We have one night and then one full day in Strasbourg soon. We like architecture, history, open-air markets, and sampling local foods. Any recommendations on how to structure our day? Can't see it all in a day, I know, so I don't want to rush around trying. We're staying close to Petite France and the river.
Another question: Would renting a bike be practical? Thanks in advance for any tips!!
Take canal cruise, visit the Cathedral, have a Tarte Flambeé, onion and ham or bacon, an Alsatian specialty. Walk around this beautiful city!
The TI, next to the cathedral, has a very nice walking tour with an audio guide and offers a city pass with museum and cruise discounts that I found worth the money. You might want to try a Flammenkuche but I'd recommend lunch at Porcus, on the second story of their charcuterie (get there early or make reservations) and having choucroute garnie perhaps at Restaurant Au Pont Corbeau on the Quai St. Nicolas.
I agree 110% with Suki! You've got to try the local specialty of Tarte Flambe'!! I hate to use this term but the closest thing is that it's sort of like a "pizza" but not! Wish I could post a photo! We ate (2013) at a small place just around the corner from the Cathedral: Cafe - Konditorei Tea Room Attilio. Delicious! Local spot!
I think I used a walking tour in a Michelin Green Guide.
Tarte Flambee/Flammekueche...so good! Pair it with a nice Alsatian Riesling (They were a revelation to me. Much drier than the ones made in the US - or Germany) . Phillip's suggestion of the Choucroute Garnie is also good. I was not, however all that impressed with Baeckeoffe.
As for what to do, I tend to agree with Suki. Canal ride, Cathedral, walk around. If you still had time, I liked the Strasbourg History Museum as well.
A note about the Cathedral Clock Presentation. You can see the clock any time (except for the presentation time - unless you have a ticket) but the action takes place around 12:30. They tell you to buy tickets early in the day 2-euro, and the side door opens at 11:30. There is a video and all before the clock starts. I thought the wind-up to the clock was interesting - but too long. I was there mid-week in October, and it was not overly crowded.
I didn't like Strasbourg as much as many others do, but one exception was the wonderful Museum of Alsatian Life. I spent several hours there, and found it very well presented.
If you have time, to compare with the French parts of the city, you might walk to the German section, (Neustadt) constructed after the Franco-Prussian war and newly designated as a Unesco Heritage site. This area is also important because it's one of the few Grunderzeit areas that wasn't bombed to smithereens in WWII so you can get a taste of what that architecture was like.
Do the boat ride. I wouldn’t do a bike ride - too many pedestrians and cars don’t seem to pay much attention to them
you don't need a bike, it is easy enough to walk in the historic park. We were there on a weekend and the center was pedestrian-only. I don't know if that is weekend only or every day. There were throngs of people out, it was fun to wander around, poke into shops, sit down for a glass of wine and people-watch, stop for lunch outdoors, etc. The canal cruise was enjoyable. The 1st section of street leading from the train station to the canal circling the city was a bit seedy with lots of apparently homeless type people, but nothing happened and everything else in the heart seemed safe.
I second the canal boat ride. Also the Cathedral is the third best in all of Europe that I have visited (out of many), after Chartres and Salisbury which I would rate as tied for first.
Spent a few days in Strasbourg 1 1/2 weeks ago. The cathedral is awesome. There is a light show each evening outside the cathedral - a delightful, unexpected event for us. No need for a bike. Agree with others walking is sufficient. There is a tram from the airport that runs through the downtown corridor. Convenient to get to and from airport to Petite France.
If there is no change is weather, it is very warm in Strasbourg. We made the mistake reserving hotel with no air conditioning (which is not hard to do since most hotels are quaint, charming and historic. Being there for one night, this may not be an issue; however even one night's sleep in heat with no air may be challenging.
Canal ride was nice - I would recommend. You can buy tickets on-line. Tourist office, next to Cathedral, is awesome! They gave us lots of suggestions, directions and maps. Great wine shop around the corner from tourist office as well!
Following.
We're thinking of doing a day-trip from Paris (end of March/April)...leaving Paris around 7:30AM and coming back/leaving at around 7 PM.
Anything else we should have on our "must try" list while in Strasbourg?
The half-timbered houses in the Petite France district are a "don't miss."
The l'Ami Schutz winstub by the covered bridge is an institution where I always lunch or dine.
Thank you! I'm gonna have to look at their menu.
Any interesting place to see on the Germany side you all recommend? And is it better to take the train/metro vice walking?
The Alsatian food suggested by others is OK, in my opinion, but if you prefer a bit better and like seafood, I highly recommend La Cambuse on Rue des Dentelles. I've been there several times and try to visit whenever I'm in Strasbourg around dinner time.
We do love seafood...thank you for the recommendation.
