Why Go
For the chance to be swept away by romantic city streets and the spirit of Christmas, not to mention the enchanting flavors of delicious treats. Cobblestones and ancient buildings are only part of the equation that make this one of Europe's most delightful destinations. In fact, Strasbourg’s city center was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988 – a highly unusual feat at that time, only joined in more recent years by other historic city centers in Prague, Florence, Siena, etc. Travelers can expect fascinating architecture befitting of the city's rich history, with everything from well-known cathedrals to tiny alleyways causing double-takes.
Even when it's not the height of Christmas cheer, with everyone bundled up and giddy, Strasbourg is a very special place to be. What struck us, as we walked past the little patisseries and butcher shops on our way to the cathedral that first day, was the liveliness of the color in the streets. Our eyes were constantly drawn upward to the third or fourth floors as we tried to imagine life in this beautiful metropolis. With a city this charming, it is little wonder that Germany and France have tussled over Strasbourg in the past!
Strasbourg makes the perfect romantic getaway for travelers who want to be swept up in the vibrance and then retire to a quiet, cozy room at the end of the day. While the city is certainly buzzing, packed with cafes and restaurants as well as splendid street theater and live music, it can also be an incredibly peaceful place to explore. In short, it's that rare gem equally adept at helping travelers unwind or feel energized, depending on the hour.
Insider Tips
- Summertime in Strasbourg is a glorious affair and the entertainment comes spilling out into the ancient streets, making it a great time to visit. With light shows at the Cathedral and street theater or music out in the open, there's always something exciting on, and the weather is delightful, too.
- In terms of a climate, Strasbourg is about as perfect as you can get, with beautiful springs and falls (average highs being around 52°F and lows around 35°F). Visiting while the buds are blossoming on the trees or as the leaves are turning is highly recommended. Summers are beautiful, with highs of around 76°F, while winters are picturesque and crisp, but not Antarctic – with temperatures averaging about 33°F in December.
- For those who adore shopping and cheer, why not head to Strasbourg while the Christmas markets are on? This lovely, twinkly affair comes to town every November and December and has been a part of the city since 1570! Accordingly, the city has been declared the Capital of Christmas for not one, but 11 different annual markets which are themed and delightfully chipper. Visit the official website to see pictures of markets in years past and get excited for your own experience. After all, what could be better than strolling through atmospheric streets with your special someone, preparing for a lovely and festive holiday season?
- Direct flights are available from the New York area to Strasbourg, with fares that dip as low as $600 in the winter and early spring months and climb to a very expensive $1200 or so in the summer. Once you’re in Strasbourg, there are various options available to take you to the hotel of your choice. In addition to taxis and shuttle buses, there are also trams. It's always best to check with your hotel – there are often buses designated which go right to your destination. From the Bagasee Tram Station, Tram A will zoom straight into the city. Shuttle and tram together will set you back about €5.10, whereas the bus alone costs around €1.30.
- For simply exploring the city, tram is a very convenient and very cheap way to get around, too. This is often quite helpful after a long day of walking.
- At restaurants, you’ll usually find a 10-15% gratuity charge added to your bill at the end of a meal. Tipping isn’t usually necessary for this reason, though you can feel free to leave a few coins if the service is truly superior.
Where to Stay
There are a multitude of different hotels in Strasbourg with European standards of decor and delightful views from most windows. This means that travelers looking for a truly romantic hotel have multiple options to choose from–though during busy parts of the year, booking ahead is absolutely essential.
For those who want romance on a budget, Hotel Du Dragon is a quite nice three-star establishment with a reputation for excellence. With nice big family suites and a friendly staff, you can’t go wrong. Rates from only $87 a night mean the chance to splurge on dinner or gifts, too. Built around a 17th century mansion, the space is both unique and incredibly charming. It makes an excellent pick for those who crave a space that feels as though it has a history, yet long for reasonable prices and an attentive staff.
Located just a few moments from the city center, the Cour Du Corbeau is a sought-after hotel with an excellent reputation. Spacious rooms with beautiful views of the city center are available, and a recent renovation means that all those four-star touches are even fresher than ever. With a kind staff, excellent overall service, and the historic walking area just across the river, the hotel has everything a couple on getaway could possibly want.
For a lavish and old-world experience, the Hotel Regent Contades is a superb pick for travelers who want a first-class and dazzlingly romantic experience. Located between the river and city centre, the hotel itself boasts stunning balconies, an iron staircase, and tons of other touches that feel like stepping right into the 19th century. With stained-glass windows and spacious rooms with terribly comfortable beds, travelers might need a bit of incentive to pry themselves away from the hotel to see the rest of the city!
What to Eat
For every imaginable cuisine available in Strasbourg, there are a few restaurants to try out. The city really is a capital of excellent European cuisine; almost everything conceivable is available, and from small cafes to opulent (and romantic) gourmet gems, finding the perfect place to enjoy a meal is only difficult as far as narrowing down the options is concerned! Those visiting during the Christmas market seasons must sample the various sweet treats, from donut-like pastries to cookies and more savory fare, being served up at the various food booths.
If you’re looking for great value and great food, L'Epicerie on Rue Vieux Siegle is an excellent bet. It’s a lovely place with a wide array of different toppings on tartine (the delicious French bread that serves as a delivery device for toppings). This traditional café environment is packed with charm and atmosphere, with outdoor seats ideal for people-watching. Those unsure of which option to devour should try the salmon, cream cheese, and caper tartine or the tomato, mozzarella and olive oil option.
For a little twist on the norm, why not try a restaurant made exclusively for cheese? As France is the land of nearly 400 different types of cheeses, Strasbourg is definitely the place to devour multiple courses in one setting, and the restaurant for the job is La Cloche à Fromage. Here, almost everything has a significant amount of cheese in it, and it goes without saying that the food is absolutely delicious. Order the fondue, which is made table-side and provides the opportunity to nibble on a variety of cheese-soaked items in the traditional manner. If you go around midday, a “light lunch” is available, where every cheese is explained in detail. Brush up on your French to truly appreciate the experience, and head next door to the cheese shop for the opportunity to try favorite cheeses a second time.
If you want a totally luxurious, sumptuous, and incredible experience, Le Pont Tournant is where to go. Located in the Regent Petite France, Le Pont Tournant is a favorite with the glitterati, having been frequented by the overlords of the world, including famous actors and politicians. Aside from the chance to be starstruck, the food is absolutely stunning. Chef Cedric Kallenbach whips up spectacular dishes with fresh and innovative ingredients, putting a fabulous twist on French delicacies. Give the beautiful roast duck or goose liver pate a try along with some fine white wine. Be sure to book a couple of days in advance, as reservations go quickly, and save room for a sensual dessert to share with that special someone.
What to see and Do
The incredible Gothic façade that is Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathedrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg) is a must-see spot. No matter what your religion, these old buildings hold such power and majesty that it’s impossible to walk through them without being totally enthralled. Strasbourg Cathedral is utterly ancient, its first incarnation having been built back in the eleventh century – well within the Dark Ages. While visiting, look at the stones beneath your feet and take note: they’ve been trodden on for almost a thousand years. It's a stunning building rich in history that will leave travelers feeling connected to the past while firmly planted in the present.
If you love art, you can’t leave the city without seeing the Musee de l'Oeuvre Notre-Dame. This wonderful place is home to a very formidable collection of works that span the centuries. Since it's situated very close to the Cathedral, there's really no reason to not pop next door to take in these 17th century masterpieces. Some of the techniques used are just fascinating, and it’s always such a treat to see how works were produced hundreds of years ago. For more museum-based culture experiences, Palais de Rohan, houses three separate museums all worth a peek, as they provide insight into art and history alike.
Of course, all visitors should take a picturesque stroll around the city. The buildings and parks are something to behold, and you’ll probably find yourself on some very interesting side streets. As you wander, you’ll most likely discover Le Petit France, an area of Strasbourg noted for its fascinating buildings and good shopping. Even if you haven’t come to the city during the famed seasonal market time, you can find something (or many things) to take back in this part of town! Francophiles and foodies will especially be in seventh heaven here.
Strasbourg is also host to the famous and important European Court of Human Rights, which you can visit – see their website for full details and to request admission. It is there that huge decisions are made regarding the welfare of nations all over the west and that can be felt when you walk into the atrium. Those interested in the political process should not miss a chance to set foot in this building.
If you love the outdoors and people-watching, the Parc de l'Orangerie is a must-experience part of the city. Home to a wide array of French and English gardens, here travelers will also find a stunning little chateau and a zoo. During the warmer months, couples stroll arm and arm through the gardens and even stop to steal a kiss or have a picnic, so those who are in love will find there's no setting more romantic in all of Strasbourg.
Photo Credit: .tungl, notfrancois, The Cour de Courbeau, the Hotel Regent, Audrey Scott, JoF, jodastephen, edwin.11, LenDog64