10 Best Things to Do and See in Metz
Exploring Metz on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Metz, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Metz. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Saint-Étienne Cathedral of Metz
Metz Cathedral of Saint Stephen is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, remarkable for its Gothic architecture and soaring silhouette. As you explore it, you are especially struck by its vast interior spaces, high vaults and large stained-glass windows that fill the building with colorful light. The site also impresses with the delicacy of its carved details and the solemn atmosphere that surrounds it. Located in the heart of Metz, it appeals both to visitors interested in heritage and to lovers of art and architecture.
2. Centre Pompidou-Metz
The Centre Pompidou-Metz is a major museum of modern and contemporary art that attracts visitors to Metz with its bold architecture and varied exhibitions. Inside, you can discover works by international artists, installations, paintings, sculptures, and regularly changing displays, all in bright spaces designed for visitors. The venue also offers a lively approach to contemporary creation, with routes accessible to a wide audience. It is a must-see stop for art lovers and for anyone looking for a cultural discovery.
3. Covered Market
In the heart of Metz, the Covered Market is a lively place where you can experience the atmosphere of a traditional market in a remarkable architectural setting. You’ll find stalls of fresh produce, local specialties, cheeses, meats, bread, and flowers, all in a friendly atmosphere enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. It is also a great place to observe everyday life in Metz and take a gourmet break while enjoying the energy of the city center, just a short walk from the cathedral and the Moselle riverbanks.
4. Porte des Allemands
The German Gate is one of the most iconic landmarks in Metz, on the banks of the Seille. This fortified site, with its massive towers, ramparts, and arches, offers a fine glimpse into the city’s medieval defensive architecture. A walk here reveals a remarkably well-preserved historical complex, integrated into the urban landscape and pleasant to admire from the surrounding area. The German Gate appeals as much for its heritage value as for the charm of the setting, with the river, old stone, and views over the center of Metz.
5. Place de la République
Place de la République in Metz is a large urban space defined by its openness and the architectural setting around it. Located in the heart of the city, it links several key routes and sits among public buildings and regular facades. More than a simple crossroads, it is a civic square where the scale of the open space, the alignments and the built volumes create a clear reading of central Metz.
6. Musée de La Cour d’Or, Metz
The La Cour d'Or Museum in Metz is a must-see place to discover the city's history and heritage through a wide variety of collections. Visitors can admire archaeological remains, objects from Antiquity, sculptures, works of art, and items related to local history. The museum also presents insights into everyday life and the evolution of Metz over the centuries, in a setting that combines historic buildings with modern exhibition spaces. It is a rich and accessible visit for better understanding Metz's identity.
7. Esplanade Garden
The Jardin de l’Esplanade is a pleasant green space in Metz, located near the city center, where visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll among lawns, well-kept paths, and ornamental trees. This public garden offers a welcome break in the middle of the urban bustle, with open views and a relaxing atmosphere. People come here to rest, take a walk, or simply admire the harmonious landscaped setting, close to several of the city’s points of interest. It is a much-appreciated stop for both visitors and locals.
8. Jean-Marie Pelt Gardens – Parc de la Seille
The Jean-Marie Pelt Gardens, in the heart of Parc de la Seille in Metz, offer a pleasant walk through a large landscaped green space along the river. Visitors can enjoy wide lawns, planted flowerbeds, paths for walking or cycling, as well as more natural areas that encourage biodiversity. The site is appealing for its open views, peaceful atmosphere, and facilities designed for relaxing with family or friends, close to the city center.
9. Metz Marina
Metz Marina offers a pleasant setting on the waterfront, close to the city center. Visitors can discover landscaped quays, pontoons welcoming passing boats, as well as areas ideal for strolling and relaxing. The site lets you watch the marina in action while enjoying a peaceful environment, with riverbanks, greenery and open views over the Moselle. It is a popular spot for a walk, a quiet break, or a family stop during a visit to Metz.
10. Temple Neuf
The Temple Neuf of Metz is an iconic religious building located on the Île du Petit-Saulcy, in the heart of the city. Recognizable by its massive stone architecture and imposing silhouette, it attracts visitors with its understated style and striking presence in the Moselle landscape. As you approach it, you discover a Protestant place of worship that blends harmoniously into a green setting, between the water and riverside walks. From the surrounding area, the temple also offers beautiful views of the Moselle River and the iconic sights of downtown Metz.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
