Traveling on a budget is easier in some countries and cities than others. France features a mix of affordable towns and expensive cities. Regardless of where you go, it is easy to spend a pretty penny while traveling. If looking to explore Strasbourg on foot and on the cheap, here is the best way to spend your time in Strasbourg.
Historic Petite France
Walking through the Petite France quarter is like taking a walk through a historic fairy tale. It certainly is the prettiest part in town, and also the most visited with tourists. Shops, cafes, canals and churches, you'll find anything and everything to do. It's an idyllic location to enjoy a latte or a simple French pastry outside of one of the half-timbered homes.
​Must see is this quarter: Tanner's House, Saint Thomas Church, The Covered Bridges and Rue du Bain-aux-Plantes.
Walking through the Petite France quarter is like taking a walk through a historic fairy tale. It certainly is the prettiest part in town, and also the most visited with tourists. Shops, cafes, canals and churches, you'll find anything and everything to do. It's an idyllic location to enjoy a latte or a simple French pastry outside of one of the half-timbered homes.
​Must see is this quarter: Tanner's House, Saint Thomas Church, The Covered Bridges and Rue du Bain-aux-Plantes.
Place Kleber
Place Kleber is the main central square in Strasbourg. It's a photogenic square that is also an ideal setting for people watching. During the Christmas season, the city erects a 30-meter Christmas tree from the Vosges Mountains in the southwest region of the square. What makes this tree special is that locals leave gifts for the poor.
Place Kleber is the main central square in Strasbourg. It's a photogenic square that is also an ideal setting for people watching. During the Christmas season, the city erects a 30-meter Christmas tree from the Vosges Mountains in the southwest region of the square. What makes this tree special is that locals leave gifts for the poor.
Walking the Perimeter of Old Town
Walking along the Fosse du Faux Rempart and the L'Ill River is an excellent way to explore the beauty and culture of Strasbourg. Walking in Strasbourg is like biking in Amsterdam. Everyone does it. It doesn't matter where you start your walk, but along the way you'll see the oldest areas and most prominent sites of Strasbourg. A cheaper area to eat is in the Republique neighborhood.
Walking along the Fosse du Faux Rempart and the L'Ill River is an excellent way to explore the beauty and culture of Strasbourg. Walking in Strasbourg is like biking in Amsterdam. Everyone does it. It doesn't matter where you start your walk, but along the way you'll see the oldest areas and most prominent sites of Strasbourg. A cheaper area to eat is in the Republique neighborhood.
Along the walk visitors discover a myriad of old bridges and historic architectural structures, which are now either government buildings or museums. Take your time walking the along the water as you never know what architectural wonder or small park you may run into. I recommend 1.5- 2 hours to walk the entire distance.
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Explore the Bridges
Strasbourg is a city of bridges that connects Old Town to the land surrounding the river and canals. Whether large or petite, Strasborg has over twenty bridges. The green iron bridge was seen on the perimeter walk along the Fosse du Faux Rempart.
The most popular and notable bridge are the "Ponts Couverts" or The Covered Bridges. This bridge features three bridges along the River Ill, with each protected by a massive square tower. The three bridges cross the four channels of the river that flows into the historic Petite France quarters. Construction began in 1230 with its intentions to serve as a protection mechanism. In 1928, the bridges and towers were classified as a historic monument.
Some other prominent bridges include: Pont du Corbeau, Pont de Saverne, Pont Royal or Gallia, Pont de la Dordogne.
Strasbourg is a city of bridges that connects Old Town to the land surrounding the river and canals. Whether large or petite, Strasborg has over twenty bridges. The green iron bridge was seen on the perimeter walk along the Fosse du Faux Rempart.
The most popular and notable bridge are the "Ponts Couverts" or The Covered Bridges. This bridge features three bridges along the River Ill, with each protected by a massive square tower. The three bridges cross the four channels of the river that flows into the historic Petite France quarters. Construction began in 1230 with its intentions to serve as a protection mechanism. In 1928, the bridges and towers were classified as a historic monument.
Some other prominent bridges include: Pont du Corbeau, Pont de Saverne, Pont Royal or Gallia, Pont de la Dordogne.
Cathedral of Norte Dame in Strasbourg
A replica of the Norte Dame in Paris, this is a must see especially after the Paris fires in 2019. This outstanding Gothic masterpiece attracts thousands of tourists every week. Construction began in 1015 and entirely completed with the 142 meter Gothic spire in 1439. Victor Hugo adored the cathedral stating it to be, "a skillful combination of monumental size and delicateness."
The interior is just as exquisite as the exterior. Intricate details on the facade as well as geometric stained glass windows are only some of the details to admire. Don't forget to watch the astronomical clock that sits inside near the back of the cathedral. The cathedral was built for religious, cultural and symbolic reasons. Today the church is Catholic, but once homed Protestants under the Reformation in 1521.
A replica of the Norte Dame in Paris, this is a must see especially after the Paris fires in 2019. This outstanding Gothic masterpiece attracts thousands of tourists every week. Construction began in 1015 and entirely completed with the 142 meter Gothic spire in 1439. Victor Hugo adored the cathedral stating it to be, "a skillful combination of monumental size and delicateness."
The interior is just as exquisite as the exterior. Intricate details on the facade as well as geometric stained glass windows are only some of the details to admire. Don't forget to watch the astronomical clock that sits inside near the back of the cathedral. The cathedral was built for religious, cultural and symbolic reasons. Today the church is Catholic, but once homed Protestants under the Reformation in 1521.
Grocery Shop Your Lunch
Nothing is more french than a stuffing a baguette with a slice of cheese. Whether you prefer a mild cheese like gouda, or something stinky like the French, just know that grocery shopping in France is affordable, but also romantic. Sitting on a bench, admiring the view and consuming a typical french lunch for an hour is nothing but idyllic. The larger grocery stores are cheaper than the smaller markets, but it is possible to eat lunch with about five Euros. Baguettes are as cheap as 0.55 cent Euros and my favorite side salad is the carrot rapees. France is a healthy country so it is possible to consume healthy food on the cheap, which is opposite of the USA.
What's your favorite thing to do in Strasbourg?
Nothing is more french than a stuffing a baguette with a slice of cheese. Whether you prefer a mild cheese like gouda, or something stinky like the French, just know that grocery shopping in France is affordable, but also romantic. Sitting on a bench, admiring the view and consuming a typical french lunch for an hour is nothing but idyllic. The larger grocery stores are cheaper than the smaller markets, but it is possible to eat lunch with about five Euros. Baguettes are as cheap as 0.55 cent Euros and my favorite side salad is the carrot rapees. France is a healthy country so it is possible to consume healthy food on the cheap, which is opposite of the USA.
What's your favorite thing to do in Strasbourg?
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