Strasbourg is the largest city of the Alsace Region in northeastern part of France and the official seat of the European Parliament. The Alsace Region which surrounds the city, and the famous Wine Route west and south of the city, offers great rural landscapes of sprawling vineyard covered hills, picturesque Medieval Villages, and impressive castles and palaces. Strasbourg is located on the banks of the Ill River near the German-France border where it intersects with the Rhine River. The 2,000 years city history, the mix of French and German cultures, the location near the Rhine River, the magnificent rural surroundings, and the great wines, makes Strasburg a highly popular tourist attraction.
When visiting Strasburg start with the charming historic city center in the Grande Ile, the Grand Island, and the picturesque medieval Petite Franch district with its winding narrow cobbled allies, beautiful squares, small canals, and half-timbered houses.
Admire the magnificent Medieval churches and the elegant 18th buildings and palaces, and enjoy the small shops presenting Alsatian crafts, the Alsatian taverns, and the small cafes.
Visit the Strasbourg Gothic Cathedral with its famous Astronomical Clock and automated figures display, enjoy the beautiful stained-glass windows, and the city landscapes from the cathedral high tower. Stroll the Medieval Ponts Couverts bridges with their four towers and admire the other magnificent bridges on the Ill and Rhine Rivers.
The city is known for its great museums of Fine Arts and Archeology including the magnificent 18th century Rohan Palace home to the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Decorative Arts, the Archaeological Museum, and the impressive Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMCS).
In addition to the cathedral visit the beautiful Gothic churches of Strasburg such as the Romanesque/Gothic St. Etienne Church, the large St. Thomas Church, the Gothic St. Pierre-le-Jeune with its crypt dated to the 7th century and the 14th century frescoes, and others.
Stroll Strasburg’s main city’s squares, Place Kleber, Place Republique, and Place Gutenberg, and admire the 15th century Kammerzell House, a typical Alsatian half-timbered building considered the most beautiful house in Strasbourg.
Quarter La Petite
Pretzels
Strasbourg Nightlife
Enjoy leisure time in the Parc de l’Orangerie with its beautiful French gardens, the lake and waterfall, playgrounds, and a small zoo. The parc is where you will observe the Stork, the symbolic bird of Alsace.
Enjoy the local foodie’s scene with the Alsatian cuisine, a mix of the French and German culinary traditions, and the great local wines. Visit the local food markets, in the covered Halles de Neudorf in Place du Marche, in the Marche de Strasbourg on the Rue du Faubourg National, in Place du Marche-aux-Poissons and others.
Strasburg is considered one of the most decorated cities in Christmas in Europe. If you are lucky to visit during this season, you will admire the Christmas Markets (Christkindelsmarik) at the Cathedral Square, Broglie Square, la Grande Boucherie Square, and others scattered all over town.
Strasbourg is home to many festivals including the Les Nuits Europeennes, the October European and world music festival, The Jazzdor Jazz festival in spring and summer, the Street Arts Festival in mid August, and others.
Take a Boat Tour along the river Ill and the canals, and consider taking cycling tours in the city and its surroundings.
Spend 1-2 days in Strasburg and additional 1-2 days taking day trips west of the city in Alsace, along the Alsacian Wine Route, and the beautiful Medieval villages and castles on the way, or east to nearby Germany, visiting the beautiful and full of attractions Black Forest Region.
