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    Strasbourg

    France

    Strasbourg

    CityCulture

    Strasbourg is the largest city in Alsace and home to European institutions. Its landmark is the Gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame with its astronomical clock.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    2. Destinations
    3. France
    4. Alsace
    5. Strasbourg
    Strasbourg is the largest city in Alsace and home to European institutions. Its landmark is the Gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame with its astronomical clock. The La Petite France district, with its half-timbered houses, alleys, and canals of the Ill, is part of the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988. From the Ponts Couverts and the rooftop terrace of the Barrage Vauban, you look out over the city and the Ill. The European Parliament and the Council of Europe are located in the European Quarter. It's less crowded in spring and autumn. You can enjoy Alsatian cuisine in traditional Winstubs.

    Sights in Strasbourg

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    1A Maze In - Escape Game Strasbourg

    A Maze In - Escape Game Strasbourg offers you a modern form of interactive entertainment in the heart of the historic city. Escape Games, which have their origins in video games and Japanese live-action games, challenge your deductive skills and teamwork here. You immerse yourself in carefully designed themed rooms, where you solve puzzles, find hidden objects, and crack codes to complete a mission or escape within 60 minutes. Each scenario is designed to fully transport you into another world, be it a mysterious laboratory or a forgotten treasure room. Our Tip: Book your session early online, especially if you want to play on the weekend. Also pay attention to the recommended number of players for each game to ensure the optimal experience. The games are usually designed for groups of 2 to 6 people and offer an exciting alternative to traditional sightseeing tours.
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    2Zentralmoschee Strasbourg

    The Central Mosque of Strasbourg is a significant landmark and a vital center for the Muslim community in France. Opened in 2012, it represents a modern interpretation of Islamic architecture, harmoniously integrated into Strasbourg's urban landscape. Here you'll find an impressive dome and a simple yet elegant facade, combining traditional elements with contemporary design. Inside, you'll discover a spacious prayer hall, adorned with intricate calligraphies and a serene atmosphere conducive to reflection. The mosque serves not only as a place of worship, but also as a venue for intercultural dialogue and encounter. A practical tip: Please wear appropriate clothing, covering shoulders and knees, when visiting the mosque. Women should also carry a headscarf. The best time to visit outside of prayer times is in the morning or late afternoon, to quietly admire the architecture and experience the peaceful ambiance. Photography is often restricted inside; inquire locally about the rules.
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    Jung-Sankt-Peter protestantisch

    3Jung-Sankt-Peter protestantisch

    The Protestant church of Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune is one of Strasbourg's oldest churches. Beneath it lies a small crypt, remnant of a 7th-century church. Three wings of the cloister date from the 11th century, the fourth from the 14th. The 14th-century Gothic nave is adorned with numerous wall paintings from that period and a rood screen, considered unique in Alsace. The church has been Protestant since 1524. The organ by Jean André Silbermann from 1780 is used for concerts.Our Tip: It's quiet in the morning or late afternoon; take your time to explore the cloister.
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    Museum Œuvre Notre-Dame

    4Museum Œuvre Notre-Dame

    The **Museum Œuvre Notre-Dame** in Strasbourg is inextricably linked to the history of Strasbourg Cathedral. It houses an exceptional collection of medieval artworks, originally created for the cathedral or documenting its construction. Here you will find original sculptures, stained glass, and architectural fragments that were removed from the cathedral for conservation reasons and are now exhibited here. The exhibits span from the 11th to the 17th century, offering deep insight into the development of Gothic art and the craftsmanship of the master builders of the Upper Rhine.The museum itself is housed in historic buildings, including the original masons' lodge where the workshops of stonemasons and sculptors were located. You can admire the impressive original statues of the Tempters and Foolish Virgins, which once adorned the cathedral's facade, as well as the oldest stained-glass windows from the 12th century. This collection allows you to examine the details and original coloring of the artworks up close, which is often difficult at the cathedral itself.Our tip: Plan your visit for a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds and enjoy the exhibits in peace. Pay special attention to the detailed building plans and models, which illustrate the immense engineering achievements of the medieval master builders. A visit here significantly deepens your understanding of the cathedral.
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    Platz vor der Kathedrale

    5Platz vor der Kathedrale

    The Cathedral Square in Strasbourg forms the historical and cultural heart of the city, offering you a direct view of the impressive Cathédrale Notre-Dame. Since the Middle Ages, this spot has been a central meeting point, once serving as a marketplace and a venue for public assemblies. You stand here directly in front of the Cathedral's intricate west facade, an outstanding example of Gothic architecture whose rich details you can study up close. Note the countless sculptures depicting biblical stories and the magnificent rose window. The square is surrounded by historic buildings, including the famous Maison Kammerzell with its ornately decorated half-timbered gables, reflecting Strasbourg's architectural development over centuries. Here, you experience the city's vibrant history firsthand.Our Tip: To see the Cathedral's facade in the best light and avoid the largest crowds, an early morning visit is recommended. For an incomparable perspective of the Cathedral and the surrounding half-timbered houses, it's best to position yourself slightly to the side of the main entrance.
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    City walks in Strasbourg

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Strasbourg's Old Town Magic: A Stroll Through Petite France and the Cathedral Quarter

    Experience the soul of Strasbourg on this walk of about 2 hours. From the majestic cathedral to the picturesque lanes of Petite France, discover the rich history and unique architecture of the city.

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    Stops (6)

    Dining & Drinks

    Au Crocodile

    Innovative Gourmetküche in einem eleganten Restaurant aus dem 19. Jahrhundert mit einem riesigen Gemälde von Adolphe Grison.
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    Restaurant Les Sales Gosses à Strasbourg

    Kreative, regional inspirierte Menüs und erlesene Weine in einem modernen Restaurant mit Pop-Art-Akzenten.
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    La Fabrique à Miam

    Restaurant in 10 Rue Gloxin.
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    Beirut Restaurant

    Restaurant in 39 Rte du Polygone.
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    1

    Restaurant Gurtlerhoft

    Gerichte aus dem Elsass mit Schweinefleisch und deutschen Einflüssen in einem Restaurant mit Gewölbedecke.
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    2

    Restaurant Maison Des Tanneurs - Gerwerstub

    Speise in einem historischen Fachwerkhaus im Herzen des Gerberviertels und probiere elsässische Klassiker wie Sauerkraut oder Flammkuchen.
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    Food and Drink

    Alsatian cuisine is hearty and distinctly German-influenced: pork, cabbage, noodles, and cake, along with dry white wines and beer.

    Choucroute garnie

    Sauerkraut with potatoes, bacon, and various sausages, braised in Riesling. One serving is enough for two people in most Winstubs.

    Flammkuchen

    Thin flatbread with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon, baked in a wood-fired oven. Traditionally, it was baked to test the oven temperature.

    Winstub Classics

    Baeckeoffe with three meats in an earthenware pot, Presskopf, and Spätzle are staples of the wine taverns in the Old Town.

    Alsatian Wines

    Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat are almost always vinified here as single varietals. The wines are drier than many expect.

    Kougelhopf and Bredele

    The raisin and almond yeast cake is a Sunday staple, the small Christmas pastries in every bakery from November.

    Strasbourg: A Mosaic of European History and Culture

    Strasbourg's history dates back to the Roman camp Argentoratum. Its location between France and Germany has, for centuries, shaped a blend of both influences, visible in its architecture and traditions.Strasbourg was a Free Imperial City within the Holy Roman Empire and became part of France in 1681. The Notre-Dame Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece, dominates the old town with its façade and astronomical clock. The half-timbered houses of the Petite France along the arms of the Ill river recall the tanners, millers, and fishermen who once lived here.The Neustadt, developed after 1871 during the German Empire, with its wide avenues and stately buildings, has also been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2017. Alsatian identity is expressed in its customs, cuisine, and festivals, especially the Christkindelsmärik, which has taken place since 1570 and is considered France's oldest Christmas market.

    Nightlife

    Once the sun sets over Alsace, Strasbourg comes alive and boasts a surprisingly diverse nightlife scene to suit every taste. From cozy wine bars in Petite France to trendy cocktail bars and pulsating clubs in the city center, this Alsatian metropolis invites you to experience unforgettable evenings. Whether you're looking for a relaxing drink or a night of dancing, Strasbourg has just the thing.
    1

    La Caserne

    3 Rue de la Chaîne, 67000 Strasbourg, Frankreich
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    2

    Acropole

    25 Rue de la Krutenau, 67000 Strasbourg, Frankreich
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    3

    La Maison Bleue

    3 Rue de Guebwiller, 67100 Strasbourg, Frankreich
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    4

    Blue Moon Bar

    Bar in 24 Rue des Poules.
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    5

    L'ARTICHAUT

    Bar im eleganten Industriestil mit bekannten regionalen und internationalen Gerichten, Fassbier und regelmäßiger Livemusik.
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    6

    Cocolobo

    Bar in 2 Rue des Glacières.
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    7

    Pavillon Régent Petite France

    Modernes Hotel in einem Fachwerkgebäude mit schickem Restaurant, trendiger Bar und Flussblick.
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    8

    Golden Gate Bar

    Bar in 63 Rue du Fossé-des-Tanneurs.
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    Getting about here

    Strasbourg is best explored on foot, particularly its historic center. For longer distances, an excellent and modern tram network is available, offering convenient and fast transport. The city is also very bike-friendly, with numerous paths and rental stations.

    Accommodations in Strasbourg

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    Campgrounds in Strasbourg

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    Nearby

    Alsace

    Alsace

    The Alsace region in eastern France, nestled between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine, borders Germany. It blends French and German influences and is famed for its vineyards, half-timbered wine villages, cities like Strasbourg and Colmar, and a rich, eventful history.Also noteworthy are its hearty regional cuisine, white wines like Riesling and Gewürztraminer, and castles bordering the Vosges.
    Obernai

    Obernai

    Obernai, at the foot of the Vosges, lies about 30 km southwest of Strasbourg. It was an Imperial City and member of the Decapole. Its old town boasts half-timbered houses, the 1523 Town Hall, Chapel Tower, Six-Bucket Fountain, and preserved city walls. Enjoy Alsatian cuisine in Winstubs; vineyards are just steps away.
    Baden-Baden

    Baden-Baden

    Baden-Baden lies on the western edge of the Northern Black Forest in the Oos valley and, since July 2021, has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the eleven "Great Spa Towns of Europe". The Romans already bathed on the Florentinerberg, where the Friedrichsbad stands today, and in the 19th century the town became one of the best-known spa resorts in Europe.The heart of the town is the neoclassical Kurhaus by Friedrich Weinbrenner with its casino, behind which the Lichtentaler Allee begins along the Oos. For a view from above, the Merkur funicular has been running up the 669-metre Merkur since 1913.
    Black Forest

    Black Forest

    The Black Forest in the southwest of Baden-Württemberg is the highest and largest continuous low mountain range in Germany: it covers more than 6,000 square kilometres and stretches roughly 150 kilometres from north to south, bounded by the Upper Rhine Plain to the west and the High Rhine to the south. The highest peak is the Feldberg at 1,493 metres. Since 2014, the Black Forest National Park between Baiersbronn and Baden-Baden has protected a good 10,000 hectares on the main ridge of the Northern Black Forest.No other German low mountain range attracts as many holidaymakers. Here you can combine lively cities such as Freiburg and the spa town of Baden-Baden with waterfalls, lakes such as the Titisee and a long tradition of clockmaking, which began between Triberg and Titisee-Neustadt.
    Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg

    Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg

    The Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg, the High Königsburg, stands at about 750 meters on a mountain spur of the Vosges overlooking the Rhine plain. The castle was first mentioned in 1147, rebuilt in the 15th century, and destroyed in 1633 during the Thirty Years' War. Between 1900 and 1908, Kaiser Wilhelm II had it rebuilt by architect Bodo Ebhardt. You can visit furnished rooms such as the Emperor's Hall, the Armory, and the living quarters, plus the keep, courtyards, and battlements with views over the plain to the Black Forest. It is quieter in the morning or late afternoon.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Wikimedia Commons, Unsplash. Each photo carries its credit.
    • Place data such as addresses and ratings comes from Google Maps.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI