Top things to do in Strasbourg France
The first city we visit on our Alsatian road trip is Strasbourg, which is the capital of the Alsace region, and one of the larger cities in the area.
Strasbourg, France is known for its historic city centre, and is classified as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, the first time such an honor was placed on an entire city centre.
We have visited the city a few times, and have truly fallen in love with it. On the blog I will highlight some of the top things to do in Strasbourg France, so you can plan your road trip through the Alsace Region and get to know the capital city.
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READ MORE: Alsace road trip through France
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Stroll along Petite France
One of the top things to do in Strasbourg France is a stroll along the picturesque Petite France area.
This is one of the most historic places in the city known for it’s cobblestone streets, and half-timbered houses surrounded by canals.
During the Middle Ages, Petite France was home to the city’s tanners, millers and fishermen. Today, it is one of the most popular tourists attraction in the city, and probably the most photographed as well.
The Petite France area is the perfect place to people watch, while you sit in one of the cafes along the canals. There are also a few shops in the area where you can pick up that special Alsatian souvenir.
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The Barrage Vauban
Just upstream of Petite France, the River Ill flows through the Barrage Vauban, which is a defensive structure built at the end of the 17th century.
It was built to raise the level of the River just in case of an attack. Today the structure is being used as a display to house old sculptures and is a great walk through.
If you climb up to the terrace, you get the most amazing views of the city and the Ponts Couverts bridges, which is just absolutely beautiful!
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The Ponts Couverts
The Ponts Couverts are a set of three bridges and four towers that make up the cities defensive wall that was erected in the 13th century on the River Ill.
It is one of the most interesting place in Strasbourg, and you get the best views of the whole structure from the Barrage Vauban.
Visit the Strasbourg Cathedral
Another one of the top things to do in Strasbourg, France is a visit to the Strasbourg Cathedral. It is the tallest building in the city and you can see it from a distance.
At 142 metres, it was the world’s tallest building. Today it is the sixth-tallest church in the world and it’s absolutely amazing!
One of the highlights of the Cathedral is the Astronomical clock. When noon strikes, you can watch the animated figures as they parade around Jesus.
The stained glass and Grand Organ is another thing worth highlighting when visiting the Strasbourg Cathedral.
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People watch at Place Gutenberg
Just a short walk away from the Cathedral you will find Place Gutenberg. Place Gutenberg is one of the city’s most famous and historic squares.
In the center of the square is a statue of Johannes Gutenberg, who is the inventor of the modern printer and who the square is named after.
Here you will also find a fun carousel for the kiddos and more half-timbered houses to admire.
Place Gutenberg is also home to one of the Christmas Markets you can visit during the holidays, with several others spread throughout the city.
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Read our post on our visit to the Strasbourg Christmas market here.
Visit Place Saint-Thomas
The Protestant Church of Saint Thomas is an excellent example of Alsatian Gothic Art.
Built on the site of an older church in the 6th century, it is considered a historical monument dedicated to the apostle Saint Thomas.
The church stands on Place saint-Thomas, where the kiddos can go on a carousel, and is a big open space for them to run around!
Explore Place Kléber
On your sightseeing stroll around Strasbourg, make sure to stop by Place Kléber, which is another famous square to explore in the city.
Place Kléber is the largest square in Strasbourg’s city center, and during the holidays it is home to the cities official Christmas tree and it’s famed Christmas Market.
This is also a great place to people watch and admire the beautiful architecture.
Discover Strasbourg on a boat tour
Discover Strasbourg on a boat tour on the River Ill. A cruise along the River is the best way to learn more about the city, and the Alsatian culture.
Since the Petite France area is surrounded by canals and the River Ill, this is another great way to get to explore the city, and take in the views from a different vantage point.
There are so many fun things to do in Strasbourg France, but a simple stroll along the beautiful streets is the best itinerary of the day.
We stayed here for two days and felt it was the perfect amount of time to explore the city. Make sure to visit during the holidays as well, Strasbourg’s markets are known as the best Christmas markets in Europe and it really does live up to it’s title!
Some fun day trips from Strasbourg
Explore the city of Metz, France, one of Europes most underrated city.
Discover the city of Nancy, France in the Grand-Est region.
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