What to do in Strasbourg when it rains?

Map of things to do in Strasbourg in case of rain

1. Visit Strasbourg’s museums

Strasbourg is fortunate to have many museums on a wide variety of themes. Fine arts, decorative arts, Alsatian culture, Strasbourg history, contemporary art and even Vodou (!!)… You’re sure to find what you’re looking for!

2. Visit Strasbourg on a fly boat

If you’re discovering Strasbourg, I can only recommend a visit along the river with Batorama. And even if you’re a local and have never tried one, don’t hesitate – I’m sure you’ll learn something and see your city in a different light! Good news in case of rain: Batorama offers covered and heated boats, so you can enjoy your visit from a sheltered spot!

3. Solve puzzles in an escape room in Strasbourg

An escape game is a great idea for a rainy day activity: you’re under cover, it’s fun and you can go with your family or friends! We’re lucky enough to have many escape games in Strasbourg, and even activities that are a little different, such as a destroy room and Sensas, an activity that puts all the senses to the test.

4. Indoor sports

When it rains, we often have fewer ideas for sports outings. But don’t let that put you off, I’ve got a few ideas for activities you can enjoy indoors! Fans of mountain bikes and BMX, as well as scooters and rollerblades, will love Stride, Europe’s biggest indoor bike park (yes, that’s right!).

If you’re more into motorsports, an indoor electric go-kart session could be a great idea. Finally, for climbing enthusiasts, we have several climbing gyms in Strasbourg. Some offer boulders, others routes, so there’s something for everyone!

• Hueco City downtown, between the train station and Place de Haguenau
• Hueco Zenith in Eckbolsheim (a neighboring town to the west of Strasbourg)
• Block Out in Strasbourg’s western Hautepierre district
• Roc en Stock in the Plaine des Bouchers district south of Strasbourg
• Bloc Session in Illkirch-Graffenstaden (a town south of Strasbourg)

5. Relax at a spa in the capital of Alsace

A rainy day can be the perfect occasion to go and relax in a spa (although you don’t need the excuse of rain to do so, we agree!). In Strasbourg, I can recommend several addresses:

• The magnificent Strasbourg Municipal Baths, which, in addition to being an extraordinary public swimming pool, feature a wellness area called the Roman Baths. I have to admit that the outdoor pool, with its view of Strasbourg’s rooftops, never fails to impress… Not to mention the overall beauty of the place!
• If you’re more in the mood for an oriental spa, head to Hammam Les Cent Ciels for a relaxing and exotic experience.
• More unusual, the Taaka Beer Spa is also a great way to have a good time!

6. Play in a gaming bar

Board games are always a good idea for indoor activities. But sometimes you get a bit bored of the games you have at home: the games bar is a good solution! The Philibar is a great place to spend an afternoon! You can tell us what kind of games you like, and we’ll offer you a range of options. All you have to do is choose, or try out several!

7. Visit the historic cellar of the Hospices Civils de Strasbourg

That’s a long name for a cellar, and a very unusual one at that, because – you read that right – this cellar is located in a hospital right in Strasbourg’s city center! The historic cellar of the Hospices Civils de Strasbourg is a wonderful discovery: huge wooden tuns are to be found in this cellar, where wines from various Alsatian winemakers are aged. Another special feature is that this is where the oldest cask wine in the world is kept! You can see the barrel but not taste the wine, which has only been tasted on historic occasions.

8. Enjoy a delicious afternoon snack at a café or tea room in Strasbourg

On rainy days, I often feel like spending a cocooning afternoon with a hot drink and a good pastry… Don’t you? Alsatians are gourmets and the Alsatian capital is full of good addresses. There’s something for everyone: trendy cafés or traditional patisseries, tea or coffee specialists, typical Alsatian, French or American cakes – you’ll find something for everyone in some really cool places!

9. Visit the European Parliament in Strasbourg

Strasbourg, along with Brussels, is the capital of Europe: why not take advantage of your visit to tour one of its flagship institutions, the European Parliament? A guided tour is available for visitors—it’s really interesting. Tours of the Parliament are free, but please note that they’re only available in the afternoon.

10. Travelling to the stars at Strasbourg’s Planetarium

This activity was tested by Léa— I love planetariums, don’t you? Astronomy, or the study of the stars, is a fascinating science. The new planetarium in Strasbourg offers several 1-hour sessions every day, each featuring a film followed by an exploration of the night sky. The films offer a spectacular and highly immersive experience thanks to the planetarium’s dome. Then it’s time to explore the night sky with a guide from the Jardin des Sciences at the University of Strasbourg, which operates the planetarium. I also really enjoyed this part—it was a chance to (re)discover the stars, the constellations, “our” place in the Milky Way, and the galaxies that “surround” us.

It was a very good time, quite magical, and should appeal to adults and children alike. Remember to book your tickets in advance and arrive 20 to 30 minutes before your session, to get the best seats in the hall. The planetarium is accessible to people with reduced mobility. More info

11. Visit Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral

Here’s a must-see on any visit to Strasbourg, and of course you can do it even if it’s raining! Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of the city’s most emblematic monuments, and it would be a shame to miss it if you’re visiting Strasbourg for the first time. You can explore the cathedral’s rich interior and discover the astronomical clock. Only the climb to the platform of the cathedral tower isn’t ideal in wet weather.

12. Shop at local designer boutiques

The weather’s a bit gloomy, so it might be a good time to do a bit of shopping… But not in just any store! Strasbourg is home to a number of arts and crafts stores featuring the work of local designers.

13. Watch a movie at a movie theater in Strasbourg

Going to the cinema remains one of the must-do activities in any city when it’s raining, and Strasbourg is no exception! Here are the cinemas you’ll find in Strasbourg:

• UGC Ciné Cité Strasbourg Etoile
• Cinéma Star and Star Saint-Exupéry
• Cinéma Vox
• Cinéma Cosmos (formerly Odyssée)

14. Listen to live music

How about a concert in Strasbourg? Numerous venues and bars offer live music, so you can have a great local time in the company of Strasbourgeois!

15. Go out for a drink in the capital of Alsace

Go for a drink (in moderation, of course) in a nice place, here’s another idea for a rainy day activity in Strasbourg! Here’s our selection of bars for beer lovers, and for those who prefer cocktails. And if you’re looking for a wine bar, the Hotel Hannong’s Black and Wine is very nice.

What You Need to Know About Strasbourg When It Rains

• 15 activity ideas to help you enjoy Strasbourg no matter the weather
• The Batorama riverboat offers covered and heated options, even in rainy weather
• Museums, escape rooms, spas, and movie theaters are excellent options that are 100% safe
• The cathedral is perfectly fine to visit even in the rain (just avoid going up to the observation deck)

Looking for more ideas for your trip? Check out my Top 25 Things to Do in Strasbourg or my itinerary for exploring Strasbourg in one day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Strasbourg When It Rains