Things to do in  Strasbourg

With its lattice of canals and half-timbered townhouses, La Petite France on Grande Île is one of Strasbourg’s most picturesque areas and is an integral part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage site. At the mouth of the River Ill, the historic district is the city’s oldest area, dating back to the 16th-century when it was inhabited by fishermen, tanners, and millers.

The Strasbourg Cathedral of Notre Dame (also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg, or simply, Strasbourg Cathedral) is the second most-visited cathedral in France, after Notre Dame in Paris. Up to 4 million people visit each year to admire its 465-foot (142-meter) spire and dramatic red facade sculpted from Vosges sandstone.

Perched high in the Vosges Mountains, overlooking the Alsatian plains, the striking pink sandstone towers of the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg are an unmissable sight. Built in the 12th century and extensively renovated in the 19th century, the fairy-tale fortress is a popular attraction along the Alsace Wine Route.

Built for then-Bishop оf Strasbourg, Cardinal Armand Gaston Maximilien de Rohan, 18th-century Palais Rohan has hosted an impressive guest list throughout its history—Louis XV, Marie Antoinette, Napoléon Bonaparte, and Charles X. Now, the riverfront landmark on Grande Île plays host to three important cultural institutions: Musée des Beaux-Arts,xa0 Musée Archéologique, and Musée des Arts Décoratifs.

Named after one-time Strasbourg resident Johannes Gutenberg, who famously invented the movable-type printing press in 1439, Gutenberg Square (Place Gutenberg) remains an important commercial and navigation center of Strasbourg's Old Town. Strategically located close to Strasbourg Cathedral, it's a popular meeting place, surrounded by cafés and restaurants.

One of Strasbourg’s key historical landmarks, the Vauban Dam (known locally as the Barrage Vauban was built in 1686. Designed by military engineer Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, the covered bridge crosses the River Ill and also functions as a defensive fortification. It now houses a gallery and its rooftop is accessible to visitors.

Among Europe’s most popular Christmas markets, Strasbourg’s annual Christkindelsmärik sees the city transform into a whirlwind of festivity. More than 2 million yearly visitors flock to the seasonal market, which includes craft and gift stalls andvin chaud (mulled wine) vendors, as well as an ice rink and carolers.

A trio of bridges arching over the canal ways of the River Ill, the Strasbourg Covered Bridges (Ponts Couverts) are an iconic symbol of the city, marking the gateway to its central Grande-Île. A lasting vestige of Strasbourg’s medieval fortifications, the bridges once featured wooden roofs which offered soldiers protection.

Covering 64 acres (26 hectares in central Strasbourg, the Orangerie Park (Parc de l’Orangerie is the city’s oldest and biggest public park. Dating from the 18th century—and some claim—planted in 1804 to the plans of Versailles’ garden landscaper, André Le Nôtre, it offers flower-lined lawns, a lake, pavilion, stork sanctuary, and family attractions.

Set up in 1907 to preserve the region’s unique cultural heritage, Strasbourg’s Alsatian Museum (Musée Alsacien) is a fascinating tribute to Alsatian folk arts and traditions, with more than 5,000 items on display. Housed in a trio of 16th- and 17th-century timber-framed mansions, each of the museum’s rooms provides a snapshot of traditional Alsatian life.

One of Strasbourg’s most photographed buildings, Maison Kammerzell stands out for its unique architecture. Dating back to 1467 and largely rebuilt in the 16th century, the historic residence now houses a popular restaurant serving traditional Alsatian cuisine, along with a hotel.

Amid Strasbourg’s artful jumble of historic buildings, St. Thomas Church (Eglise St. Thomas stands out for its red brick façade and mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Dating back to the 12th century, the protestant church is one of the many highlights of Strasbourg’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Grand Île.

Not to be confused with the European Union Parliament in Brussels, European Parliament Strasbourg is a modern landmark where members of the European Parliament meet to debate and vote during plenary sessions in the city. Built in 1999 and known for its distinctive glass facade and semi-circular Hemicycle, it also hosts permanent and temporary exhibitions throughout the year, typically related to European culture or politics.

Encircled by the River Ill and the Canal du Faux Rempart, the Grande Île or “Big Island,” is the UNESCO–listed historic center of Strasbourg and home to the majority of the city’s top attractions. The islet serves as the prime focus of sightseeing tours and hosts the city’s world-famous Christmas market during the festive season.

Fort de Mutzig was built by Germany in the late 1800s to defend Strasbourg and Metz during the Franco-Prussian War. It is comprised of a number of dispersed units that are connected by tunnels, which provided shelter and also allowed for the dispersal of artillery—a design that later influenced the layout of the Maginot Line.