Audio Guide: Strasbourg Downtown Walking Tour (Self Guided), Strasbourg
German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe studied in Strasbourg between 1770 and 1771, a period he later described as highly formative. He gave back to the city by including his fascination for Strasbourg Cathedral's spire in his own autobiography.
Strasbourg’s downtown, known as the "Large Island”, is the historic core of the city and one of the best-preserved medieval urban centres in Europe. Its strategic position on the River Ill, near the Rhine frontier, made it a natural crossroads of trade, culture, and power from an early date. Archaeological evidence shows Roman settlement here in the 1st century BC, when Argentoratum served as a military camp guarding the Rhine frontier of the Roman Empire.
After the fall of Rome, the settlement survived and gradually evolved into a prosperous medieval city. By the Middle Ages, Strasbourg had become a major commercial hub linking northern Europe with Italy and the Mediterranean. In 1262, Strasbourg became a Free Imperial City of the Holy Roman Empire, granting it political autonomy and accelerating its economic and cultural growth.
Much of downtown Strasbourg took shape between the 13th and 15th centuries. The construction of Strasbourg Cathedral, crowned by its towering Gothic spire, symbolised both religious devotion and civic pride. Around it grew a dense network of streets, squares, and canals lined with half-timbered houses, guild halls, and churches. Districts such as today’s Little France developed as centres for trades dependent on water, including tanning and milling.
The 17th century marked a turning point when Strasbourg was annexed by France under Louis XIV in 1681. While the city retained its Germanic architectural character, French influence reshaped administration, military planning, and public spaces. New fortifications, including the Vauban Dam, were added to protect the western approaches, reinforcing the downtown’s defensive importance.
Despite wars and political shifts, Strasbourg’s historic centre escaped large-scale destruction, including during World War II. In 1988, Strasbourg's Downtown became the first city centre to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its exceptional preservation and unique blend of French and German heritage.
A walk through Strasbourg’s downtown unfolds across cobbled streets, canals, and lively squares shaped by centuries of history. You’ll pass the soaring spire of the Strasbourg Cathedral, wander along Merchants' Street with its timber-framed houses, and arrive at Cathedral Square, where façades crowd around the church. Nearby, Kléber Square and the Aubette open into broad civic spaces, while cafés and shopfronts reveal a city where French and German influences quietly intertwine.
As you move through the streets Goethe once walked, lift your eyes from time to time. Like him, you may find that Strasbourg has the power to instill itself in your memory.
Strasbourg’s downtown, known as the "Large Island”, is the historic core of the city and one of the best-preserved medieval urban centres in Europe. Its strategic position on the River Ill, near the Rhine frontier, made it a natural crossroads of trade, culture, and power from an early date. Archaeological evidence shows Roman settlement here in the 1st century BC, when Argentoratum served as a military camp guarding the Rhine frontier of the Roman Empire.
After the fall of Rome, the settlement survived and gradually evolved into a prosperous medieval city. By the Middle Ages, Strasbourg had become a major commercial hub linking northern Europe with Italy and the Mediterranean. In 1262, Strasbourg became a Free Imperial City of the Holy Roman Empire, granting it political autonomy and accelerating its economic and cultural growth.
Much of downtown Strasbourg took shape between the 13th and 15th centuries. The construction of Strasbourg Cathedral, crowned by its towering Gothic spire, symbolised both religious devotion and civic pride. Around it grew a dense network of streets, squares, and canals lined with half-timbered houses, guild halls, and churches. Districts such as today’s Little France developed as centres for trades dependent on water, including tanning and milling.
The 17th century marked a turning point when Strasbourg was annexed by France under Louis XIV in 1681. While the city retained its Germanic architectural character, French influence reshaped administration, military planning, and public spaces. New fortifications, including the Vauban Dam, were added to protect the western approaches, reinforcing the downtown’s defensive importance.
Despite wars and political shifts, Strasbourg’s historic centre escaped large-scale destruction, including during World War II. In 1988, Strasbourg's Downtown became the first city centre to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its exceptional preservation and unique blend of French and German heritage.
A walk through Strasbourg’s downtown unfolds across cobbled streets, canals, and lively squares shaped by centuries of history. You’ll pass the soaring spire of the Strasbourg Cathedral, wander along Merchants' Street with its timber-framed houses, and arrive at Cathedral Square, where façades crowd around the church. Nearby, Kléber Square and the Aubette open into broad civic spaces, while cafés and shopfronts reveal a city where French and German influences quietly intertwine.
As you move through the streets Goethe once walked, lift your eyes from time to time. Like him, you may find that Strasbourg has the power to instill itself in your memory.
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Strasbourg Downtown Walking Tour Map
Guide Name: Strasbourg Downtown Walking Tour
Guide Location: France » Strasbourg (See other walking tours in Strasbourg)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 11
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Author: ray
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: France » Strasbourg (See other walking tours in Strasbourg)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 11
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Author: ray
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Place Kléber (Kleber Square)
- Aubette Building
- Rue des Grandes Arcades (Grand Arcades Street)
- Place Gutenberg (Gutenberg Square)
- Rue Mercière (Merchants Street)
- Place de la Cathédrale (Cathedral Square)
- Maison Kammerzell (Kammerzell House)
- Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg (Strasbourg Cathedral)
- Musée de l’Œuvre Notre-Dame (Notre-Dame Artwork Museum)
- Palais Rohan (Rohan Palace)
- Musée Alsacien (Alsatian Museum)
1) Place Kléber (Kleber Square) (must see)
Kléber Square is the largest and most prominent square in Strasbourg, serving as the civic heart of the city for more than three centuries. Its history dates back to the late 17th and early 18th centuries, when Strasbourg—newly annexed by France under Louis XIV—began reshaping its urban fabric with grand public spaces. Originally named Weapons Square, the square hosted military drills and civic gatherings. It was renamed in 1840 in honour of General Jean-Baptiste Kléber, a Strasbourg-born military leader who rose to prominence during the French Revolutionary Wars as part of Napoleon's campaigns in 1798 and 1799. Kléber's ashes rest beneath the pyramid-shaped monument at the centre of the square, making it both a public plaza and a discreet memorial.
The buildings surrounding the square reflect layers of Strasbourg’s architectural past. Among them is the Aubette on the north side, built in the 18th century as a guardhouse and later transformed into a cultural venue. Its most intriguing feature today is the restored 1928 avant-garde interior—a masterpiece of the European modernist movement. This work of art is often called the "Sistine Chapel of Abstract Art" for its artistic beauty.
The square is also framed by elegant façades, wide pedestrian walkways, and the large Galeries Lafayette department store, which contributes to the area’s lively commercial character.
Visiting Kléber Square is one of the best ways to feel Strasbourg’s pulse. Outdoor cafés and seasonal markets occupy the square throughout the year, but it becomes especially atmospheric during the Strasbourg Christmas Market, when an immense Christmas tree and festive stalls transform it into a glowing winter scene. The square also functions as a central meeting point, with easy access to the historic district, Little France neighborhood, and nearby shopping streets.
The buildings surrounding the square reflect layers of Strasbourg’s architectural past. Among them is the Aubette on the north side, built in the 18th century as a guardhouse and later transformed into a cultural venue. Its most intriguing feature today is the restored 1928 avant-garde interior—a masterpiece of the European modernist movement. This work of art is often called the "Sistine Chapel of Abstract Art" for its artistic beauty.
The square is also framed by elegant façades, wide pedestrian walkways, and the large Galeries Lafayette department store, which contributes to the area’s lively commercial character.
Visiting Kléber Square is one of the best ways to feel Strasbourg’s pulse. Outdoor cafés and seasonal markets occupy the square throughout the year, but it becomes especially atmospheric during the Strasbourg Christmas Market, when an immense Christmas tree and festive stalls transform it into a glowing winter scene. The square also functions as a central meeting point, with easy access to the historic district, Little France neighborhood, and nearby shopping streets.
2) Aubette Building
The Aubette Building stands on Kléber Square as one of Strasbourg’s most intriguing cultural landmarks. Its history begins in the 18th century, when it was constructed between 1765 and 1772 as a guardhouse for French troops after Strasbourg was annexed by France under Louis XV. The name Aubette comes from the French word "aube" ( meaning dawn), referring to the morning roll call of soldiers stationed there. At the time, the building symbolised royal authority and military order at the heart of the city.
Over the following centuries, the Aubette’s role evolved alongside Strasbourg itself. By the 19th century, it had shifted from a strictly military function to a civic and social one, housing cafés, shops, and entertainment venues that made it a focal point of urban life. Its most remarkable transformation came in 1928, when the interior was radically redesigned. The result was a series of boldly abstract rooms using geometric forms, vibrant colours, and experimental spatial concepts. This project became one of the most important expressions of European modernism and is often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of Abstract Art.”
Although these interiors were altered and partially lost over time, extensive restoration work in the late 20th and early 21st centuries brought several of the original rooms back to life. Today, visitors can explore these reconstructed spaces, gaining rare insight into the ambitions of early abstract art and its dialogue with architecture. The contrast between the Aubette’s classical exterior and its modernist interiors makes the visit especially striking.
Beyond its artistic significance, the Aubette remains a lively part of Strasbourg’s downtown. It houses cinemas, cafés, shops, and exhibition spaces, seamlessly blending history with everyday city activity.
Over the following centuries, the Aubette’s role evolved alongside Strasbourg itself. By the 19th century, it had shifted from a strictly military function to a civic and social one, housing cafés, shops, and entertainment venues that made it a focal point of urban life. Its most remarkable transformation came in 1928, when the interior was radically redesigned. The result was a series of boldly abstract rooms using geometric forms, vibrant colours, and experimental spatial concepts. This project became one of the most important expressions of European modernism and is often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of Abstract Art.”
Although these interiors were altered and partially lost over time, extensive restoration work in the late 20th and early 21st centuries brought several of the original rooms back to life. Today, visitors can explore these reconstructed spaces, gaining rare insight into the ambitions of early abstract art and its dialogue with architecture. The contrast between the Aubette’s classical exterior and its modernist interiors makes the visit especially striking.
Beyond its artistic significance, the Aubette remains a lively part of Strasbourg’s downtown. It houses cinemas, cafés, shops, and exhibition spaces, seamlessly blending history with everyday city activity.
3) Rue des Grandes Arcades (Grand Arcades Street)
Grand Arcades Street is one of Strasbourg’s main commercial arteries, linking Kléber Square with the area around Gutenberg Square and forming a lively spine through the historic centre. Its origins date back to the medieval period, when Strasbourg developed as a prosperous trading city within the Holy Roman Empire. The street takes its name from the arcades that once lined parts of the route, offering sheltered walkways for merchants and shoppers.
Over the centuries, Grand Arcades Street evolved alongside Strasbourg’s shifting political fortunes. Medieval houses were gradually replaced or remodelled during the 18th and 19th centuries, giving the street a more uniform appearance influenced by classical and later 19th-century urban design. Today, many façades reflect this layered history, with elegant proportions, decorative stonework, and large shopfront windows.
The street offers more than shopping. It provides a clear sense of how Strasbourg’s historic core functions as a living city rather than an open-air museum. International brands, local boutiques, cafes, and bakeries occupy ground floors, while upper levels often retain traces of older residential or commercial uses. As you walk along the street, views open toward nearby landmarks, including the Aubette Building on Kléber Square and the spire of Strasbourg Cathedral glimpsed down connecting streets.
Over the centuries, Grand Arcades Street evolved alongside Strasbourg’s shifting political fortunes. Medieval houses were gradually replaced or remodelled during the 18th and 19th centuries, giving the street a more uniform appearance influenced by classical and later 19th-century urban design. Today, many façades reflect this layered history, with elegant proportions, decorative stonework, and large shopfront windows.
The street offers more than shopping. It provides a clear sense of how Strasbourg’s historic core functions as a living city rather than an open-air museum. International brands, local boutiques, cafes, and bakeries occupy ground floors, while upper levels often retain traces of older residential or commercial uses. As you walk along the street, views open toward nearby landmarks, including the Aubette Building on Kléber Square and the spire of Strasbourg Cathedral glimpsed down connecting streets.
4) Place Gutenberg (Gutenberg Square) (must see)
Gutenberg Square is named after Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of movable type, who lived and worked in Strasbourg during the 1430s, a formative period in the development of his printing techniques. Although Gutenberg’s most famous work would later emerge in Mainz, Strasbourg played an important role in shaping his ideas, and the square reflects the city’s pride in that intellectual legacy. The bronze statue of Gutenberg, erected in 1840, stands at the centre of the square and remains one of its most recognisable features.
Historically, the area developed as a commercial hub close to the cathedral, where merchants, craftsmen, and traders gathered in the late Middle Ages and the early modern period. Surrounding buildings reflect this mercantile past, with elegant façades dating mainly from the 18th and 19th centuries, blending classical proportions with Alsatian details. Among them is the former Chamber of Commerce building, recognisable for its Renaissance style and sloping Alsatian roof.
Gutenberg Square’s open layout provides clear views toward the cathedral spire, making it a natural pause while exploring the old town. Cafés and terraces line the edges of the square, creating an inviting place to sit and observe daily life in the historic centre. Seasonal events and small markets occasionally animate the space, but even on quieter days it remains a pleasant spot to absorb Strasbourg’s atmosphere.
Historically, the area developed as a commercial hub close to the cathedral, where merchants, craftsmen, and traders gathered in the late Middle Ages and the early modern period. Surrounding buildings reflect this mercantile past, with elegant façades dating mainly from the 18th and 19th centuries, blending classical proportions with Alsatian details. Among them is the former Chamber of Commerce building, recognisable for its Renaissance style and sloping Alsatian roof.
Gutenberg Square’s open layout provides clear views toward the cathedral spire, making it a natural pause while exploring the old town. Cafés and terraces line the edges of the square, creating an inviting place to sit and observe daily life in the historic centre. Seasonal events and small markets occasionally animate the space, but even on quieter days it remains a pleasant spot to absorb Strasbourg’s atmosphere.
5) Rue Mercière (Merchants Street)
Running between Cathedral Square and the River Ill, Merchants' Street developed in the Middle Ages as one of Strasbourg’s main trading streets. Its location near the cathedral made it ideal for merchants, craftsmen, and innkeepers who catered to pilgrims, traders, and residents moving through the heart of the city. For centuries, goods ranging from textiles and wine to metalwork and household items were sold here, making the street a vital artery of urban life.
What immediately defines Merchants’ Street today is its remarkable architecture. Tall, half-timbered houses from the 15th and 16th centuries line both sides, their upper floors projecting over the street. This overhanging design was practical as well as symbolic: it maximised interior space on narrow plots and visually advertised the wealth and status of the merchants who lived and worked here. Many façades feature carved wooden beams, painted panels, and decorative brackets, while ground floors originally served as shops or workshops, with living quarters above.
Nestled at the junction of Cathedral Square and Merchants' Street stands the venerable Deer pharmacy. With its origins dating back to the year 1268, it proudly claims the title of the oldest pharmacy in all of France.
Walking along Merchants’ Street feels like stepping into a living museum. The street gently slopes toward the cathedral, creating dramatic sightlines where timbered façades frame glimpses of the soaring Gothic spire. Today, many of the historic buildings house restaurants, cafés, and small shops, allowing visitors to linger and absorb the atmosphere. Especially in the evening, when warm light spills from windows and the street grows quieter, Merchants’ Street reveals why it remains one of the most memorable passages in Strasbourg’s old town.
What immediately defines Merchants’ Street today is its remarkable architecture. Tall, half-timbered houses from the 15th and 16th centuries line both sides, their upper floors projecting over the street. This overhanging design was practical as well as symbolic: it maximised interior space on narrow plots and visually advertised the wealth and status of the merchants who lived and worked here. Many façades feature carved wooden beams, painted panels, and decorative brackets, while ground floors originally served as shops or workshops, with living quarters above.
Nestled at the junction of Cathedral Square and Merchants' Street stands the venerable Deer pharmacy. With its origins dating back to the year 1268, it proudly claims the title of the oldest pharmacy in all of France.
Walking along Merchants’ Street feels like stepping into a living museum. The street gently slopes toward the cathedral, creating dramatic sightlines where timbered façades frame glimpses of the soaring Gothic spire. Today, many of the historic buildings house restaurants, cafés, and small shops, allowing visitors to linger and absorb the atmosphere. Especially in the evening, when warm light spills from windows and the street grows quieter, Merchants’ Street reveals why it remains one of the most memorable passages in Strasbourg’s old town.
6) Place de la Cathédrale (Cathedral Square)
Cathedral Square developed organically during the Middle Ages as the cathedral rose above the surrounding streets, becoming the focal point of religious, civic, and commercial life. For centuries, this space functioned as Strasbourg’s main gathering point, hosting markets, public announcements, religious processions, and celebrations tied to the rhythms of cathedral life. Its dense urban fabric reflects the importance of the site: unlike grand planned squares, Cathedral Square feels enclosed and intimate, shaped by centuries of gradual construction rather than a single design.
Surrounding the square are some of Strasbourg’s most remarkable historic buildings. Timber-framed houses, Renaissance façades, and richly decorated stone structures press close to the cathedral walls, creating dramatic contrasts in scale and style. Among the most famous is the Kammerzell House, a lavishly ornamented late-medieval residence covered in carved wooden panels and sculptures, once owned by a prosperous merchant family. Nearby buildings now house museums, shops, and cafes, many occupying structures that have stood here for hundreds of years.
The square offers an ever-changing atmosphere throughout the day. In the morning, it fills with the sound of church bells and footsteps echoing across the stone pavement. By midday, street performers, artists, and tour groups animate the space, while cafe terraces provide ideal vantage points for observing the cathedral’s intricate façade. The west front of the cathedral, with its thousands of sculpted figures, is best appreciated from the square, where visitors can take in the full height of the tower and the famous rose window.
During festive seasons—especially the Strasbourg Christmas Market—the square transforms into a glowing scene of lights, stalls, and decorations.
Surrounding the square are some of Strasbourg’s most remarkable historic buildings. Timber-framed houses, Renaissance façades, and richly decorated stone structures press close to the cathedral walls, creating dramatic contrasts in scale and style. Among the most famous is the Kammerzell House, a lavishly ornamented late-medieval residence covered in carved wooden panels and sculptures, once owned by a prosperous merchant family. Nearby buildings now house museums, shops, and cafes, many occupying structures that have stood here for hundreds of years.
The square offers an ever-changing atmosphere throughout the day. In the morning, it fills with the sound of church bells and footsteps echoing across the stone pavement. By midday, street performers, artists, and tour groups animate the space, while cafe terraces provide ideal vantage points for observing the cathedral’s intricate façade. The west front of the cathedral, with its thousands of sculpted figures, is best appreciated from the square, where visitors can take in the full height of the tower and the famous rose window.
During festive seasons—especially the Strasbourg Christmas Market—the square transforms into a glowing scene of lights, stalls, and decorations.
7) Maison Kammerzell (Kammerzell House)
Kammerzell House’s origins date back to 1427, when the earliest stone foundations were laid, and over the centuries the building expanded and evolved through successive additions and renovations. The ground floor that survives today was rebuilt in 1467, and the richly decorated half-timbered upper floors were added in 1589.
The house is celebrated as one of the finest examples of Alsatian Renaissance timber-framed architecture, distinguished by its elaborate carvings and abundant sculptural detail. The façades are adorned with secular and sacred imagery, ranging from biblical scenes to classical motifs. Leaded glass windows and intricately worked beams further enhance the building’s visual richness. Since 1879, the Kammerzell House has been owned by the Foundation of the Works of Notre-Dame.
Today, the historic building houses a restaurant on the first three floors and a hotel consisting of nine guest rooms on the upper floors. As you step inside, you are met at the reception, where a member of the restaurant staff may personally confirm your reservation. To the right of the reception is a hall that leads to an original wooden spiral staircase. The walls of the staircase are adorned with photographs of celebrities who have dined here, including Madonna, Vladimir Putin, and Nelson Mandela. After climbing the staircase, you might begin to wonder who has not dined at the Kammerzell House.
Inside, you encounter a long history of artistic layering, most notably the frescoes by Alsatian painter Léo Schnug, commissioned in the early 20th century when the building became a restaurant. These murals combine pastoral scenes with characters from German mythology, all shaped by Schnug’s distinctive and imaginative style.
One particularly curious detail is a fresco in the first-floor restaurant alcove that depicts a cat. According to tradition, Schnug was obsessed by hallucinations of this animal, an experience often linked to his troubled later years. His struggles with alcoholism are well documented, and he was eventually admitted to a psychiatric institution toward the end of his life.
Kammerzell House offers traditional Alsatian cuisine in interiors that feel steeped in history. Dining areas range from intimate dining rooms to larger, salon-like settings. Enjoying a meal here—from classic dishes such as sauerkraut to regional specialties—is as much a part of the visit as admiring the exterior façades and interior carvings.
The house is celebrated as one of the finest examples of Alsatian Renaissance timber-framed architecture, distinguished by its elaborate carvings and abundant sculptural detail. The façades are adorned with secular and sacred imagery, ranging from biblical scenes to classical motifs. Leaded glass windows and intricately worked beams further enhance the building’s visual richness. Since 1879, the Kammerzell House has been owned by the Foundation of the Works of Notre-Dame.
Today, the historic building houses a restaurant on the first three floors and a hotel consisting of nine guest rooms on the upper floors. As you step inside, you are met at the reception, where a member of the restaurant staff may personally confirm your reservation. To the right of the reception is a hall that leads to an original wooden spiral staircase. The walls of the staircase are adorned with photographs of celebrities who have dined here, including Madonna, Vladimir Putin, and Nelson Mandela. After climbing the staircase, you might begin to wonder who has not dined at the Kammerzell House.
Inside, you encounter a long history of artistic layering, most notably the frescoes by Alsatian painter Léo Schnug, commissioned in the early 20th century when the building became a restaurant. These murals combine pastoral scenes with characters from German mythology, all shaped by Schnug’s distinctive and imaginative style.
One particularly curious detail is a fresco in the first-floor restaurant alcove that depicts a cat. According to tradition, Schnug was obsessed by hallucinations of this animal, an experience often linked to his troubled later years. His struggles with alcoholism are well documented, and he was eventually admitted to a psychiatric institution toward the end of his life.
Kammerzell House offers traditional Alsatian cuisine in interiors that feel steeped in history. Dining areas range from intimate dining rooms to larger, salon-like settings. Enjoying a meal here—from classic dishes such as sauerkraut to regional specialties—is as much a part of the visit as admiring the exterior façades and interior carvings.
8) Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg (Strasbourg Cathedral) (must see)
Victor Hugo described the Strasbourg Cathedral as a “gigantic and delicate marvel”, while Goethe praised it as “sublimely towering, a wide-spreading tree of God”. Its construction began in 1015 on the site of earlier religious buildings, including a Roman sanctuary. After a devastating fire in the 12th century, it was rebuilt in the emerging Gothic style, with work continuing until its completion in 1439. The result is a cathedral that blends Romanesque foundations with soaring Gothic forms, all built from the distinctive pink sandstone quarried in the nearby Vosges Mountains.
For centuries, Strasbourg Cathedral dominated not just the city but the world: its single spire reaches 142 metres, making it the tallest building on Earth from 1647 to 1874, and today still the tallest structure built entirely in the Middle Ages, as well as one of the tallest churches in the world. The cathedral’s western façade is a marvel of medieval sculpture; hundreds of intricately carved figures, biblical scenes, and allegorical motifs animate the stone, turning the exterior into a “book” of stories. The western façade is impossible to miss, as it is from here that the spire rises, and it also serves as the cathedral’s main entrance.
As you step inside, the interior proves just as rich. Stained-glass windows line the cathedral’s interior along both the north and south transepts. Many date from the 12th to the 14th centuries, filling the space with coloured light and depicting biblical narratives and saints. The cathedral also houses one of Europe’s most celebrated horological masterpieces, the Astronomical Clock. Moving forward from the entrance toward the main altar, a broad beige staircase marks the turning point; from here, the Astronomical Clock stands in the south transept. Its elaborate mechanisms and animated figures perform a remarkably intricate show each day at 12:30 pm.
Other interior highlights include the ornate stone pulpit, notable for its small sculpted dog, the sculptural Pillar of Angels, Baroque altars, and the monumental organ.
There is much to appreciate beyond simply admiring the cathedral’s beauty. Climbing the tower via its internal stairway rewards visitors with panoramic views over Strasbourg’s rooftops and the surrounding Alsatian plains.
Around the cathedral, Cathedral Square buzzes with life and is flanked by landmarks such as the Kammerzell House and the Rohan Palace museums, making the area a focal point of Strasbourg’s historic city centre.
For centuries, Strasbourg Cathedral dominated not just the city but the world: its single spire reaches 142 metres, making it the tallest building on Earth from 1647 to 1874, and today still the tallest structure built entirely in the Middle Ages, as well as one of the tallest churches in the world. The cathedral’s western façade is a marvel of medieval sculpture; hundreds of intricately carved figures, biblical scenes, and allegorical motifs animate the stone, turning the exterior into a “book” of stories. The western façade is impossible to miss, as it is from here that the spire rises, and it also serves as the cathedral’s main entrance.
As you step inside, the interior proves just as rich. Stained-glass windows line the cathedral’s interior along both the north and south transepts. Many date from the 12th to the 14th centuries, filling the space with coloured light and depicting biblical narratives and saints. The cathedral also houses one of Europe’s most celebrated horological masterpieces, the Astronomical Clock. Moving forward from the entrance toward the main altar, a broad beige staircase marks the turning point; from here, the Astronomical Clock stands in the south transept. Its elaborate mechanisms and animated figures perform a remarkably intricate show each day at 12:30 pm.
Other interior highlights include the ornate stone pulpit, notable for its small sculpted dog, the sculptural Pillar of Angels, Baroque altars, and the monumental organ.
There is much to appreciate beyond simply admiring the cathedral’s beauty. Climbing the tower via its internal stairway rewards visitors with panoramic views over Strasbourg’s rooftops and the surrounding Alsatian plains.
Around the cathedral, Cathedral Square buzzes with life and is flanked by landmarks such as the Kammerzell House and the Rohan Palace museums, making the area a focal point of Strasbourg’s historic city centre.
9) Musée de l’Œuvre Notre-Dame (Notre-Dame Artwork Museum) (must see)
The Notre-Dame Artwork Museum traces its roots to a medieval foundation responsible for overseeing the construction and maintenance of Strasbourg Cathedral from the Middle Ages onward. Over time, sculptures, architectural fragments, and artworks removed from the cathedral during restorations were carefully preserved, forming the core of a collection that was formally organized as a museum in the 19th century. Today, the museum is housed in several historic buildings near the cathedral, including a former lodge used by the cathedral’s craftsmen.
The museum provides a rare opportunity to encounter Strasbourg Cathedral at close range and from a different perspective. Original statues, reliefs, stained-glass panels, and decorative elements dating from the 11th to the 16th centuries can be examined in detail, revealing the skill of medieval stone carvers, glassmakers, and woodworkers. Many of these works once stood high on the cathedral façade or within its interior, where their finer details would have been difficult to see. Displayed at eye level, they allow visitors to appreciate facial expressions, symbolic gestures, and stylistic changes across the Romanesque and Gothic periods.
The museum offers a chronological tour through approximately forty rooms. As the museum is housed in medieval and Renaissance buildings, staircases and doorways naturally lead visitors through the progression of artistic evolution. Near the entrance, the rooms are dedicated to original sculptures and architectural fragments from Strasbourg Cathedral. After this first set of rooms, the museum provides insight into remarkable stained glass, of which the Wissembourg Christ is the standout. It is a 12th-century stained-glass panel depicting the head of Jesus Christ and is considered the oldest intact figurative stained-glass window preserved in France. Continuing along the chronological route, the collection presents regional Upper Rhenish 15th-century and Renaissance art. The later galleries of the museum focus on still lifes and decorative works from the 16th and 17th centuries. Among these middle and late galleries, the painting titled "Madonna in the Vine Arbor'' stands out as a key highlight.
Last but not least, the museum appeals to those interested in understanding how a major Gothic cathedral was conceived, built, altered, and preserved over centuries. Exhibits help explain the evolution of architectural styles, the practical challenges faced by medieval builders, and the artistic similarities between Strasbourg and other cultural centres along the Rhine. Calm courtyards and historic interiors further enhance the experience, making the museum feel less like a detached gallery and more like an extension of the cathedral itself.
The museum provides a rare opportunity to encounter Strasbourg Cathedral at close range and from a different perspective. Original statues, reliefs, stained-glass panels, and decorative elements dating from the 11th to the 16th centuries can be examined in detail, revealing the skill of medieval stone carvers, glassmakers, and woodworkers. Many of these works once stood high on the cathedral façade or within its interior, where their finer details would have been difficult to see. Displayed at eye level, they allow visitors to appreciate facial expressions, symbolic gestures, and stylistic changes across the Romanesque and Gothic periods.
The museum offers a chronological tour through approximately forty rooms. As the museum is housed in medieval and Renaissance buildings, staircases and doorways naturally lead visitors through the progression of artistic evolution. Near the entrance, the rooms are dedicated to original sculptures and architectural fragments from Strasbourg Cathedral. After this first set of rooms, the museum provides insight into remarkable stained glass, of which the Wissembourg Christ is the standout. It is a 12th-century stained-glass panel depicting the head of Jesus Christ and is considered the oldest intact figurative stained-glass window preserved in France. Continuing along the chronological route, the collection presents regional Upper Rhenish 15th-century and Renaissance art. The later galleries of the museum focus on still lifes and decorative works from the 16th and 17th centuries. Among these middle and late galleries, the painting titled "Madonna in the Vine Arbor'' stands out as a key highlight.
Last but not least, the museum appeals to those interested in understanding how a major Gothic cathedral was conceived, built, altered, and preserved over centuries. Exhibits help explain the evolution of architectural styles, the practical challenges faced by medieval builders, and the artistic similarities between Strasbourg and other cultural centres along the Rhine. Calm courtyards and historic interiors further enhance the experience, making the museum feel less like a detached gallery and more like an extension of the cathedral itself.
10) Palais Rohan (Rohan Palace) (must see)
Rohan Palace was built between 1732 and 1742 and was commissioned by Cardinal Gaston de Rohan, prince-bishop of Strasbourg, as a prestigious residence reflecting his close ties to the French royal court. The palace was conceived in an elegant French Baroque style, deliberately echoing the grandeur of Parisian aristocratic residences. Its location beside the River Ill, adjacent to Strasbourg Cathedral, placed it at the symbolic heart of the city.
Over time, the palace hosted a remarkable list of historical figures. King Louis XV, Marie Antoinette, and Napoleon Bonaparte all stayed here, reinforcing its status as a setting for high diplomacy and ceremonial life. Following the French Revolution, the building was gradually repurposed for civic and cultural use.
Today, the Rohan Palace is especially appealing because it houses three major museums under one roof. As you step onto the palace’s grounds and face it, you will see the entrance to the museums on the far left side of the palace’s main courtyard. The entrance is easy to recognise, as it is framed by beige Ionic columns and preceded by a small staircase. The Museum of Decorative Arts occupies the palace’s former state apartments on the ground floor, allowing visitors to experience furnished interiors that evoke aristocratic life in the 18th century. Porcelain, furniture, clocks, and silverware are displayed in richly decorated rooms.
The upper two floors of the palace host the Museum of Fine Arts, which presents a strong collection of European paintings from the Renaissance to the 19th century. Highlights of the gallery include works by artists such as Giotto, Botticelli, Rubens, and Goya. The collection is arranged roughly chronologically; early Renaissance works appear at the beginning of the route, followed by late Renaissance and Baroque paintings in the central galleries, and later periods toward the end.
Last but not least, the Archaeological Museum traces human settlement in Alsace from prehistory through the early Middle Ages, with a special focus on Argentoratum, the Roman name for Strasbourg. It is located at basement level.
Beyond the collections themselves, the palace’s formal façades, inner courtyard, and riverside terraces add to its charm. So notable is its setting, in fact, that it has been chosen for multiple diplomatic meetings. Among them, U.S. President Ronald Reagan dined here in 1985, while President Barack Obama met French President Nicolas Sarkozy on the palace grounds in 2009.
Over time, the palace hosted a remarkable list of historical figures. King Louis XV, Marie Antoinette, and Napoleon Bonaparte all stayed here, reinforcing its status as a setting for high diplomacy and ceremonial life. Following the French Revolution, the building was gradually repurposed for civic and cultural use.
Today, the Rohan Palace is especially appealing because it houses three major museums under one roof. As you step onto the palace’s grounds and face it, you will see the entrance to the museums on the far left side of the palace’s main courtyard. The entrance is easy to recognise, as it is framed by beige Ionic columns and preceded by a small staircase. The Museum of Decorative Arts occupies the palace’s former state apartments on the ground floor, allowing visitors to experience furnished interiors that evoke aristocratic life in the 18th century. Porcelain, furniture, clocks, and silverware are displayed in richly decorated rooms.
The upper two floors of the palace host the Museum of Fine Arts, which presents a strong collection of European paintings from the Renaissance to the 19th century. Highlights of the gallery include works by artists such as Giotto, Botticelli, Rubens, and Goya. The collection is arranged roughly chronologically; early Renaissance works appear at the beginning of the route, followed by late Renaissance and Baroque paintings in the central galleries, and later periods toward the end.
Last but not least, the Archaeological Museum traces human settlement in Alsace from prehistory through the early Middle Ages, with a special focus on Argentoratum, the Roman name for Strasbourg. It is located at basement level.
Beyond the collections themselves, the palace’s formal façades, inner courtyard, and riverside terraces add to its charm. So notable is its setting, in fact, that it has been chosen for multiple diplomatic meetings. Among them, U.S. President Ronald Reagan dined here in 1985, while President Barack Obama met French President Nicolas Sarkozy on the palace grounds in 2009.
11) Musée Alsacien (Alsatian Museum) (must see)
The Alsatian Museum offers a close and grounded introduction to everyday life in Alsace from the 18th to the early 20th century. It was founded in 1907, at a time when rapid industrialization and political change threatened to erase regional traditions. The aim was not to create a grand national museum, but to preserve the material culture of rural and small-town Alsace—its homes, crafts, customs, and beliefs—before they disappeared.
The museum is housed in a group of historic houses along the River Ill. Once you step inside, you'll be met by an interior courtyard framed by traditional Strasbourg half-timbered houses. The houses are arranged in a rectangular, interconnected layout, which helps maintain the intimate atmosphere of the space. The three floors of the houses can be accessed by climbing a black wooden staircase located on the far south eastern side of the courtyard. A special detail is provided by the vines on the balconies to the right of the staircase, which add variation to the color palette of the exterior complex. As you enter the interior courtyard, you'll find a metal statue of a man on the south-western balcony. The statue is placed on the wooden railing of the balcony and the man depicted rings a bell by using a hammer.
The museum’s main appeal lies in its immersive, room-by-room presentation. In other words, its layout differs from traditional museums, as it is not divided on a floor-by-floor basis. Instead, you will have to move up and down stairs and walk through chronologically arranged adjoining rooms.
Interiors are arranged to resemble traditional Alsatian homes, with furnished kitchens, bedrooms, workshops, and ceremonial rooms reconstructed using original objects. Painted furniture, pottery, textiles, carved wooden cupboards, and everyday tools reveal how people lived, worked, cooked, and celebrated across different social settings. Traditional costumes and accessories illustrate regional identity and social distinction, while displays dedicated to religious practices, seasonal festivals, and folk beliefs provide insight into the rhythms that shaped daily life.
What sets the Alsatian Museum apart is its focus on lived experience rather than monumental history. Courtyards, staircases, and uneven floor levels reinforce the sense of moving through historic dwellings rather than a conventional gallery.
Editor's note: the museum is currently closed due to renovation works and is expected to reopen in 2027.
The museum is housed in a group of historic houses along the River Ill. Once you step inside, you'll be met by an interior courtyard framed by traditional Strasbourg half-timbered houses. The houses are arranged in a rectangular, interconnected layout, which helps maintain the intimate atmosphere of the space. The three floors of the houses can be accessed by climbing a black wooden staircase located on the far south eastern side of the courtyard. A special detail is provided by the vines on the balconies to the right of the staircase, which add variation to the color palette of the exterior complex. As you enter the interior courtyard, you'll find a metal statue of a man on the south-western balcony. The statue is placed on the wooden railing of the balcony and the man depicted rings a bell by using a hammer.
The museum’s main appeal lies in its immersive, room-by-room presentation. In other words, its layout differs from traditional museums, as it is not divided on a floor-by-floor basis. Instead, you will have to move up and down stairs and walk through chronologically arranged adjoining rooms.
Interiors are arranged to resemble traditional Alsatian homes, with furnished kitchens, bedrooms, workshops, and ceremonial rooms reconstructed using original objects. Painted furniture, pottery, textiles, carved wooden cupboards, and everyday tools reveal how people lived, worked, cooked, and celebrated across different social settings. Traditional costumes and accessories illustrate regional identity and social distinction, while displays dedicated to religious practices, seasonal festivals, and folk beliefs provide insight into the rhythms that shaped daily life.
What sets the Alsatian Museum apart is its focus on lived experience rather than monumental history. Courtyards, staircases, and uneven floor levels reinforce the sense of moving through historic dwellings rather than a conventional gallery.
Editor's note: the museum is currently closed due to renovation works and is expected to reopen in 2027.
Walking Tours in Strasbourg, France
Create Your Own Walk in Strasbourg
Creating your own self-guided walk in Strasbourg is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Famous Squares Walking Tour
Justly reputed as one of the most beautiful cities in all of France, Strasbourg greets visitors with an array of picturesque squares. Among the most famous of them are:
Place Kléber – the biggest square in the heart of the city’s commercial district; a central meeting place since the 14th century.
Place Gutenberg – a definite “must-see” in the heart of medieval Strasbourg, not... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Place Kléber – the biggest square in the heart of the city’s commercial district; a central meeting place since the 14th century.
Place Gutenberg – a definite “must-see” in the heart of medieval Strasbourg, not... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Historical Churches Walking Tour
Strasbourg, which celebrated its bimillennial anniversary in 1988, is a city with a very rich heritage. Among other historical monuments found here is a wealth of ancient churches and cathedrals, representing a variety of architectural styles. Exploring Strasbourg on foot, one is inevitably drawn to visit some of these locations. Here are some of the best known places of worship in the city.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Strasbourg Introduction Walking Tour
Decades of shifting rule between France and Germany eventually caught up with Strasbourg locals. They joked, "We change nationality as easily as others change their coats."
Strasbourg began as a Roman military outpost known as Argentoratum in the 1st century AD, part of the empire’s fortified Rhine frontier. After the fall of Rome, the settlement evolved under the Franks, eventually... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Strasbourg began as a Roman military outpost known as Argentoratum in the 1st century AD, part of the empire’s fortified Rhine frontier. After the fall of Rome, the settlement evolved under the Franks, eventually... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
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