, your Strasbourg itinerary is now complete as you know what to see in Strasbourg in one day.
Is this your first backpacking trip? Read next my step-by-step guide on how to plan your first solo female trip!
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