Strasbourg

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg, or Strasbourg Cathedral as it is popularly known, is a Catholic place of worship housed in one of the finest examples of Gothic and Romanesque architecture. For over 200 years from the mid-1600s onward, the cathedral building was the tallest in the world towering at 466 feet. The cathedral has such a rich history, with its initial construction dating back to 1176. Today, visitors will be able to see some truly interesting aspects in both architecture and decor. While you’re there, take note of the stunning stained glass windows, a tombstone of Conrad de Lichtenberg, a richly ornate pulpit by Hans Hammer, and a suspended pipe organ dating back to the 1300s.

Address: Place de la Cathédrale, 67000 Strasbourg, France, Phone: +33-3-88-21-43-34

Strasbourg has always played an important role in bringing together Europeans, though it hasn’t always been a peaceful. Presently, Strasbourg houses the European Parliament (EP) and visiting it is a wonderful way for people to better understand the largest transnational parliament in the world, the powers it has and the role it plays. Visiting the parliament will give you a chance to explore the parlamentarium Simone Veil and the Hemicycle plenary chamber. The parlamentarium Simone Veil is a dynamic and immersive experience that will show you how the European Parliament works and how it impacts the lives of citizen, while the Hemicycle has been the setting for many historic votes seating all 751 members of the EP.

Address: 1 Avenue du Président Robert Schuman, 67000 Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg’s Petite France District , also known as Tanner’s Quarters, was once the home of millers, tanners, and fisherman, but is now one of the area’s most renowned tourist attractions. The historic quarter is filled with a charm and romance that can’t be found anywhere else in Strasbourg. You will enjoy walking the narrow streets filled with half-timbered houses, cafes, and boutique stores in the daytime, but will see the quarter really come to life when night falls. Take a stroll over one of the quarter’s many mystical bridges or take a boat ride on the River III in this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Strasbourg is magnificent and one of a kind. It was founded in 1973 and has grown to house one of the most extensive collections of art in France. You’ll come across several pieces in varying mediums, from paintings and sculptures to graphic art and photographs. Altogether, there are over 18,000 pieces on display, and you can spend an entire day just taking it all in. While you’re there, be on the lookout for one of the many exhibitions and events that are housed there throughout the year. Also, be sure to stop by the art library, art bookshop, and the museum cafe which is housed on the roof terrace.

Address: 1 Place Hans-Jean-Arp, 67000 Strasbourg, France, Phone: +33-3-68-98-50-00

One of Strasbourg’s finest attractions, L’Oeuvre Notre-Dame Museum houses an extensive collection of decorative arts and Upper Rhenish fine arts from the early Middle Ages up to the late 1600s. As you explore the historic site, you’ll see the works of several artists such as Nikolaus Hagenauer, Hans Baldung, Niclas Gerhaert van Leyden, and Peter Hemmel von Andlau. The museum is also famed for its collection of architectural fragments, original sculptures, and glass windows which have been salvaged from other cathedrals and churches which were either destroyed or renovated over the years. Pieces you shouldn’t miss include gorgeous 17th-century cupboards, statues from Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, and a Romanesque stained-glass window titled “Head of Christ” which dates back to the 11th century.

Address: 3 Place du Château, 67000 Strasbourg, France, Phone: +33-3-68-98-50-00

A masterpiece of French Baroque architecture, Rohan Palace was completed in 1742 and can be found beside the Strasbourg Cathedral. It was the former residence of an ancient French noble family, The House of Rohan, and has hosted a number of French monarchs such as Marie Antoinette, Louis XV, and Napoleon. Today, the palace turned museum space is one of the city’s most prominent historical, architectural, and cultural landmarks. It currently houses the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Museum of Decorative Arts. You’ll be able to see an array of paintings, statues, reliefs, and exhibits throughout the palace and its museums.

Address: 2 Place du Château, 67000 Strasbourg, France, Phone: +33-3-68-98-51-60

From a historical and architectural point of view, the Saint-Pierre Le Jeune Church is one of the most important religious structures in Strasbourg. There are so many different aspects which visitors should pay special attention to during their visit. For example, the burial crypt is the oldest part of the church and is the remains of a Columbian church erected in the 7th century. The Gothic main building itself dates back to the 14th century and is filled with frescoes, paintings, and monuments from this time onward. Other stunning aspects to keep an eye for include the pipe organ and the angel stoup.

Address: Place Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune, 67000 Strasbourg, France, Phone: +33-3-88-32-41-61

As you walk around Strasbourg, one of the most common sights you’ll see if of a number of storks nesting on rooftops, chimneys, and trees. Believed to be a symbol of happiness, fertility, and good luck, the people were saddened to find a decline in the store population in the 1970s. Soon after, the Center of Reproduction, Repopulating, and Wintering of the Alsatian White Stork was opened within the Parc de l’Orangerie. The English-style park has a small zoo, a mini farm, and a lake, making it a great place to go for families. Visiting the center will give you the opportunity to see storks and how they love up close.

Address: 67000 Strasbourg, France, Phone: +33-3-88-61-62-88

Dating back to the 17th century, Parc de l’Orangerie is an English-style park that is extremely popular during the warmer months. People of all ages come to enjoy a picnic on the lush grounds surrounded by flowers and curated gardens. Children especially love visiting the park as it also houses a small zoo, a mini farm, and a lake. There is a recreational center within the park that offers amenities such as billiards tables, a bowling center, a restaurant and bar, terraced seating, and a stunning event space. The park is also home to the Center of Reproduction, Repopulating, and Wintering of the Alsatian White Stork where visitors can get an up close look at the storks Strasbourg is known for.

Address: Parc de l'Orangerie, 67000 Strasbourg, France, Phone: +33-3-88-61-62-88

La Place Gutenberg, or Gutenberg Square , is one of the most famed public squares in the city. You can find it just opposite of the main facade of the Strasbourg Cathedral. At the center of the square you’ll find a statue of Johannes Gutenberg, the silversmith and inventor whom the square is named after. You’ll also see several elegant building surrounding the square, named the Strasbourg’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry. During certain seasons, visitors will also see a large, colorful merry-go-round in the middle of the square - this is often a favorite aspects with younger visitors. Be sure to keep some time during your adventure to have a drink or snack in one of the many French patisseries surrounding the square.