It’s no secret that France is one of my favorite countries in the world (you should go read up on my posts on Paris)… and of all the French cities I’ve been to, Strasbourg is one of the most enchanting – but as it’s a smaller town in France, not everyone knows all of the best photo spots or places to see in Strasbourg.

In all of my Europe trips, I had stayed away from smaller cities thinking I needed to be in a big one to blend in better – because whenever I’m in Europe, I’m usually traveling solo.

The thing was… I kept seeing some stunning pictures of this town on the French-German border. This Europe trip that I took just this past May, was my fifth (crazy, right?!) time abroad already in two years.

I figured I was ready for the challenge of being in a place a little off the tourist radar… so, I took the chance and booked a hotel and a train ticket to Strasbourg.

And boy… am I glad that I did.

train station in strasbourg france — I knew immediately upon arriving in Strasbourg that I was going to like it because it was something *new;* I had no idea what to expect.

Is Strasbourg Worth Visiting?

Strasbourg is absolutely worth visiting, as it’s one of the most beautiful cities in France. This was one of the highlights of my past Europe trip. Walking through this playfully colored, charming, luminescent French town fed my soul in a multitude of ways.

Whether you visit under the summer sun or the chaos of its infamous Christmas markets, you’re bound to be swept away by Strasbourg.

In addition to this, Strasbourg makes for a perfect in-between stop for the night when traveling via train on a big European summer trip to major European capitals. For instance, if you’re traveling from Paris to Berlin –spending time in Strasbourg is the perfect way to break up long travel days.

Strasbourg, France in May 2019. — Strasbourg, France; May 2019

Wondering if you too should take the chance on an underrated town in France?

Let’s see if I can convince you with all the things I saw and did.

5 Things You Must Do in Strasbourg

Here’s a list of things you must do while you’re in Strasbourg:

1. Buy a Baguette

Okay, we already know that I’m obsessed with the freshly baked bread in Europe… but the bread in France… especially in this small, somewhat remote town where no one is going to speak a lick of English to you…

… these are the kinds of places where food is bound to be the most authentic, and therefore: the best.

baguette from carrefour in strasbourg france — If you’re not consuming predominately carbs when you’re in France… then *i’m sorry -* but you’re doing France wrong!

Is Bread in France Really That Much Better?

Yes, as someone who has traveled the world and lived in France for many years now – I can confirm that bread in France is truly the best in the world. This is due to several factors, such as how the French are passionate about baking, use specific types of flour, and France’s climate which is conducive to growing wheat all year-round.

I couldn’t stop smiling at how the baguettes from Carrefour (a chain grocery store in certain European countries) are still so warm like someone had just pulled them out of the oven when you purchase them, how they had the quintessential Ratatouille movie-crunch, and how when I ate them – they were proven to be fresh, because the flour would get all of my hands and sometimes, my camera.

Parisian and French natives will tell you to go to a real boulangerie (which means ‘bakery’ in French), but I honestly think it’s going to be good no matter where you get it from – as my local grocery store in Paris has some of the best baguettes in the neighborhood.

I don’t even care if you don’t like bread. It’s something you need to do. Just do it. You’ll (most likely) be thanking me later.

2. Picnic at Le Petit France

Le Petit France is a non-negotiable place you must see while in Strasbourg, as it is probably the prettiest place in the entire city.

I not only picked up a baguette from Carrefour, but I also grabbed a container of hummus and tabbouleh with the intent of having a picnic.

As I walked into town… I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

I thought at first I would sit for a cup of coffee here…

Restaurant near Le Petit France in Strasbourg; May 2019

… but then realized that it was smarter to sit here.

Le Petit France in Strasbroug in May of 2019. — Le Petit France in Strasbroug; May 2019

I honestly thought I had died and gone to heaven. It was like someone threw me into a Disney movie; and despite the fact that I’m a cynical happily-ever-after twenty-something year old… I didn’t mind it.

If you only have time to do one thing in Strasbourg, let it be this – I strongly suggest sitting for a small picnic at Le Petit France.

3. Explore the Streets of Strasbourg

Strasbourg was made for wandering around.

There were some bakeries that I walked by, that when I inhaled the sweet smells of the baked bread and pastries effervescing into the air… my heart tingled at its core.

Wandering the cobblestone streets of Strasbourg; May 2019. — Wandering the cobblestone streets of Strasbourg; May 2019

If you’re like me, and you love to take pictures – this city is a dream come true.

Small pink house in Strasbourg; May 2019

river view of strasbourg — I found this just by walking around… gives you a pretty good reason to get lost, *doesn't it?*

Wandering the streets of Strasbourg, May 2019

Be sure to leave some time solely for wandering while you’re in Strasbourg.

4. See Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Strasbourg

… and lose your mind.

Is it worth seeing the cathedral in strasbourg?

It is without a doubt worth seeing the cathedral in Strasbourg, as it’s one of the most commanding cathedrals in all of Europe.

I have seen dozens of cathedrals in Europe: in Rome, Prague, Dublin… but this is the most impressive one I have ever seen of all time.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Strasbourg; May 2019

It’s jarring how commanding it is.

There’s a café just outside where you sit, have a cup of coffee, and try to convince yourself that this is real life.

5. Take a River Cruise

Besides Le Petit France, taking a river cruise should be your top priority when in Strasbourg. It’s a hair expensive for my taste (there are no student discounts; and a ticket for one person is a little over €13), but I have no regrets.

Embarking on a River Cruise in Strasbourg, May 2019

Taken while on a river cruise in Strasbourg; May 2019.

View of architecture in Strasbourg on river cruise; May 2019

Is It Worth Taking a River Cruise in Strasbourg?

Yes, it’s worth taking the river cruise tour in Strasbourg – as you get to see all of the city’s historical landmarks the easiest and most efficient way there is: on water.

Plus, the tour offers three different languages – English, French, and German.

Taking a river cruise in Strasbourg; May 2019

I hope I convinced you to see this stunning, small town in France on your next Europe trip.

Words weren’t enough? Check out my Strasbourg Vlog!

If you’re looking for other things to do in France or Europe, click here.

Last updated: June 10, 2025

The Stunning, Small Town in France: Your Guide to Strasbourg