Strasbourg★★★
Strasbourg is the capital of Alsace and the unofficial capital of Europe — home to the European Parliament, the European Court of Human Rights, and the Council of Europe. But beyond the European institutions, Strasbourg is above all one thing: one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in France.
The entire Grande Île — the historic old town on an island in the Ill River — is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, half-timbered houses from the 16th and 17th centuries stand close together, crisscrossed by canals and overshadowed by the pink sandstone of the cathedral. The city has 280,000 inhabitants, including 50,000 students, giving it a youthful energy rarely found in tourist cities.
Strasbourg is also a cycling city — over 600 kilometers of bike paths make it the most bike-friendly city in France. The city center is largely car-free and can be perfectly explored on foot and by tram.
Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame)★★★
The Strasbourg Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and was the tallest building in the world from 1647 to 1874, standing at 142 meters. The west facade is a marvel of stonemasonry: hundreds of figures, scenes from the Old and New Testament, delicate rosettes, and tracery, all carved from pink Vosges sandstone that glows golden, pink, or orange-red depending on the light.
Victor Hugo called the cathedral a "wonder of the colossal and the delicate." Goethe climbed the tower as a student in Strasbourg to overcome his fear of heights — and was overwhelmed.
Inside, the stained glass windows from the 12th to 14th centuries impress with their vibrant blue and red hues. The astronomical clock (1838–1843) is a mechanical marvel: every day at 12:30 PM, a figurine show begins — the twelve apostles pass by Christ, a rooster crows three times, and complex gearworks display the positions of the sun and moon, eclipses, and church holidays.
The viewing platform (66 m, 332 steps) offers a breathtaking view over the old town, the Black Forest, the Vosges, and on clear days, all the way to the Alps.
💡 Tipp
The Astronomical Clock show (daily at 12:30 p.m.) requires a separate ticket (€3), sold from 11:30 a.m. — arrive by 11:45 a.m. at the latest, as the demand is high. Climbing the platform is especially worthwhile at sunset (last admission 45 minutes before closing). Cathedral entry: free. Platform: €8 (adults), €5 (children/students).
Petite France★★★
Petite France is the most picturesque district of Strasbourg and one of the most photographed cityscapes in Europe. The former tanner and miller district is located on an island in the Ill River and consists of perfectly preserved half-timbered houses from the 16th and 17th centuries with steep roofs, flower boxes at every window, and open tanner lofts under the gables (the so-called "drying attics" where animal hides once dried).
The Ponts Couverts (Covered Bridges) — three bridges with four medieval defense towers — mark the western entrance to the district. From the Barrage Vauban (Vauban Dam, freely accessible), the best panoramic view over Petite France, the Ponts Couverts, and the cathedral in the background can be enjoyed.
The alleys along the canals — especially the Rue du Bain-aux-Plantes — are photogenic in every season: in spring with blooming geraniums, in summer with reflections in the water, in autumn with colorful leaves, and in winter with Christmas lights.
Despite the tourist crowds, Petite France is not an open-air museum — people live here, laundry hangs in the windows, and in the morning it smells of fresh bread from the boulangerie. Those who come early (before 9 a.m.) have the alleys almost to themselves.
💡 Tipp
A boat trip on the Ill through Petite France and around the Grande Île is the best way to discover Strasbourg. "Batorama" offers 70-minute trips with an audio guide from the Palais Rohan (€15.50 adults, €9 children, under 4 free). In high season every 15 minutes, book tickets online in advance.
Food & Drink in Strasbourg
Strasbourg is one of the culinary capitals of France — with a unique cuisine that combines French finesse and Alsatian heartiness.
Winstub S'Münsterstüwel · 8 Place du Marché-aux-Cochons-de-Lait
The most authentic winstub in the old town. Wood-paneled dining room from the 17th century. Tarte flambée (from €10), choucroute garnie (sauerkraut with sausage and meat, €18), baeckeoffe (stew with three types of meat, €22). Alsatian wines by the glass from €4.
€€ · Tue–Sat 12–2 p.m. & 6:30–10 p.m.
Au Pont Saint-Martin · 13–15 Rue des Moulins (Petite France)
Dreamy terrace by the canal in Petite France. Regional cuisine at a high level. Lunch menu €24 (starter + main course + dessert). Preselkopf (pork head jelly), Coq au Riesling, Gugelhupf as dessert. Evening à la carte main course €20–30.
€€ · Daily 12–2:30 p.m. & 7–10:30 p.m.
La Cloche à Fromage · 27 Rue des Tonneliers
The largest cheese buffet in France — over 200 types of cheese under a giant glass dome. Fondue from €22, raclette from €24, cheese platter for 2 from €28. A paradise for cheese lovers.
€€€ · Mon–Sat 12–2 p.m. & 7–11 p.m.
Maison Kammerzell · 16 Place de la Cathédrale
The most famous half-timbered house in Strasbourg (1427), right on the cathedral square. Touristy, but the building with its 75 carved window posts is a work of art. Choucroute royale €26, foie gras maison €24. Reservation recommended.
€€€ · Daily 12–2:30 p.m. & 7–11 p.m.
