The Most Unique Things to Do in Strasbourg

La Cathedrale de Strasbourg is considered a masterpiece of gothic architecture. Among its many striking features are the amazing intricate gargoyles and grotesques that adorn its exterior. Look closer though, and some of these imposing creatures seem a bit out of place. Irreverent, even comic figures of a donkey, a monkey… were the stone masons and designers poking fun at their all-powerful church patrons?

Strasbourg was a prized target during the Franco-Prussian war of 1870, and was, therefore, one of the most highly defended cities in France. During the showdown on 23 August, Prussian forces opened fire on the city, unleashing a massive attack and the siege didn’t end until France’s capitulation on 11 September, with considerable damage done to the city. One such shell was never removed and is still visible on the façade of the Hotel de la Cathedrale.

As a successful example of how to contrast historical heritage and contemporary design, a visit to the hotel and restaurant Les Haras de Strasbourg is a must. The building was built in the 18th century to house the royal stud farm in the midst of the medieval ramparts of the city and has been converted with exquisite taste respecting the original purpose of the site.

The Vauban Dam was built in the 17th century as a defensive structure. It has been classified as a historical monument, and within its 13 arches spanning over 120 metres of the Ill River, you can get an unprecedented close-up look at ancient plastercasts and magnificent models of statues and gargoyles from Strasbourg Cathedral and the Palais Rohan.

The building occupied today by the upscale hotel Régent Petite France was once a cutting-edge refrigeration establishment. Several rooms and machines have been preserved as part of the hotel development project and were registered in 1991 on the list of historic monuments of Strasbourg.

Another of the many quirky details in Strasbourg Cathedral is the small man almost collapsing at the base of the north-west pillar of the cathedral. This is the strongest man in the cathedral, bent over by the superhuman effort of supporting the entire weight of the building on his back.

See Strasbourg from a unique point of view: with happy locals. In an initiative by a group of Strasbourg natives in love with their city, a guide meets visitors in front of the cathedral to usher them on an English-speaking Happy Tour of Strasbourg. From April 1st to December 31st, the tours run every day starting at 2:30 pm (in January, February, and March, the tour only runs on Saturdays and Sundays). No need for a reservation, just walk up to the guide holding up the ‘Happy Tour’ sign. Tips are entirely optional and always welcome from those who enjoyed the tour. There is also the English-speaking Happy Petite France Tour running every Sunday starting in front of the cathedral at 11:30 am.

The Village de la Bière, located in the heart of the Krutenau District, is a veritable temple for beer aficionados and experts. There are more than 400 kinds of beers from all over the world—including some not found anywhere else. The owners are passionate about their wares and will be more than happy to help patrons select the right beer for them.

Tomi Ungerer was born in Strasbourg and is an outspoken writer, illustrator, and satirist. He is known for his children’s books and also for his biting posters on subjects close to his heart like his opposition to the Vietnam War and his opposition to animal cruelty. The city of Strasbourg dedicated an entire museum to his work, unique in Europe as very few places are dedicated to the art of illustration. The collection offers over 8,000 original drawings, sketches, sculptures, and posters created by the artist himself.

A Renaissance technical and aesthetic wonder, the Astronomical Clock is a result of the combined work of artists, mathematicians, and technicians who all worked together with master watchmakers to produce this astonishing contraption. The animated figures spring to life every day at 12:30 pm. The different stages of life—a child, a teenager, an adult, and an old man—all parade past Death, and the apostles parade before Jesus. In front of the clock, visitors can admire the huge Pillar of Angels that offers a unique take on the Last Judgment.

Most wouldn’t expect to find the world’s largest private collection of West African Voodoo items in Strasbourg, but that’s just how surprising the city is. Château Vodou, located within walking distance from the station, presents objects used worship of ancestors, medicine, divination, birth, witchcraft, and other events related to the major stages of life. Discover this little-known universe and gather plenty of conversation material to last a lifetime.

Strasbourg is home to the official seat of the European Parliament, and a visit to the Parliamentarium is a great way to learn more about its inner workings and role in the European Union’s functioning. To delve deeper into real-time politics, a visit is even more special during plenary sessions because of the chance to witness history in the making. The plenary sessions are interpreted into all 24 official European Union languages and places are available for individual visitors to follow the session for an hour (subject to availability). Plan ahead by checking the calendar for the dates of the plenary sessions and get there early.

Chocolate lovers are in for a real treat. Just 10 minutes from central Strasbourg, the Musée du Chocolat showcases the treat and from picking the cocoa beans to the final artistic flourishes, it explains the different stages of chocolate preparation. There are tastings involved, a boutique where visitors can pick up a souvenir or two at the boutique, and even a tea room to extend the experience and test newfound knowledge.

Have you heard of the büchmesser? It’s a rather unusual local tradition. A support pillar served as Strasbourg’s belly-meter to measure the girth of the workers involved in the construction of the cathedral, to make sure they would fit in the tight nooks and crannies required during the work. If the width of the man exceeded the width of the column, they were in trouble with the boss. Would you measure up? See for yourself. The belly-meter is located in one of the corners of the square surrounding the cathedral.

Here’s one for wine lovers and history buffs. In a 600-year-old wine cellar under the Hospice de Strasbourg rests a barrel marked 1472, believed to be the oldest wine barrel in the world. In the Middle Ages and beyond, patients would pay back their medical treatment in kind, often with parcels of land which sometimes contained vineyards. In those days, it was common for large hospitals to have their own vineyards because wine was used in medical treatments as well as for religious purposes. The wine is served on extremely rare and highly symbolic occasions; otherwise, it wouldn’t last very long.

Those who love vintage trains will enjoy dining in a place that makes legends come alive. The restaurant Les Secret des Grands Express’s dining room is set up in an elegant Orient Express carriage. This allows diners to travel in time while enjoying fine cuisine at the hands of a celebrated chef. Book ahead as this train’s tables tend to sell out quickly. Oh, and it’s not far from the Musée du Chocolat for those who wish to combine the two for an all-day foodie fest.

Every day at noon you can catch a quirky ritual in the streets of Strasbourg. A mechanical rooster perched atop a street clock crows his best ‘cocoricoooo’, and a hen, in her nest across the narrow street, responds in kind moving slightly to reveal the golden eggs she’s just laid.

Check out these highly suggested tours for a truly remarkable experience in Strasbourg. This list includes the top things to do to make your trip truly remarkable, whether you’re seeing the city’s breathtaking architecture, exploring its quaint districts, or indulging in regional cuisine.