Strasbourg is a beautiful city filled with medieval half-timbered houses, glorious architecture, fabulous restaurants, cultural venues and watery arteries. It’s a lovely place for a day trip!
A good time to visit is late spring or early autumn when the flowers are blooming, the weather is comfortable and hotel prices are not quite as high. It’s also one of the best times to explore the Christmas markets, which are a fairy tale in themselves.
The Cathedral
One of the best things to see and do in Strasbourg is to visit its iconic Cathedral. It is the sixth-tallest church in the world and considered to be one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Europe.
It has a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Its interior is filled with stained glass windows that date back to the 12th and 14th century.
The west facade was designed by Erwin von Steinbach and is renowned for its Rose Window. Above it is the Gallery of Apostles, which features rich statuary.
The Cathedral is a great place to visit for the holidays because it hosts a Christmas market on its exterior. You can also climb the 142m tall tower for an amazing view over the city and its surroundings.
The Grande Ile
There's no better way to experience the heart of Strasbourg than by exploring its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Grande Ile. The picturesque island sits atop the Ill River and is home to an array of historic attractions including Strasbourg Cathedral, one of Europe's tallest buildings.
A wander around the winding alleys, cafe-rimmed squares and bridges will transport you to an age of enticing mystery. The island is dotted with landmarks like Place Kleber, the city's main square; the Palais Rohan; and the Covered Bridges.
Grand Ile's cobbled streets weave between timber-framed houses, many dating back to medieval times. Four ancient churches – Saint Thomas, St. Etienne, Saint-Pierre-le-Vieux and Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune – are more than isolated monuments: they represent a city's identity during a period of change.
The Kammerzell House
One of Strasbourg’s most famous landmarks is the Kammerzell House (Maison Kammerzell). This impressive half-timbered house was built in 1427 and elaborated in the 16th century.
Today, the building is a restaurant. You can visit the different floors and enjoy a meal in several dining rooms.
The interior is decorated with mural paintings by Leo Schnug, a famous painter from Strasbourg. These paintings are based on ancient biblical scenes and also take inspiration from Greco-Roman antiquity and the Middle Ages.
The area around the Kammerzell House is called “La Petite France”. This district is a picturesque place full of cobblestone lanes, flower-lined canals and half-timbered houses.
The Orangerie Park
Strasbourg’s oldest park, the Orangerie, is one of the city’s favourite spots to relax and escape the bustle of the downtown core. With a lake, waterfall and pavilion, this romantic spot has a place in the heart of Strasbourg’s residents.
It’s a great place to enjoy a picnic under the trees or rent a paddle boat and cruise around the lake. The park also features a zoo, mini-farm and a wild stork reintroduction centre.
Located in the European District, across from the Council of Europe and opposite the Palace of Europe, the park is a favoured green area for Strasbourg locals and Sunday joggers alike. It’s a pretty and relaxing place to wander, soaking up the sunshine in the spring and summer.
The Barrage Vauban
Located on the River Ill, the Barrage Vauban is an engineering masterpiece built in the 17th century. It was designed by military engineer Sebastien Le Prestre de Vauban and constructed by Jacques Tarade.
- The 120-metre long pink Vosges sandstone structure was a key part of Strasbourg's fortifications, as it enabled the town to flood its southern areas if necessary. The structure features 13 arches and has a viewing terrace on the roof, which offers a scenic view of the Ponts Couverts bridges and Petite France quarter.
- Whether you're looking to explore Strasbourg's historical landmarks or just want to relax and soak up the city's atmosphere, there are plenty of things to see and do in Strasbourg. The Christmas markets are a must, and there's also a boat tour on the Ill River.
