The historic capital city of France, Strasbourg boasts charming half-timbered houses, cobbled squares and one of the largest medieval quarters in Europe. The city is located on the border of Germany and France, therefore it has a interesting blend of both the countries.
TOP 9 PLACES TO VISIT
1.PLACE GUTENBERG
This square is named after Johannes Gutenberg, who is famous for inventing the movable type printing press in 1440. A vintage carousel and statue of the inventor boast on the square. The square is located close to the cathedral and to Petite France.
2.SAINT-PIETTE LE JEUNE CHURCH
The beautiful church was once divided into two – with one side being for the Protestants and the other sided for the Catholics. The exterior is understated but the interior the opposite. Highlights of the church is the colourful frescoes dating back to the 14th and 15th century, the well-known 18th century organ, the remains of a small Columban church that dates back to the 7th century, and its cloister dates back to the 1000s. The church is considered to be one of the cities most important churches with its beautiful artwork and interesting architecture.
3.PALAIS ROHAN
It was once the home of the prince-bishops and cardinals of the House of Rohan. It was designed by architect Robert De Cotte and built in the early 1700s. Numerous famous figures in French history were hosted here. At the end of the French Revolution, the building was auctioned off and changed many hands several times. Today, it is home to three museums, the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Decorative Arts and the Museum of Fine Arts.
4.PONT COUVERTS
The three bridges and four towers were built in the 1300s and was part of the defensive work that once protected the cities historic quarter. The bridges, which cross channels of the River Ill, were covered by roofs to protect the men that were defending them, until 1700s. The roofs is since been removed. Today, the handsome structures make an excellent backdrop for photographs.
5.CHRISTMAS MARKETS
The city is home to one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Europe. At the cities historic city center is where visitors will find the approximately 300 Christmas stalls that are brimming with unique arts and crafts, holiday decorations and delicious foods. With its many enticing scents, magical sights and holiday sounds, the Christmas Markets are a delight to all of the senses.
6.MUSEE ALSACIEN
The museum opened in May 1907 and is a dedication to the rural life and art of the Alsace region during the 18th and 19th 18th centuries. With more than 5,000 exhibits, including costumes, toys and furniture, the museum also showing the interiors of different homes from that period, as well as of workshops.
7.PARC DE L’ORANGERIE
Located across from the European Parliament, the park is named for the140 orange trees that were taken from the Chateau de Bouxwiller, a moated castle, during the French Revolution and given to the city. Sadly, only three of those original trees remain. The park contains a lake, where one can rent a rowboat in the summer, a playground, a mini-zoo and is a popular place to picnic between or enjoy a little leisure time.
8.BARRAGE VAUBAN
This pink limestone structure is located on the River III, it was considered an engineering triumph when it was first erected in the 17th century. It was originally built as part of Strasbourg’s defenses, in the event of an enemy attack, the dam would have been used to flood the River Ill so as to prevent invaders from reaching city. You can walk the interior corridor and climb to the roof to enjoy impressive views of the surrounding area.
9.PETITE FRANCE
The town is one of the most picturesque old towns in Europe, with its medieval half-timbered houses dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. With its cobblestone streets and pretty canals, Petite France is also a lovely place to take a stroll and to soak in the historic atmosphere. Petite France is also ground zero for the cities many themed Christmas markets.
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT
- Strasbourg Cathedral
- Musee des Beaux-Arts de Strasborg
- Strasborg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
- Musee de'l Euvre Notre-Dame
- Musee Archeologique
- Musee Historique de Strasborg
- Musee des Arts Decoratifs, Strasborg
- St. Thoma's Church
- Palace of Europe
- Tomi Ungerer Museum
- La Viasseau
- Musee Vodou
- Cabinet Des Estampes Et Des Dessins
- Sainte-Madeleine, Strasbourg
- Museum of Seismology and Earth Magnetism
- Musee de Mineralogie
- Grande lle
- Batorama
- Palais de Rhin
- Jardin Botanique de l'Universite de Strasborg
The best way to get around in Strasbourg - with the tram, bus, car share, biking and walking networks.
The best time to visit Strasbourg goes from mid May to late September. From mid June to mid August is when it is the hottest in the city. But generally the weather is pleasant.
