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Last Updated: 8 August 2019

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Strasbourg has mirrored the changing fortunes of France and Alsace for hundreds of years. Worldly famous for its towering Gothic cathedral, the city is today the seat to the European Parliament. Here is our list of 10 things to see in Strasbourg. You will surely be amazed by the old town and the Imperial district, both listed as a World Heritage Site since 1988.


10 Things to see in Strasbourg

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It’s always a hard thing to do when you have to list the favourite monuments and sites of a French city.

This list of the 10 things to see in Strasbourg is obviously a personal one… and depending on what you like you may prefer other landmarks… Well, all that to say that this is just a list to inspire you on your visit to Strasbourg 😉


Where to stay in Strasbourg

This map will help you find your accommodation in Strasbourg according to location and prices:


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Strasbourg Cathedral

Things to see in Strasbourg: the cathedral © French Moments
Things to see in Strasbourg: the lofty Gothic cathedral © French Moments

Did you know that in the Middle-Ages, the cathedral’s spire was the world’s tallest monument? The first sight of the breathtaking façade is a unforgettable experience.

Find out more about Strasbourg Cathedral.


Rohan Palace

Things to see in Strasbourg © French Moments
Things to see in Strasbourg: the Rohan Palace © French Moments

Built between 1732 and 1742 in sandstone from the Vosges, the Classical-style palace adjacent to the cathedral now houses three museums:

  • the Museum of Decorative Arts,
  • the Museum of Fine Arts,
  • and the Archaeological Museum.

Place du Marché-aux-Cochons-de-Lait

Things to see in Strasbourg: Place du Marché-aux-Cochons-de-Lait © French Moments
Things to see in Strasbourg: Place du Marché-aux-Cochons-de-Lait © French Moments

Not far from the Cathedral, the lively Place du Marché-aux-Cochons-de-Lait and Rue du Maroquin are lined with several restaurants and winstubs. There are magnificent half-timbered houses with wooden galleries. This small district is definitely picture-postcard perfect.


Kléber Square

Strasbourg Christmas Market © French Moments
Things to see in Strasbourg: Place Kléber at Christmas © French Moments

The large square is at the heart of the city. It also serves as the people of Strasbourg’s rallying centre during great events and celebrations. The north side is bordered by the Aubette, a long Classical-style built in 1778.

Place Kléber features Strasbourg’s great Christmas tree in December.


Pont du Corbeau and the Cour du Corbeau

Things to see in Strasbourg: Pont du Corbeau © French Moments
Things to see in Strasbourg: Pont du Corbeau and the Old Customs House © French Moments

The Raven Bridge (Pont du Corbeau) offers a beautiful view over the cathedral in the distance. From the bridge you’ll see:

  • the banks of the Ill River,
  • the Old Butchers’ House (l’Ancienne Boucherie)
  • and the Old Customs’ House (l’Ancienne Douane).

Nearby, don’t miss the charming Cour du Corbeau…


Petite France District

This is perhaps the most famous district in Strasbourg. You must take the time to stroll along the waterways and appreciate the reflections of the half-timbered houses in the water. The pretty half-timbered houses of the district date from the 16th and 17th centuries. Their steep roofs are open over the attics where skins used to dry.

Find out more about the Petite France district.


Ponts Couverts

Things to see in Strasbourg: the Ponts Couverts © French Moments
Things to see in Strasbourg: the Ponts Couverts © French Moments

Located at the end of the Petite France district are the Ponts Couverts (Covered Bridges). They depict another cherished postcard image of Strasbourg. The bridge spans the Ill River with a succession of three medieval towers.


German Imperial District

Things to see in Strasbourg: the Rhine Palace © French Moments
Things to see in Strasbourg: the Rhine Palace © French Moments

Beyond the limits of the old town, the new masters of Alsace after the 1870-71 Franco-Prussian War (the Germans!) laid out a brand new town. The district included prestigious buildings, representative of the power around the Imperial Palace (Kaiserpalast), as well as many public buildings which would become iconic buildings in the city.

The Neustadt (New Town) was a combination of many architectural styles: Roman, Gothic, Renaissance, Classical and Baroque. With the rise in power of Art Nouveau in Europe, the style of the new buildings took on Jugendstil, its Germanic version, characterised by the abundant use of floral motifs.

Find out more about Strasbourg’s German Imperial District.


European Parliament

Things to see in Strasbourg © French Moments
Things to see in Strasbourg: the European Parliament © French Moments

From the Ill River, the European Parliament Building can be seen along a monumental glass façade which seems to symbolise the spirit of transparency of the European democracy. From the other side, the building’s facade is completely different. For many, it oddly resembles the ruins of the Colosseum in Rome.

The huge glass pavilion leaves no visitor unmoved. The building which was delivered in 1999 had to include:

  • a 750 seat Chamber (the largest in Europe),
  • 1,133 offices,
  • work spaces and relaxation areas,
  • as well as adjacent administrative services.

Find out more about Strasbourg’s European Destiny.


Jardin des Deux Rives

Strasbourg and Rhine © French Moments
Things to see in Strasbourg: the Jardin des Deux Rives (Kehl side) © French Moments

Cooperation efforts between Strasbourg and its counterpart on the other side of the Rhine (the German town of Kehl) led to the creation in 2004 of the Jardin des Deux Rives (Garden of the two banks).

The garden spreads on both sides of the Rhine River over 60 hectares, linked by a footbridge. A belvedere in Kehl offers a fine view over Strasbourg, the Vosges and the Black Forest mountains.


Things to see in Strasbourg… and Alsace!

There is a lot more to discover in Strasbourg and its surroundings. The region of Alsace offers beautiful and famous sites: Colmar, the Alsace Wine Route, the Vosges and many more.


Some of the links above are affiliates so if you’re planning a trip, using these links helps me keep things running. There’s no extra cost to you. All you have to do is click the link and any booking you make is automatically tracked.


 

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About the author

Pierre is a French/Australian who is passionate about France and its culture. He grew up in France and Germany and has also lived in Australia and England. He has a background teaching French, Economics and Current Affairs, and holds a Master of Translating and Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations, and a degree of Economics and Management. Pierre is the author of Discovery Courses and books about France.

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Transparency: Some blog posts and pages may contain affiliate or sponsored links. If you are planning a trip, the use of these links helps us to run the site. There is no additional cost to you. All you have to do is click on the link and any booking you make is automatically tracked. Thank you for your support!

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