Essential Strasbourg: Canals, Cathedrals, and Timeless Charm

Strasbourg, the picturesque capital of Alsace, sits gracefully near the German border.
This city is known for its stunning blend of French and German culture, reflected in its
architecture, cuisine, and traditions. The heart of Strasbourg is its historic center,
a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where cobblestone streets lead you past
charming squares and the majestic Strasbourg Cathedral.

Exploring Strasbourg is a delight, whether you choose to stroll through its scenic neighborhoods,
cycle along the peaceful canals, or take a leisurely boat ride on the Ill River.

How many days does it take to visit Strasbourg?

Strasbourg is a city where the main attractions are concentrated in its charming old town,
making it possible to see the highlights in just one day.

However, Strasbourg is well-connected by the TGV high-speed train, making day trips to
nearby cities convenient. In just a few hours, you can find yourself exploring the
iconic sights of Paris, the cultural treasures of Basel, or the vibrant city of Frankfurt.

Strasbourg Central Station [Gare de Strasbourg]

Strasbourg’s central train station is a perfect blend of old and new. Renowned architect
Jean-Marie Duthilleul designed a stunning glass dome that covers the historic building,
winning the Brunel Award in 2008.

The station is a major travel hub, with French TGV and German ICE high-speed trains
departing regularly. It also offers excellent access to the city with convenient connections
via metro lines A-D and tram services. Strasbourg’s central train station is your
gateway to exploring the city and beyond.

Address: 20 Place de la Gare, 67000, Strasbourg

Getting Around the City: Transport and Tickets

Getting around Strasbourg is very simple. The historic center is easily accessible on foot or by tram.

During our three-day stay in Strasbourg, we planned a few train and bus trips, so
we chose accommodation close to the train station. This made it convenient for us to explore
not only the city but also take day trips to nearby cities.

From Strasbourg central station, you can hop on tram A or D to Place Kléber, right in the heart
of the historic center. Get off at the “Homme de Fer” stop, and from there, you can easily visit
all the major attractions and explore the bustling shopping streets.

Kleber Square [Place Kléber]

Kleber Square is the lively center of Strasbourg’s old town. It features a prominent statue
of Jean-Baptiste Kleber, an important figure in the city’s history.

From Kleber Square, take a pleasant walk to Gutenberg Square, enjoying the
charming shops along the way.

Gutenberg Square [Place Gutenberg]

Gutenberg Square, located near the magnificent Strasbourg Cathedral,
is a must-visit destination in the city.

At the heart of the square stands a statue of Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of
the printing press, holding a parchment—a tribute to his revolutionary contribution
to knowledge and communication.

Behind the statue is the Neue Bau, once Strasbourg’s City Hall and now home to the
Alsace Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This historic building adds to the
square’s character and offers a glimpse into Strasbourg’s rich history.

Strasbourg Cathedral [Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg]

Strasbourg Cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic architecture, built from Vosges sandstone.
This unique stone gives it a distinct reddish hue, similar to other notable buildings like Basel Cathedral. At 142 meters tall, it proudly holds the title of the tallest cathedral in France.

Inside, the cathedral features three naves adorned with beautiful stained glass windows
dating back to the 12th and 14th centuries. These windows fill the interior with natural light, enhancing its beauty and creating a serene atmosphere.

Beyond its architectural beauty, Strasbourg Cathedral holds significant cultural and
historical importance. It’s a symbol of faith and artistic achievement, drawing visitors to
experience its rich heritage and serene ambiance.

Rohan Palace [Palais des Rohan]

Near Strasbourg Cathedral, Rohan Palace was built in the 18th century as the
residence for the Bishop of Strasbourg. Today, it houses three museums:

Musée des Arts Décoratifs: Displays ceramics, watches, and furniture collections.
Musée des Beaux-Arts: Features paintings from the 14th to the 19th century.
Musée Archéologique: Covers ancient Alsace’s history from Prehistory to the Early Middle Ages.

Visit Petite France, known for its charming half-timbered houses. Located a 15-minute walk
from the historic center, this area offers a glimpse into Strasbourg’s medieval past with
its narrow streets and quaint architecture.

Head to the pier and embark on a boat tour to explore Strasbourg’s scenic canals. It’s a
relaxing way to see the city, passing historic sights and enjoying the peaceful waterways.

Discovering Strasbourg with Batorama Boat Tours

Batorama offers two boat tour options:

1h10 Tour: Covers 6 km of scenic route.
45-Minute Tour: Covers 4 km, ideal for a shorter ride.

We opted for the 1h10 tour, which takes you from the city center to the European Parliament,
passing through the imperial quarter of Neustadt. It’s a unique way to experience
Strasbourg from a different perspective.

Each tour includes an audio guide available in multiple languages,
enriching your journey with insightful commentary.

Tickets can be conveniently purchased from vending machines at Loan Palace Pier.
It’s advisable to buy in advance, selecting your preferred time and type of boat.

Hotel in Strasbourg

If you plan to explore beyond Strasbourg using trains or buses, staying near the station is
highly recommended. This area offers a range of reasonably priced 3-4 star hotels.
During our stay, we chose “Hotel Vendome“.

The room was clean, air-conditioned, and offered free Wi-Fi. What made our stay memorable
was the view from our window overlooking the station. From sunrise to sunset, we enjoyed
watching the city come to life.

In conclusion

Strasbourg, with its unique blend of French and German influences, enchants visitors with
its historic charm, picturesque canals, and magnificent cathedral. Staying near the station at
Hotel Vendome provided both convenience and comfort, allowing us to explore the city’s
treasures and venture to neighboring destinations easily.

Whether admiring its architectural wonders, cruising the canals with Batorama, or
savoring its culinary delights, Strasbourg offers a truly memorable experience.