The Top 5 Things to See and Do in Strasbourg, France
You’re in Alsace… completely different from the rest of France!
#5 - Palais Rohan
This palace was completed in 1742 under the direction of the House of Rohan, which was a very old family lineage in France. It has housed many royals and monarchs, such as Marie Antoinette, Napoleon, and Louis XV. Now, it is split up into 3 major museums. We personally recommend the Museum of Decorative Arts (photo above), so you can see the king’s chambers, dining halls and ballrooms, and libraries, as well as collections of china, furniture, and decorative pieces of art. The palace is also home to the Fine Arts Museum as well as the Archeological Museum. Between these 3 museums, you could easily spend all day here.
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.; 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.); Saturday, Sunday (10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.)
Average Cost: 6 € per museum entrance
#4 - Strasbourg Batorama
You’ll probably notice these a lot as you walk near the III River. These are very sophisticated and modern boats that take you across Strasbourg in a classy setting. While on board, you can take an audio guide that will talk you though the city’s many landmarks and history. Some of these displays you simply cannot see unless you’re on the boat. Even if it’s raining (like it was for us), you can still enjoy the city and see everything without getting wet, as the boat is completely sealed with wide windows. This is perfect for those who may have difficulty walking or are disabled.
Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 8:45 p.m.
Average Cost: 14,90 €
#3 - Alsatian Museum
One thing we were told over and over again while here is that the people are Alsatian, which is different from French. We even heard one woman get into a heated discussion with a local because she called her French. The lady abruptly said, “I am not French, I am Alsatian.” We were interested in learning about this region of France, and we feel the best displays of Alsatian history can be found at the Alsatian Museum. It is a gorgeous museum that is within an old set of homes purchased from the city in 1917. The museum does a fantastic job of recreating what homes in the industrial ages of Alsace would have looked like. Within the museum, you will wander through more than 5,000 exhibits ranging from artwork, furniture, clothing, music, kitchen equipment, books, and others. You will see how the city kept shifting from France, Germany, France, Germany, and then France again and how the beautiful Alsatian women had to decide between the French solider or the German soldier. Definitely one of the best museums in Strasbourg (in our opinion).
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.; 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.); Saturday, Sunday (10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.)
Average Cost: 7,50 €
#2 - Strasbourg Cathedral
Strasbourg Cathedral is regarded as one of Europe’s most beautiful Gothic-style cathedrals. It was built over an ancient Roman temple beginning in 1015 and was officially completed in 1439 after multiple rebuilds. The architects for the cathedral used bright red stones from the Vosges Mountains nearby, which gave it its distinctive look at the time. Strasbourg Cathedral became known as the tallest structure in its time at one point. But, the main attraction in the cathedral is the Strasbourg Astronomical Clock (photo above). Although this one dates from 1843, there were 2 other clocks in the same location at one point. The first one was built in 14th century, while the second clock was created in the 16th century. This one you see today appears to be formed with a lot of care from artists, sculptures, and mathematicians working together to create this masterpiece. You can see this clock run every day at noon for a small fee. There is much more to discover, and you can ask any worker or guide for more information on this stunning cathedral.
Hours: Monday - Satuday (8:30 a.m. - 5:45 p.m.)
Average Cost: FREE (small fee to watch Astronomical Clock at noon)
Pro tip: Try to go right when the cathedral opens. As the day goes on, the line to get in gets larger and more chaotic. With you arriving early, you may have the cathedral all to yourself.
#1 - Petite France
When you think of Strasbourg, this is probably what you picture in your head. Petite France is made up of half-timbered houses along the River III in a gorgeous French setting. However, things weren’t always sunshine and roses in this part of Strasbourg. This area was originally for the fisherman and tillers many centuries ago. The term “Petite France” was actually named during the 16th century when a hospital was built in this area to house the sick soldiers for King François I of France. Remember that Strasbourg was a free city and belonged to the Holy Roman Empire at the time, so many residents of Strasbourg blamed the French for carrying diseases and causing death. These diseased soldiers stayed in a building within this district to isolate themselves, and the term “Petite France” was established. Fast forward to the 20th century, and Petite France has become an urban centre and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (You can learn more history while on the Strasbourg Batorama, so we won’t spoil it for you… very fascinating history of this district.) Here, there are many photo opportunities, gift shopping, and gastronomic delights. You will really want to take some time here and enjoy the beauty!
