"STRASBOURG - The Beautiful Capital of Alsace" Strasbourg by Ujamaflip

Strasbourg Travel Guide: 826 reviews and 2,339 photos

Historic City

The city of Strasbourg has existed in one form or another for thousands of years. In Roman times its was an important city in Upper Germany, with the name Argentoratum, and became and Episcopal See in the 4th Century. Destroyed in the 5th Century by the Huns, it was rebuilt again as Strateburgum (City of Roadways). Later, in 923, it became part of the Holy Roman Empite, and found itself under the rule of its bishops.

Due to its location Strasbourg enjoyed rich trade and and became a commercial centre in Europe. In 1262 the populace of the city fought against the rule of the bishops for a free imperial city, and in 1332 a corporate government was established in which the guilds played a leading role.

City Centre

The Old City Centre of Strasbourg is centred around its magestic Notre Dame, on an island formed by the two branches of the River Ill and the River Aar. The half timbered houses typical of Alsace are in no short supply in Strasbourg, and this lends a very characterful and charming appeal to the city centre. The buildings house many appealing restaurants, hotels and cafe's, including the Maison Kammerzell one of the oldest buildings in Strasbourg.

Just to the west of the centre is one of Strasbourg's most picturesque and romantic areas. Featuring narrow lanes by the banks fo the Ill, their half timbered houses hovering over the canal. The area was built up around the five lanes of the River Ill as its water was used to feed mills and for the tanneries which setup in the area. The name "Petite France" was given to the area in the 16th century when the are was setup as a hospital to treat venereal diseases of soldiers returning from the wars in Italy, with the Alsatians blaming France for the proliferation of the disease.

Delicious Local Fare

Strasbourg is one of the best locations to sample the regional delicacies. Restaurants serve delicious local dishes such as Choucroute (Sour-Kraut with sausages, or variants with fish), Flammekuchen (thin pizza type dishes), Bibeleskaes (A dish featuring fromage blanc), Baeckaoffe (Pork, Beef and Lamb cooked with wine in a special pot), and local cheeses and pastries. The Strasbourg Markets are the best place to pick up the local fare, with a great selection of delicious food.

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:Beautiful French City, Great Food, Great Atmosphere
  • Cons:Not the safest city in the World, but fine if you take care
  • Last visit to Strasbourg: Oct 2004
  • Intro Updated Oct 24, 2004
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Reviews (20)

Comments (13)

  • Nov 8, 2011 at 6:58 AM

    Strasbourg is one of the most beautiful places I've been during the four years I lived in Europe, and I would highly recommend it. I visited several times and I never once had any issues with crime or danger of any kind. I would highly recommend visiting the cathedral and the shops, especially "Petit Maison" - a shop that sells little miniatures (approximately 9 to 12 inches high) of typical buildings found in the Alsacian and half timbered tradition in Strasbourg. Or just sit quietly along the river and watch the artists drawing and painting scenes during a beautiful French afternoon. The food and wine are fantastic. Its a place that you will never forget....

  • Jeannette1's Profile Photo
    Apr 14, 2009 at 9:59 PM

    Very informative page. I've added some of your restaurant recommendations for my upcoming trip to Strasbourg in June. Thank you

  • Jul 21, 2008 at 12:58 AM

    Don't go to Gruber - we ended up waiting 20 minutes trying to flag down any waiter or waitress that passed by. What was even more incredulous is they clearly saw us but chose to ignore us.

  • iandsmith's Profile Photo
    Mar 1, 2008 at 2:08 PM

    Lovely pages with quality photographs. There is actually a copy of the clock at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney. Wish I could have seen the river quiet like it is in your pics!

  • Kate-Me's Profile Photo
    Jan 2, 2006 at 12:13 AM

    Thanks for the wonderful photos and infos!

  • davidtahd's Profile Photo
    May 9, 2005 at 9:31 AM

    Hi. I enjoyed your photograph of the Astronomical Clock in Strasbourg, Alsace - France and the information that you provided. Thanks, Todd

  • bugulma's Profile Photo
    Mar 18, 2005 at 4:27 AM

    Fantastic views of the city!!! Maybe will be been here in summer and will enjoy Strasbourg

  • hunterV's Profile Photo
    Feb 11, 2005 at 1:22 PM

    Charlie, thanks for your valuable and interesting tips and stories!

  • Nemorino's Profile Photo
    Dec 22, 2004 at 3:18 PM

    Fine tips and photos. It was great to meet you and Victoria at the VT meeting in Karlsruhe last night. Hope to see you again soon. -- Don

  • Bernd_L's Profile Photo
    Dec 21, 2004 at 11:02 PM

    Excellent page and good pics about a great city, Charlie. The top 5 is really deserved.

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