Strasbourg is one of the most unique places in France. In fact, you’d be forgiven for thinking that it was a part of Germany! This city is getting more popular each year and 48 hours in Strasbourg is enough to see why. I think that it is the perfect melting pot between German and French culture; you have the best of both worlds here. It is reflected in the architecture, the decoration and, of course, the food.
If you are heading to the Alsatian capital any time soon, then this is the post for you. Enjoy!
48 Hours in Strasbourg | Your Quick Guide
Where to Stay in Strasbourg
Strasbourg is a relatively small city and most of what you want to see is within walking distance. The start of your 48 hours in Strasbourg likely started by train, and I think that around the station is probably the best place to base yourself.
The station area is not the prettiest and appears a little bit run down. However, there are plenty of hotels here and also nearby bakeries and shops. Plus, it means that you are only 100m away from the station should you want to visit nearby attractions like Colmar.
Here are some hotel recommendations based on where we have stayed before.
| Accommodation Type | Location | Link to Hotel |
| Great Value | Central Station | Le Grand Hotel |
| Midrange | Central Station | Hôtel Tandem |
| Luxury | Old Town | Pavillon Regent Petite France |
Day 1: Old Town
Morning: Explore the Grande Île
The main attraction in Strasbourg has to be the Grande Île and this is where you’ll spend your day exploring. This part of the city shows off the best characteristics of Alsace region and historic Strasbourg. It isn’t hard to see why the beautiful houses and cobbled streets make this a UNESCO World Heritage Site… And just wait until you see the Cathedral!
My first recommendation would be just to explore. Wander along the old streets and see what there is. You’ll find plenty of shops, cafés, bakeries and historic signs which will help you understand the city and its history. Coming from England I loved the clothes shops in particular; I just think that the French do style so well.
For your first stop, you of course need to see the Notre-Dame de Strasbourg. I think this is probably the most impressive Gothic masterpiece in France; it is simply jaw-dropping. The building boasts one of the tallest spires in Europe and houses the Astronomical Clock, with parts of it dating back to the 14th Century.
Entrance to the Cathedral is free but donations are encouraged. I should also add that you should expect to queue for a bit. It is easily the most popular destination in the city and tour groups flock here. You can climb to the top for €8 (as a tourist), and this gives you arguably the best panoramic view of the legendary Black Forest.
Just a minute’s walk away (head towards the river) is Palais Rohan, which once served as a palace. Nowadays it is home to three museums.
Lunch
The food in the Alsace region is phenomenal. I love French and German cuisine, and this is the only place which fuses them together. If I’m honest, you can’t go wrong with any Winstub (a traditional tavern/ pub) and these serve classic dishes of the region. My favourite has to be the taste flambée, a cheesy take on pizza. Each Winstub will have their own take on this and you might need to do some exploring to find the one that suits you best.
Afternoon and Evening: Petite France
South West of the Grand Île is Petite France, which some would argue is the most picturesque part of Strasbourg. If I’m honest, I would agree with this and loved walking along the canals and crossing the Ponts Couverts (the iconic covered bridges). In the summer the entire area is all decorated by flowers and walking around is an experience in itself.
If you haven’t had lunch yet, try Restaurant L’oignon. We had a fantastic meal here and it could be perfect for an evening meal. Alternatively, enjoy a local beer in a Winstub.
Day 2: Culture and Day Trips
Day Trip Idea
Before reading the below which takes you through another day in Strasbourg, consider seeing other parts of the Alsace. In particular, a day trip to Colmar is definitely worth it- it isn’t the gem of the Alsace region for nothing.
Alternatively check out my blog post on days trips from Strasbourg for more ideas.
Morning: Museums and Markets
If you are visiting Strasbourg on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday then make sure that you check out some of Strasbourg’s local markets in the morning. If you don’t fancy breakfast at your hotel, or even a local bakery, then these are the perfect place to pick up some food. Why not pick up local artisan cheese, meats and bread here and have some breakfast the European way?
After food, I would then check out the local museums. There are two main ones to see; the Alsatian Museum and the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. These are both on opposite sides of the Old Town, so you might need to choose which one to go for. If you are interested in history and the culture of the Alsace region (it is really interesting!), then go for the Alsatian Museum. If history isn’t your thing and/or you are an art lover, then the other museum is for you!
Note: In the winter, make sure that you check out the local Christmas Markets!
Lunch
Whichever museum you end up at will have plenty of local restaurants for you to choose from. Yesterday you probably tried the tarte flambèe, so today why not try the local quiche Lorraine or a homemade cheesy gratin? Again, you can’t go wrong. The food in Strasbourg is amazing.
Afternoon: European Quarter
Did you know that Strasbourg is also the official seat of the European Parliament? In the afternoon, head over to the European Quarter and see the incredible buildings and where all the major European decisions are made.
If you have time, why not take a tour of the Parliament?
Evening: Wine and Farewell
In the evening, head over to a nearby café or bar and indulge yourself in some local nibbles and a glass of wine. It is the perfect way to end 48 hours in Strasbourg.
Final Thoughts | 48 Hours in Strasbourg
48 hours in Strasbourg is the perfect amount of time to see the city. It gives you enough time to explore the Old Town, try the local food and even go on a day trip if you want. There isn’t loads to see in this historic city, but it definitely has the charm to be one memorable trip. I hope that you enjoyed this post and ask if you have any questions; I always love hearing from you.
