10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Strasbourg

Strasbourg has so much going for it: not just because of its history and heritage but also as the formal seat of the European Parliament and other international institutions. Its position at the carrefour of Europ creates a thriving, cosmopolitan vibe that combines the best of both worlds, old and new.

The Enchanting Old Town

Talking a leisurely walk across the center of Strasbourg is like treading the pages of a history book. The oldest part of Strasbourg stands on an island formed by the river formed one side, by the main channel of the Ill River, and the Canal de Faux-Rempart. The entire Grand Île is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its westernmost corner houses the famous district of Petite France with its quaint streets, bridges, and half-timbered homes.

The Strasbourg Cathedral

The imposing facade of Strasbourg Cathedral

Foodie Fest

Alsatian cuisine incorporates the best of French and German culinary tradition—many foodie favourites have German-origin names such as Kugelhopf cake, choucroute, bretzel , or flammenkuche, the Alsatian answer to pizza. Strasbourg is home to winstubs, bakeries, breweries, and bistros, as well as Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurants, boutique chocolatiers, and indulgent street food.

Delicious Kuhelhopf bundt-style pastries in Strasbourg

Meeting of Cultures

Over the centuries, Strasbourg changed hands several times between France and Germany. This shared history has brought a unique bicultural feel to the city, evident in its architecture, its language, and local crafts. In its more recent history, Strasbourg has developed a distinctly cosmopolitan style as the capital of Europe, an energy that imbues its arts and music scene, café culture, and world-class hotels and art.

The Great Whites

Strasbourg is the gateway to Alsace’s great wine route. Not just offering wine bars, cellars, and tasting opportunities, wine makers open their doors to visitors and provide the secrets of centuries of know how and the history of wine-making in the capital.

The historic wine cellars in Strasbourg’s Hospice

The Great Big Storks

Thought to bring good luck, the stork is the symbol of Alsace. One of the city’s little-known attractions is the amazing stork sanctuary in the Parc de l’Orangerie. The majestic birds happily nesting, flying around, and clacking with their long beaks can be seen without binoculars.

Christmas Central

For the entire month of December, the city turns into an enchanted land of lights, markets, quaint decorations; all deliciously scented by the stands of vin chaud and bredele cookies baking. It could be said that Strasbourgians have a little bit of experience with how to put on a great Christmas display: the first Christmas market was held here in 1570.

European Hub

Strasbourg shares one distinction with New York and Geneva: they are the only cities in the world home to international institutions without being national capitals. The choice of Strasbourg as the European capital following the Second World War resulted in several European institutions setting up magnificent-contemporary buildings—such as the striking European Parliament—north of the city.

Arts and Culture

There is a vibrant and multicultural-art scene in Strasbourg, with various art galleries featuring established and emerging artists, independent bookstores, great antique-hunting, exciting exhibitions year round, and a crop of some of the best museums in France.

Cycle Heaven

A bicycle may not be the first things that come to mind when mentioning Strasbourg, but this is the most bike-friendly city in France. Cycling is the preferred form of transport during all seasons, and the city offers an easy rental-bike system and well-marked cycle routes that take cyclists to the main attractions, historical sites, and stunning parks in this most-friendly and beautiful capital.

Taking it slow around Petite France in Strasbourg

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.