Things To Do in Strasbourg

Despite World War I and World War II damage, much remains of Old Strasbourg, including covered bridges and towers from its former fortifications, plus many 15th- and 17th-century dwellings with painted wooden fronts and carved beams.

The city’s traffic hub is place Kléber, dating from the 15th century. Sit here with a tankard of Alsatian beer and get to know Strasbourg. The bronze statue in the center is of J. B. Kléber, born in Strasbourg in 1753; he became one of Napoleon’s most noted generals and was buried under the monument. Apparently, his presence offended the Nazis, who removed the statue in 1940. This Alsatian bronze was restored to its proper place in 1945.

From here, take rue des Grandes-Arcades southeast to place Gutenberg, one of the city’s oldest squares (pictured above). The central statue (1840), by David d’Angers, is of Gutenberg, who perfected his printing press in Strasbourg in the winter of 1436 and 1437. The former town hall, now the Hôtel du Commerce, was built in 1582 and is one of the most significant Renaissance buildings in Alsace. The neighborhoods within a few blocks of the city’s Notre Dame Cathedral are loaded with medieval references and historical charm.

La Petite France is the most interesting quarter of Strasbourg. A virtual island, it’s surrounded by scenic canals on four sides, and its 16th-century houses reflect in the waters of the Ill River. In “Little France,” old roofs with gray tiles have sheltered families for ages, and the cross-beamed facades with roughly carved rafters are in typical Alsatian style. For a good view, walk along rue des Moulins, branching off from rue du Bain-aux-Plantes.

Strasbourg by Boat — Floating through Strasbourg on a boat excursion on the Ill River from the Palais de Rohan is one of the best ways to see the city. The 70-minute cruises cost 14.90€ for adults and 14€ for children 13-17, 8.25€ for children 4-12, and free for those three and under. That price includes a free audioguide in various languages. From March to October rides depart at 30-minute intervals daily between 9:30am and 9pm, with hours extended to 10pm May to September. From November to February, departures are reduced to 10am to 3pm For information, call Batorama, 9 rue de Nantes (www.batorama.fr; tel. 03-88-84-13-13).

Strasbourg overflows with antiques shops, artisans, craftspeople, and beer makers. Every well-accessorized home in Alsace owns some of the napkins, aprons, tablecloths, and tea and bath towels of the Beauvillé textile mills. Plaisirs d’Alsace, 13 Rue des Dentelles, near Petite France (www.plaisirs-alsace.fr; tel. 03-88-21-07-93), has a wide selection of textiles, pottery and other quality Alsatian handicrafts.

Bastian, 22-24 place de la Cathédrale (www.antiquites-bastian.com; tel. 03-88-32-45-93) has been a family affair since 1861. They specialize in 18th- and 19th-century ceramic tureens that Alsace produced in abundance. They also have a selection of Louis XV and Louis XVI furniture, crafted in the region during the 18th and 19th centuries following Parisian models from the same era.

One of the most appealing shops in Strasbourg is Arts et Collections d'Alsace, 4 pl. du Marché aux Poissons (www.arts-collections-alsace.com; tel. 03-88-31-20-20), which sells copies of art objects and utilitarian ware from museums and private collections through Alsacein addition to upscale gift items for the home and fabric by the yard.

A name in pottery that you're likely to encounter is Soufflenheim, a provincial rococo pattern -- usually in blues and reds -- named after the Alsatian village north of Strasbourg where the style originated. To get there, take N63 north of the center of Strasbourg for 24km (15 miles). In the village, ceramics and pottery have been made since the Bronze Age. Soufflenheim is home to at least a dozen outlets selling cake molds, tureens, saucers and cups, dinnerware, and more, usually in rustic patterns. One of the most prominent retailers is Gérard Wehrling, 64 rue de Haguenau (www.poterie-wehrling.fr; tel. 03-88-86-65-25), known for pottery that can withstand the rigors of modern ovens, microwaves, and refrigerators.

If you're driving, you may want to check out the villages of Obernai, Illhaeusern, Ribeauvillé, and Schiltigheim. The last is beer-drinking territory; the others offer country wares and antiques.

The place de la Cathédrale is a hub of outdoor entertainment, with an assortment of performers and artists. Dancers perform spontaneously against the illuminated cathedral. From mid-July to early August, folk dances take place in the evenings on Monday in place Gutenberg, Tuesday in place du Château, and Wednesday in place Benjamin Zix. For further information and times see https://ete.strasbourg.eu/folklore-alsacien.

The Performing Arts — For opera and ballet, seek out the Opéra du Rhin, 19 pl. Broglie (www.operanationaldurhin.fr; tel. 03-88-75-48-23); tickets cost 12€ to 90€. The Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg performs at the Palais de la Musique et des Congrès, pl. de Bordeaux (www.philharmonique-strasbourg.com; tel. 03-69-06-37-00). Tickets cost 6€ to 55€. The Théâtre National de Strasbourg plays a busy schedule at 1 av. de la Marseillaise (www.tns.fr; tel. 03-88-24-88-00). Tickets cost 6€ to 30€.

Bars & Clubs — The streets surrounding place de la Cathédrale, in particular rue des Frères, rue des Soeurs, and rue de la Croix, are bustling with cafes and bars. Jeannette et les Cycleux, 3 rue des Tonneliers (www.facebook.com/Jeannette.et.les.Cycleux; tel. 03-88-23-02-71), is a quirky retro bar filled with trendy young locals sipping on wine or nibbling at their tasty planchettes.

Despite being known for its white wines, Alsace is also the number one beer-producing region of France, not surprising due to its historical links and proximity to Germany. This tradition is being maintained at the artisan brewery Au Brasseur, 22 rue des Veaux (www.aubrasseur.fr; tel. 03-88-36-12-13); additionally, a wide variety of local and international pints can be sampled at Les Freres Berthom, 18 rue des Tonneliers (www.lesberthom.com; tel. 03-88-32-81-18).

For a late night with 20-to-35 strasbourgeois, go to Live Club, 1 rue du Miroir (https://club-live.fr; tel. 06-45-93-84-38), a popular club near the cathedral playing contemporary house and electro music.