[2025 Strasbourg Attraction] Travel Guide for European Parliament Strasbourg (Updated Jun)

Strasbourg, located in eastern France, is the capital of the Alsace region and the seat of the European Parliament. It is considered a symbol of European integration and is known as the heart of Europe. This city, situated at the border of France and Germany, blends the cultural characteristics of both countries, making it a favorite among tourists. In addition, its Christmas market dates back to 1570 and has a history of nearly 500 years, earning it the title of Christmas capital. 🍠Recommended Attractions La Petite France: This is one of the most charming places in Strasbourg, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Narrow streets, colorful wooden houses, canals, and ancient bridges make it feel like a journey back to the Middle Ages. Strasbourg Cathedral: This Gothic cathedral is one of the landmarks of Strasbourg, towering into the sky with exquisite interior decorations. You can climb the bell tower to enjoy the magnificent city view. European Parliament: The European Parliament is a highlight of Strasbourg. You can take a free guided tour of this important international institution. Christmas Market: If you visit in winter, be sure to check out Strasbourg's Christmas market, considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Museums: Strasbourg has many museums, such as the Alsace Museum and the Hans Arp Museum, where you can learn about the region's history and culture. 🍠Taste the Cuisine Alsatian dishes: Such as chicken stewed in white wine, sausage and foie gras, blending French and German elements. Christmas pastries: Taste Christmas pastries at the Christmas market, such as cookies, gingerbread, and macarons. White wine: Strasbourg and the Alsace region are famous for their white wines. 🍠Best Time to Travel Winter is the season for Strasbourg's Christmas market. The city is decorated like a Christmas fairy tale world and is very popular. Summer is the peak tourist season, with bright sunshine, it's the best time for outdoor activities and festivals. However, please note that it can be crowded.

Strasbourg, the capital of France's 🇫🇷 Alsace region, sits on the west bank of the Rhine River, facing Germany across the water. This ancient city with 2,000 years of history has become a melting pot of two cultures due to the repeated shifts in Franco-German sovereignty—Gothic spires stand shoulder to shoulder with half-timbered houses, while whispers of French intertwine with the cadence of Alsatian dialects. As the seat of the European Parliament, it is both a symbol of EU democracy and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hailed as the "Second Capital of Europe" and the "Capital of Europe"! 🌟 Petite France in the Morning Light: The Truth of a Fairy Tale Morning mist drifts over the Ill River as you cross the covered bridges, where three 13th-century defensive towers stand like silent sentinels reflected in the water. Entering Petite France, the half-timbered houses awaken in the dawn light, their ochre, pale yellow, and slate-blue sloping roofs layered like steps, with hydrangeas blooming on every windowsill. The 1572 Tanner's House hangs over the canal, its open attic—once used for drying leather—now filled with the aroma of coffee and buttery bread. 🌟 The Cathedral’s Bells: Stone Strings of Time Winding through labyrinthine cobblestone alleys, the red sandstone spire of Strasbourg Cathedral suddenly pierces the sky. At 142 meters, it once reigned as the tallest in Christendom, described by Victor Hugo as a "gigantic and delicate marvel." Pushing open the heavy oak doors, the 11-meter-high astronomical clock strikes noon—Death raises his axe to chime the hour as figures of children, youth, and elders pass by, symbolizing life’s fleeting nature; the Twelve Apostles rotate at Jesus' feet while the perpetual calendar’s star chart turns silently. Since 1547, this Renaissance mechanical masterpiece has never stopped, much like Strasbourg’s own fate: changing hands three times between France and Germany, yet layering each occupation into its cultural sediment. The stained glass depicts German kings and French saints sharing space—a metaphor for the city’s "harmony of opposites." 🌟 Lunch at Maison Kammerzell: Alsace on the Tongue On the west side of the square, Maison Kammerzell resembles a carved jewel box. Its stained glass is adorned with biblical tales and Greek gods, while black oak beams twist with grapevines and angels. Built in 1589 by a wealthy merchant to flaunt his fortune, the ground-floor restaurant now wafts with the pungent aroma of choucroute garnie: tangy cabbage piled with smoked pork knuckle and sausages, paired with Alsatian Riesling; Franken-thaler cheese, crisp as paper, melts on the tongue with German richness and French finesse. 🌟 New Town, Old Dreams: The Glass Parable of the European Parliament Gliding east along the canal by boat, the scenery shifts abruptly from fairy tale to futurism. Beyond the arches of the Vauban Dam, the European Parliament’s glass facade rises like an iceberg. Its unfinished tower design symbolizes the "perpetual work-in-progress" of the EU, mirroring the shadows of 17th-century barracks. 🌟 Echoes at Dusk: Europe’s Mother on the Bridge At sunset, climb the Ponts Couverts, where the stone towers gild in the fading light. The bronze statue "Mother Europe" at the bridgehead cradles two infants—one holding the fleur-de-lis of France, the other the eagle of Germany. "Strasbourg’s peace is a blackboard rewritten with war’s chalk," reads a quote from Daudet on a café menu. As streetlights flicker on and trams ding along the cobblestones, the EU’s blue-starred flag and the Alsatian banner flutter together in the evening breeze. The soul of this city lies not in its cathedral spire, but in every street-corner compromise and rebirth of culture.

In a city where half-timbered houses and cobblestone alleys tell stories of the past, the European Parliament building in Strasbourg feels like a message from the future. Sleek, circular, and transparent — it stands as a symbol of unity and accountability in the heart of Europe. As I approached the complex, the Louise Weiss building immediately caught my eye. Its semi-completed appearance isn't a flaw; it’s deliberate — representing the ongoing nature of European integration. The glass façade reflects both the sky and the ideals of openness, while the curved structure mirrors inclusivity, reminding us that Europe is always evolving, never finished. The guided tour (free with prior booking) brought context and clarity, weaving together the political, architectural, and emotional significance of this institution. I learned how Strasbourg’s location — a bridge between France and Germany — was chosen deliberately, transforming a former battleground into a beacon of peace. Outside, a tranquil canal loops around the structure. Swans glide past the reflection of EU flags fluttering in sync — a gentle yet strong reminder of what’s at stake when nations choose cooperation over conflict. This wasn’t just a building. It was a quiet affirmation of hope, progress, and shared responsibility. Thank you, Trip.com, for making this experience possible with your easy-to-navigate platform and reliable travel services. Exploring Strasbourg's political soul was unforgettable — and planning it was seamless✌

📌Strasbourg ✔️A border city where French and German cultures blend, an international center where the European Parliament is located ✔️Petite France, which preserves the beauty of the Middle Ages, is an attractive tourist destination listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site ✔️The traditional cuisine and Christmas markets of the Alsace region are particularly famous, providing visitors with an unforgettable experience. #EuropeanTravel

#cityplaybook #familytrip #localguides #historicallandmarks #postandearn Strasbourg, the capital of France’s Alsace region, is a city that captured my heart instantly. Located right on the border with Germany, Strasbourg is a fascinating blend of French elegance and German tradition—and walking through its streets feels like strolling between two worlds. The city’s crown jewel is undoubtedly the Strasbourg Cathedral (Notre-Dame de Strasbourg). This towering Gothic masterpiece left me breathless. I stood in awe before its intricate pink sandstone façade, and when I climbed to the viewing platform, I was rewarded with panoramic views of the city and the Rhine River beyond. Wandering through La Petite France, the city’s most picturesque district, felt like stepping into a storybook. The half-timbered houses reflected beautifully in the canal waters, and cobbled lanes led to cozy cafés and traditional Alsatian restaurants. I spent hours just exploring, taking photos, and enjoying tarte flambée and kougelhopf—delicious local specialties. Strasbourg is also home to the European Parliament, and a visit to this modern complex offered a glimpse into the political heart of Europe. It’s this unique combination of historic charm and global relevance that makes Strasbourg so compelling. One highlight of my trip was visiting during December, when the city transforms into a Christmas wonderland. The Strasbourg Christmas Market, one of the oldest in Europe, lights up the entire city with festive stalls, mulled wine, and twinkling lights. It’s truly magical. Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds. December is perfect if you're looking for an unforgettable holiday experience. Travel Tips: Rent a bike or take a boat tour to explore the city from a new angle. Don’t miss the Alsatian Museum for insights into local life and traditions. Use Strasbourg as a base to explore nearby Colmar, Obernai, and the Alsace Wine Route. Location: Strasbourg, Grand Est, France #StrasbourgStories #LaPetiteFrance #FrenchGermanCharm #AlsaceMagic #StrasbourgCathedral #ChristmasInStrasbourg #EuropeanCapital #RhineRiverVibes #ExploreAlsace #StrasbourgTravel

On July 15th, the twenty-seventh day of the European tour, the weather was clear with a maximum temperature of 31 degrees. The charm of Strasbourg is not limited to its medieval castles. As the headquarters of the European Parliament, this city has become the heart of EU decision-making. The European Parliament building, with its modern architectural design and environmental concepts, has become a symbol of the era. Having the opportunity to visit and experience the atmosphere of EU decision-making allows one to understand the nuances of the European integration process. The European Parliament building is located roughly in the northeast direction of Strasbourg, accessible by bus and tram. It is adjacent to the European Court of Human Rights and is a modern glass curtain wall building. Passing by several times, it feels relatively empty. Strasbourg itself was the seat of the parliament during the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Community periods, the predecessors of the EU. This city has a diverse culture and symbolizes the reconciliation between France and Germany. Therefore, when the EU was officially established in 1992, the headquarters of the European Parliament was designated in this French city, and this decision was written into the EU treaty as a clause.

The EU Parliament is located in Strasbourg, so this is also the second capital of the EU. After lunch, Anna took us to visit the Parliament building. Regardless of nationality, security will let you pass after checking your passport, no need to buy a ticket. Upon entering the building, there is another security check, similar to airport security, all electronic devices, bags, coats, belts must be put into a tray for scanning. The building is mainly composed of steel structures and glass, it is a huge circular building, looking up, it is quite like the Hakka earth buildings in Fujian. There is a designated travel route for tourists, the front desk provides each visitor with a video explainer with headphones, with 24 languages used by EU member states to choose from. The semicircular venue is in session, we sat down to listen, at first we thought it was a real EU meeting, but then we found that both the host and the members are very young, it turns out that it is a simulation meeting held by university students from various countries within the EU, the topic is about energy prices, the screen shows approval, opposition and undecided, each participant has a voting device in front of them, green represents approval, red represents opposition, for these students, the future masters of the EU, this kind of drill is a good learning and exercise. The last stop on the tour is a 360-degree surround screen cinema, an 8-minute film, 360-degree digital display allows visitors to immerse themselves in all aspects of the EU, such as geography, history, humanities, the necessity of establishing the EU, the operation of the European Parliament. After the visit, we ordered three drinks and a caramel pudding in the dining area, the price is over 5 euros in total, reasonable and affordable, a very interesting experience, worth a visit. Strasbourg European Parliament

I was surprised by the relative each with which I was able to walk around the European Parliament building. While not able to simply walk inside, I was able to go right into the building's inner courtyard. In the center was a large glass sculpture entitled "United Earth." Occasionally employees would wander out and stroll past me without much notice. It was a bit of a surreal experience. #tripaway

The primary seat of the European Parliament is in Strasbourg, though the body has a secondary location in Brussels alongside the other major organs of European Union governance. Meant to enhance the EU's democratic legitimacy, the European Parliament allows EU citizens to have a say in decisions taken by the Union. Under the terms of the various EU treaties, major legislation or policy decisions must be addressed by the Parliament either in a consultative capacity or by actual affirmation via voting. Members of the European Parliament are organized into groups broadly reflective of their respective domestic ideological positions. #tripaway