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Alsace, France, France · Trip plan

3 days in Strasbourg

The Capital of Christmas: half-timbered houses and France's oldest Christmas market.

Best time
Nov – Dec
Ideal length
3 days
A day, mid-range
$180 per person
Trip for two
about $1,080

Planning a 3-day trip to Strasbourg? Here's a day-by-day Strasbourg itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.

Why go now

Strasbourg's Christkindelsmärik has run since 1570 and fills the whole old town with lights from late November to Christmas.

Strasbourg sits on the French-German border with a mix of both cultures and an old town on an island, a UNESCO site.

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
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  6. Jun
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  10. Oct
  11. Nov: a good time to go
  12. Dec: a good time to go

December: 0–5°C.

Create my Strasbourg trip

Don't miss

Best things to do in Strasbourg

  • 01

    Christmas markets

    Over 300 stalls across the old town.

  • 02

    Cathedral

    A Gothic spire and astronomical clock.

  • 03

    Petite France

    Canals and half-timbered houses.

  • 04

    Colmar

    A storybook town nearby.

Day by day

Strasbourg itinerary for 3 days

  1. D1

    Day 1: Cathedral and the Christmas markets

    Morning
    Start at Strasbourg Cathedral, a pink sandstone Gothic masterpiece whose spire was the tallest building in the world for over 200 years; climb the 332 steps to its viewing platform.
    Afternoon
    Wander the Christkindelsmärik, France's oldest Christmas market (since 1570), spread across Place Broglie, Place de la Cathédrale and a dozen other squares.
    Evening
    Dinner of choucroute garnie or flammekueche in a wood-panelled winstub, then a cup of white vin chaud under the lights.

    The cathedral's astronomical clock performs its parade of figures daily at 12:30.

  2. D2

    Day 2: Petite France and the canals

    Morning
    Walk Petite France at opening time, when the half-timbered tanners' houses and covered bridges are reflected in quiet canals.
    Afternoon
    Take a 70-minute boat tour around the Grande Île, passing the European Parliament, then visit the Musée Alsacien for local traditions.
    Evening
    Evening market wander on Place Kléber, where the giant Christmas tree stands, and a stop for bredele biscuits.

    Boats have covered decks, so they run even in rain or snow.

  3. D3

    Day 3: Colmar day trip

    Morning
    Take the 30-minute train to Colmar, a storybook town of colourful timbered houses that inspired Disney's Beauty and the Beast.
    Afternoon
    Wander Little Venice's canals and the five small Christmas markets, then lunch on baeckeoffe stew.
    Evening
    Return to Strasbourg and head home.

    Colmar's markets are smaller and cosier than Strasbourg's; weekdays are calmest.

Want it hour by hour?GoRoam plans every stop with times, maps, costs and bookings for your dates.

Shorter or longer

Strasbourg in 2, 3 or 5 days

2 days in Strasbourg

Follow days 1 to 2 above and leave out “Colmar day trip”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.

5 days in Strasbourg

Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering.

What it costs

Strasbourg trip budget

StylePer person, a day3 days for two
Budget$90$540
Mid-range$180$1,080
Luxury$400+$2,400

Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Strasbourg is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.

Where to stay

Best hotels in Strasbourg for every budget

  • Budget

    Hostels near the station

    Gare

    Easy for day trips.

    from $60 /night

    Prices
  • Mid-range

    Hotel Cour du Corbeau

    Old town

    A 16th-century inn.

    from $230 /night

    Prices
  • Luxury

    Maison Rouge

    Place Kléber

    Elegant hotel on the main square.

    from $350 /night

    Prices

What to eat

Food to try in Strasbourg

  • Flammekueche

    Thin tart with cream, onion and bacon.

  • Choucroute

    Sauerkraut with sausages.

  • Bredele

    Christmas biscuits.

Getting there

How to reach Strasbourg

Travel
TGV from Paris in under 2 hours.
Getting around
Walk and trams.
  • Book months ahead for December.
  • Try vin chaud blanc.

Before you go

What to pack for Strasbourg

  • Power bank and charging cables
  • Passport and visa printouts
  • Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples
  • A forex card or some local cash
  • Travel insurance

Good questions

Strasbourg trip FAQs

How many days are enough for Strasbourg?

3 days are enough to see the highlights: Christmas markets, Cathedral, Petite France. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.

How much does a 3-day Strasbourg trip cost?

Roughly $90 a day per person on a budget, $180 mid-range and $400+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $1,080 for 3 days.

What is the best time to visit Strasbourg?

Nov – Dec. Strasbourg's Christkindelsmärik has run since 1570 and fills the whole old town with lights from late November to Christmas.

Where should I stay in Strasbourg?

Budget: Hostels near the station (Gare), from about $60 a night. Mid-range: Hotel Cour du Corbeau (Old town), from about $230 a night. Luxury: Maison Rouge (Place Kléber), from about $350 a night.

How do I reach Strasbourg?

TGV from Paris in under 2 hours.

Is 2 days enough for Strasbourg?

Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 2 of the itinerary above and skip "Colmar day trip". 3 days is the comfortable length.

What is the weather like in Strasbourg?

December: 0–5°C.

What food should I try in Strasbourg?

Flammekueche: Thin tart with cream, onion and bacon. Choucroute: Sauerkraut with sausages. Bredele: Christmas biscuits.

How do I get around Strasbourg?

Walk and trams.

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