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Things to do in Strasbourg

Sometimes an opportunity arises to visit somewhere completely different. When a friend suggested a few days away in Strasbourg it sounded really interesting…and we loved it! So if you fancy a trip away discovering somewhere new here is a list of things to do.

Things to do in Strasbourg

Climb to the top of Strasbourg Cathedral

I love a view when I visit new places, who doesn’t? The Cathedral of Notre-Dame offers great views and its well worth the climb of 332 spiral steps to the viewing platform! It was lovely to see the roof tops across the city and its rumoured that on a clear day you can even see the Black Forest in Germany.

strasbourg catherdral notre dame
Loved how it seemed that the cathedral had squashed itself into this side street!
strasbourg cathedral notre dame
Climbing the stairs to reach the top…only half way up!
view from strasbourg cathedral notre dame
One of the views from the top of the cathedral

The walk around the cathedral is also worth a visit. It has wonderful windows and architecture inside and out and I found the talk about the Astronomical clock really interesting too.

Stroll around Petite France

When you google pictures of Strasbourg probably the most popular pictures are from the Petite France area of the city. It was the first time I’ve been anywhere like this and it was lovely just to stroll around the little streets and take in all the wonderful buildings.

petite france strasbourg
Enjoying view of Petite France from the river
petite france strasbourg
Early evening strolling around Petite France
petite france
Walking over a bridge near Petite France

Relax in Parc de l’Orangerie

I always visit parks whenever I’m on my travels. I really enjoy the peace and quiet they offer and when you are away for a few days you have the time to just sit and relax on a bench, take in the atmosphere and just enjoy your surroundings. It is one of my favourite things to do and the great thing is, it won’t cost you a penny!

parc de l'Orangerie
Beautiful flowers on display always makes me smile
parc de l'orangerie
Imagine living there and having this as your garden!
parc de l'orangerie
You really can’t beat sitting on a bench in the sunshine can you!

Go sightseeing by train or boat

Go on go for it and be a real tourist. Take a ride on the mini train through the town or jump aboard the boat (Batorama) for a tour and see Strasbourg from the river. Commentary on both was really good and it gives you a great overview whilst you give your feet a rest from all the walking!

strasbourg
Exploring sitting aboard the mini train!
strasbourg mini train
Loved sitting on the train squeezing down the tiny streets
river boat trip strasbourg
Exploring by boat

Join a tour around the European Parliament

I love a free tour and this one was really interesting. A great opportunity of finding out more about what happens inside this amazing building. Did you know the translators who work here have to be able to speak at least 5 languages! I love quirky facts which is why tours are a great way of finding out something new! Top tip: make sure you arrive at least 40 minutes before the tour to get a place (they are really popular).

European parliament
Waiting outside the European Parliament for our tour
European parliament strasbourg
As you walk in the door of the European Parliament you find it has no roof!
european parliament strasbourg
This is where they all sit to discuss issues and vote. I’ve seen this on the telly have you?!

Look out for Street Art

When I’m out and about street art always catches my eye. Strasbourg had some really interesting pieces.

strasbourg street art
So many lovely colours
strasbourg street art
The electricity boxes seem to be a popular canvas
stratsbourg street art
Wasn’t expecting to see an elephant!
strasbourg street art
A popular sight in Strasbourg are storks! Here is a painted one!!

Strasbourg also has lots of interesting museums from arts and archaeology to history and zoology and all reasonably priced to visit. My top tip is to make sure you go into the tourist information office near to the cathedral. They were really helpful and you can also find out more about buying a Strasbourg Pass which has a number of discounts you can use when visiting attractions. With lots of different places to explore to suit all tastes it is great for a few days away and a perfect place to spend quality time with a friend exploring somewhere new. It just goes to show sometimes its worth picking places to visit that are a little bit different. You never know what you will discover.

Useful websites

Eurostar

Visiting the European Parliament

Date of trip: August 2018

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