I spent 4 months living in Strasbourg, France while studying abroad in college and just like everyone else says, studying abroad was one of the best things I did during those four years.

Strasbourg is the 7th largest city in France but by no means does that translate to Strasbourg actually being a big city. You can walk from one end of the city center to the other in under half an hour. The city center is clearly marked because it is entirely surrounded by a canal that runs off from the Rhine River. In my opinion, this makes it a perfectly sized city because you can see most of the highlights in a relatively short trip but there’s definitely enough to do that you won’t get bored while you’re there.  

Top 10 things to do, see, and eat in Strasbourg

1. The Strasbourg Cathedral de Notre-Dame is a 1000-year-old cathedral in the very center of the city. Everything is centered around this historic and iconic work of art so you definitely can’t miss it. It costs a few euros to climb to the top, which I highly recommend because the view is absolutely magnificent, or if you happen to be there on the first Sunday of every month, it is free!
2. Parc de l’Orangerie is one of the most beautiful and relaxing parks I’ve been to. It dates back to the 17th century, and is a known for all of the flowers, water birds and little boats on the lake. You can buy gelato on your way into the park and sit on one of the many grass lawns, or walk through the man-made waterfall bridges and take a little row-boat out on the water. It is one of the best places to spend a summer or autumn afternoon with a good book, good company or just people watching. 
3. Food – I mean, it’s France, so you really can’t go wrong in the food department. Of course, Strasbourg has all the pastries, gelato, chocolate, cheese, and baguettes you could hope for but it also has its own regional twist on food. Strasbourg is the capital of the region known as Alsace which is a unique blend of France and Germany in everything from the language they speak, to the food they eat.  Tarte flambe is the staple Alsatian food that’s a must try – it’s a little like flatbread with cheese and onions but that description doesn’t do it justice. The best place for tarte flambe is Maison Kammerzel.
4. More on food: Bistro et Chocolat is the most magnificent hot chocolate (fr. chocolat chaud) café I have ever been to. I make a point of seeking out good hot chocolate while traveling because it is one of my all-time favorite things and this definitely makes the top of the list. They have wonderful breakfast too and great coffee and tea, but their hot chocolate menu is unlike any I’ve seen elsewhere. It is a cute little shop tucked around the corner from the cathedral and has at least 10 different types of hot chocolate on the menu. Needless to say, I tried almost all of them during my 4 months there – this is a must do while in Strasbourg. Also, many of the locals would agree that the best bakery in town is Au Pain de Mon Grand Père. Grab a pastry and sit along the river bank to enjoy it like a local.
5. Le Petit France is a block of restaurants and shops in the southwest corner of the city center. Walking down the street and running into this little neighborhood is like walking straight into a fairytale. The buildings are colorful and always have flowers in the windowsills which is all reflected in the still water canal making it the perfect photo op. The food is great (albeit a little expensive) but totally worth the antique French experience.
6. Rent bicycles at the train station (Gare de Strasbourg) and bike to Germany. It is relatively cheap, although there is a fairly large deposit that you have to put down but you will get it back when you return the bikes, so either bring enough cash or if you do it by credit/debit card it may take a week or two for you to get the deposit back. It’s an easy 20-30 minute bike ride to Kehl, Germany and a very pretty view along the way. The bridge across the Rhine river is beautiful and the town of Kehl is very cute. It’s not very miraculous, but it is very German if you have an afternoon to spend and want a little exercise. 
7. You can’t avoid the Christmas Markets if you go to Strasbourg between the end of November and New Year’s. Strasbourg is transformed during that time and has become the self-proclaimed “Capitale de Noel” (i.e. capital of Christmas). Every open space in the city is overtaken by Christmas stands that sell everything from crepes and hot wine to ornaments, chess boards and puzzles. The trinkets and gifts you can buy are endless and so is the food! Place Gutenberg is just a stone’s throw from the cathedral and is the designated spot for the themed Christmas markets each year! Strasbourg sponsors a different country’s holiday goods to be the focus of that area each year – when I was there, it was Belgium, so my weekly trips to the market always involved Belgian waffles and beer. 🙂
8. Nightlife – There’s plenty of bars and restaurants open late in Strasbourg, although beware, the public transportation stops running between 10pm and midnight, so it’s handy to have the local taxi’s number on hand if you plan to be out late. A few fun Strasbourg bars include: Exils – it’s just a few blocks from the cathedral and their signature mixed drinks are served in large steins with long straws – very fun to share with a group. There’s also a couple of docked boats that sit in
   a row on the canal that surrounds the city. They are fun trendy bars with a unique atmosphere.
9. Batorama Boat Tour of the Strasbourg canals is another great way to see the city. The boats are well taken care of and have audio commentary in many different languages. It’s very informative and provides a lot of history on the city. Even when it’s chilly, the boats are covered, so it’s a nice, warm way to get the lay of the land.
   
10. The Council of Europe is an organization (not the same as the European Union) that was created after World War II that focuses on protecting human rights. The building is beautiful and guided visits offer a great deal of information, plus all the tours are free! The only catch is that as an individual (or small group) you must book it ahead of time and must be added to an already booked group of 15 or more people. So call early and hope that there is a group of students or diplomats that have already scheduled a visit when you’re going to be there.

Strasbourg is one of my favorite cities on earth. It’s the perfect size, has some of the best food, and is incredibly beautiful. Is there anything else you think should be up there? Let me know in the comments below!

XOXO,

Lauren