Things To Do
in Schiltigheim
Schiltigheim is a lively suburb immediately north of Strasbourg in the historic Alsace region, renowned for its long brewing tradition and village-like streets. The town combines industrial brewery heritage with leafy parks, weekly markets and pockets of timber‑framed architecture typical of the region. It makes a convenient base for exploring Strasbourg’s grand cathedral, canals and museums while offering quieter local life and convivial winstubs.
Schiltigheim is easily reached by tram or bike and is popular with commuters, families and visitors interested in Alsatian beer and cuisine.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the historic center of Schiltigheim. Visit the local bakery to enjoy a traditional French breakfast of croissants and café au lait. After breakfast, take in the charming architecture and vibrant street art that adorn the town.
In the afternoon, visit the local museums, such as the Musée de l'Automobile, to learn about the region's automotive history. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby bistro, sampling regional specialties like tarte flambée. Afterward, explore the nearby Parc de l'Hotel de Ville, where you can relax by the beautiful gardens.
As evening approaches, head to a local wine bar to sample Alsatian wines and enjoy some cheese platters. Experience the lively atmosphere of the town as you wander through the streets, lined with quaint shops and cafés. End your evening with a delicious dinner at a traditional Alsatian restaurant.
Begin your day at the Schiltigheim market, where you can find fresh produce, artisan cheeses, and handmade crafts. Engage with local vendors and perhaps pick up some ingredients for a picnic later. The vibrant colors and lively atmosphere will awaken your senses as you explore the stalls.
After your market visit, return to your accommodation to prepare your picnic with the goodies you purchased. Head to one of the parks in the area, such as Parc de la Fête, and enjoy your meal surrounded by nature. Post-lunch, take a leisurely walk through the park, soaking in the tranquility and observing local life.
In the evening, experience a traditional Alsatian cooking class at a local culinary school. Here, you'll learn how to make classic dishes like choucroute garnie under the guidance of a skilled chef. Conclude your culinary adventure by enjoying the meal you prepared alongside fellow food enthusiasts.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (0.5L) at a bar | $4-6 |
| ☕Cappuccino / coffee | $3-5 |
| 🚆Single public transport ticket | $2-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within town) | $8-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent proximity to Strasbourg with easy tram connections
- Rich brewing heritage and good local beer scene
- Quieter, village‑like atmosphere with parks and markets
- Good cycling infrastructure and access to regional nature
- Limited tourist attractions within the town itself
- Nightlife is modest compared with central Strasbourg
- Traditional Alsatian cuisine can be heavy for some diets
- Language can be a small barrier outside tourist-facing venues
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The bill, please
- "Où est la gare / le tram ?" - Where is the train / tram?
- "Je suis végétarien(ne)" - I am vegetarian
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Schiltigheim
Visit one of these nice places.
Capture charming Alsatian architecture, colourful shutters and intimate street scenes in Schiltigheim’s centre and side streets.
Photograph historic brewery buildings, signage and tanks—great for capturing the town’s brewing identity and textured industrial details.
Golden-hour shots along the waterways and cycle paths deliver reflections, quiet pastoral scenes and local life.
Vibrant colours, produce displays and candid portraits of vendors make for lively market photography on market days.
Tree-lined parks and seasonal blooms offer peaceful nature frames within the town and good spots for family portraits.
Food in Schiltigheim
Schiltigheim Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A thin-crust tart topped with crème fraîche, onions and lardons; best in a local winstub or bakery.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked sauerkraut served with an assortment of salted and smoked meats and potatoes; commonly found on brasserie menus.
A slow-baked casserole of marinated meats, potatoes and onions traditionally cooked in a clay pot—hearty and regional.
A yeasted, slightly sweet Bundt cake studded with raisins or almonds, sold in bakeries across town.
Schiltigheim is famous for breweries — sample lagers and craft brews at brewery taps and local bars.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local market (typically mornings on certain weekdays/weekends) offering seasonal produce, charcuterie, cheeses and baked goods—ideal for picnic supplies.
A short tram ride away, Strasbourg’s markets (including the covered market) offer expanded street-food options, regional specialities and international stalls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always say 'Bonjour' when entering shops or speaking to someone; it’s considered polite and opens interactions on the right tone.
Use 'vous' for polite address with strangers and elders; some older residents may speak Alsatian or German, but French is the default. A few polite phrases in French go a long way.
Respect queues, be punctual for appointments or reservations, and keep noise levels reasonable in public spaces and residential areas.
Be mindful during religious holidays and seasonal events—local customs and markets follow traditional schedules and rhythms.
Safety
Tipping in Schiltigheim
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charge is usually included ('service compris') in restaurant bills; leaving small change or rounding up (5–10%) for exceptional service is appreciated but not required. For bars, cafés and taxis, rounding up or leaving small coins is common.
Credit and debit cards (chip and contactless) are widely accepted; carry some cash for markets, small shops and bakeries. Mobile payments are increasingly supported, and ATMs are readily available.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming parks make spring ideal for cycling and markets; be ready for occasional rain showers and variable temperatures.
Warm and pleasant with sunny days—perfect for outdoor dining, beer gardens and riverbank walks; bring sunscreen and lightweight layers for cooler evenings.
Crisp air and colourful foliage highlight nearby vineyards and woods; harvest season brings markets and seasonal dishes but expect earlier nightfall and cooler weather.
Cold with possible frost or snow; festive Christmas markets in Strasbourg are a major draw—wrap up warmly and check opening times for smaller local businesses.
Schiltigheim at Night
Hiking in Schiltigheim
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short drive from Schiltigheim, the Vosges offer varied hiking trails, forest walks and viewpoints for half‑day to full‑day excursions.
A historic and scenic ridge with marked trails, viewpoints over the plains and a monastery—popular for day trips and moderate hikes.
Protected parkland with a network of trails, rocky outcrops, forests and small villages—great for nature walks and longer hikes.
Airports
How to reach Schiltigheim by plane.
The nearest airport (about 10–20 minutes by car from Schiltigheim) with domestic and European flights; reachable by taxi or shuttle and regional buses.
Major international airport serving the tri-border area (about 1.5–2 hours drive); offers a large range of international connections and shuttle/rail links to Strasbourg.
Smaller regional airport (about 40–80 minutes by car depending on route) with low-cost carrier options and good road/rail connections to Schiltigheim and Strasbourg.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents work in Strasbourg and prefer Schiltigheim for its quieter residential feel and proximity to the city.
The town is popular with families due to schools, parks and community infrastructure.
Long-standing local families with Alsatian cultural ties, sometimes bilingual in French and Alsatian/German.
Proximity to Strasbourg’s universities brings students and international residents who contribute to a diverse community.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is widely played and followed locally, with youth clubs and amateur leagues popular in the community.
Cycling is both recreational and practical—many residents commute by bike and the region hosts scenic routes for road and leisure cycling.
Handball and rugby have local followings and clubs in the wider Strasbourg area, with community-level participation.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Schiltigheim.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Alsatian cuisine is meat-forward, but larger cafés and many restaurants (especially in Strasbourg) offer vegetarian versions of dishes or salads; speak to staff and ask for 'sans viande' or 'végétarien(ne)'.
Vegan options are more limited in traditional winstubs; look for vegetarian-friendly cafés, health-food spots in Strasbourg or international restaurants, and call ahead if possible.
Gluten-free choices can be scarce in traditional bakeries; many restaurants will accommodate if alerted, and supermarkets stock gluten-free basics.
Carry a card in French listing your allergies and inform servers—most places are accustomed to accommodating dietary needs but may vary in options.