French flair and picturesque old quarters in Strasbourg

From the Black Forest, it's only a stone's throw to Alsace - and that's where we're going today! Start your city exploration from the parking garage at the historic center of the old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start with a great view of the city at the Barrage Vauban and the "Covered Bridges" (Ponts Couverts) before diving into the winding streets of the picturesque old town district La Petite France.

The Barrage Vauban, an old weir from the 17th century, is a great place to start an exploration of Strasbourg. From the observation terrace you have a sensational view of the opposite "Covered Bridges" (Ponts Couverts) with their 14th century towers, the old town and the cathedral in the background.

Where fishermen, millers and tanners once worked and leather dried in the open attics of steep roofs, today you can stroll along the canals and admire the colorful half-timbered houses in the winding alleys. "La Petite France", the picturesque old town quarter on the waterfront, is one of the most popular sights in Strasbourg today. It's best to just drift along and be amazed!

The uncomplicated restaurant-café La Corde à Linge is located in the middle of the old town district "La Petite France" and has a beautiful outdoor area directly on the Place Benjamin Zix on the canal. The menu includes French and Alsatian dishes such as various spaetzle dishes, but also burgers and salads.
Opening hours:
Daily: 10:30 - 24:00
More info and contact details can be found on the website.

Even from a distance you can see the "Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg" towering above the city. It was built between the 12th and 15th century in Romanesque-Gothic style and is one of the largest sandstone buildings in the world. Inside, among other things, there is a fascinating astronomical clock.
The best view of the city you have from the observation deck on the cathedral tower. It is worth climbing the 332 steps! From the top, the view sweeps over the entire city to the Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains.
Access to the cathedral platform is via a separate entrance on the Place du Château.
Opening hours tower:
April - September: daily: 09:30 - 13:00, 13:30 - 20:00. October - March: daily: 10:00 - 13:00, 13:30 - 18:00
Last ascent 45 min. before closing. Closed on 01.01, 01.05 and 25.12.
More information can be found here.

Now it's off to the water! You can experience Strasbourg from a completely different, unique perspective on a boat tour. The tour "Strasbourg, a 2000-year history" of the provider Batorama takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes, combines the history with the present. From the Grande Ile of the Old Town, the tour goes through the canals of La Petite France, past the Barrage Vauban, through the imperial district of the New Town and from there on to the European Parliament.
Tickets for the boat tours are available online at Batorama or at the ticket office at Münsterplatz.

The restaurant with the inviting warm atmosphere serves seasonally changing Alsatian tapas. The chef sometimes comes out of the kitchen personally and explains the individual dishes and ingredients. All dishes are made from Alsatian products and are perfect to try out. An Alsatian wine or gin goes well with it. Be sure to book in advance!
Opening hours:
Tuesday - Saturday: 12:00 - 13:30, 19:00 - 22:00. Sunday and Monday closed.
More info and contact details can be found on the website.

The newly renovated 4-star boutique hotel offers Art Deco elegance right in the city center. The rooms are brand new and very cozy with armchairs, coffee makers and balconies. Deco and design pick up on Art Deco elements from the hotel's history and feel elegant, but not boring. The breakfast is great: the menu includes egg dishes as well as lovingly prepared crepes, French toast, and waffles.