Spending 3 days in Strasbourg is the best addition to ending my trip in France. Not only is it easy to get to from Paris, but it’s also the main city in Alsace, which I think is the most charming and beautiful region in France.
Strasbourg completely surprised me. I knew it would be beautiful from photos and social media, but I didn’t expect to feel so enchanted by its blend of French charm and German precision.
Half-timbered houses, canals that reminded me of a fairytale village, and food that had me thinking about my next meal before finishing the first.
If you’re dreaming of cobbled streets, cathedral views, and sipping wine in medieval villages, this 3 day Strasbourg and Alsace itinerary is exactly what you need!
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a Christmas market escape, or just want to slow travel your way through one of France’s most underrated regions, I’ve got you covered.
⏰ Short on time?
🏩Hotels with a View of Strasbourg Cathedral
($) Hôtel Rohan
($$) Hotel Gutenberg
($$$) Maison Rouge Strasbourg Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection
🗺️ Here are the top 5 things to do in Strasbourg in one day
- Strasbourg Cathedral & Astronomical Clock
- Wander through La Petite France
- Visit the Palais Rohan museums
- Enjoy views from Barrage Vauban
- Stroll through Place Kléber
🍽️ Don’t miss: Try Alsatian food on a walking tour!
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How to Get to Strasbourg
Strasbourg is super easy to reach whether you’re coming from Paris, Germany, or elsewhere in Europe. Here’s how I’d recommend getting there.
By Train
From Paris, the high-speed TGV train gets you to Strasbourg in just under 2 hours. It’s a scenic and comfortable ride, and I’d definitely recommend booking your ticket in advance for the best price.
By Car
If you’re doing a road trip through France or Germany, driving to Strasbourg is straightforward and gives you more flexibility, especially for exploring the Alsace Wine Route later.
Parking is available in the city, though spots can fill up quickly around La Petite France. We booked a hotel that had parking which made it easier for us.
By Plane
Strasbourg has its own airport (SXB), about 20 minutes from the city centre by shuttle or taxi. But if you’re flying internationally, it’s often cheaper to land in Paris, Frankfurt, or Basel and take the train from there.
By Bus
Budget travellers can also look at FlixBus or BlaBlaCar Bus routes into Strasbourg. It takes longer than the train but can be a great option if you’re flexible and want to save.
Where to Stay in Strasbourg
Strasbourg makes a great base for your Alsace adventures. I’d recommend staying near Grande Île or La Petite France for easy walking access to most of the main sights.
($) Hôtel Rohan
($$) Hotel Gutenberg
($$$) Maison Rouge Strasbourg Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection
Day 1: Explore Strasbourg’s Historic Charm
Start your day with a visit to the Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame). This Gothic beauty towers over the city and is one of the most impressive churches I’ve ever stepped foot in. Don’t miss the astronomical clock and be sure to climb the tower if you can, those views are worth every step.
Walk to La Petite France next. This is Strasbourg’s most photogenic quarter, where colourful houses lean over canals and it feels like time has stood still. You’ll want your camera for this one.
Stop for lunch. I recommend trying tarte flambée (kind of like an Alsatian pizza) or choucroute if you’re up for something hearty.
Spend your afternoon wandering through Palais Rohan, where you can choose from three museums depending on your interest. If you’re museum-ed out, a boat tour on the Ill River is a relaxing way to take in Strasbourg’s charm from a new perspective.
End your day with dinner in the Neustadt district. There are so many hidden gems here, from cozy brasseries to modern wine bars.
Day 2: Discover Colmar and Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg
Start your day early and pick up a rental car (or join a guided day trip). It’s just over an hour to Colmar, and you’ll want a full morning to explore.
Colmar feels like a storybook town come to life. Walk through its old town, stop by Little Venice for a photo, and if you have time, pop into the Unterlinden Museum.
Grab lunch at a local bistro, many of them have outdoor seating that’s perfect for people-watching.
In the afternoon, drive up to Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg. This restored medieval fortress has some of the best views over the Alsace plain. It’s a bit touristy but in a good way. I’d absolutely recommend visiting.
Return to Strasbourg in time for dinner. If you’re up for it, try a new part of the city like Krutenau for more local vibes and fewer tourists.
Day 3: Drive the Alsace Wine Route
Start your day heading south toward Eguisheim, one of my favourite stops. It’s shaped in a circle and feels straight out of Beauty and the Beast. Wander slowly and pop into a few wine cellars.
Continue your drive to Riquewihr and stop for lunch here. The buildings are stunning and the whole town feels like a movie set. If you’re visiting in spring or summer, the flowers are unreal.
Next up is Ribeauvillé, another wine village with three castles perched above it. Walk the cobbled streets and enjoy a wine tasting (or two). Riesling and Gewürztraminer are the stars of the show here.
👉 Book a wine tasting tour here if you want something organised
End your day with a drive back to Strasbourg. You’ll probably be full of cheese, wine, and cobblestone daydreams by now so finish with a relaxed dinner.
Extra Tips for Visiting Strasbourg and Alsace
🚗 Renting a car is a game-changer for exploring the Alsace Wine Route. Trains are great, but many villages are best accessed by car.
🫐 Don’t skip the local cheeses. Munster is a must try (but maybe not in your hotel room).
🗺️ If you have more time, add a day trip to Obernai or spend a night in Colmar for a different vibe.
FAQ on 3 Days in Strasbourg and Alsace
For first-time visitors, I recommend staying in Grande Île or La Petite France. You’ll be close to all the main sights and can walk everywhere. If you want something quieter, Krutenau is a fun, artsy option.
Yes, it felt very safe. Like any city, watch your belongings in crowded areas, especially during the Christmas markets.
Absolutely. It’s walkable, unique, full of history and charm and that mix of French and German culture makes the food scene amazing.
Strasbourg is a better base for a long weekend because it’s bigger, better connected, and has more dining options. But Colmar is perfect for a day trip or overnight if you have more time. We stayed in both.
Three days is perfect to explore the city and see the highlights of the Alsace region.
Stay as close to Grande Île as possible, Hotel Gutenberg or Cour du Corbeau are fantastic options. You’ll be walking distance to all the stalls and festive events.
Yes! It’s compact enough to enjoy without feeling rushed and offers a mix of culture, food, and gorgeous scenery.
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