Categories
Top

10 good reasons to visit Strasbourg

As the capital of Alsace and the seat of the European Parliament, Strasbourg is a city with an exceptional heritage, where history, culture and art de vivre meet. Located at the intersection of several cultures and countries in Europe, this city attracts a large number of visitors every year – all eager to explore its architectural gems, picturesque neighborhoods, and authentic food scene.

Whether you’re a foodie, an art or history buff, or just enjoy lovely riverside walks, Strasbourg is a bucket list destination.

Here are 10 good reasons to visit this fascinating city, which harmoniously combines tradition and modernity. From the majestic Notre-Dame de Strasbourg Cathedral and the cobbled streets of la Petite France to the European Institutions and traditional Winstubs, Strasbourg is a multi-faceted city that is most definitely worth a trip.

1. Marvel at the façade and interior of Strasbourg Cathedral

Strasbourg Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. With its spire culminating at 142 meters, it was the tallest building in all of Christendom until the 19th century.

You’ll get the best views of the building from rue Mercière and place du Château.

Learn more

2. Visit la Petite France

The neighborhood of la Petite France, with its half-timbered houses from the 16th and 17th centuries, is Strasbourg’s picturesque old town, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The canals of the Ill, weaving between the historic buildings, make the area look a little like an Alsatian little Venice.

Don’t miss: the view from pont Saint-Martin, place Benjamin-Zix, Ponts Couverts, the lock, the swing bridge and the rooftop terrace on the Vauban Dam. 

Learn more

3. Enjoy the view from the top of the Vauban Dam

The Vauban Dam (Barrage Vauban) spans the Ill near the Ponts Couverts in la Petite France. The rooftop viewing platform offers a panoramic view of the city: towards the Ponts Couverts, la Petite France and the Cathedral on one side, and towards the MAMCS (Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art) on the other.

4. Explore the Neustadt quarter

Neustadt is Strasbourg’s former German imperial quarter and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2017.

Don’t miss: Palais Universitaire, pont d’Auvergne and St. Paul’s church, place de la République (with the BNU – Bibliothèque Nationale et Universitaire, Palais du Rhin, the garden in the middle of the square, and the TNS – Théâtre National de Strasbourg), as well as Lycée des Pontonniers.

Learn more

5. Admire the façade of Lycée des Pontonniers

Lycée des Pontonniers is an iconic part of the Neustadt quarter. Its distinctive architecture combines references to the Gothic and Renaissance styles.

Learn more

6. Discover the European quarter 

The European quarter is home to the main European Institutions in Strasbourg, among which the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights.

Learn more

7. Wander along the banks of the river Ill

Going for a walk or a bike ride from la Petite France via Neustadt to the European quarter is a peaceful outing along the water, through neighborhoods spanning centuries of Strasbourg’s history.

Learn more

8. Stroll down quai des Bateliers

Quai des Bateliers is like a little green oasis in the middle of the city center. A patch of freedom that’s perfect for a riverside walk. As you pass the passerelle de l’Abreuvoir footbridge, the Cathedral towers proudly above the rooftops in the background.

Learn more

9. Walk around the Carré d’Or

The Carré d’Or is a collection of historical streets around the Cathedral: rue du Sanglier, rue du Chaudron, rue des Orfèvres, and place du Temple Neuf.

10. Sample Alsatian specialties in a Winstub or a tarte flambée restaurant

During your stay in Strasbourg, make sure you try local specialties in the rustic atmosphere of a traditional local restaurant called a Winstub: choucroute garnie (sauerkraut with potatoes and a large selection of meats), Baeckeoffe (casserole of meat and potatoes marinated in white wine), Fleischschnecke (minced meat rolled in fresh pasta, made to look like a snail), tête de veau (calf’s head), jambonneau (knuckle of ham), jambon en croûte (ham en croûte), Grumbeereckiechle (potato pancake…

Our recommendations: for Winstubs try Au Pont Corbeau and Le Saint-Sépulcre ; for tartes flambées, opt for Schatzi

Bonus: Explore the Christmas Market

For a month every year, the Capital of Christmas transforms into a festive eldorado. The delicious aroma of mulled wine, cinnamon, coconut macaroons and tartes flambées wafts through the market squares. And when night falls, the city lights up with beautiful decorations.

Check out all our best tips, recommendations and unique spots in our complete guide

read our guide

Discover more from Strafari

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

19 replies on “10 good reasons to visit Strasbourg”

Leave a comment