The European Parliament gives Strasbourg's European Quarter its most recognisable modern landmark: a vast circular building of glass, steel, and internal ramps facing the Ill. It is not as pretty as the old town, but it explains an important part of why Strasbourg matters beyond Alsace.
Free visits normally include the hemicycle, the Parlamentarium Simone Veil, and exhibitions about the European Union. Bring a passport or national identity card, and check the visitor schedule before crossing town; parliamentary business can affect access. The visit combines well with the nearby Council of Europe and the river paths through the institutional quarter.