Batorama – Boat trip in Strasbourg
Taking a riverboat tour in Strasbourg is a unique and alternative way to explore the city. Did you know that Strasbourg has a Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is home to its historic city center? Surrounded by the Ill River (a tributary of the Rhine) and crisscrossed by numerous canals, Strasbourg is perfect for exploring by sightseeing boat with Batorama. Follow along—I’ll share all my tips with you!
The essentials at a glance
- 📍 Location: Batorama Pier, Fish Market Square, right in the heart of downtown
- ⏱️ Recommended duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes for the red route (the most comprehensive)
- 👨👩👧👦 Audience: Families, couples, all ages (special audio guide for children available)
- 💶 Cost: €16.20 for the red tour (adult rate); reduced rates for children based on age
- ☔ Great option for rainy days: Covered, heated, and air-conditioned boats available
My Review of the Batorama Boat Tour
I liked
- See the city from the water: another point of view!
- Observe the different architectural styles of Strasbourg
- Possibility of taking a covered or open boat
- Partner of the Pass Alsace
I liked less
- Remember to buy your ticket in advance, there are often many people!
Where to catch the boat in Strasbourg: the Batorama pier
The Batorama boat dock is located at Place du Marché aux Poissons, right in the heart of downtown Strasbourg, 150 meters from the cathedral. Very convenient!
Which Batorama tour should you choose in Strasbourg?
The Red Tour: Strasbourg, 20 Centuries of History (1 hour 10 minutes)
I recommend the red tour, which is the most comprehensive (and also the most classic) and lasts 1 hour and 10 minutes. The architectural styles follow one after another: from the half-timbered houses of Petite France to the modern European institutions, passing through the Germanic style of the Imperial Quarter—Strasbourg’s diverse architecture and beautiful buildings are a pleasure to admire from a boat. As a bonus, you’ll pass through a lock in Petite France, which is always a fun part of this city cruise.
The walking tour offers a comprehensive view of the city and helps you quickly understand its layout and its various neighborhoods, which bear witness to its past and present history. The audio guide also provides interesting insights into this history while remaining entertaining for both children and adults (there’s even a special version for kids).
💡 My tips as a local: Depending on the weather, opt for a covered, heated boat (or one with air conditioning during a heat wave)—it’s also perfect in case of rain. Sit at the front of the boat, on the side: you’ll have fewer problems taking photos that way; otherwise, there are always people’s heads getting in the way! And don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen, especially on an open-air boat.
Other tours: Orange Tours, themed tours, and cruise shows
Batorama also offers the orange tour, which is shorter (45 minutes) and less comprehensive: it doesn’t go through Petite France, even though that’s one of the prettiest parts of the tour. So I’d recommend the red tour instead if you only have time for one tour.
In addition to these two tours, Batorama regularly offers other themed tours, as well as one-way trips that let you get around Strasbourg by boat: the Citadel Lighthouse, the route from the European Parliament to the cathedral, “Strasbourg the European,” “Strasbourg the Builders,” “Strasbourg-sur-Mer”… And even an old-fashioned Christmas cruise, a storytelling cruise held during the Christmas Market!
For example, I tried out a tour of the Autonomous Port of Strasbourg during a one-hour cruise called “Strasbourg by the Sea.” That’s right, you read that correctly! Strasbourg isn’t on the coast, of course, but it’s on the Rhine and is home to France’s second-largest river port! Even the people of Strasbourg are sometimes unaware of the immense activity that takes place there: with 10,000 employees and goods coming from and going to destinations all over the world, it’s a real little city within the city! The tour lets you explore this vast area and learn more about how it operates. It’s a truly fascinating way to discover one of Strasbourg’s least-known aspects to visitors!
Batorama also proposes on its “bateaux mouches” some cruises-spectacles: stand up, theaters, concerts… The program is varied! Find the program here.
Key Takeaways About Batorama
- 🚤 A must-do stroll to discover Strasbourg from a different perspective, along the Ill River
- 🔴 The red tour (1 hour 10 minutes) is still the most comprehensive—I highly recommend it
- 🎫 Book your tickets online in advance to avoid waiting in line during busy times
- 🌦️ A great option on rainy days thanks to the covered boats
Want to make the most of your visit? Check out my 25 must-see ideas for exploring Strasbourg.
Practical information
Rates and schedules
- Only one company offers boat tours of the city: Batorama. The Red Tour (1 hour 10 minutes) costs €16.20 for adults, with discounted rates for children depending on their age. Schedules vary depending on the time of year. You can find the current prices and schedules for boat tours in Strasbourg here.
- The most convenient option is to purchase your tickets online on the Batorama website. You can also buy them at the Batorama shop on Place de la Cathédrale, or at a self-service kiosk available 24/7: there are 4 kiosks at the Place de la Cathédrale shop and 2 kiosks on the docks near the boarding area.
- Here’s a great deal: you can buy a package online that includes the boat tour and the Pop Guide audio tour for visiting Strasbourg Cathedral. The audio tour will cost you just €2.50 instead of €4, and it’s pretty much a must-have so you don’t miss a thing on your visit!
- A Batorama tour can be included in the Alsace Pass (for an additional €5 on top of the pass price).
Guided tours
The red tour, “Strasbourg: 20 Centuries of History,” lasts 1 hour and 10 minutes. It is the most comprehensive and popular tour. The audio guide is included in the price.
Access
The departure of the boats takes place on the Place du Marché aux Poissons (in the center of town). Stop Langstross Grand’Rue (streetcar A and D) / Broglie (streetcar B, C and F) / Corbeau (bus 10).
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About the Batorama Boat Tour in Strasbourg
Where can I catch the Batorama boat in Strasbourg?
The pier is located on Place du Marché aux Poissons, about 150 meters from the cathedral, right in the heart of downtown.
What is the difference between the red route and the orange route?
The red tour lasts 1 hour and 10 minutes and goes through Petite France; it’s the most comprehensive. The orange tour lasts 45 minutes but doesn’t go through Petite France—I recommend the red tour if you only have time for one.
How much does the Batorama boat tour cost?
The Red Tour (1 hour 10 minutes) costs €16.20 for adults, with age-based discounts available for children.
Do I need to book my Batorama ticket in advance?
Yes, it’s highly recommended: the boats are often fully booked during peak hours, and booking online saves you from having to wait in line.
Is the boat tour in Strasbourg a good option if it rains?
Yes, Batorama offers covered and heated boats, making it a good alternative in case of bad weather.