Here’s a suggested itinerary for both 3 days and 5 days in Metz to help you explore the city's best attractions and experience its rich history and culture.
3-Day Itinerary for Metz
Day 1: Discovering the City Center
Morning:
- Start your day at Place Saint-Louis, the central square with charming arcades and cafés.
- Visit Cathédrale Saint-Étienne, a magnificent Gothic cathedral known for its stunning stained-glass windows.
Afternoon:
Explore Musée de la Cour d'Or, which offers an insightful look into the city’s history, with exhibits from Roman times to the Middle Ages.
Walk along Porte des Allemands, a medieval gate that provides great views and photo opportunities.
Evening:
Day 2: Museums and Modern Art
Morning:
- Visit the Centre Pompidou-Metz, a contemporary art museum housed in a striking building designed by Shigeru Ban. Explore the current exhibitions and enjoy the architecture.
Afternoon:
Walk around Marché Couvert, Metz’s covered market, to sample local produce and specialties.
Relax at Parc de la Seille, a beautiful park with scenic walking paths along the river.
Evening:
Day 3: Parks, Gardens, and Scenic Views
Morning:
- Visit Jardin Botanique de Metz (the Botanical Garden) to enjoy its variety of plants and peaceful atmosphere.
Afternoon:
Take a walk along the Moselle River or visit the Basilique de Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains, one of the oldest churches in Europe.
Head to Temple Neuf, a Protestant church located on the banks of the river, offering great views.
Evening:
5-Day Itinerary for Metz
Day 1: City Center Exploration (Same as Day 1 in the 3-day itinerary)
You’ll explore the historic heart of the city, including Cathédrale Saint-Étienne, Musée de la Cour d'Or, and Porte des Allemands.
Day 2: Museums and Modern Art (Same as Day 2 in the 3-day itinerary)
Dive deeper into contemporary art at Centre Pompidou-Metz, and visit Marché Couvert and Parc de la Seille for a more relaxed afternoon.
Day 3: Day Trip to Nearby Attractions
Morning:
- Take a day trip to Fort de Queuleu, a historic fortification located just outside Metz. It provides a glimpse into the region's military past.
Afternoon:
Evening:
Day 4: Nature and Relaxation
Morning:
- Start the day with a visit to Jardin Botanique de Metz for a relaxing stroll through lush gardens and greenhouses.
Afternoon:
Head to Parc de la Seille for a leisurely walk, or explore some of the local neighborhoods, such as Plantières-Queuleu, for a more tranquil and local experience.
Evening:
Day 5: Exploring Local Culture
Morning:
- Visit Opéra-Théâtre de Metz Métropole if you're interested in cultural performances, or explore the historic areas that you may have missed, such as Place de la République or Rue Serpenoise, a lively shopping street.
Afternoon:
Evening:
This 3-day itinerary will give you a solid introduction to Metz’s history, art, and culture, while the 5-day itinerary allows for a more relaxed pace and time to explore Metz’s surroundings and additional attractions.
