Strasbourg walking tour & city guide
Half-timbered houses, canals and the capital of Christmas.
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Strasbourg sits on the border between France and Germany, and its culture blends both. The capital of Alsace and a seat of the European Parliament, it has a fairy-tale old town on an island in the Ill River, built around one of the most spectacular cathedrals in Europe.
Grande Île and the cathedral
The historic center, the Grande Île, is encircled by the river and was the first entire city center to be listed by UNESCO, in 1988. Its centerpiece is Strasbourg Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture in pink sandstone, whose single spire was the tallest building in the world for over two centuries. Inside, the astronomical clock comes to life every day at 12:30.
Next to the cathedral, the Maison Kammerzell is a famous half-timbered house with intricate carvings, and Place Kléber is the city's main square.
La Petite France
La Petite France, in the west of the island, is a postcard of half-timbered houses, flower-covered balconies and canals once used by tanners, millers and fishermen. The Ponts Couverts, a set of bridges and medieval towers, and the Vauban Dam, with a panoramic terrace, guard the entrance to the old town.
A boat tour along the Ill is a relaxing way to see the old town and continue to the modern European Quarter.
The Christmas market
Strasbourg calls itself the 'Capital of Christmas'. Its Christkindelsmärik, dating back to 1570, is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, with hundreds of stalls, mulled wine and dazzling decorations from late November to late December. The city is also an ideal base for the Alsace Wine Route and nearby Colmar.
Top sights in Strasbourg
- 1
Strasbourg Cathedral
A Gothic masterpiece with an astronomical clock.
- 2
La Petite France
Canals lined with half-timbered houses.
- 3
Ponts Couverts
Medieval towers and bridges on the river.
- 4
Barrage Vauban
A historic dam with a rooftop viewing terrace.
- 5
Maison Kammerzell
A richly carved medieval house by the cathedral.
- 6
Ill River boat tour
A cruise around the old town and European Quarter.
Food markets & where to eat in Strasbourg
Winstubs
Cozy traditional wine taverns serving Alsatian dishes.
Christmas market stalls
Mulled wine, bredele cookies and pretzels in season.
La Petite France restaurants
Canal-side terraces in half-timbered houses.
Place Kléber cafés
Coffee and pastries on the main square.
Food to try in Strasbourg
Tarte flambée
Thin flatbread with cream, onions and bacon.
Choucroute garnie
Sauerkraut with sausages and pork.
Kougelhopf
A tall, ring-shaped brioche cake.
Alsace wine
Riesling and Gewürztraminer from local vineyards.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Strasbourg
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in StrasbourgCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Strasbourg.
- eSIM for FranceStay online from the moment you land.
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