Outdoor Activities
Strasbourg has lots of opportunity for families with kids, with some fun unique attractions and lots of sporting prowess. In the summertime the Europa Park is perfect for the kids, while the Deux Rives Gardens and the nearby Vosges Mountains provide ample opportunity to partake in walking and cycling. Golf and skiing are also popular in Strasbourg.
 Europa Park
Europa Park is one of Europe’s most popular amusement parks, and has been so since the 1980s. With more than 100 rides of all shapes and sizes plus some unique fun attractions and shows for the whole family, the kids will love you for taking them here. Phone +33 3 8822 6807; website: www.europapark.de/eng
 Frolic in Jardin des Deux Rives
Running along the west bank of the Rhine to the southeast of the city, Jardin des Deux Rives offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy nature and get active while remaining close to the city centre. The park features play areas and promenades and also boasts a huge suspension bridge for pedestrians and cyclists.
 Golf
There are many fine golf courses within easy reach of Strasbourg, and the Alsace region in general is perfect for a round. From high-par, nine-hole municipal courses to country match play courses, golfers are spoilt for choice. Of the many public golf courses in the Alsace region, the 18-hole Kempferhof course at Plobsheim, to the south of Strasbourg, comes highly recommended. Phone: +33 8898 7272; website: www.golfeurope.com/euro_clubs/kempferhof
 Skiing
Winter is a particularly fun time to be in Strasbourg, with all sorts of wintery activities available including skating in the city and skiing in the Vosges Mountains. There are some very popular ski resorts here including the much vaunted Lac Blanc, Le Bresse, Le Markstein, and Gerardmer ski resorts. Snow-making machines are turned on to top up the real snow, plus there is also night skiing.
Cultural Activities
Strasbourg offers its more discerning visitors plenty of cultural wealth in the form of well done museums, ancient churches, a number of established and up and coming theatres and many popular landmarks. If you are looking for a cultured experience, Strasbourg has plenty to offer.
 Alsatian Museum
Stretching across three 16th to 17th century mansions via wooden staircases, the Alsatian Museum covers the arts and crafts of the Alsace region with much verve. Chief among the exhibits are a slew of toys, clothing, furniture, farmers tools and religious objects from the 13th to the 19th centuries. Phone: +33 3 8852 5001.
St Thomas Church
St Thomas is a 13th century Protestant church that was 100 years in the making, and it is especially celebrated for its five impressive naves. The church’s most treasured relic is the 1777 Tomb of Marechal de Saxe painting, one of Pigalle’s masterpieces.
 Museum of Modern Art
Located in Strasbourg’s favourite area, la Petite France, the Musée d'Art Moderne et Contemporain showcases modern European art with a fine collection stretching from the 1870s to the present. Naturally the museum contains important works from Europe’s famous contemporary artists including Arp, Ernst, and Kandinsky, and a graphic art and photography room, an art library, a museum shop and a restaurant. Phone: +33 3 8823 3131.
 Strasbourg Performing Arts
Strasbourg has much cultural prowess in the arts, with a range of quality theatres and shows. The National Theatre of Strasbourg is the main house in town with regular performances throughout the year, while Le Mallion and Le Taps offer everything from dance to comedy, and La Choucrouterie has French cabaret.
In addition, the Opera du Rhin puts on some fine opera, while those looking for the orchestra should head for Palais de la Musique et des Congres to see the Philharmonic Orchestra. In the summertime, the Notre-Dame Cathedral is the stage for an assortment of performances.
 Strasbourg Wine Route
If you are into wines and have the time and impetus for a tour of the region, then the 100-mile Route du Vin could be for you. This string ofwineries and vineyards runs all the way from Strasbourg to Mulhouse to the south and features many delectable wines along the way. Dozens of towns and villages are covered on the tour including the medieval villages of Colmar, Kintzheim and Riquewihr.
Covered Bridges
The aptly named Ponts-Couverts is a very popular tourist attraction in town, with its old towers and footbridges. The bridges are located near la Petite France and still feature their original 13th century towers. Views of the town and river from the towers are fantastic.
Dining & Shopping
 The Alsace region has some of France’s best cuisine, with its blend of German cooking and traditional dishes. A complement of fine Alsatian wines, like Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Muscat and Pinot Blanc, adds to the appeal. Specialities to look out for include baeckoffe (delicious pork, beef and lamb stew) and foie gras, duck or goose liver.
As to where to eat, la Petite France easily has the pick of the bunch, although prices here tend to be on the steep side. There are more than two-dozen Michelin-star rated restaurants in Strasbourg alone, and most of them are in this region of town. Relais de la Poste is one of the best of them and lies in the heart of the city, but it’s also easy enough to get a snack or fast food at cheaper prices elsewhere.
 Strasbourg is a market town, and there is plenty of action here. Everything from wines, spirits, and other local Alsatian products to arts and crafts of the Alsatian region can be bought at various markets throughout the city. The flea market (Marché aux Puces) on rue de Vieil-Hôpital trades on Wednesdays and Saturdays and is very popular.
The main shopping district in town is around the Grande Île in the midtown area, where lines of shops feature boutiques and standard high street chains. For indoor shopping Place des Halles shopping centre in the north of the city has over 100 shops and restaurants. Try rue Hellebardes and rue Gutenberg for designer clothes and budget shopping along rue de la Lanterne.
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