How to Spend 2 Days in STRASBOURG France | Travel Itinerary
How to Spend 2 Days in STRASBOURG France | Travel Itinerary
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Imagine wandering through a living fairy tale where Gothic cathedral spires pierce cobalt skies, medieval canals wind through flower-draped houses, and centuries-old traditions blend seamlessly with European modernity. Planning two incredible days in Strasbourg but drowning in endless lists of what to see and do? This guide cuts through the confusion to show you exactly how to experience the very best of France’s most enchanting border city, including the secret local spots that most tourists completely miss. We’re covering UNESCO World Heritage wandering, authentic Alsatian flavors, canal cruises, plus that one timing mistake that could ruin your cathedral visit. This is how to spend two days in Strasbourg. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: “Get Your Bearings”
Start your Strasbourg adventure at nine in the morning at the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral. Entry is completely free, and arriving early means smaller crowds and better photos. The cathedral is open Monday to Saturday from eight thirty AM to eleven fifteen AM and twelve forty-five PM to five forty-five PM, with Sunday hours from two PM to five fifteen PM. Marvel at the pink sandstone façade that changes color throughout the day – this Gothic masterpiece took over four centuries to complete and was the world’s tallest building for over two hundred years from sixteen forty-seven to eighteen seventy-four.
Inside, don’t miss the famous astronomical clock, a Renaissance masterpiece that offers a small mechanical show daily. While many tourists pay around three US dollars for the special presentation, you can actually watch the clock’s movements for free from the main cathedral floor. The most spectacular moment happens at twelve thirty PM when all the automatons come to life, including the parade of apostles and the crowing mechanical rooster. The interior also features stunning stained glass windows from the twelfth to fifteenth centuries and the impressive Pillar of Angels representing the Last Judgment.
After exploring the cathedral interior, walk five minutes to the nearby Maison Kammerzell, considered to be the most beautiful house in Strasbourg with wooden sculptures depicting secular and sacred scenes, zodiac signs, and important historical figures like Charlemagne and Caesar. The ground floor now houses an excellent restaurant if you want to grab a coffee and pastry. Take time to examine the intricate beam carvings – each tells a story and represents centuries of Alsatian craftsmanship.
By ten thirty, head to Grande ÃŽle, the historic center and UNESCO World Heritage Site that forms the heart of Strasbourg. This island is surrounded by the Ill River and contains most of the city’s key attractions within easy walking distance. Wander the cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses, each one telling stories of medieval merchants and craftsmen. Pay special attention to Place Gutenberg, named after Johannes Gutenberg who lived in Strasbourg for ten years and likely perfected his printing press here. The square features a beautiful statue of the printing pioneer and is surrounded by Renaissance buildings that showcase the city’s prosperous merchant past.
Don’t miss Place Kléber, Strasbourg’s main commercial square and one of the largest in the city center. This is where locals gather for major celebrations and where you’ll find the most impressive Christmas market during winter months. The square is anchored by the statue of General Kléber, one of Napoleon’s most successful generals who was born in Strasbourg.
Around noon, make your way to Petite France, the city’s most picturesque district. This was the historic district of millers, tanners and fishermen, with its half-timbered houses, narrow streets and waterfront areas giving it a romantic, intimate atmosphere. The best photo spots are along the canals where you can capture the reflection of colorful houses in the water. Look for the Ponts Couverts – four ancient towers connected by covered bridges that once formed part of the city’s medieval fortifications. These thirteenth-century structures offer perfect Instagram opportunities and represent one of Strasbourg’s most photographed landmarks.
The area gets its name not from France, but from a former hospital that once treated people with syphilis – the “French disease” as it was called in medieval times. Today, it’s simply one of Europe’s most enchanting neighborhoods, where every corner reveals another postcard-perfect scene of timber-framed houses reflected in still canal waters.
For lunch, head to one of the local restaurants in Petite France.
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