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Sightseeing in Strasbourg

Begin your walk in the historic centre, which has been included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Visit the impressive Cathédrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg, the oldest Gothic cathedral in the world and a symbol of the city. A “gigantic and delicate marvel”, as Victor Hugo described it. The façade of the cathedral resembles fine lace that embraces the even more impressive stained-glass rose windows. The cathedral’s belfry is the tallest in the world. Also impressive is the astronomical clock, which every day at 12.30 has a procession of the Apostles followed by Christ. If you can manage it, climb up the 332 steps of the winding staircase to the balcony, for a view over the city from high above. If the weather is good, then you can see as far as Germany.

Notre Dame is not the only church that you can visit on the Grand Île, at the heart of the Old Town. Four medieval churches as well as the striking church of St Paul await discovery.

La Petite France. Just a few minutes from the Cathedral on foot is the historic district next to the water, where millers, fishermen and tanners once lived. Its beauty remains unchanged even today. It is called La Petite France after a hospice that once stood here, which accommodated French soldiers who were suffering from syphilis.

Close by is Place Gutenberg (Gutenberg Square), named after the famous father of printing, Johannes Gutenberg, who lived in Strasbourg for many years. His statue stands in the centre of this square, which in the 18th century was the city’s political and economic centre.

Equally impressive is Place Kléber (Kléber Square), known especially for the giant Christmas tree that is erected in the square during the festive season. This particular square, with the fountains at its centre, is ideal for a stroll.

If you are in Strasbourg at Christmas time then go to Place Broglie (Broglie Square), where the oldest and most famous Christmas market in France takes place, filled with Christmas decorations, handmade goods, toys, mulled wine and local delicacies.

Parc de l’Orangerie. With a total area of 2,600 square kilometres, this is the oldest and largest park in Strasbourg, a place that is loved by young and old. Kids love it because of its playgrounds and zoo (with free entrance for the public), while grownups enjoy being able to walk and exercise in the park. There is a large lake, and a place where you can buy ice cream, waffles and other delights, making the park a true haven, especially for children.

Palais Rohan: This 18th-century palace is as stunning as Versailles and attracts visitors also thanks to the three museums that it accommodates: the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Decorative Arts. In the last you will see masterpieces by European painters from the 14th century till 1870, including works by Botticelli, Raphael, Tintoretto, El Greco, Goya, Rubens, Degas and Delacroix.
Address: 2 Place du Château, 0033388525000

Musee d’Art Moderne et Contemporain (Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art): One of Strasbourg’s most important museums, it houses works by, among others, Gauguin, Monet, Braque, Picasso, Ernst, and Kandinsky, while its temporary exhibitions are just as interesting.
Address: 1 Place Hans Jean Arp, 0033388233131.

Musée Alsacien (Alsace Museum): A folk museum which reconstructs the lives of the people of the region in former times, through their furniture, costumes, ceramics, toys and everyday items.
Address: 23-25 quai Saint-Nicolas, 0033388525001.

Things to do in Strasbourg

Enjoy the Batorama – a boat tour along the canal! Boats set sail from near the Palais Rohan.

Bicycle rides through the picturesque lanes and next to the river. The city has a network of cycle lanes that is 500 kilometres long, while there are also bicycle routes that end up in neighbouring Germany!

Excursions near Strasbourg

Cross the border for Germany’s largest fairground. Europa Park, 60 kilometres from Strasbourg, has over 100 rides that will delight young and old. It is divided into themed areas, each of which represents a European country. There is even a flight motion simulator, which you should definitely have a go on, if you dare!

Strasbourg is surrounded by Alsatia, a region that is full of picturesque, fairy-tale castles. If you want to feel like a knight or the mistress of a tower in a medieval tale, visit one of the castles around here: Haut- Koenigsbourg, Haut-Barr, Fleckenstein, Lichtenberg and Ferrette are among the best known.

Entertainment in Strasbourg

The many students who live in Strasbourg ensure that life in the city has a lively pace. The centre of Strasbourg’s nightlife is concentrated around the Cathedral area and on rue des Juifs and rue des Frères. Other great nightlife spots can be found around the campus and along the River Ill.

Alsatian cuisine is German at base and French in its finesse. Those with a knowledge of gastronomy will be aware that foie gras was invented here in 1780.

Wherever you turn in Strasbourg you will find restaurants, cafés and winstub (family restaurants that specialise in wine), serving local dishes. Try tarte flambée (a little like pizza, the difference being that it has cream, bacon and onions on top), pretzels or braised pork or fish served on a generous layer of sauerkraut, accompanied by an Alsatian wine or local beer. Finish your meal with some gugelhupf, a type of Bundt cake.

Shopping

From colourful markets to hypermodern malls, Strasbourg is a city that has it all when it comes to shopping.

The high-end brands are gathered around the rue des Orfèvres, rue de la Mésange, rue des Hallebardes and rue du Vieux-Marché-aux-Poissons. For more affordable purchases, try the Place des Halles shopping centre, the Galeries Lafayette and Printemps department stores, as well as the boutiques that can be found dotted all over the city.

Don’t leave Strasbourg without having bought some foie gras and Alsatian wines: Riesling (dry), Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris, as well as the sweet Gewürztraminer.

For souvenir shopping, the area around the cathedral and the little shops in La Petite France are recommended.

Getting from the airport to Strasbourg

A pedestrian bridge connects the airport to the train station, from where you can take the shuttle train for the Gare de Strasburg-Ville. Tickets cost 4.30 euros and the train will get you to the city centre in just 9 minutes. Trains depart from the airport to the centre every 15 minutes.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi or rent a car from one of the car rental agencies in the arrivals hall of the airport.

Whichever season you visit Strasbourg, the city is certain to charm you. At Christmas the atmosphere in the city resembles a fairy tale, while every May the buildings of the European Parliament open their doors to the public, with events and activities on the idea and history of European unification. Book your flights for Strasbourg at the Olympic Air site and discover for yourselves a city with a romantic atmosphere and where the good life is appreciated.