Are you wondering what to do in just one day in Strasbourg? As I visited this gorgeous city on a day trip from Colmar this is where I can help you.
It’s easy to explore Strasbourg on a self-guided walking tour. As the historic heart of the city is spread over a small area, it’s very walkable, and the list of must-see sights is modest.
Hit the ground running with my Strasbourg walking route, which covers best things to see in this historic city, and I’ve includes a free map to guide you.
My Self-Guided Strasbourg Walking Tour + Map
For step-by-step directions and to send to your phone, click here. From the train station, it’s an easy 15-minute walk to the Cathedral.
Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathèdrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg)
- Time needed: 30 – 60 minutes (add another 30 minutes if you climb the tower)
Standing on the site of a Roman temple, Cathèdrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg is unabashed Gothic splendour, and for four centuries it was considered the tallest building in the world. Even if you’re not fussed about churches, it’s a must see.
The stained glass windows are spectacular. Hitler had his beady eye on them during WW2, so they were hidden in salt mines. The rose window above the main entrance is particularly impressive.
Don’t miss the sculpture of the dog in the pulpit. When Geiler of Kayserberg preached here, his dog would accompany him and often fall asleep during the long sermons. Now he sleeps for eternity in stone. Locals say rubbing his nose brings good luck.
You can climb 332 spiral steps to a viewing platform with views across the city and towards the Black Forest. The cathedral’s astronomical clock comes to life Mon-Sat at 12.30 pm if you’re interested in seeing it.
Strasbourg Cathedral is open to tourists daily (closed Sunday morning) and is free to visit but climbing the tower and viewing the astronomical clock are ticketed. Allow 30 – 60 minutes for your visit.
Before moving on, step into Rue Merciere, the best spot for taking a photo angle of the cathedral.
La Petite France
- Time needed: 45-60 minutes (plus lunch if you stop to eat)
Located at the western end of the Grand Île, La Petite France dates from the Middle Ages. This was once the city’s industrial heart, home to its millers, tanners and fishermen.
It is here that you will find the largest concentration of Strasbourg’s candy-coloured, half-timbered buildings, dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. The most photogenic spots are along Rue du Bain aux Plantes and the canals around Quai de la Petite France.
I stopped for lunch at Le Baeckeoffe d’Alsace and had an excellent Tarte Flambée with a local beer. Service was friendly and prices reasonable (around €15-20 for lunch).
Ponts Couverts
- Time needed: 10-15 minutes
The Ponts Couverts is a set of four towers and three bridges from the mid-13th century. They were built to defend Strasbourg and eventually replaced by the Barrage Vauban 400 years later.
The name translates as “covered bridges” after the wooden roofs that once protected defenders stationed here. The roofs were torn down at the end of the 18th century but the name stuck.
Barrage Vauban
- Time needed: 10-15 minutes
Just beyond the Ponts Couverts, this 17th-century bridge and weir was part of the city’s defence system and now houses artworks inside.
The building itself isn’t particularly interesting, and would be skippable if it weren’t for its rooftop terrace. From here, there are excellent views over La Petite France and the Ponts Couverts.
On your way back to the station, keep an eye out for street art on the city’s walls and buildings. If you are interested in exploring this in more depth, take a look at this Strasbourg street art interactive map.
Getting There & Getting Around
Strasbourg has excellent rail connections throughout France and Europe. The direct TGV from Paris takes under two hours, making it an easy day trip. I travelled from Colmar, which took just 30 minutes.
The city also has a small international airport 10 km west of the centre and is a popular stop on Rhine cruises.
The historic centre is compact and easy to explore on foot. For areas further out, there’s a tram and bus network, though you won’t need it for this itinerary.
Strasbourg Walking Itinerary FAQs
When is the best time to do this walking tour?
The route works year-round, but I visited in September and had perfect weather. Strasbourg’s Christmas markets (late November to Christmas) are famous and worth timing your visit around if you’re interested.
How long does the walking tour take?
The walk itself is 2 miles and takes about 45 minutes, but budget 3-4 hours to explore the attractions properly.
Where to next?
I visited Strasbourg as part of an Interrail trip through Switzerland and France, taking in the Bernese Oberland, the Glacier Express and Colmar. If you’re planning a similar trip, my guide to European rail passes might help.
More France guides: Solo Travel in France | One Day in Lille | Weekend in Normandy
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.