Place Gutenberg

Place Gutenberg sits at the center of Strasbourg's old town, anchored by David d'Angers' bronze statue of Johannes Gutenberg from 1840. The square showcases some of the city's finest architecture: the ornate Maison Kammerzell with its 1589 carved facade dominates one corner, while the Renaissance Chambre de Commerce building (the former city hall) commands another side. Half-timbered Alsatian houses complete the picture, creating one of Strasbourg's most photogenic squares.

The cobblestoned space feels intimate despite being surrounded by shops and cafes. You'll find yourself naturally drawn to the Gutenberg statue in the center, where the printing pioneer holds a matrix from his revolutionary press. The square serves as a crossroads for pedestrian streets, so there's constant movement of locals and tourists flowing through. Street performers occasionally set up near the statue, and the outdoor cafe terraces fill up quickly on sunny days.

Most guidebooks oversell this as a major attraction when it's really just a pleasant square to pass through. The real draw is the architecture, especially Maison Kammerzell, rather than any deep Gutenberg connection. Skip the overpriced cafes facing the square (coffees run 4-5 EUR) and grab a pretzel from a nearby bakery instead. The lighting hits the carved facades best in mid-morning, making it prime time for photos.