48 hours in Strasbourg – 2 day Itinerary

Strasbourg is an incredible city to visit. Located in northeastern France on the border with Germany, Strasbourg is a charming city with a unique blend of French and German cultures.

With its historic architecture, lively streets, and delicious food, there is no shortage of things to do in Strasbourg. If you only have a short amount of time to visit the city, then following a 2 Day Itinerary for Strasbourg is a perfect way to ensure you see all the main sights.

The best time to visit Strasbourg is during the spring (April to June) or autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller compared to the summer months.

The summer months are a lovely time to visit also due to the warm weather but be aware of the huge crowds and inflated prices. The city is also especially charming during the Christmas season when it is decorated with festive lights and markets.

Strasbourg has a variety of accommodation options ranging from five star hotels to more affordable hostels. The best area to stay in Strasbourg is the historic city centre or the Petite France district. This area offers easy access to the city’s main attractions, restaurants, and shops.

Day 1 in Strasbourg

To start off your two days in Strasbourg, you will explore the streets of the city centre and the island of Grande Île.

Here you can admire the old buildings and the sweet neighbourhood of Petite France. Afterwards, you will get to visit one of the main sightseeing attractions of the city by exploring the Strasbourg Notre Dame Cathedral.

Explore Grande Île/Petite France District

The Grande Île is the historic centre of Strasbourg, located on an island formed by the River Ill. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city.

The Grande Île is home to many of Strasbourg’s most iconic landmarks, including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Palais Rohan, and the Petite France neighbourhood. The area is characterised by its narrow streets, timbered houses, and beautiful architecture, including examples of Gothic and Renaissance styles.

The first thing to do with your 2 days in Strasbourg is take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Petite France neighbourhood, which is located in the centre of Strasbourg.

Enjoy your morning by admiring the colourful houses and the reflection of the buildings on the water. There are also several cafes in the area where you can stop for breakfast and coffee.

Why not also stop by a local bakery to try some traditional Alsatian pastries like Kugelhopf or Bredele. You could also join a walking tour if you want a guide to show you around.

Petite France is a small area so is easily accessible by foot, however, if you get tired or want to enjoy a different perspective of the city, there are many boat tours available that will provide you with a guided tour of the canals. These tours are fantastic at providing a unique perspective on the district and the city as a whole.

Les Ponts Couverts

Strasbourg’s covered bridges also known as Les Ponts Couverts, are a set of three bridges that cross the River Ill in the heart of the city. The bridges date back to the 13th century when there were opened in 1250 and were originally covered to provide protection for soldiers and weapons.

The covered bridges are a popular attraction for visitors to Strasbourg, offering beautiful views of the river and the city’s historic centre.

The bridges are particularly picturesque at night when they are lit up, creating a romantic and magical atmosphere. The best view of the bridges can be gained from Barrage Vauban just across the water.

Notre Dame of Strasbourg Cathedral

The Notre Dame Cathedral of Strasbourg is one of the most famous landmarks in the city. This stunning Gothic cathedral was completed in 1439 and is known for its intricate facade, towering spire, and stunning stained glass windows.

This religious site is free to enter and open daily for visitors. There are a variety of guided tours that can be taken for a fee.

The tours are definitely worth it as you learn about the history and architecture of the Strasbourg Cathedral. The tour includes a visit to exclusive areas within the building.

One of the highlights is the astronomical clock, a masterpiece from 1842 that still functions today. For those who are feeling adventurous, it is also possible to climb the tower of the cathedral for panoramic views of Strasbourg and the surrounding area.

The climb to the top of the tower is a bit challenging, with 332 steps, but the views from the top are well worth the effort.

Strasbourg Nightlife

Strasbourg is a vibrant city with plenty to do at night. Strasbourg has a wide variety of bars and pubs, ranging from traditional Alsatian taverns to trendy cocktail bars.

Some of the most popular spots include Le Schluch, Troquet des Kneckes, and The Dubliners. Overall, Strasbourg’s nightlife scene is varied and lively, offering something for everyone.

Day 2 in Strasbourg

For the second day of your 48 hours in Strasbourg. You will visit the European Parliament and the fantastic museums that reside within Palais Rohan.

If you are visiting during the festive period, spend the afternoon at the traditional Christmas market located in Place Kléber. Here you can sample lots of tasty French delicacies and enjoy shopping at the festive craft stalls.

European Parliament

The European Parliament is one of Strasbourg’s most important and influential attractions. The building is situated just north of the main city centre of Strasbourg and is best accessed via a short tram journey from the city centre.

The European Parliament building was designed by French architects who took inspiration from the Romans and their amphitheatres.

Strasbourg is the official seat of the European Parliament, and you can take a guided tour of the Parliament to learn about the workings of the institution and its role in the EU. The tour includes a visit to the Hemicycle which is the main debating chamber of the Parliament.

Here you can sit in the seats normally occupied by MEPs and learn about the legislative process. The guided tour also educates you about the history of the EU and the role of the Parliament in shaping the future of Europe.

Palais Rohan

After lunch, spend your afternoon at the historical landmark of Palais Rohan. The Palais Rohan is a magnificent palace located in the heart of Strasbourg’s historic centre.

Built back in 1732, the impressive building now houses three of the city’s most prestigious museums: the Museum of Decorative Arts, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Archaeological Museum. You can therefore visit Palais Rohan for multiple reasons!

You can explore the grand interior of the palace itself, which features ornate furnishings, elegant staircases, and beautiful works of art. You can also visit one of the three museums, each providing a unique experience.

The Museum of Decorative Arts showcases the best of French decorative arts from the 17th to the 19th century, including furniture, porcelain, silverware, and tapestries.

The Museum of Fine Arts houses an impressive collection of European paintings from the 19th century, as well as sculptures, prints, and drawings. There are 29 galleries of work in total.

The Archaeological Museum features artefacts from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. Each museum has its own entrance fee.

Strasbourg Christmas market

If you are lucky enough to visit during the Christmas period, you must go and visit the Strasbourg Christmas market. Strasbourg is well known for its Christmas market as it is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Europe.

It takes place annually from mid-November until late December every year. This Christmas market attracts millions of visitors from around the world and therefore it has an incredible atmosphere.

The market is spread out throughout the city centre but the largest collection of stalls is located around the Cathedral and Place Kléber. Here you can browse hundreds of stalls selling a variety of Christmas-themed gifts and souvenirs, including ornaments, toys, candles, and handicrafts.

One of the highlights of the Christmas Market is the Great Christmas Tree, a 30-meter-tall tree located in Place Kléber. The tree is illuminated with thousands of lights and serves as a focal point for the market. Take this Christmas market tour led by a local who knows all the good spots!

Of course, when at a Christmas market you can expect a variety of delicious traditional food options, and the Strasbourg Christmas market does not disappoint on this front.

You can sample lots of traditional Alsatian food and drink at the market including hot spiced wine, gingerbread, and roasted chestnuts. The market also features live music and entertainment, including performances by local choirs and musicians.

Tour ideas for Strasbourg

There are many tour options and day trips that can be taken in and around Strasbourg. To make the most of your Strasbourg 2 day itinerary, taking a few group tours will help you to achieve a better understanding of the city’s history and culture.

For example, a walking tour is a great way to see Strasbourg, as it allows you to cover a lot of ground in one day.

Colmar Day Trip

This 9 hour day trip will take you to the beautiful town of Colmar. Colmar is a charming town located in the Alsace region of France. The town has a rich history, and it is also known for its beautiful architecture, which includes many half-timbered houses.

During your day trip to Colmar you will get to travel through the scenic Alsace region and experience what the French countryside has to offer.

Other points of interest on the trip include visiting the town of Eguisheim, the village of Riquewihr, Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg and the castle of High Koenigsbourg.

Strasbourg Traditional Food Tour

This Strasbourg traditional food tour is a great way to experience the local cuisine and culture of the city. You will get to sample several of Strasbourg’s rich culinary dishes including Tarte flambée, Choucroute garnie and Pain d’épices.

During your food tour, you will have a knowledgeable tour guide who will educate you on the Alsatian food and drink that you will consume.

The Strasbourg food tour lasts about four hours and takes you around the city’s most popular culinary streets. You will have plenty of time to sample all of the delicious food on offer, so make sure that you are hungry before setting out!

Alsace Wine Route

The Alsace region is famous for its wine! Therefore you must go on an Alsace wine tour if you have the time. On this tour, you will get to visit two scenic countryside towns on the Alsace Wine Route for two wine tasting sessions.

You will get to sample some of the region’s most notable wines such as Riesling and Gewürztraminer. The wine day tour takes about four hours to complete. It is a beautiful trip that will give you a chance to see some of the most picturesque parts of Alsace.

FAQs for 2 days in Strasbourg

Here is a round up of FAQ’s for Strasbourg:

Are 2 days in Strasbourg enough?

While it is always better to have more time to explore a destination, two days in Strasbourg can give you a good taste of the city’s highlights.

During your two days in Strasbourg, you can visit famous landmarks like the Notre Dame Strasbourg Cathedral, the Petite France neighbourhood, Palais Rohan, and the European Parliament. You can also enjoy the city’s local cuisine, shopping, and nightlife.

How many days do you need in Strasbourg?

The number of days you need to spend in Strasbourg depends on your interests and how much you want to explore the city and its surroundings.

To cover the main highlights of the city, you can spend 2 to 3 days in Strasbourg. This will give you enough time to visit the main sightseeing attractions and historical landmarks such as the Notre Dame Strasbourg Cathedral and Palais Rohan.

If you are interested in exploring the city’s museums, you may want to add an extra day to your itinerary. This will give you enough time to visit all three museums in the Palais Rohan and thoroughly explore all of the exhibits.

Is it better to stay in Colmar or Strasbourg?

Both Strasbourg and Colmar are beautiful cities with their own unique charm, so the decision of where to stay depends on your preferences and travel plans. Strasbourg is the larger and more bustling city of the two, with more attractions, museums, restaurants, and nightlife.

It is also a great base for exploring the Alsace wine region, the Vosges mountains, and other nearby popular cities like Baden-Baden and Freiburg in Germany.

On the other hand, Colmar is a smaller and more picturesque town, with well-preserved half-timbered houses, canals, and charming streets. If you prefer a larger city with more attractions and nightlife, stay in Strasbourg. If you prefer a smaller town with a more relaxed atmosphere then it is advised to stay in Colmar.

Is Strasbourg worth visiting?

Strasbourg, France is definitely worth visiting. It is a beautiful city with a rich history, culture, and architecture.

There are plenty of things to see and do in Strasbourg, from exploring the old town with its cobbled streets and timbered houses to visiting the impressive Notre Dame Cathedral and strolling along the canals in the Petite France neighbourhood.

Strasbourg is also home to several excellent museums, including the Palais Rohan, which houses three museums dedicated to fine arts, decorative arts, and archaeology.

Adding to this, Strasbourg is the seat of several European institutions, including the European Parliament, making it a symbolic and important city for the European Union. You can visit the European Parliament and learn about the EU’s work and history.

Strasbourg also has a vibrant food scene, with traditional Alsatian dishes like Choucroute garnie, Tarte flambée, and Baeckeoffe, as well as excellent wines from the nearby Alsace wine region. There is so much to do in this area, you should definitely visit Strasbourg France.

Is Strasbourg safe for tourists?

Strasbourg is generally a safe city for tourists. Like any major city, it is important to take common sense precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.

However, compared to other cities of its size, Strasbourg has relatively low crime rates, and violent crime is rare.

What is Strasbourg famous for?

Strasbourg is famous for several things, including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the European Parliament and the Palais Rohan. The city is also known for its many art galleries, including The Museum of Decorative Arts.

Another popular attraction in Strasbourg is Grande Île and the Petite France district. This area takes its name from the beautiful canals that run through it. Every year the city also holds one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Europe, this is a must see.

What are the must visit places and things to do in Strasbourg for a trip of 2 days?

If you have 48 hrs in Strasbourg here are some must see places and things to do:

1. Notre-Dame Cathedral: A gothic cathedral, which is one of the most famous landmarks in Strasbourg.
2. Petite France: A picturesque neighbourhood, which is famous for its charming canals, timbered houses, and narrow streets.
3. Covered Bridges: Walk across the covered bridges that cross the River Ill and admire the views of the river and the city.
4. Place Kléber: Head to Strasbourg’s main square, Place Kléber and take a break at one of the many cafes or restaurants.
5. Strasbourg Christmas Market (seasonal): If you are visiting during the festive season, make sure to visit the famous Christmas market, one of the oldest and largest in Europe.
6. Palais Rohan: An impressive palace that houses three museums dedicated to fine arts, decorative arts, and archaeology.
7. Grande Île: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the historic centre of Strasbourg, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes.
8. European Parliament: A huge building dedicated as one of the key institutions of the European Union.

Conclusion

Overall, Strasbourg is a wonderful city to visit, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and delicious cuisine.

Whether you are interested in sightseeing, shopping, or simply enjoying the city’s relaxed pace of life, there is something for everyone in Strasbourg. It is easy to see why it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in France.

Recommended tours in Strasbourg

• 2-Hour Strasbourg Euro Tour by Segway
• Alsace Colmar, Medieval Villages & Castle Small Group Day Trip from Strasbourg
• Strasbourg Like a Local Customized Private Guided Walking Tour
• Strasbourg Traditional Food Tour – Do Eat Better Experience
• Cellar visit with Tasting of 5 Alsatian and Kougelhopf wines to Strasbourg
• Alsace Christmas Markets Day Tour from Strasbourg
• Strasbourg : Hidden Gems and Untold Stories
• Selfguided and interactive tour of Strasbourg

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