Strasbourg is an easy city to photograph.
The streets are compact, the architecture is varied, and you do not have to go far to find a good view.
Some of the best photo spots are the big landmarks you would expect, like the Strasbourg Cathedral or La Petite France.
Others are quieter places I only discovered after wandering around with my camera, like Rue des Soeurs and Quai des Pêcheurs.
When I moved to Strasbourg in 2019, photography became part of how I explore the city. I am always noticing how different a place looks depending on the season, the light, or even the time of day.
Here are the Strasbourg Instagram spots I think are actually worth your time, including a few locations most visitors walk right past without noticing.
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1. Quai des Pêcheurs
Quai des Pêcheurs is where the fishermen lived in the 15th century.
Today, it’s lined with colorful buildings on one side and old fishing boats (now restaurants) on the canal.
I love this street because it perfectly highlights Strasbourg’s past and present.
To get the photo above, you’ll need to stand on Pont Royal, and I recommend going at sunset when boats are lit.
2. Maison des Ponts Couverts
Maison des Ponts Couverts is one of my favorite buildings in Strasbourg.
And, while it is beautiful year-round, I love photographing it in early spring when the wisterias are in bloom.
The bright violet color brightens the photo and perfectly contrasts the cathedral in the background.
In fact, I like this spot so much that it’s the starting point for my walking tour.
3. Maison des Tanneurs
Built in the 16th century, this half-timbered building is one of the most photographed spots in the city.
It’s also one of the best restaurants in Strasbourg.
This area is very popular, so if you want a photo without anyone around, be sure to get there around sunrise.
To get this exact photo, you’ll need to stand on Ecluse A de la Petite France.
4. Rue des Soeurs
Rue des Soeurs is behind the Strasbourg Cathedral, so it’s often overlooked or missed entirely.
I stumbled on it while I was out for one of my sunrise walks.
Here, there are several colorful half-timbered buildings from the 18th century stacked side-by-side.
And, since it’s not popular, you can get a nice photo any time of day.
5. Quai de la Bruche
If you’re spending a couple of days in Strasbourg, La Petite France will no doubt be one of the must-see places.
There are several Instagram-worthy spots in this neighborhood, but one of my favorites is Quai de la Bruche.
It’s lined with colorful buildings, and in the morning, the buildings reflect in the canal.
To get this photo, you’ll need to stand at the corner of Ponts Couverts and Quai de la Bruche.
6. Lycée International des Pontonniers
Lycée International des Pontonniers is an international high school that looks like it should be in a Harry Potter film.
When I first moved to Strasbourg, it was framed by weeping willows like the photo above.
Unfortunately, a few years ago, the trees fell during a storm.
But it’s still a fantastic Instagrammable spot.
For the best photo, head to Pont Saint-Etienne. You’ll have the exact view in the photo above, minus the weeping willow.
7. Aubette 1928
Place Kléber is one of Strasbourg’s most popular squares.
It’s surrounded by beautiful historical buildings, and in the center, there is a statue of Jean-Baptiste Kléber.
It’s such an impressive square that you need a bird’s eye view to capture everything.
Luckily, one of the buildings that lines Place Kléber, the Aubette 1928, looks out onto it.
I love taking photos of Place Kléber from here during Strasbourg’s infamous Christmas market.
There’s the giant Christmas tree, and in the background, you can see the Strasbourg Cathedral. It has everything this city is known for in one photo.
Helpful Tip: The Aubette 1928 is a free museum, and it’s almost always empty.
8. Place de la République
Place de la République was built at the end of the 19th century when Alsace was annexed to Germany.
Today, it stands as a symbol of peace and prosperity.
There’s the Monument aux morts de Strasbourg, and in the background, you can see the Strasbourg Cathedral’s steeple.
While it is beautiful year-round, I especially love photographing this square in early spring when the magnolias are in bloom.
9. Rue du Bain-aux-Plantes
Rue du Bain-aux-Plantes is known for the series of white half-timbered houses that line the street.
They are neatly stacked side-by-side, which makes for a cool photo.
This is also one of my favorite places to go walking on Sunday mornings. It’s calm, and I always have the street to myself.
10. Rue Mercière
Rue Mercière is the most well-known street on this list.
It’s lined with half-timbered houses that perfectly frame the Strasbourg Cathedral in the background.
It’s a very popular area, so you can expect crowds year-round. It’s one of the few downsides of visiting Strasbourg.
If you want a photo without having to fight for a spot, I recommend visiting early in the morning or at night.
I took the photo above around nine o’clock at night after the Christmas market closed for the day. Nobody was around, and the lights were still on.
11. Église Saint-Paul
St. Paul’s Church was built in the late 19th century, but most of the original features were destroyed during World War II.
It’s another piece of architecture that can be photographed year-round.
In spring, when the magnolia tree is in bloom, it perfectly frames the church.
Then, in summer, the dark green foliage contrasts with the red stone.
To get the photo above, you’ll need to take the small walkway that runs underneath Pont Royal (it’s parallel to Quai Koch).
Conclusion
Strasbourg is a city full of beautiful buildings, stunning landmarks, and quaint side streets.
Since I moved to Strasbourg in 2019, I’ve taken thousands of photos. It’s how I continue to learn about and discover the city.
But that’s not the only thing to do here. Strasbourg also has tons of fantastic free activities to do around town.
Read More Articles About Strasbourg
I hope you enjoyed my post and found it helpful. Here are some other articles that I think you might find interesting.
- A Local’s Guide to the 12 Must-Visit Museums in Strasbourg
- Batorama Boat Tour: Is It Worth It? (from a Local)
- When It Rains in Strasbourg: Top 9 Things to Do
- How to Get Around Strasbourg, France (Local’s Guide)
- Where to Stay in Strasbourg: Best Areas and Hotels
- Is Strasbourg Safe? The Ultimate Safety Guide by a Local
