How many days do you need in Strasbourg?

One day covers the highlights of the historic centre. Two or three days let you slow down, visit a museum and take a day trip to Colmar or the Wine Route.

Can you explore Strasbourg on foot?

Yes. The centre is compact and largely pedestrianised, and the tram fills the gaps.

What time is the astronomical clock show?

The automata parade is at exactly 12:30. Tickets are sold on the day only. According to the cathedral, there is no show during the Christmas market.

Are Strasbourg's museums free?

The city's museums are free for everyone on the first Sunday of the month, and free for under-18s all year.

Can a car drive into the old town?

Vehicle access to the Grande Île is regulated. We drop you at the closest permitted point to your hotel or visit.

Do your drivers speak English?

Yes. Our drivers speak English, French and Arabic.

Strasbourg practical guide: what every visitor should know

Strasbourg is an easy city to visit: compact, flat, well served by trams, with a historic centre you can explore on foot. It helps, though, to know where to start, how to dodge the crowds and a few local rules.

Here is the essential information, in plain English, whether you are coming for a weekend, the Christmas market or a meeting at the European Parliament.

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Getting to Strasbourg

By train. Strasbourg station has high-speed TGV links to Paris and many other cities. It is a short walk or tram ride from the historic centre.

By air. Strasbourg-Entzheim airport is linked to the station by an 8-minute shuttle train (source: the airport). Many international visitors fly into Basel-Mulhouse, Frankfurt or Zurich instead. See our airport guide.

By car. The centre is hard work by car: pedestrian streets, restricted access and pricey parking. Park-and-ride car parks on the outskirts, with a tram ticket included, are often easier.

Getting around

On foot. The best way to discover the Grande Île, the historic heart encircled by the River Ill. Distances are short, but the ground is often cobbled, so wear comfortable shoes.

By tram. Six lines (A to F) cover the city. Buy tickets from machines or in the CTS app. Line D even runs to Kehl in Germany.

By bike. Strasbourg is one of France’s most bike-friendly cities, with a bike hire service. Keep an eye out for cyclists when walking: bike lanes are everywhere.

By boat. Guided boat trips on the Ill circle the Grande Île and pass through the European district. A lovely way to see the city sitting down.

By van with driver. Handy on arrival and departure days with luggage, for anyone who finds walking difficult, or for trips out of town (Colmar, the Wine Route, the Black Forest).

Good to know Much of the Grande Île is pedestrianised and vehicle access is regulated. No vehicle, ours included, can drop you just anywhere. We agree with you on the closest permitted drop-off point.

Neighbourhoods worth knowing

Grande Île. The historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988: the cathedral, Place Kléber, Place Gutenberg and the main shopping streets.

Petite France. Half-timbered houses and canals at the western tip of the Grande Île. Very photogenic, and very busy around midday.

Neustadt. The “German quarter”, built in the late 19th century, with grand avenues and Place de la République. It joined the Grande Île on the UNESCO list in 2017.

Krutenau. A former boatmen’s quarter, now lively with bars and restaurants.

European district. The European Parliament, the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights. Reachable by tram (line E, “Parlement européen” stop). See European Parliament sessions in Strasbourg.

The must-sees, with our tips

Strasbourg Cathedral

You cannot miss it. A few pointers:

The astronomical clock: the automata parade takes place every day at exactly 12:30, with some exceptions (certain Sundays and feast days). Tickets are sold on the day only, with no advance booking. According to the cathedral’s website, there is no clock show during the Christmas market period.
The platform: 332 steps up to 66 metres, with views over the city, the Vosges and the Black Forest. It is a spiral staircase only, so not suitable if walking is difficult.

Museums

The city runs many museums: the Alsatian Museum, the Œuvre Notre-Dame Museum, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, the Palais Rohan museums and more. Money-saving tip: according to the city, they are free for everyone on the first Sunday of every month, and free all year for under-18s.

The European Parliament

The Parlamentarium Simone Veil and the debating chamber can be visited free of charge with a physical ID (passport or national ID card). Opening hours change during plenary weeks: check the Parliament’s official website.

When to come

Spring and summer bring long days, open terraces and pleasant boat trips. It is also the perfect season for the Wine Route.

Autumn is grape harvest time in the vineyards: a beautiful, calmer period.

December turns Strasbourg into known as the “Capital of Christmas”. For 2026, the city has announced the Christmas market opens on Friday 27 November. It is magical but extremely busy: book your hotel and transport early. Read our Strasbourg Christmas market guide.

During European Parliament sessions, hotels are in higher demand. Check the dates before you book.

For more dates, see our Alsace events calendar.

Practical tips for a relaxed stay

Good to know

Tourist office: on Place de la Cathédrale, at the foot of the cathedral. Maps, guided tours, advice.

Sundays: many shops are closed. Museums and central restaurants are often open, but check times.

Restaurants: book for evenings and weekends, especially the traditional Alsatian winstubs in Petite France.

Tipping: service is included in French restaurant prices; leaving a little extra for good service is appreciated but not expected.

Pickpockets: as in any busy tourist city, keep an eye on your belongings in crowds.

Travelling with older relatives or someone with limited mobility? Use the tram, plan breaks, and start early in the morning when it is quiet. Our drivers can drop you as close to your visits as the rules allow.

Easy day trips from Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a great base for exploring the region:

Colmar and its Little Venice: see our Colmar day trip guide. By van, about €190 one way or about €360 for a same-day return, for the whole vehicle.
The Alsace Wine Route and its villages: see our Wine Route guide.
The Black Forest, just across the Rhine: see The Black Forest from Strasbourg.
Europa-Park, for families: see Europa-Park from Strasbourg.

No car? Read Getting around Alsace without a car.

Need a driver during your stay?

Mercedes van for up to 8 passengers, sedan for up to 3. Get your price in 30 seconds with the simulator, then book on our booking page.

Prefer to talk to someone? Call +33 3 88 26 13 13 or message us on WhatsApp.