Strasbourg, Alsace
Strasbourg is a unique and captivating city, a true European capital and the historic heart of the Alsace region. Its old town, known as the Grande Île, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a stunning showcase of architectural splendor, with every street reflecting the city's rich and complex history shaped by both French and German cultures. We only had a few hours to explore this vibrant city, so we were only able to visit a limited number of places. However, you could easily spend several days here and still not see everything, as the city offers endless sights and experiences.
The charm of Strasbourg lies in its beautifully preserved buildings and its distinctive blend of influences, which are evident in its gastronomy, language, and architecture. It is a city that seamlessly weaves together its past with its modern role as a hub of European institutions, making it a destination of great importance and beauty.
Parking in Strasbourg
There are many parking lots available in Strasbourg, but for convenience, we highly recommend finding a spot close to the historic center to minimize walking. You can use, for example, the underground Parking Gutenberg (1; GPS: 48.581438, 7.748653), which is located in the very heart of the city. Other excellent options include the Parking des Bateliers (2; GPS: 48.5811556, 7.7562033), Parking Austerlitz (3; GPS: 48.578185, 7.751948), Parking Indigo (4; GPS: 48.582997, 7.743708), and even Parking Petite France (5; GPS: 48.579202, 7.735859) are good as well.
While parking in the city center can be costly, using these underground garages provides a secure and convenient way to access the main attractions on foot. For those who want to save money, Strasbourg also has a well-developed Park-and-Ride (P+R) system on the outskirts of the city, which allows you to park your car cheaply and use the tram or bus to get into the center. This can be a great option, especially during peak tourist season when central parking is difficult to find.
The Cathedral Notre Dame de Strasbourg
Then, you can first of all visit beautiful cathedral Notre Dame de Strasbourg (A; GPS: 48.581575, 7.750155), which we also describe in another article. Its amazing gothic architecture is absolutely mesmerizing. There is also interesting Place Gutenberg (the Gutenberg Square - B; GPS: 48.581433, 7.748235) not far away from the cathedral. It's surrounded with nice old buildings and with statue of Gutenberg in the middle. In addition to the statue of Gutenberg, there is a beautiful old carousel.
The cathedral itself is a work of art, built from distinctive pink sandstone that changes color with the light throughout the day. Don't miss the chance to see its incredible astronomical clock inside, which comes to life with a procession of apostles every day at 12:30 PM. For a truly unforgettable experience, you can climb the 332 steps to the top of the platform and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, the Rhine River, and the Black Forest in the distance.
La Petite France
Also don't forget to walk to La Petite France quarter with the Grand Rue as the main street (C; GPS: 48.581436, 7.744323). This is a really unique place to visit and have a walk around. Small paved streets with the specific architecture are amazing. The place has the canals of Venice combined with German half-timbered architecture. There are mainly hotels, as well as various restaurants, where you can order some local Alsatian cuisine dishes. There is also a possibility of admiring this place from a special tourist boat.
This is a truly unique place to visit and wander through. Its small paved streets are lined with a specific, enchanting architecture—a wonderful combination of canals that evoke the feeling of Venice and the iconic German half-timbered houses with their colorful facades. The area, which was once home to tanners, millers, and fishermen, is now a vibrant tourist hub filled with charming hotels and a wide variety of restaurants where you can savor local Alsatian cuisine. There is also a popular option to admire this beautiful quarter from a different perspective by taking a special tourist boat tour along the canals.
Barrage Vauban
At the end of La Petite France area you can find interesting Barrage Vauban (D; GPS: 48.579571, 7.738066) - Vauban Dam - built in the late 17th century. Its original intent was to shut down the water outflow on the river, collect it and then flood the areas located south of the town, thereby making it inaccessible to the enemy. The bridge is about 120 meters long and consists of 13 spans. This is a unique engineering structure that is easily accessed on foot as you wander around the centre of Strasbourg. Visit this site for the panoramic views even if you are not interested in the Vauban fortification structure itself.
You can walk along the top of the dam, which is now a public pedestrian walkway, and even go up to the roof for a spectacular panoramic terrace. From this viewpoint, you get a breathtaking view of the bridges, the canals, and the covered bridges (Ponts Couverts), with the majestic towers of the cathedral in the background. Visiting this site is highly recommended for the incredible views alone, even if you are not particularly interested in the historical fortification structure itself.
Gastronomy in Strasbourg
Strasbourg’s cuisine is a delicious reflection of its Franco-German heritage, offering a rich and hearty experience that is a highlight of any visit. The restaurants and traditional taverns (winstubs) in the city, especially in the Petite France quarter, serve a range of authentic Alsatian dishes that are full of flavor. The region is known for its generous portions and comfort food, often accompanied by local beer or wine.
A must-try dish is Flammenkueche, a thin, crispy flatbread traditionally topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon, which is a perfect appetizer or light meal. Another iconic dish is Choucroute garnie, a hearty plate of sauerkraut served with various cuts of pork and sausages. For a delightful taste of local baking, don't miss the chance to try Kugelhopf, a delicious Bundt cake that is a regional specialty, or the famous gingerbread from the local markets.
Alsace is also renowned for its white wines, such as Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris, which pair wonderfully with the local cuisine. A visit to a winstub provides a cozy and authentic dining experience where you can enjoy traditional food and wine in a rustic, welcoming atmosphere, making your culinary journey through Strasbourg a memorable one.
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