Sightseeing Overview
The key attraction of Strasbourg is its pink sandstone gothic cathedral, on place de la Cathédrale. Most of the museums are clustered around this focal point and many are housed in the 18th-century Palais Rohan. This area is easily reached by foot or by tram to the Grand'Rue or Homme de Fer.
The Petite France district (former home of the city's millers, tanners and fishermen) should not be missed. It has Hansel and Gretel-style half-timbered houses, flourishing geraniums and narrow streets criss-crossed by canals. This is the stuff of fairy tales, so it is hardly surprising that Alsace has given rise to a rich folklore tradition.
The canals lead to the Ponts Couverts, constructed as part of the 14th-century fortifications - the watchtowers still stand. The Barrage Vauban (Vauban's Dam), designed to protect Strasbourg from river-bound attack, is nearby.
Other districts to explore include the imposing European Institutions in northeast Strasbourg, with Richard Rogers' visually striking European Court of Human Rights and the grandiose German Quarter, constructed during the Prussian occupation of 1870, dominating place de la République. The city's university is nearby, across the Ill and Aar rivers. It is worth seeing the remarkable zoological and scientific collections at the Musée Zoologique, located in the heart of the campus.
The Petite France district (former home of the city's millers, tanners and fishermen) should not be missed. It has Hansel and Gretel-style half-timbered houses, flourishing geraniums and narrow streets criss-crossed by canals. This is the stuff of fairy tales, so it is hardly surprising that Alsace has given rise to a rich folklore tradition.
The canals lead to the Ponts Couverts, constructed as part of the 14th-century fortifications - the watchtowers still stand. The Barrage Vauban (Vauban's Dam), designed to protect Strasbourg from river-bound attack, is nearby.
Other districts to explore include the imposing European Institutions in northeast Strasbourg, with Richard Rogers' visually striking European Court of Human Rights and the grandiose German Quarter, constructed during the Prussian occupation of 1870, dominating place de la République. The city's university is nearby, across the Ill and Aar rivers. It is worth seeing the remarkable zoological and scientific collections at the Musée Zoologique, located in the heart of the campus.
Tourist Information
Office du Tourisme (Tourist Office)
17 place de la Cathédrale
Tel: 03885 22828.
Website: www.otstrasbourg.fr
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1900.
There is also a tourist information desk at the railway station.
17 place de la Cathédrale
Tel: 03885 22828.
Website: www.otstrasbourg.fr
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1900.
There is also a tourist information desk at the railway station.
Passes
You can buy the Strasbourg-Pass at the tourist office and in hotels. Valid for three days, the pass includes five free offers (entry to one of the eight museums, ascent to the Cathedral platform, entry to the Astronomical Clock at the Cathedral, a boat tour through the Old Town and use of a bicycle for one day), and five half-price offers.
Also available is the Le Passe des Musées du Rhin Supérieur (tel: 03893 39629; website: www.museumspass.com - French and German only), which allows free access to 180 museums in the Rhin Supérieur, including Strasbourg. You can buy the pass online or at any participating museum and gives access to all the museums for any four days within a month.
Strasbourg's museums form a close and co-ordinated network and are free on the first Sunday of every month.
Further information (website: www.musees-strasbourg.org; tel: 03885 25000).
Also available is the Le Passe des Musées du Rhin Supérieur (tel: 03893 39629; website: www.museumspass.com - French and German only), which allows free access to 180 museums in the Rhin Supérieur, including Strasbourg. You can buy the pass online or at any participating museum and gives access to all the museums for any four days within a month.
Strasbourg's museums form a close and co-ordinated network and are free on the first Sunday of every month.
Further information (website: www.musees-strasbourg.org; tel: 03885 25000).