Strasbourg

Food lovers certainly won’t be disappointed: Strasbourg boasts a thriving dining scene, particularly in the city center. Every type of restaurant is represented, ranging from modest *winstubs*—where you can savor delicious Alsatian specialties—to prestigious three-star establishments.

Furthermore, thanks to its geographical location and continental prominence, Strasbourg offers a wealth of appealing shops and department stores, all within an easily accessible city center. The city is indisputably the leading commercial hub in eastern France. This is in addition to its status as the seat of major European institutions, including the Council of Europe and the European Parliament.

Planning a trip to Strasbourg from Montpellier? Book your direct flight today.

Must-visit places in Strasbourg

• The Covered Bridges (Ponts Couverts) and the Vauban Dam: Remnants of the city’s medieval defensive system, the Covered Bridges span the four branches of the Ill River, featuring watchtowers dating back to the 13th century. Nearby, the Vauban Dam—a 17th-century military structure—offers one of the finest views of the Petite France district and the cathedral from its panoramic terrace.
• The Rohan Palace: Once the residence of Strasbourg’s prince-bishops in the 18th century, this Classical-style palace now houses three museums: the Decorative Arts Museum, the Fine Arts Museum, and the Archaeological Museum. Its lavishly furnished royal apartments bear witness to the splendor of the episcopal court during the Ancien Régime.
• The Orangerie Park: Strasbourg’s oldest park, originally designed in the style of French formal gardens and later redesigned in the 19th century as an English-style landscape garden. With its semi-free-roaming storks, a lake with a boat landing, and the Joséphine Pavilion—built for the Empress in 1804—it serves as a cherished green retreat for local residents.
• The Neustadt (German District): Built following the annexation of 1871, this urban expansion commissioned by the German Empire features wide avenues and monumental Wilhelmine architecture, with the University Palace and the Place de la République serving as highlights. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2017, it harmoniously complements the medieval Strasbourg of the Grande Île.
• The European District (The Institutions): Home to the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights, this district—characterized by distinctly contemporary architecture—symbolizes Strasbourg’s role as a political capital of Europe. The European Parliament is open to visitors free of charge during certain sessions and open days.

What unique experiences can you have in Strasbourg?

• Visit the Gingerbread Museum: Discover the history of this specialty in a building shaped like the famous Alsatian treat!
• Stop by the Beer Village: From Alsatian and Belgian to international brews, this shop specializing in craft beer has something for every taste!

Gastronomy in Strasbourg: what to eat and drink?

• Baeckeoffe: An iconic Alsatian stew combining potatoes, onions, and three types of meat (pork, beef, and mutton) marinated overnight in Alsatian white wine, then slow-cooked in a terrine sealed with bread dough.
• Choucroute: Finely shredded, naturally fermented white cabbage served hot with an assortment of cured meats—bacon, Strasbourg sausages, and smoked pork shoulder—and potatoes. Alsace’s signature dish, best enjoyed with a glass of Riesling.
• Flammekueche: Thin bread dough rolled out like a pizza, topped with crème fraîche, sliced ​​onions, and bacon lardons, then baked at a very high temperature. Traditionally served as a starter or as a convivial meal to share.
• Fleischschneke: A pasta-dough roll filled with seasoned ground meat, cooked in broth, and then pan-fried until golden. Nicknamed the "meat snail" due to its spiral shape, it is a traditional family dish from the Sundgau region.
• Lewerknepfle: Dumplings made from pork or veal liver, breadcrumbs, and spices; they are poached and served either in broth or alongside sauerkraut. A hearty specialty typical of Alsatian winter cuisine.
• Tourte de la vallée de Munster: A savory pie from the Munster Valley filled with marinated pork collar, stale bread soaked in milk, and mushrooms, all encased in puff pastry.
• Wädele: Pork knuckle slow-roasted until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender enough to melt in the mouth; traditionally served with sauerkraut and potatoes. A hearty classic found in Alsatian *winstubs* (wine taverns). Munster: a soft, washed-rind cow's milk cheese, aged for several weeks in the cellars of the Alsatian Vosges. Recognizable by its pungent aroma, it is traditionally enjoyed with potatoes and caraway seeds.
• Bibeleskäs: a fresh, creamy fresh cheese seasoned with herbs, shallots, and a drizzle of oil, served alongside potatoes cooked in their skins. A simple, refreshing Alsatian specialty.
• Bredele: small Alsatian Christmas cookies available in dozens of varieties—such as cinnamon shortbread, anise stars, and buttery spritz cookies. Prepared by families starting in early December, they are an integral part of the Strasbourg Christmas market tradition.