Strasbourg is one of those cities that everyone living in Europe probably heard about. It’s where the European Council, European Court of Human Rights and European Parliament have their headquarters. However, not everyone is aware how insanely beautiful this city is. I myself also haven’t associated it with places particularly worth visiting, until I started researching places to see in Alsace. It turned out that I just needed one visit to fall in love with that unique city. If you still have some doubts if you want to visit Strasbourg, I hope that this article will convince you.
Basic info
Strasbourg is situated in north-east France, right next to the German border, in an administrative region called Grand Est and at the same time it’s also the biggest city in Alsace, a region famous for its wine, picturesque little towns and villages and storks. In the past this area many times moved from hand to hand, which directly contributed to its uniqueness. In both architecture and cuisine you can notice strong German influence, mixing with the french ones.
The city itself is located next to the Rhine river and is crossed by numerous canals. Its historical center is located on an island and water surrounds it from all the sides.
The nearby airports are: Strasbourg Airport and EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg.
Strasbourg also has a train station from which you can simply walk to the old town.
Quick Facts: France
| Capitol & Language | Paris / french (english in touristic areas) |
| Currency & Cards | Euro / card friendly, but keep cash just in case |
| Power Plugs | Type C & E (230V/50Hz) |
| Borders & Schengen | Yes (EU rules apply) |
| Emergency Number | 112 (Universal European Emergency Number) |
| Tap Water | Safe to drink |
| Tipping Culture | Service is included in the price of meal |
| Driving Side | Right side |
What to see?
1. Petite France
The name Petite France is used to describe a few streets near the canals, on the west side of the old town, that create probably the most picturesque part of Strasbourg. It’s famous for its cobbled streets and well preserved half-timbered houses, like La Maison des Tanneurs (Tanners’ House), which comes from the 16th century. This all combined makes the entire district look like taken straight from the middle ages and allows you to feel like you traveled in time, even if just for a moment.
I genuinely recommend you to simply get lost in between those narrow streets and numerous bridges, which cross the canals and give fantastic views of the entire district.
It’s a particularly touristic part of Strasbourg, filled with multiple gift shops and many restaurants serving local cuisine, but you should remember that during good weather, especially during weekends it can become crowded.
2. Grande île
Grande île is the name of the big city island, where most of Strasbourg’s old town is located. Due to its well preserved historical buildings, including cathedral, in 1988 it was included on the UNESCO Lists of World Heritage Sites. This area is filled with half-timbered tenement houses, becoming a natural extension of Petite France.
3. Notre Dame Cathedral in Strasbourg
It’s the biggest temple in Strasbourg and its construction started in the year 1176 and wasn’t finished until 1439. Because it took so long, the cathedral mixes together different architectonic styles, clearly visible is the influence of Romanesque style, but you can also notice elements of French and German Gothic. Thanks to its tower, that is 142 meters tall, in the years 1625-1874 the Strasbourg’s cathedral was the tallest building in the world!
I recommend walking towards the cathedral from the street called Rue Mercière, from which you will get a fantastic view of the church’s facade.
Entrance: free (there is bags control before the main door)
4. Astronomical clock
This monumental clock is an example of Renaissance art and was created in the 16th century. You can find it inside the cathedral, on the right side from the altar. Everyday (apart from Sunday) at 12:30 you can see the show of how the clock works, the ticket costs 4Euros, beyond this hour you can see the clock itself for free.
5. Maison Kammerzell
This stunning building constructed in the 15th century is known for his rich ornamented facade. Currently it works as a hotel and a restaurant, and you can find it near the cathedral on the left side from its main entrance.
6. Ponts Couverts de Strasbourg
It’s a set of four towers and three bridges, from which you will find an absolutely stunning view of the Petite France and surrounding canals. It’s a fantastic place to start exploring Strasbourg.
7. Church of Saint Thomas
While incomparably more modest than the Notre Dame cathedral, this protestant church, which construction ended in the 16th century, is still worth a mention and a visit. Entrance is free, so I really recommend you to walk in, even if just for a moment and see the altar and the stained glass on the front facade.
8. Gutenberg Square
The name of this square comes from the statue of Gutenberg, the inventor of the movable-type printing press, who spent a few years of his life in Strasbourg and might have started works on his invention in this city.
This charming place is a great stop on your way to the cathedral, you can even see the tower from it and only a few steps separate you from the beginning of the street Rue Mercière from which you can see the facade of the church.
9. Palais Rohan
The Baroque Palais Rohan is the former residence of the prince-bishops and cardinals from the House Rohan. Today it houses a museum, but it also guarantees a great view even if you decide to just see it from the outside
10. Rue du Maroquin
Strasbourg is full of charming streets, but this one is still one of the more memorable ones. It starts in the corner of the square in front of the cathedral and is one of those places you cannot miss while in this city.
11. Church of saint Paul – Église Saint-Paul
Thanks to its location in the corner of an island and its stunning architecture this evangelical church is one of the most picturesque temples in Strasburg. To get to it from the old town you need to walk on the Pont d’Auvergne bridge. However, the best view you will find from Pont Royal bridge. Despite not being located in the very centre, it’s still a must-see on the sightseeing route.
12. Palais du Rhin
Only a short walk away from the church of Saint Paul located is Republic Square (Place de la République) with Palais du Rhin on one end. The palace was built in the 19th century, when after the Franco-Prussian War Strasbourg and the rest of Alsace found themselves under control of the Prussian Kingdom. It’s an example of 19th century German architecture and in the past was known as Kaiserpalast which means Imperial Palace. It’s worth visiting this place to see that Strasbourg is more than just half-timbered houses.
13. The University Library building and the National Theatre building
Palais du Rhin isn’t the only beautiful building on the Republic Square, because on its opposite side is the building of one of the biggest libraries in France. The place is worth attention not only because of books but also architecture.
On the other side of the road from the library is located the National Theater, which also is worth attention thanks to its beautiful facade.
14. Église catholique Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune
The catholic church of Saint Peter the Younger stands out from the rest of Strasbourg’s temples by mixing neo-Romanesque and neo-Byzantine styles. Its light blue dome immediately catches the eye. This place is located not far from Palais du Rhin and it’s worth a visit also because of the beautiful building of the court literally next to it.
15. Église Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune
Yes, this temple has nearly the same name as the previous one, however this one is a Lutheran church. Despite looking more modest on the outside than its catholic namesake, its unique interior (which you can see for free) makes it equally worth a visit. Personally I entered it a little bit by accident and I was truly positively surprised.
16. Église du Temple-Neuf
This church doesn’t stand out from the other ones, but despite this, it’s still worth walking by, especially because it’s located only a short distance from the previous church. On your way look out for a tenement house covered in frescoes – 12 rue de l’Outre.
17. Synagogue of Peace
Despite that it’s a fairly new building, inaugurated in 1958, thanks to its interesting architecture it’s also worthy of adding to your to-see list, especially if you will be anywhere close by, for example on your way to the European Parliament.
18. Parc de l’Orangerie
When you have enough temples and other buildings, then this is a great place for a moment of relaxation closer to nature. This park is famous for the great number of storks having their nests there, you can even hear the characteristic clatter of their beaks. It’s located farther away from the old town, but close to the European Parliament.
19. European Parliament
It’s the last, but not less important place on this list. Unfortunately, it’s located a little bit farther away from the old town, so to get there, you need to prepare for a longer walk (absolutely doable) or use public transport.
It’s a place where decisions are made that influence the lives of Europeans, because of that it’s definitely worth attention. Nearby, you can also find the buildings of the European Council or European Court of Human Rights, which building will definitely surprise you.
How many days do you need and when to go?
Despite the fact that it’s a city rich in attractions and things to see, it’s absolutely possible to see all the things on this list in one day, without even hurrying. If you plan to spend your time trying local alsace cuisine, then two days should suffice.
Strasbourg is a great idea for a trip the entire year, but I would recommend spring and early autumn, when there are the highest chances for good weather, when it isn’t too cold or too hot. However, Strasbourg, like the entire Alsace, is also known for its Christmas Markets and stunning decorations, so if it’s something you’re interested in, I would also recommend a trip in December.
Summary
Strasbourg is a city that absolutely surprised me with its charm and beauty. If you only have a chance to visit it, you absolutely should do it, especially because it’s also a gate to the rest of Alsace.
Save this post on Pinterest for later!
