- Metz is home to the oldest opera house in France, which has been in continuous operation since 1752.
- The city's architecture features a unique building material known as Jaumont stone, which gives structures a distinctive warm, golden-yellow hue.
- During the German annexation of the city between 1871 and 1918, Metz underwent an extensive urban expansion that created the Imperial Quarter, characterized by German Neo-Romanesque architecture.
- The city's name derives from the Mediomatrici, a Celtic tribe that settled the area in the 3rd century BC.
- Metz sits at the junction of the borders of France, Germany, and Luxembourg, historically positioning it as a pivotal frontier city.
About Metz
Located at the confluence of the Moselle and Seille rivers, Metz is a strategic crossroads in the Grand Est region of France, celebrated for its unique blend of Gallo-Roman, Germanic, and French architectural heritage. The skyline is dominated by the gothic Cathédrale Saint-Etienne de Metz, known for having one of the largest expanses of stained glass in the world. Modernity meets history at the Centre Pompidou-Metz, a striking architectural landmark showcasing contemporary art. Visitors can trace centuries of military evolution at the fortified Porte des Allemands or explore regional history at the Museum of La Cour d'Or. This city serves as a distinct center of European history and innovative design.
Highlights of Metz
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Temples
Admire the massive stained glass windows, including those designed by Marc Chagall.
Museums
Explore cutting-edge contemporary art exhibitions housed beneath a massive, translucent wooden roof.
Historical places
Walk through this medieval fortified gate which functioned as both a defensive bastion and a bridge.
Museums
View an extensive collection of Gallo-Roman artifacts and medieval monastic remnants found in the region.
Beaches and ponds
Enjoy recreational walking and cycling paths along the banks of the Moselle river.
Venues
Attend a performance at one of the oldest operating opera houses in the country.
Parks
Stroll through extensive landscaped gardens that serve as a serene urban green space.
Historical places
Visit this former military fortification to learn about its significant role during the Second World War.
Top things to do in Metz
The 162 highest-rated places in Metz, ranked by travellers.
1
Temples
Cathédrale Saint-Etienne de Metz is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, renowned for possessing one of the largest exp...
2
Museums
The Centre Pompidou-Metz is a multidisciplinary contemporary arts center housed beneath a landmark hexagonal roof inspir...
3
Historical places
The Porte des Allemands is a medieval fortified bridge gate in Metz, acting as the last remaining vestige of the city's...
4
Venues
Stade Saint-Symphorien is the home stadium of FC Metz, located on an island in the Moselle River in Longeville-lès-Metz....
5
Museums
The Museum of La Cour d'Or houses an extensive collection spanning Gallo-Roman history through to the Renaissance, situa...
6
Amusement parks
The Secret Door Escape game is an immersive escape room facility located in the Augny commercial zone south of Metz. It...
7
Beaches and ponds
The Plan d'Eau de Metz is a central recreational water basin located along the Moselle River. It features a controlled b...
8
Venues
The Opéra-Théâtre de Metz is the oldest operational theater in France, commissioned by Louis XV and inaugurated in 1752....
9
Places of interest
Le Sentier des Lanternes is an immersive light trail installation held annually in Metz, transforming public gardens int...
10
Historical places
Fort Queuleu is a 19th-century military fortification in Metz that functioned as a special camp for the Gestapo during t...
11
Parks
The Jardin botanique de Metz is a municipal park located in Montigny-lès-Metz, acting as a green extension of the broade...
12
Places of interest
The Dancing Fountains in Metz are a kinetic water installation located within the Esplanade gardens, known as the Place...
13
Historical places
The Porte des Allemands, often referred to by the historical name Porte Serpenoise, is a fortified gateway that serves a...
14
Historical places
15
Parks
16
Parks
17
Amusement parks
18
Parks
19
Historical places
20
Places of interest
21
Temples
22
Historical places
23
Historical places
24
Amusement parks
25
Temples
26
Historical places
27
Temples
28
Temples
29
Temples
30
Temples
Explore by category
Jump straight to what you're into.
Metz on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Metz
May to September, when the mild weather allows for outdoor exploration of the riverbanks and botanical gardens.
2-3 days, providing sufficient time to visit major museums and explore the historic city center.
The city center is highly walkable, supplemented by an efficient Mettis bus rapid transit system.
The Imperial Quarter offers proximity to the train station and grand historical architecture, while the Hyper-Centre provides direct access to the cathedral and primary cultural sites.
Metz is a mid-range destination, offering a balance of accessible public attractions and a variety of dining options.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 162 curated attractions in and around Metz, ranked by traveller ratings.
Cathédrale Saint-Etienne de Metz is the highest-rated place to visit in Metz right now.
The largest category is temples, with 44 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Paris, Lyon, Lormont.
Explore more of France
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
