Visitors to Strasbourg will find a ton of activities and attractions, here is a partial list of ideas, to pass the time and enjoy the experience in the beautiful Alsatian city.
Christmas Market: During the winter months, Strasbourg transforms itself into the 'Home of Christmas'. Many plazas and squares are filled with shops and lights, and the city boasts the largest Christmas tree in Europe. For the cold or tired traveler, warm mulled wine and fresh gingerbread cookies are for sale, as well as a wide variety of Christmas treats and food. Don't miss out on one of the largest Christmas Markets in Europe, truly a wonderful sight.
Baden Baden: Right across the border with Germany is the spa town of Baden Baden. As a day trip or weekend stay, the town is perfect for travelers looking to get away from the rush and stress of the road and relax in the warm baths and steam rooms of the spa environment. With an amusement park for children, as well as a variety of evening activities, Baden Baden makes a great nearby trip from Strasbourg.
European Parliament tours: Book the trip early and you can sit in on a session of the European Parliament, where politicians and representatives from all EU countries join together to argue and debate. With live translations into any European language, you'll be able to understand the dialogue easily. The European Parliament is an interesting glimpse into the workings of the European Union.
Strasbourg Convention Center: Down the streets from the European Parliament Building and the complex of other official offices lies the huge Strasbourg Convention Center. Every week, different exhibits and events are hosted here. From food and wine competitions to electronics festivals and auto showcases, there are many things to see and do in the area. Stroll down the aisles for free samples or to buy a variety of pastries and snacks along the way.
Cine Cite: One of the largest movie cinemas in Europe, Cine Cite looks like an airport at first, with screens posting the many show times, movie titles, and directions to the various terminals and screening rooms. Offering a huge variety of films in both French and Original Version, Cine Cite is a great place to catch up on the movie culture. And of course, popcorn and candy are available in the lobby.
Picnic in L'Organgerie: Home to a huge city park, Strasbourg is a great location for a picnic. Buy some tasty French cheese at a local supermarket and a fresh baguette at one of the many bakeries, and head to the park for a relaxing afternoon. Don't forget the wine, as Alsatian wine is well-known throughout the world. Try a Riesling, a sharper white wine, or the Pinot Noir, with a slightly more fruity taste. Once you've eaten your fill, you can toss crumbs to the many ducks and geese in the park, or to the traditional white swans which cruise slowly along the canals.
Alsatian Cuisine: Distinct from French cuisine and German cuisine, the traditional dishes of Alsace-Lorraine are a world unto themselves. From large heaps of pickled cabbage with sausage and beef on top, to the traditional, pizza-like tarte flambé, you'll find a whole variety of foods and dishes. Near the center of town is the restaurant, Le Cloche D'Or, featuring the largest cheese bell in the world. Sample the many varieties of cheese, or enjoy a Raclette, a large round of cheese that you melt and pour over potatoes and meat. And don't forget dessert. Alsatian pastries, such as kouglehopf, are a delicious way to sample the local cuisine. You may also sample traditional French pastries such as buttery croissants or wafer-thin crepes filled with chocolate or honey.
