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Top Things to Do in Metz — Complete Guide 2026
Updated 20 July 2026 · 14 min read
Metz is one of France's most underrated city destinations. With a magnificent Gothic cathedral that holds the world's largest expanse of stained glass, a world-class contemporary art museum designed by Pritzker Prize-winner Shigeru Ban, a medieval old town of cobbled streets and half-timbered houses, and a unique Imperial German quarter that looks unlike anything else in France, Metz punches far above its weight for a city of 120,000 people.
What makes Metz even more appealing is how walkable and green it is. The Moselle river wraps around the old town in a series of islands and riverbanks, creating natural walking routes that connect every major attraction. You can explore the entire historic centre on foot within a day, then spend a second day visiting the museums, the Imperial Quarter, and the botanical gardens. This guide covers all the essential things to do in Metz, with practical tips on opening hours, ticket prices, and how to get around sustainably. For hotel information, check our main Metz page.
Detailed Attractions Guide
Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Metz
The centrepiece of Metz and the most important Gothic cathedral in eastern France. Built between 1220 and 1520, the cathedral's claim to fame is its 6,500 square metres of stained glass — the largest surface area of any cathedral in the world. The windows span eight centuries, from 13th-century Gothic medallions to the modern masterpieces by Marc Chagall (installed in the 1960s in the axial chapel) and Jacques Villon. The Chagall windows depict scenes from the Book of Genesis and Exodus in his signature deep blue and crimson red. They are best viewed mid-morning (10:00–11:30) when sunlight streams directly through the chapel. The cathedral's lantern tower rises 88 metres and can be climbed for panoramic views over the Moselle valley and the old town (climb open April–October, EUR5). Free guided tours available in English on Saturdays at 10:30. The nave reaches an extraordinary 41 metres in height, one of the tallest Gothic interiors in France.
Centre Pompidou-Metz
The largest temporary exhibition space for contemporary art outside Paris, housed in a spectacular building designed by Shigeru Ban. The roof is an extraordinary wooden wave structure inspired by a Chinese bamboo hat, spanning 8,000 square metres and supported by a central spire that rises 77 metres. Inside, the exhibition spaces draw from the 120,000+ works of the Centre Pompidou collection in Paris, with major rotating exhibitions covering modern and contemporary art, architecture, photography, and design. The rooftop terrace offers one of the best panoramic views of Metz and the cathedral — and it is free to access even without an exhibition ticket. The museum shop has excellent design books and Mirabelle-themed souvenirs. Allow at least 2 hours.
Temple Neuf and Île du Petit-Saulcy
The neo-Romanesque Protestant church built in 1904 sits on its own island in the Moselle — Île du Petit-Saulcy. Surrounded by water on all sides, the Temple Neuf is one of the most photographed landmarks in Metz, particularly when the cathedral is reflected in the Moselle behind it. The adjacent Esplanade park stretches along the island's eastern side, with benches, lawn areas, and a fountain. In summer, the Esplanade hosts open-air cinema screenings and concerts. The surrounding quays — Quai des Régatiers and Quai Paul-Vautrain — offer beautiful walking paths with cathedral views. This is the perfect spot for a picnic or an evening stroll.
Imperial District (Quartier Impérial)
One of the most distinctive urban ensembles in France. Between 1871 and 1918, when Metz was part of the German Empire, the city was transformed with a monumental new quarter of neo-Romanesque and neo-Gothic civic buildings. The centrepiece is Place de la République, one of the largest squares in France, surrounded by the Palais du Gouverneur (the former Imperial governor's palace), the main post office with its striking clock tower, and the thermal bath building. Avenue Foch, the grand boulevard leading from the station to Place de la République, is lined with impressive Wilhelminian townhouses. Guided English tours of the Imperial District run on Saturdays at 14:00 from the tourist office (EUR10, 2 hours). Alternatively, follow the free self-guided walking map available at the tourist office on Place de la République.
Musée de la Cour d'Or
Metz's main history museum is housed in a remarkable complex of buildings that includes the former 12th-century Petites Carmes abbey and a 16th-century granary. The collection traces Metz from the Gallo-Roman period through the Merovingian and medieval eras. The highlight is the exceptionally well-preserved Gallo-Roman baths — among the largest and best-preserved north of the Alps, complete with the original hypocaust (underfloor heating) system, tepidarium, and caldarium. The Merovingian collection is one of the finest in France, with intricately decorated jewellery, weapons, glassware, and sarcophagi discovered in local necropolises. The medieval section includes the original 12th-century abbey church and a collection of medieval sculpture. Allow at least 2 hours to do the museum justice.
Porte des Allemands
A magnificent 13th-century fortified gate complex where the Moselle and Seille rivers meet. The Porte des Allemands is the last surviving gate of Metz's original medieval fortifications, and it is remarkably well-preserved. The complex includes twin towers connected by a bridge, with a second set of 15th-century towers added during a later expansion. You can walk through the gate, along the ramparts, and down to the water's edge where the two rivers converge. Information plaques explain the gate's defensive history. It is particularly atmospheric in the late afternoon when the sun lights the golden limestone. Free, no ticket required, and always accessible.
Plan d'Eau and Metz Lake
A recreational lake on the western edge of Metz, connected by a canal to the Moselle river. The lake is surrounded by a 3 km walking and cycling path, with several beaches, picnic areas, and play areas for children. In summer (June–August), the lake offers pedal boat hire (from EUR8 per hour), paddleboarding (EUR10 per hour), and open-air swimming in designated areas with lifeguards. A small beach volleyball court and outdoor fitness stations line the path. The setting is surprisingly rural for being within the city limits — the surrounding woodland buffers the lake from the urban fabric. It is a 30-minute walk or 10-minute bike ride from the cathedral.
Jardin Botanique de Metz
8 hectares of themed gardens at Montigny-lès-Metz, a 15-minute walk south of the city centre. The botanical gardens include an arboretum with over 500 tree species, a rose garden, a medicinal plant garden, an alpine garden, and a Japanese-inspired garden. The grand greenhouses date from the 19th century and contain tropical plants, cacti, and orchids. Spring is particularly beautiful when the rhododendrons and azaleas bloom, and the Mirabelle trees in the fruit orchard flower in April. The gardens are a peaceful escape from the city and are popular with families — there is a small playground and a tea room serving light lunches. The park area is free; the greenhouse costs EUR3.
Moselle River Cruises
Scenic boat cruises along the Moselle river departing from near the Temple Neuf. See Metz from the water — the cathedral, the Imperial Quarter, the Porte des Allemands, and the river islands from a unique perspective. Commentary available in French and English. Evening cruises with dinner are available in summer (EUR45 including a three-course meal). A wonderful way to appreciate how the Moselle wraps around the old town and understand Metz's relationship with its river.
Planetarium
Metz's modern planetarium near the Parc de la Seille offers immersive astronomy shows under a 15-metre dome. Shows run in French with English audio guides available. Especially popular with families. The surrounding Parc de la Seille is Metz's newest green space with playgrounds, walking paths, and a skate park. Combined with the nearby lake, this forms Metz's main leisure zone on the western edge of the city.
Suggested Itineraries
One Day in Metz
Morning: Start at the Cathédrale Saint-Étienne (arrive at 09:00 for quiet contemplation of the stained glass, including the Chagall windows). Then walk to the Marché Couvert (covered market) on Rue du Pas Saint-Clément for a coffee and slice of quiche. Mid-morning: Visit the Musée de la Cour d'Or to see the Roman baths and Merovingian collection. Lunch: Grab something from the market or try La Dînée's lunch menu. Afternoon: Walk through the old town — Place Saint-Louis (13th-century arcaded houses), Rue des Tanneurs, Porte des Allemands — then cross the Moselle to Île du Saulcy for the Temple Neuf and Esplanade park with cathedral views. Late afternoon: Walk back through the Imperial Quarter (Place de la République, Avenue Foch) to the station.
Two Days in Metz
Day 1: Same as the one-day itinerary above. Day 2: Morning at Centre Pompidou-Metz (arrive at opening to avoid queues). Mid-day lunch at Ceci C'est de la Ficelle near the cathedral. Afternoon: Choose one option — stroll through the Jardin Botanique, rent a bike and circle the Plan d'Eau lake, or take a Moselle river boat cruise (May–September, EUR12, 1 hour). Late afternoon: Return to the Esplanade for a final Moselle river walk with cathedral views. Evening dinner at La Reserve (river terrace) or Au Pampre (traditional Lorraine).
Three Days in Metz — Including a Day Trip
Days 1–2: Same as the two-day itinerary above. Day 3: Choose a day trip: Nancy (35 min by TER train, Place Stanislas UNESCO World Heritage, Art Nouveau architecture, Musée des Beaux-Arts), Luxembourg City (60 min by regional train, the Old Quarter UNESCO site, Bock casemates, Grand Ducal Palace), or Amnéville (15 min by car or 30 min by bus, zoo with 2,000 animals, thermal baths, aquarium). Each makes a perfect half-day or full-day excursion from Metz, allowing you to explore the broader Grand Est region while keeping your eco-friendly Metz hotel as a base.
Free Things to Do in Metz
Many of Metz's best attractions are completely free. The Cathédrale Saint-Étienne has no entry fee — you can visit every day without a ticket. The Temple Neuf and the Esplanade park are free and open to all. The Porte des Allemands and the ramparts cost nothing to explore. The Jardin Botanique park area is free (only the greenhouses cost EUR3). The entire Imperial District architecture walk is self-guided and free. The Marché Couvert covered market is free to browse — you pay only for what you buy. The Saturday market on Place de la Cathédrale is a free cultural spectacle. And the Centre Pompidou-Metz offers free admission on the first Sunday of every month. The tourist office on Place de la République provides free walking maps in multiple languages.
Day Trips from Metz
Nancy (35 min by TER, EUR8–12 return): The UNESCO-listed Place Stanislas is one of Europe's most beautiful squares. Nancy is also famous for its Art Nouveau heritage — the École de Nancy museum and the Villa Majorelle are highlights. Combined with a visit to the Musée des Beaux-Arts and a walk through the Ville-Vieille (old town), Nancy makes a perfect half-day trip from Metz.
Luxembourg City (60 min by regional train, EUR12–16 return): The capital of the Grand Duchy is a 45–60 minute train ride from Metz. The UNESCO World Heritage old town, perched on dramatic cliffs above the Alzette river, is walkable and fascinating. Visit the Bock casemates (underground fortifications), the Grand Ducal Palace, and the Mudam contemporary art museum. The train journey itself passes through beautiful Moselle valley scenery.
Amnéville (15 min by car, 30 min by bus): A popular family destination with the Zoo d'Amnéville (2,000 animals across 18 hectares, EUR20 adults), the Amnéville Thermes thermal baths (EUR22 for pool and sauna access), and the Galerie Lorienne aquarium. Best combined with a visit to the Moselle valley vineyards.
Getting Around Metz Sustainably
Metz is designed for walking. The entire historic centre — cathedral, old town, Temple Neuf, Porte des Allemands, Place de la République — is within a 25-minute walk. For longer journeys, the Mettis bus rapid transit system is fully electric, frequent, and runs on dedicated lanes. A single ticket costs EUR1.50, and a day pass costs EUR4. Bicycle-sharing (Le Vélo Metz) has stations across the city; the first 30 minutes are free. The Moselle riverbanks provide level, car-free cycling routes connecting the city centre to the Plan d'Eau lake and the Jardin Botanique. The city also has electric scooter rentals available through several apps. Metz's sustainable transport network means you can explore every attraction without a car.
Booking Your Stay Through IMPT
When you book your Metz hotel through IMPT, you access exactly the same rates as Booking.com across 8M+ hotels worldwide — but with meaningful differences. You earn 5% cashback in IMPT tokens on green-certified properties, every booking offsets approximately 1 tonne of CO2 through verified carbon removal projects, and new members receive EUR5 free credit to start. IMPT's 25K+ green-certified partners include properties that prioritise energy efficiency, waste reduction, local sourcing, and community engagement. For a city as walkable, bikeable, and train-connected as Metz, booking through IMPT aligns your accommodation with the sustainable travel ethos that the city itself embodies. Explore all Metz hotel options on our main page.