Strasbourg, France

Travel date January 2023

Weekend in Strasbourg

Looking for a short, quiet get away after your jam-packed trip to Paris? Look no more. Take a short 2 hour train ride from Paris to Strasbourg! You can spend 2-3 days in Strasbourg. This small town has everything you need to take the weekend to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Strolling through Strasbourg

Unlike Paris, there are very few tourist attractions to see in Strasbourg. But, after Paris I needed a vacation from my vacation, so Strasbourg was perfect! Strasbourg is a very small town, and it is very manageable to walk everywhere you want to go. There are, however, 6 different tram lines that connect through the city. Strasbourg is on the border of France and Germany, so the town has a big German vibe.

BEWARE: There are a lot less people who speak English in this town. But, the people seem to be kinder and more patient than in Paris

Here are a few recommendations while strolling through Strasbourg:

  • Petite-France: This is a really cute area of the town. It is a great photo-op right next to the river with beautiful buildings. You can take a walk alongside the river and admire the peacefulness of the town.
  • There are many bridges that cross the river. Some famous bridges are Ponts Couverts and Barrage Vauban.
  • Cathedral of Strasbourg
  • Palace Rohan

As I mentioned, there is not much to see as a tourist in Strasbourg. But, it is beautiful to take a walk through the town and explore the different streets.

View of Buildings from River
Strasbourg

Walking over to Germany

Why not kill two birds with one stone and touch another country on this trip? Germany is just about 5 km away from the center of Strasbourg. You can walk (which takes about 1 hour) or take the D tram from Strasbourg.

Getting over the Border

I recommend taking the D tram over the border to Germany. You can buy a ticket at the machine at the tram stop. Before getting go the tram, scan your ticket at the machine. Take the tram in the direction of Kehl Rathaus. You can get off at any of the last 2 stops. After getting off, use google maps to walk in the direction of the town near the river!

Don’t worry, you do not need a passport! Germany and France are both in the European Union, so there is no border control between the two countries. Then, when you are ready to come back, I recommend crossing the Passerelle des Deux Rives bridge back into France. That way, you can say that you walked to another country!

Strasbourg Germany Sign
France to the left, Germany to the right

What to do in Germany

You will enter into a town called Kehl, Germany. Honestly, there is not much to do in this town. It is not a tourist town. I recommend going to the grocery store and buying some German sweets. My favorite German chocolate is Ritter Sport. Also, buy a pretzel and coffee at a bakery! Other than that, you can walk around the town and relax the park right near the bridge.

WARNING: When I went to Germany, the river between France and Germany had a very bad smell. I am not sure if this was a temporary problem or if it is normal. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Hungry for more?

Here are some restaurants recommended by me and a friend who frequently travels to Strasbourg:

  • Oro Restaurant boutique: Latin American food. Very reasonably priced.
    TIP: Make sure to try the arepas!
  • Tzatzi: Italian
  • East Canteen Grand’Rue: Asian fusion
  • Le Cyrano: (outside of the city center, near the train station) : has a little bit of everything and a cheap happy hour