3-Day Family Christmas Holiday Itinerary in Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg, France

3 days

Scenic view of the city
Traditional houses in scenic neighborhood
Christmas market
Christmas decorations near the Cathedral
Capitale de Noel

About Strasbourg, France

Discover the charm of Strasbourg, France, a captivating blend of French and German cultures. Nestled on the Rhine River, this city boasts a rich history, evident in its UNESCO-listed Grand Île. Marvel at the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and explore the picturesque Petite France district with its half-timbered houses and winding canals. Savor the region's unique gastronomy, including the famous tarte flambée, in one of the traditional Winstubs. Visit the European Parliament and the Council of Europe, reflecting the city's significance in European politics. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or a culture enthusiast, Strasbourg promises an unforgettable journey.

3-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the Historic Centre

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the Strasbourg Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture. Don't miss the chance to climb up to the platform for a panoramic view of the city.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Alsatian lunch in a local restaurant in the Petite France district. Try the famous tarte flambée, a local specialty.

Afternoon

After lunch, take a leisurely stroll through the Petite France district, known for its half-timbered houses and charming canals. Visit the Covered Bridges and the Vauban Dam.

Dinner

Have dinner in a restaurant near the Place Kléber, the largest square in Strasbourg, beautifully decorated during the Christmas season.

Evening

End your day at the Strasbourg Christmas Market, one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Europe. Enjoy the festive atmosphere, try some mulled wine and buy Christmas ornaments.

Morning

Visit the European Parliament, where you can learn about the European Union and its institutions. Note that advance booking is required.

Lunch

Have lunch in the European district, where you can find a variety of restaurants offering international cuisine.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon at the Parc de l'Orangerie, where you can visit the zoo and the stork reintroduction centre. Don't miss the chance to feed the storks, the symbol of Alsace.

Dinner

Enjoy a dinner in a restaurant near the Place Gutenberg, another beautiful square in Strasbourg, especially during the Christmas season.

Evening

Take a boat tour on the Ill River to see Strasbourg's main attractions illuminated at night. The boat tour also includes a visit to the Petite France district.

Morning

Visit the Alsatian Museum, where you can learn about the region's history and culture. The museum is located in a beautiful old house in the city centre.

Lunch

Have lunch in a restaurant near the museum, where you can try other Alsatian specialties like sauerkraut and sausages.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the Neustadt District, known for its impressive German architecture. Visit the Palais du Rhin and the National and University Library.

Dinner

Have dinner in a restaurant in the Neustadt District, where you can find a variety of dining options.

Evening

End your trip with a visit to the Ice Skating Rink at Place Dauphine. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and have fun ice skating with your family.

Attractions in Itinerary (14)

Strasbourg Cathedral

1
Strasbourg Cathedral

One of the most significant cathedrals in France, known for its impressive gothic architecture and the panoramic view from its platform.

Attractions
Monuments
Religious Sites
Architecture
Petite France

2
Petite France

A historic quarter known for its well-preserved half-timbered homes, canals, and cobblestone streets.

Attractions
Neighborhoods
Cultural Experiences
Covered Bridges and the Vauban Dam

3
Covered Bridges and the Vauban Dam

The Covered Bridges and the Vauban Dam are historic landmarks in Strasbourg, offering picturesque views of the city. They are a testament to the city's rich architectural history.

Attractions
Landmarks
Architecture
Place Kléber

4
Place Kléber

The largest square in Strasbourg, surrounded by shops and filled with historical monuments.

Attractions
Landmarks
Strasbourg Christmas Market

5
Strasbourg Christmas Market

One of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Europe, offering a wide range of gifts, decorations, and local culinary specialties.

Attractions
Cultural Experiences
Food and Drink
Shopping
European Parliament

6
European Parliament

The European Parliament's official seat, offering guided tours to learn about the European Union's role and operations.

Attractions
Landmarks
Tours
Parc de l'Orangerie

7
Parc de l'Orangerie

A large park offering a zoo, boating lake, and beautiful gardens. It's a perfect place for a leisurely stroll or picnic.

Parks
Gardens
Place Gutenberg

8
Place Gutenberg

Place Gutenberg is a historic square in Strasbourg, named after Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press.

Attractions
Landmarks
Ill River

9
Ill River

The Ill River is a tributary of the Rhine River, flowing through the city of Strasbourg. It offers beautiful views and boat tours.

Attractions
Tours
Alsatian Museum

10
Alsatian Museum

The Alsatian Museum is a cultural journey through old Strasbourg homes. It showcases the daily life, traditions, and skills of the rural population of Alsace in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Architecture
Neustadt District

11
Neustadt District

Neustadt District is a historic neighborhood in Strasbourg, known for its beautiful 19th-century architecture. It's a great place to explore, with many interesting buildings and landmarks.

Architecture
Neighborhoods
Palais du Rhin

12
Palais du Rhin

The Palais du Rhin is an impressive palace in Strasbourg, showcasing German imperial architecture.

Attractions
Monuments
Architecture
National and University Library

13
National and University Library

The National and University Library is one of the largest libraries in France, housing a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and other materials.

Attractions
Museums
Ice Skating Rink at Place Dauphine

14
Ice Skating Rink at Place Dauphine

The Ice Skating Rink at Place Dauphine is a popular attraction in Strasbourg, offering a fun and active way to enjoy the city.

Attractions
Sports

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Choucroute garnie

Choucroute garnie

A popular Alsatian dish in Strasbourg, it consists of sauerkraut cooked with various meats and potatoes.

Tarte flambée

Tarte flambée

Also known as Flammekueche, it's a thin crust pizza topped with crème fraîche, onions, and lardons. It's a must-try dish in Strasbourg.

Coq au Riesling

Coq au Riesling

This is a local variation of the famous French dish coq au vin, where chicken is cooked in Riesling wine, a popular wine in the Alsace region.

Baeckeoffe

Baeckeoffe

A traditional Alsatian casserole made with marinated meats and potatoes, slow-cooked in white wine.

Kouglof

Kouglof

A distinctive Alsatian cake, often served during the Christmas season. It's a yeast-based cake, baked in a special mold, and usually contains raisins, almonds, and cherry brandy.

Munster cheese

Munster cheese

A soft cheese made from unpasteurized cow's milk in the Alsace region. It's known for its strong taste and smell.

Quiche Lorraine

Quiche Lorraine

Although it originates from the Lorraine region, it's popular in Strasbourg. It's a savory pie with a filling of eggs, cream, and lardons.

Riesling

Riesling

Riesling is a white grape variety which originated in the Rhine region. Alsace Riesling is dry, with a delicate, fruity aroma.

Gewürztraminer

Gewürztraminer

A white wine that is a signature of the Alsace region. It's known for its strong lychee flavor and floral aroma.

Mirabelle Plum Brandy

A fruit brandy made from Mirabelle plums, a specialty of the Lorraine and Alsace regions.

Bredele

Bredele

Small, sweet biscuits traditionally baked at Christmas time in Alsace. They come in various shapes and flavors, including almond, butter, and spice.

Pain d'épices

Pain d'épices

A traditional French spice bread, similar to gingerbread. In Alsace, it's often made with honey and served during the holiday season.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Strasbourg, France, is from May to September when the weather is warm and pleasant. However, if you want to experience the famous Strasbourg Christmas Market, you should plan your visit in December. Just keep in mind that it can be quite cold during this time. Spring and early autumn are also beautiful with fewer tourists, making sightseeing more enjoyable.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

April 1

Mon

Easter Monday

May 1

Wed

Labor Day / May Day

May 8

Wed

WWII Victory Day

May 9

Thu

Ascension Day

May 20

Mon

Whit Monday

July 14

Sun

Bastille Day

August 15

Thu

Assumption of Mary

November 1

Fri

All Saints' Day

November 11

Mon

Armistice Day

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Strasbourg has a comprehensive tram network with six lines (A, B, C, D, E, and F) that can take you almost anywhere in the city. It operates from early morning until midnight.

The city's bus network complements the tram service, reaching areas that the tram does not cover. The bus network operates on the same hours as the tram.

Strasbourg is one of the most bike-friendly cities in France. The city has an extensive network of bike lanes and bike rental services, including Vélhop, the city's bike-sharing program.

While driving in Strasbourg is possible, it's not recommended due to the city's extensive pedestrian zones and limited parking. However, car rental services are available if needed.

Ridesharing services like Uber are available in Strasbourg. This can be a convenient option for getting around, especially if you're traveling in a group or have a lot of luggage.

Taxis are readily available in Strasbourg. They can be hailed on the street, booked in advance, or picked up from taxi ranks located throughout the city.

Strasbourg's city center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot. Many of the city's top attractions, including the Cathedral and Petite France, are within walking distance of each other.

Strasbourg is crisscrossed by canals, and taking a boat tour can be a pleasant way to see the city. Batorama offers boat tours that take you around the city's main sights.

Strasbourg's main train station, Gare de Strasbourg, offers connections to other cities in France and Europe. It's a convenient option if you're planning to take day trips outside the city.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency€ EUR

Time zoneUTC+1

Driving sideRight

Emergency phoneAmbulance: 112, 15; Fire: 112, 18; Police: 112, 17

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Power socket type CPower socket type E

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Strasbourg, France as a first time visitor

1

Strasbourg is located in the Alsace region of France, near the border with Germany.

2

The city is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant culture.

3

The official language is French, but many locals also speak Alsatian, a dialect of German.

4

The currency used is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to have some cash on hand for smaller establishments.

5

Strasbourg has a temperate climate. Summers (June to August) are warm with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). Winters (December to February) are cold with temperatures ranging from 32°F to 45°F (0°C to 7°C).

6

The city is known for its Christmas market, which is one of the oldest and largest in Europe. It usually runs from late November to late December.

7

Strasbourg is a bike-friendly city with numerous bike rental services and dedicated bike lanes.

8

The city has an efficient public transportation system, including trams and buses. A tourist pass can be purchased for unlimited travel.

9

Tipping is not mandatory in France, but it is customary to leave a small amount if you are satisfied with the service.

10

Strasbourg is in the Central European Time Zone (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+1).

11

The city is known for its gastronomy, particularly its Alsatian cuisine. Don't miss out on trying local specialties like tarte flambée and choucroute garnie.

12

Strasbourg has a vibrant nightlife with numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues.

13

The city is safe, but like any major city, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

14

Strasbourg has a variety of shopping options, from high-end boutiques to local markets.

15

The city is home to several universities and has a large student population.

16

Strasbourg has a rich cultural scene with numerous museums, theaters, and galleries.

17

The city is also known for its beautiful parks and green spaces, perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic.

18

Strasbourg is a great base for exploring the Alsace region, known for its vineyards and picturesque villages.

19

The city has a mix of French and German influences, which is evident in its architecture, culture, and food.

20

Strasbourg is a sustainable city with a strong focus on environmental conservation and green initiatives.

Basic French to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

Bonjour

bon-zhoor

Greeting someone

Goodbye

Au revoir

oh ruh-vwar

Leaving someone

Please

S'il vous plaît

see voo play

Making a request

Thank you

Merci

mair-see

Expressing gratitude

Yes

Oui

wee

Agreeing or confirming

No

Non

non

Disagreeing or denying

Excuse me

Excusez-moi

ex-koo-zay mwah

Getting attention or apologizing

I'm sorry

Je suis désolé

juh swee day-zo-lay

Apologizing

Do you speak English?

Parlez-vous anglais?

par-lay voo on-glay?

Asking if someone speaks English

I don't understand

Je ne comprends pas

juh nuh kom-prond pah

Expressing confusion

Where is...?

Où est...?

oo ay...?

Asking for directions

Bathroom

Toilettes

twah-let

Looking for the restroom

Help

Aide

ed

In case of emergency

Food

Nourriture

noo-ree-toor

Looking for food

Water

Eau

oh

Asking for water

Beer

Bière

byair

Ordering a beer

Wine

Vin

van

Ordering wine

How much does it cost?

Combien ça coûte?

kom-byen sa koot?

Asking for the price

I would like...

Je voudrais...

juh voo-dray...

Making a request

Good night

Bonne nuit

bon nwee

Saying goodnight

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Underwear (3 pairs)

  • Socks (3 pairs)

  • T-shirts (3)

  • Pants/Jeans (2 pairs)

  • Sweater or Jacket

  • Pajamas

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Dressy outfit (if planning for a nice dinner or event)

  • Scarf (for chilly evenings)

  • Raincoat or umbrella (depending on the season)

  • Toiletries

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Shampoo and conditioner

  • Body wash or soap

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Makeup and makeup remover

  • Sunscreen

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Travel-size first aid kit

  • Prescription medications (if any)

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Driver's license or ID card

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash in local currency

  • Hotel and transportation reservations

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Emergency contacts and addresses

  • Map of Strasbourg

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Universal power adapter

  • Camera

  • Charger for camera

  • Headphones

  • Portable power bank

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Snacks for the journey

  • Travel pillow and blanket

  • Books or e-reader for entertainment

  • Travel guide for Strasbourg

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Sunglasses

  • Daypack for daily excursions

  • Travel-size laundry detergent

Weather Conditions

Strasbourg, France, experiences a temperate oceanic climate, which means it has four distinct seasons, each with its own weather patterns. In the summer months (June to August), temperatures can reach up to 77°F (25°C), making it a great time to explore the city's outdoor attractions. However, it's also the city's wettest season, so pack an umbrella or raincoat. Autumn (September to November) sees cooler temperatures, ranging from 44°F to 64°F (7°C to 18°C). This season is known for its beautiful fall foliage, especially in the Parc de l'Orangerie. Winter (December to February) can be quite cold, with temperatures often dropping to 32°F (0°C) or below. Snow is common, making it a picturesque time to visit, especially during the Christmas season when the city hosts its famous Christmas market. However, be sure to pack warm clothing, including a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat. Spring (March to May) is a pleasant time to visit, with temperatures ranging from 46°F to 64°F (8°C to 18°C). The city comes alive with blooming flowers, but there can still be occasional rain showers, so keep that umbrella handy. Regardless of when you visit, remember that weather can be unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip. Enjoy your visit to Strasbourg!

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

6° / -1°

January is the coldest month in Strasbourg, with occasional snowfall. Dress warmly and enjoy the winter charm of the city.

February

7° / -1°

February is still cold with a chance of snow. It's a great time to visit museums and indoor attractions.

March

13° / 2°

March sees the beginning of spring with slightly warmer temperatures. The city starts to bloom, making it a beautiful time to visit.

April

17° / 5°

April offers mild temperatures and the city is in full bloom. It's a great time to explore the city's parks and gardens.

May

21° / 9°

May brings pleasant weather, perfect for outdoor activities. The city is vibrant with spring colors.

June

24° / 12°

June marks the start of summer with long, sunny days. It's an ideal time for sightseeing and enjoying the city's outdoor cafes.

July

26° / 14°

July is the warmest month in Strasbourg. It's a great time to enjoy the city's summer festivals and events.

August

26° / 14°

August is still warm and sunny, perfect for exploring the city and its surroundings. It's also a great time to enjoy a boat ride on the Ill River.

September

21° / 11°

September brings cooler temperatures and the start of autumn. The city's parks and gardens are beautiful with fall colors.

October

17° / 7°

October is a great time to visit Strasbourg for those who enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. The city is beautiful with autumn colors.

November

11° / 3°

November is chilly with shorter days. It's a good time to visit museums and enjoy the city's indoor attractions.

December

7° / 0°

December is cold with a festive atmosphere. The city's Christmas market, one of the oldest in Europe, is a must-visit.

Did you know?

Did you know that Strasbourg is home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, dating back to 1570?

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