Republic Square (Place de la République) stands as one of the principal plazas within Strasbourg's "German quarter." This square is encompassed on three sides by a collection of five edifices, each void of residential occupancy. These notable structures include the Palais du Rhin, the National and University Library, the Théâtre national de Strasbourg, the Préfecture of Grand Est and Bas-Rhin, and the Hôtel des Impôts, which serves as the tax center. Notably, all of these architectural marvels are classified as Historical Monuments.

The mastermind behind the design of Republic Square was the architect Jean-Geoffroy Conrath (1824–1892), who envisioned this space during the period of Reichsland. It was intended to serve as a grand and impressive gateway to the Neustadt, situated across the Ill River from the historic heart of the city, Grande Île. The square's design and construction began in 1880, initially named "Imperial Square." Notably, a group of Ginkgo biloba trees, also known as Maidenhair trees, were brought from Japan by Emperor Meiji and were planted in the central garden during the 1880s. These trees, a testament to history, still grace the square with their presence today.

At the heart of Republic Square, an impactful War memorial sculpture created by Léon-Ernest Drivier commands attention. Unveiled in 1936, this statue portrays a mother cradling two fallen sons, symbolizing the intricate historical narrative of Strasbourg, oscillating between the influences of Germany and France. This poignant memorial took the place of an equestrian statue of Emperor Wilhelm I, which had been commissioned in 1897 and previously held its stance on the square from 1911 until 1918.

Why You Should Visit:
To see one, if not the only, remaining example of fabulous German architecture in the world since all the stunning examples in Germany were destroyed in WWII.

Built right next to the towering Strasbourg Cathedral, Rohan Palace was used to house the prince-bishops and cardinals of the House of Rohan. Rohan was a French noble family from Brittany.

It has been considered a masterpiece of French Baroque architecture since it was finished in 1742. Many monarchs have visited the premises, including Louis XV, Marie Antoinette, Napoleon and Joséphine, and Charles X. It is one of the most important architectural and historic buildings in the city.

These days, the Palace is home to three incredible museums--the Archaeological Museum in the basement, the Museum of Decorative Arts on the ground floor, and the Museum of the Fine Arts on the second and third floors. There is also a municipal art gallery in one wing.

The Palace is still used for major diplomatic events. In 1985, American President Ronald Reagan dined in the Palace while visiting European Parliament. In 2009, US President Barack Obama met with French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

The city's Archaeological Museum is located in the basement. Many artifacts from the original collection were destroyed in the 1870 Siege of Strasbourg. The new collection has been recreated and put together since then. There is a particular focus on Argentoratum, the Roman settlement that eventually became Strasbourg.

The Museum of Decorative Arts lies above on the ground floor. The collection was established in 1887 from the collections of Kunstgewerbe-Museum Hohenlohe. Here you'll see original furnishings from the cardinal's apartments. Of special interest are locally produced porcelains and clockmaking. Parts of the original 1354 astronomical clock from the Strasbourg Cathedral are housed here and on display.

The two floors above are home to the Museum of Fine Arts. The original collection was established in 1803 but destroyed in 1870. Today you'll see a fine collection of European art spanning from the 13th to 19th centuries. Italian, Flemish, and Dutch painters are highly featured. Some highlights include Botticelli, Jacob Jordaens, and Hans Memling.

Why You Should Visit:
The Palais de Rohan is a highlight of Baroque architecture in the city. Visiting the Palace is its own history lesson, with a glimpse at how the city's aristocrats lived in luxury.
Beyond the Palace itself, visiting the three museums is worth your time. The museums span such various themes and periods that they have a little something for everyone.

Tips:

All museums share one common entrance, but once in, you can choose your destination. When you buy a ticket to one museum, you receive a discount on the subsequent admission. This setup means that you can spend less and only visit the museum or museums that interest you the most.

Until 1874 the Strasbourg Cathedral was the world's tallest building; today it is the 6th tallest church and its tower dominates the Strasbourg skyline.

Described by Victor Hugo as a "gigantic and delicate marvel", and by Goethe as a "sublimely towering, wide-spreading tree of God", the cathedral is visible far across the plains of Alsace and can be seen from as far off as the Vosges Mountains or the Black Forest on the other side of the Rhine. Sandstone from Vosges, used in construction, gives the cathedral its characteristic pink hue.

The building took many centuries to finish and has three distinctive styles. Its crypt, dating back to 1015, has been expanded over the centuries. The North Tower, built in 1439, stands 142 meters high and on a clear day you can see for over 30 kilometers from its observation deck. The Lawrence Portal in the North Transept was finished in 1505 in a markedly post-Gothic, early-Renaissance style.

Most of the statues in the cathedral are copies of the originals kept at the Oeuvre Notre-Dame Museum. The stunning Astronomical Clock, built in 1843 to replace an earlier clock, is 18 meters high and is one of the largest in the world.

The clock show, including a 30-minute movie presentation with English subtitles, is at 12:30 pm in the summer, but you must be there at around 11:30 am to book your entry at the back door of the Cathedral, since the places are limited. Climbing up the tower is not difficult, as long as you can manage 330 steps - and it's worth the effort!

Alsace is the cultural region identified by a blend of French and German cultures, of which Strasbourg is the largest city. This eastern region of France borders Switzerland and the Rhine region of Germany.

The Alsatian Museum in Strasbourg showcases all aspects that make Alsace a unique region. Daily life from pre-industrial times and rural life are featured prominently. There are over 5,000 exhibits in the museum.

The museum is presented in several Renaissance timber-framed houses. The houses are reconstructions but are appointed well and provide an extraordinary insight into the lives of the medieval city's inhabitants.

Beyond the homes and their furnishings, you'll enjoy displays dedicated to clothing, paintings, and decoration. You'll learn about the religions that locals have practiced, including Catholicism, Protestantism, and Judaism.

Why You Should Visit:
Strasbourg and Alsace are special places because of the unique blends of multiple cultures and a shared history. The Alsatian Museum is the best place in town to learn about what makes this region notable.

While the museum's collection of artifacts is impressive, the buildings are gorgeous and worth visiting too.

Tips:

This is an excellent museum for children, with many displays that connect with viewers to share everyday Alsacien life. There are everyday objects that kids will identify with, like toys, kitchen tools, and clothes.

Many people wish they had more time to spend at this museum, so plan a few more minutes than you usually would for a museum of this size. Don't miss the audio guide that is included with admission--it's a great help to understanding the exhibits.

One destination that should be on your “must-see” list is the Place Gutenberg which lies in the center of medieval Strasbourg, not far from the Cathedral.

This large square is a favorite for locals and tourists alike as it has a lot of excellent cafes and restaurants. The Chamber of Commerce building occupies one side of the square and is easily recognizable with its Renaissance style, but with the sloping roof that is typical of Alsace, where winter snow is a way of life.

There is a 16th-century hotel on the square where Arthur Young was staying when revolutionists destroyed the city’s magistrates records and where today art exhibitions are held on the ground floor. Another attraction is the flea markets that often set up around the statue in the center of the square.

The statue is, quite obviously, dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg; it was sculpted by David d’Angers in 1840 and features the famous printer holding a piece of parchment on which is inscribed the words “Et la lumière fut” (And behold, there was light) from the Book of Genesis. Around the base of the statue, bas reliefs depict notable scenes from Gutenberg’s life.

Not many people know that apart from being the inventor of the first mechanical, movable printing press in Europe in 1439 and the publisher of the Gutenberg Bible in 1455, Gutenberg lived in Strasbourg between 1434-44, where he was an apprentice goldsmith, set to follow in his father’s footsteps.

It is well worth taking time to visit the Place Kleber which is the biggest square in the heart of the city’s commercial district. The square has been a central meeting place since it was laid out in the 14th century and it took its name in 1840 after the General Jean Baptiste Kleber, whose statue stands in the center of the square. The general served in Napoleon’s army during the campaign in Egypt in 1798 and 1799. The statue was erected in 1838 by Philippe Grass.

When Napoleon returned to Paris, he named the Kleber Commander of the French Forces. Kleber was assassinated in 1800 in Cairo. His body was repatriated and kept in the Chateau d’If off the Marseille coast until being interred in his native Strasbourg thirty years later. The general’s remains are in a vault under the statue.

An interesting building along the north side of the square is the Aubette building, built in 1772 by Jacque-François Blondel. Once a military post, it was given its name in the 19th century, from the dawn (aube) changing of the guard. In 1928 three avant-garde artists Jean Arp, Theo van Doesburg and Sophie Taeuber-Arp decorated the interior of the building. This work of art is often called the "Sistine Chapel of Abstract Art" for its artistic beauty. Nowadays, the Aubette building is an artistic and historical landmark with on Place Kléber and is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Admission to the building is free.

Petite France is an area in Strasbourg that is often called the Venice of the North because of its narrow streets and canals. It is a delightful area to visit as it takes you back to Medieval Strasbourg.

In the Middle Ages the beautiful half-timbered houses were the homes of fishermen, millers and tanners, and indeed many of the streets bear the names of the crafts carried out: Millers Street, Tanners Ditch and Lace Street, for example. The houses have the traditional tiered sloping roofs and hides were once hung up to dry on the topmost rafters.

In the late 15th century a hospice was built on the island for small-pox victims and later for French soldiers suffering from syphilis – which the Germans called it “French Disease” to stop the local girls from sleeping with the soldiers! The area became known as “Little France”, more out of derision than patriotism. The name stuck and today it is one of the most expensive quarters in the city.

Just to the west of Petite France, you can visit the Barrage Vauban – a weir that crosses the River Ill. It was built in 1686 from the plan by Marquis Vauban. The weir has two stories with wonderful sculptures on the main level, as well as a roof terrace where you can take superb photos of Petite France.

Why You Should Visit:
The most romantic neighborhood in Strasburg by far, especially at nightfall. There are also plenty of shops and places to try authentic French dishes. Places are open late and buildings are lit up after dark.

Tip:
Walk around here early in the morning if you wish to get photos without thousands of tourists in your shots. If you have issues walking on cobblestones, you can also take the boat or a little touristic train that goes around the Petit France.

To protect the ancient city of Strasbourg, the Covered Bridges were constructed in the 1200s. There are three bridges crossing the River Ill. Additionally, there are four defensive towers set up between them.

In the late 1600s, the bridges were covered with wooden roofs. These were intended to cover soldiers and defenders who were stationed on the bridges during times of war. The covers were removed in 1784, but the name "Covered Bridges" has stuck.

While the bridges and towers remain, their task of defending the city was taken by the nearby the Vauban Dam. The Vauban Dam is the combination bridge and weir just west of the Covered Bridges.

If you want some postcard-perfect photos, stop by the Covered Bridges just after dark. The bridges and city are lit spectacularly. The best place to view and photograph the Covered Bridges is from near or on the Vauban Damn.

The Vauban Dam is a bridge, weir and defensive system erected in the 17th century on the River Ill in Strasbourg. It was a 17th century engineering marvel built according to the plans laid out by Marquis Vauban, the leading French military engineer of the time. At that time, it was known as the Great Lock, although it does not function as a navigation lock in the modern sense. Today it serves to display sculptures and has a viewing terrace on its roof, with views of the earlier Covered Bridge and Petite France quarter. It has been classified as a Historical Monument since 1971.

The dam was constructed from 1686 to 1690 in pink Vosges sandstone and its principal defensive function of the dam was to, in the event of an attack, raise the water level of the River Ill and thus flood the land south of the city, making it impassable to the enemy. This defensive measure was deployed in 1870, when Strasbourg was besieged by Prussian forces during the Franco-Prussian War, and resulted in the complete flooding of the northern part of the suburb of Neudorf.

The dam has 13 arches and is 120 meters (390 feet) in length. Within the structure an enclosed corridor links the two banks and a lapidarium serves to display ancient plaster casts and copies of statues and gargoyles from Strasbourg Cathedral and Rohan Palace. Three of the arches are raised to permit navigation, and the corridor is carried across these by drawbridges. The roof was rebuilt in 1965-66 in order to construct the panoramic terrace. Admission to the dam and terrace is free, and they are open daily from 9 am to 7:30 pm.

The Strasbourg-Ville Train Station stands as the second largest in France and likely holds a position as one of the most distinctive in Europe. This station was opened in 1883, where the Basle–Cologne and Paris-Vienna routes intersected. It was designed by German architect Johann Eduard Jocobsthal to replace a smaller station that was in a dead-end location.

The station is 120 meters long and has two floors. The ground floor is on the same level as the square in front of it, while the upper floor is a bit higher than the train tracks. The front of the building, done in a Neo-Renaissance style, served both travelers and goods, and there was also a yard for marshaling.

In 1901, a post office was added on a single facet of the structure, and later, a police station was constructed on the opposite side of the building. Initially, the station had nine tracks, but in 2007, during a renovation, they added four more tracks, mostly for the TGV arrivals.

The 120-meter-long dome made of steel and glass that stretches across the old building was designed by Jean-Marie Duthilleul, an architect from the French railroad company (SNCF). There's a 25-meter space between the dome and the station's front. Here, you'll find the entrance to the subway, a reception area, the Tourist Office, and a cafe/snack bar.

From this station, you can catch trains to Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, as well as to most towns in France. If you're interested in a day trip to Paris, the TGV will get you there in a little over two hours.

The Festival Palace (Palais des Fêtes) stands as a significant music arena within the Neustadt area of Strasbourg. Initially constructed for the Strasbourg male choral society, this venue held a pivotal role as the primary concert hall in the city and the residence of the Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra until 1975. Its historical importance was acknowledged in 2007 when it gained the status of Monument historique.

Renowned conductors such as Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss, Charles Munch, Bruno Walter, Wilhelm Furtwängler, Herbert von Karajan, Karel Ančerl, Pierre Boulez, and Lorin Maazel, among others, have graced the Palais with their presence, conducting guest performances.

The construction of the Festival Palace took place between 1901 and 1903, a period during which Strasbourg was under German rule and served as the capital of Alsace-Lorraine. Notably, this building was an early adopter of reinforced concrete within Strasbourg. Despite the architectural style chosen by Joseph Müller and Richard Kuder being Art Nouveau, the main auditorium featured opulent Neo-Baroque decorations.

In 1933, a significant interior overhaul was carried out in the main auditorium, aligning with the principles of New Objectivity. The stucco work and chandeliers were removed, resulting in a simplified appearance for the organ case. Other sections of the building largely retained their Art Nouveau embellishments, including stained glass and door handles.

After the Philharmonic Orchestra moved to the Strasbourg Convention Centre in 1975, the Palais des Fêtes still held fewer concerts. It's now home to La Philharmonie, a medium-sized orchestra founded in 1900, with three annual performances. The venue also hosts jazz, rock, gospel, and other music genres. The Marseillaise wing of the building is used for the municipal ballet school.

The Louise Weiss Building in the Wacken district of Strasbourg serves as the home of the European Parliament. Visitors have the opportunity to secure tickets for a seat in the public gallery of this significant institution.

The building is named after Louise Weiss, a former Member of the European Parliament. Inaugurated in 1999, it stands as a tribute to her legacy. The architectural design was crafted by the Architect Studio, resulting in a sprawling structure spanning 220,000 square meters. This expansive size ranks it among Europe's largest buildings.

Comprising of 18 assembly rooms, 1133 offices, and the renowned Hemicycle, which resembles a Roman amphitheater, the Louise Weiss Building offers a comprehensive space for parliamentary activities. The Hemicycle, hosting 785 seats for European Parliament Members, boasts interpretive booths with glass fronts encircling the walls. Above, there are galleries reserved for the press and the public.

The tower of the building stands tall at 60 meters. Its unique appearance intentionally mimics an unfinished state with an open western side, symbolizing Europe's ongoing journey toward unity. Folklore suggests that the tower draws inspiration from Bruegel's depiction of the Tower of Babel.

An inner courtyard named the "Bronislaw Geremek Agora," paying homage to the recently deceased Polish Member of the European Parliament, forms a part of the building's layout. Additionally, a covered footbridge establishes a connection between the Parliament building and the Winston Churchill Building, located on the opposite side of the River Ill.

Tip:
Prior booking is not required; just head for the middle of the atrium of the building, entrance 2. Security checks etc. and bring your passport or other ID.

Plenary sessions:
Monday: 5−6 pm; Tuesday, Wednesday: 9 am−12 pm / 3−6 pm; Thursday: 9 am−12 pm.

A Pharmacopoeia serves as a guide detailing the specifications for approved drugs. The European Pharmacopoeia is situated within a building on Allée Kastner. If desired, you can peruse the volumes that outline the components and compounds sanctioned for use in the authorized medications you may be taking to treat a particular condition.

Developed by the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines (EDQM), an entity under the Council of Europe, this Pharmacopoeia draws its foundation from the 1964 Convention for the Creation of a European Pharmacopoeia.

The EDQM conducts assessments and quality checks on all medications, regardless of whether they are intended for human or animal consumption. Only after these medications receive certification and authorization are they permitted to enter the public market. Contained within the various volumes of the Pharmacopoeia are comprehensive listings of the active ingredients and organic compounds found in antibiotics and vaccines that your family doctor is allowed to prescribe for your treatment.

Comprising 36 member countries, which encompass Iceland, Switzerland, Turkey, and the European Union, the EDQM enforces adherence to the standards outlined in the Pharmacopoeia through legal obligations.

Observers hailing from 20 non-member nations of the EDQM, including Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, the Russian Federation, and the United States of America, along with organizations like the World Health Organization, participate in meetings convened by the EDQM. While these observers aren't obligated to comply with the European Pharmacopoeia, they leverage these meetings to enhance the quality of prescribed medications in their own countries as well as in developing nations.

The Parc de l'Orangerie is a public park situated in Strasbourg. Positioned across from the Palais de l'Europe and in proximity to the other European establishments within the Orangerie district, part of the Neustadt area, it spans an expanse of 26 hectares.

Historical accounts differ regarding the origins of Parc de l'Orangerie. Some assert that it was planted in 1801 following designs by André Le Nôtre, while others argue that in 1735, the plan titled "Plan de Strasbourg" was conceived by the captain engineer Antoine du Chaffat.

During the period of the French Revolution, the city of Strasbourg came into possession of a hundred and forty orange trees seized from the Château de Bouxwiller by the Republicans. In 1804, the current Joséphine pavilion, named in honor of Joséphine de Beauharnais (Empress of the French and Napoleon Bonaparte's wife), was erected by Pierre-Valentin Boudhors to house these trees.

The Parc de l'Orangerie underwent significant expansion during the German era, coinciding with the industrial and artisanal exhibition in Strasbourg in 1895. This was when the artificial lake and its accompanying waterfall were created. The park became an integral part of the Neustadt. In 1929, the Joséphine pavilion was officially recognized as a historical monument, while the entire park received this designation in 1993.

A fire in 1968 ravaged the Joséphine pavilion, which was then meticulously reconstructed to mirror its original form and repurposed for cultural activities. In 2013, both the main thoroughfare of the park, Allée de l'Orangerie Joséphine, and the Allée des Platanes underwent redesign, accompanied by new lighting installations.

At present, merely three orange trees remain, sheltered within the park's accessible greenhouses on specific dates for public viewing. The Orangerie stands as a cherished locale for Strasbourg locals, offering a mini-farm, a stork reintroduction center, a bowling alley, a children's car circuit named "L'École de Conduite," multiple play areas, sports facilities, and petanque courts. Furthermore, visitors can rent boats for lake navigation. Numerous fountains, statues, and kiosks adorn the park's pathways, and a number of ice cream parlors have set up stands in the vicinity.

Tip:
Check out the flamingos in the mini zoo – a beautiful splash of color!