A special blend of French elegance and German charm is waiting for you in this peaceful community on the banks of the Rhine. With a historic medieval medieval downtown, a special concentration of museums, and plenty of history on display, you won’t find any shortage of great sights and things to do in Strasbourg. Take a look to see why the home of the European Parliament, the world’s first newspaper, and La Marseillaise has been at the center of events since Roman times.
Areas & Neighborhoods in Strasbourg
The Grande Île, Strasbourg’s old city center, still has the medieval plazas and winding avenues that earned a listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can check out the grand palace at the Place Kléber, or get to know the old home of the Tanners’ Guild along the riverfront district of Petite-France. The modern city is on display across the river in Neudorf, where the onetime industrial district is being transformed into the a youth and cultural hub, and the galleries and museums of La Krutenau bring out Strasbourg’s sense of class.
What to See in Strasbourg
You shouldn’t miss the chance to see the towering spires and iconic pink sandstone of the Strasbourg Cathedral, which has been turning heads since the 12th century and hosts one of the biggest astronomical clocks in the world. You can see the much newer Great Mosque of Strasbourg, or check out the futuristic canopy that covers the 19th-century railway terminal at Train Station Square.
To get a feel for a historic country estate, you can visit the gardens of the Parc de L’Orangerie, or visit one of the city’s working monuments to internationalism at the Palace of Europe. The galleries in Rohan Palace show off an exquisite collection of artifacts and artwork in a former residence of Marie Antoinette, or you can enjoy a relaxed look at the river with a walk across the Ponts Couverts.
Sightseeing in Strasbourg
Strasbourg’s historic, winding streets and peaceful atmosphere make it the ideal setting to just go exploring, and you can step aboard a Segway for a breezy tour through the heart of down. If you’ve got a long list of attractions to visit, the Strasbourg Pass offers up complimentary and discounted admission to some of the city’s most popular destinations. Get an introduction to the artisan community with a tour to some fine craft shops and boutiques in Petite-France if you want to get to know the rich heritage of this traditional livelihood.
