The beautiful city of Strasbourg is one of Europe’s most picturesque spots and can be enjoyed on many of our Rhine River cruises. Situated in Alsace, a region which spans both Germany and France, it features a pleasing mix of aspects from both countries, yet still maintains its own unique ambience, of which the locals are endlessly proud.

You’ll arrive by water and it’s difficult to escape the many canals that run through the city. They are an important and emblematic part of life here and play a key role in its infinite charm. So, how best to spend your time when the ship docks? Here are some great ways to acquaint yourself with Strasbourg.

Explore The Quarters

It says a lot about Strasbourg that wherever you look, you’ll find breathtaking architecture, interesting side streets and copious photo opportunities that should not be missed. The best way to explore is simply heading off in whichever direction you like and seeing what you come across. There are so many picturesque quarters where you can’t fail to uncover the beauty for which the city is famous.

Some things that shouldn’t be missed include Petit France and Krutenau. The former, also known as the Quartier des Tanneurs, is home to many popular tourist spots that highlight stunning half-timbered houses, historic bridges and idyllic scenes where everything comes together perfectly, like a canvass. This is where you’ll find Ponts Couverts, a collection of bridges with fortified towers, and Barrage Vauban, a 17th-century dam that features a look-out platform in prime position for gazing over the city.

Conversely, Krutenau is a much more modern district that’s home to trendy bars and cafés, as well as lively nightlife. It was once seen as somewhere the lower classes would live but has since been revived.

Become An Alsatian

No, not the dog. Strasbourg is the ideal place in which to immerse yourself in the culture of Alsace. As we said before, the region has its own clear identity and the people living here are very proud of their history and heritage. One of the best ways to learn about Alsace is to sample its delicious food offerings. The menus display clear influences from France of Germany, enticing you to try dishes such as choucroute (sauerkraut and sausage) and tarte flambée (the region’s take on pizza). This is also where foie gras is said to have been first served, so expect to see that a lot too.

It’s not all about the food, though. This is also a rich wine region and so you should head to one of the many winstubs (pubs) for meals that are perfectly paired with a glass of some of the local vintages.

Another great way to learn about Alsatian culture is to visit some of the fascinating museums Strasbourg can offer. The best place to start is the Musee Alsacien where the story of Alsace is recounted with the help of multimedia displays. It will help you understand why the region is such a hodgepodge of different ideas and influences. Another great museum can be found inside the Palais Rohen, a former royal residence that now showcases a fantastic collection of art and architecture in three different areas.

Lounge At l’Orangerie

If you would rather adopt a more relaxed approach to your river cruise, you could simply head to the Parc de l’Orangerie and take it easy for a while. There is plenty to see and do here and it is a quintessential spot in the city for locals to enjoy a bike ride, picnic or some time for reflexion. The green space gets its name from the orange trees that still stand in the greenhouse. These, and 147 others, were confiscated during the French revolution and planted here.

As well as the romantic boating lake and winding pathways, the park can offer a mini zoo, a small farm and a vintage car ride – all of which will appeal to any younger cruisers you have with you. There’s also a gourmet restaurant and a bowling alley.

If you would like to learn more about the Rhine River cruises that can take you to Strasbourg, call our team today. You can also sign up to our mailing list to receive regular emails containing great offers and information.