Is Strasbourg worth visiting? As a French native, I would say that all the French cities are worth visiting. However, Strasbourg is a charming town in the Alsace area which shouldn’t be missed. The natural beauty of the city with its canals makes Strasbourg one of my favourite towns in France.
So yes, Strasbourg is worth visiting. Strasbourg is a paradise if you love to wander as you will discover something interesting around each corner. You will be transported back in time as walking around Strasbourg is like walking on to the pages of a fairy tale book!
Below is our list of some of the best places to visit in Strasbourg along with ideas about what to eat and drink in the city. To help you plan your visit, we have also included a video tour of Strasbourg.
What to Do in Strasbourg?
Strasbourg is a charming city with cobbled streets and a relaxed atmosphere. There are plenty of things to see and do in Strasbourg. One of the advantages of Strasbourg is that you can visit the city on foot or by bicycle if you prefer.
1. La Grande Île, Strasbourg (Large Island)
At the heart of Strasbourg surrounded by the River Ill is La Grande Île (Large Island). La Grande Île is the historic medieval centre of Strasbourg which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
In the centre of La Grande Île is the city’s main square, Place Kléber. On La Grande Île, you will also find many of the main tourist sites including the Notre Dame Cathedral and La Petite France.
It is easy to walk around La Grande Île on foot. Everywhere you turn, you will find lovely cobbled streets and half-timbered houses. There are plenty of small restaurants bars and Winstub which serve authentic Alsatian food and drink.
2. Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg (Notre Dame Cathedral)
In the centre of the old town, is the imposing Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral with its 142m high spire. In fact, the cathedral is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in France. The façade is covered with detailed decorative figures and arches.
Inside the cathedral, you will discover stunning stained-glass windows from the 12th and 14th Centuries. There is also an enormous organ and the famous Renaissance astronomic clock.
To see the clock, head to the back of the cathedral in the far-right hand corner. The best time to visit the clock is 12.30pm as there is a parade of the apostle figurines.
3. Palais Rohan, Strasbourg (Rohan Palace)
Close to the cathedral is the Palais Rohan which is the residence of the Prince-Bishops and Cardinals of the House of Rohan. Inside are 3 museums: The Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Decorative Arts and the Museum of Fine Arts.
Even if you are not interested in museums, the building is nice to visit as it is a beautiful example of French Baroque architecture.
4. La Petite France, Strasbourg
La Petite France is a picturesque area of Strasbourg which resembles Venice with cobbled streets, canals, and half-timbered houses. This is a vibrant tourist area with plenty of small authentic restaurants and shops. Make sure you explore the side streets because there are plenty of beautiful photo opportunities from small bridges across the canals.
Recommended Tours and Activities
Strasbourg: Euro Guided Tour by Segway
See the old and new landmarks of Strasbourg from a different perspective on a 2-hour Segway tour of the city and its districts, including the institutions of the Quartier Européen. Explore La Petite France, the German district and much more.
Strasbourg 3-Day City Pass: Boat Tour, Museums & More
Explore the sights of Strasbourg at your own pace with a 3-day Strasbourg Pass, and visit more as you spend less! Get free or half price entry to 10 key sites and activities, including boat tours, Museum entry and access to the cathedral’s terraces.
5. Ponts Couverts in La Petite France, Strasbourg (Covered Bridges)
Keep walking through La Petite France and you will find the Ponts Couverts. The Ponts Couverts feature three bridges and four fortified towers over the River Ill. At one time, the bridges were covered by a timber roof but today they are open.
From the bridges, you can take some great photos of the Barrage Vauban (Vauban Dam) and Strasbourg with the Cathedral in the distance.
6. Barrage Vauban, Strasbourg (Vauban Dam)
The Barrage Vauban was built during 1681-1688 to give additional protection to the city of Strasbourg. When the dam was closed, the area in front was flooded which prevented invaders from entering the city.
Today, you can walk inside the dam to cross to reach the other side of the water or you can walk along the top (terrasse) of the dam. From here, you can take some great photos of the Ponts Couverts and watch the boats entering the nearby lock (écluse).
7. Medieval Churches, Strasbourg
Close to La Petite France, you will find the Église Saint Pierre-Le-Vieux which is an interesting medieval church. Other medieval churches on La Grande Île include Saint Pierre Le Jeune, Église Saint Thomas and the Église Saint Paul.
8. Kammerzell House, Strasbourg
Kamerzell House dates back to 1427 and is famous for being the most decorative and well-preserved building in Strasbourg. Today, Kamerzell House is a restaurant and you can be transported back in time by eating in one of its rooms. In front of Kammerzell House is a small attractive square lined with other restaurants.
9. Place Kléber, Strasbourg
Place Kléber is in the centre of La Grade Îsle and is the largest square in Strasbourg. In the middle, there is a statue of Jean-Baptiste Kléber who was a famous General during the French Revolution.
The square is a popular meeting place with attractive fountains and is a pleasant spot to walk. During the festive season, the Christmas Market is held here.
10. Place Broglie, Strasbourg (Broglie Square)
At Christmas, you will also find festive markets in the Place Broglie. At other times of the year, the tree-lined Place Broglie is another attractive square to explore.
Place Broglie is lined with many impressive buildings like the City Hall, the Governor’s Palace, the Bank de France, the historic military Mess building and the Opéra. To the left of the Place Broglie is the Fontaine de Janus (Janus Fountain).
Is Strasbourg Worth Visiting? Video Guide
11. Opéra de Strasbourg (Strasbourg Opera House)
At the end of the Place Broglie is the Strasbourg Opera House. This is a striking building with 6 sandstone columns. Above each of the columns is a sandstone muse. The Strasbourg Opera House is home to the Opéra national du Rhin and the Ballet of the Opéra national du Rhin.
12. Théâtre National de Strasbourg (National Theatre of Strasbourg)
If you are interested in the Arts, Strasbourg also has a theatre. The National Theatre of Strasbourg is housed in a former palace building on the Place de la République.