The Ill is the river that that weaves around the center of Strasbourg. It embodies the spirit of the city and adds to its charm.
Wandering or biking from la Petite France, via Neustadt to the European quarter, is a peaceful walk (or ride!) along the water which allows you to move through the history of Strasbourg.
The bridges spanning the Ill, such as Ponts Couverts, passerelle de l’Abreuvoir or pont d’Auvergne, are incredible vantage points of the river. Meanwhile, the quays along the banks, like quai des Bateliers, quai Rouget de Lisle or quai de la Petite France, show the city’s rich architectural and cultural heritage. On warmer days, the terraces by the river boats on quai des Pêcheurs, and the walkable riverbanks, are ideal spots to enjoy the sunshine.
Exploring the Ill by sightseeing boat or electric boat lets you see Strasbourg and its landmarks from a different perspective.
Whether it’s for a riverside walk, a coffee or a drink on a terrace, a picnic on the banks or a boat tour, the Ill offers a charming setting to soak up the unique atmosphere of Strasbourg.
Here is our selection of the 20 best views of the river Ill in Strasbourg:

20. The footbridge between the Council of Europe and the European Parliament
19. Swans near quai Saint-Étienne, in the Neustadt quarter


18. Quai Saint-Nicolas from pont du Corbeau
17. Weeping willow on the banks of the Ill at dusk


16. At sunset, the Council of Europe (left) is reflected in the glass façade of the European Parliament (right)
15. Quai Rouget de Lisle


14. Ponton des Bateliers
13. St. Paul’s church and the view of the Ill from pont Royal in the Neustadt quarter


12. A sightseeing boat passing through the lock in la Petite France
11. Quai de la Petite France


10. The view of St. Paul’s church from pont St. Guillaume
9. A pontoon along quai des Bateliers, with the passerelle de l’Abreuvoir footbridge and the Cathedral in the background


8. A summer terrace on quai des Pêcheurs
7. Kayaking by the European Parliament


6. The view from pont d’Auvergne in the Neustadt quarter
5. The panorama from the top of the Vauban Dam at sunset in la Petite France


4. Lycée des Pontonniers in spring, in the Neustadt quarter
3. The arbor of la Maison des Ponts Couverts in la Petite France


2. Terraces and half-timbered houses, as seen from pont Saint-Martin in la Petite France
1. The view from quai des Bateliers, with the Cathedral in the background

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32 replies on “Strasbourg: Top 20 best views of the river Ill”
What delightful postcards you’ve made!
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Thank you, Rebecca! We’re lucky to live in such a postcard-worthy city
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You certainly do!
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It’s beautiful from every viewpoint 🙂
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Very true! Every angle is the best angle 😄
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So beautiful! I hope to visit one day.
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Thank you, we sure hope you’ll get to visit one day as well!
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Beautiful photos!
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Cheers, Mary!
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Some incredible views. Number 3 is my favourite I think.
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We have a soft spot for wisteria as well ☺️
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Beautiful city with so much history! One day I will visit for sure!
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Thank you! We hope you will 😊
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I thought I liked 18 the most until I saw 12, 3, 2 and 1! Looks absolutely beautiful. Maggie
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Hahaaa, thank you! Yes, it’s difficult to pick a favorite, isn’t it? 😉
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What lovely photos. I often think that a trip on the river is the best way to explore the sights of a new city.
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That’s very true! Lots of opportunities to do that here, as well ☺️
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Such beautiful pictures!
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Thank you so much, Lyssy!
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Beautiful pictures and great article! 👏🏻👏🏻❤️❤️
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Thank you ever so much, Filipa!
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Beautiful.
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Thank you very much!
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You’re welcome.
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2, 4, 8 10 😋 10 gets first spot ✅ Very nice images ^^
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Thank you! We hope that everyone picks out their favorites, this is just a suggested order 😊
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“8. A summer terrace on quai des Pêcheurs” <– Perfect 🧘♂️🍵🥪🥑
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It’s a lovely place, the restaurant is actually a boat 😊
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Such a beautiful location 😍😍
Wish to visit 🤗🤗
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Thank you! We hope you will one day ☺️
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Wow, so beautiful! I’d love to visit Strasbourg one day! 💗
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Thank you so much, we’re glad you like it. We do hope you visit one day! Don’t hesitate to have a look around our blog, we have loads of content about Strasbourg 🙂
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