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Strasbourg

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Where France Meets Germany in Style

Strasbourg stands out in France as a city where history and modern life share space without conflict. The old town features cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses, some dating back centuries. Its Gothic cathedral dominates the skyline, drawing visitors who climb its towers for views over red rooftops. A network of canals weaves through neighborhoods, reflecting the city’s German and French heritage. Markets sell local cheeses and breads alongside seasonal flowers in front of historic squares. The European Parliament adds a contemporary layer to daily life here.

City in France
Climate zone: Mild oceanic

Mild oceanic: Marine-influenced climates with cool summers, mild winters and frequent precipitation year-round, typical of western coasts at mid-latitudes.

See climate table
Price level: $$$
$Cheap
$$Medium
$$$Expensive, upscale
$$$+Very expensive, luxury
See price details
Safety: 8.2
General Safety:8
Health & medical:8
Accessibility:8
Tap water:10
Read details
Tourist English: 4/5
English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions, especially in the center. Most signage is bilingual, and staff are used to international visitors, but a few French or German phrases are always appreciated.
Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Strasbourg Summary

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‘Best for’ scores:
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Excellent for historic charm and European culture. Walk half-timbered old town streets, visit grand cathedrals, enjoy riverside cafés and explore markets and museums.
Place score
8.3
Best at:
Rivers
9
Architecture
9
Historic sites
9
Walkable
8
Spotless
8
Personal score
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Suited for
👶 7
Families
🧓 7
Seniors
❤️ 8
Couples
♻️ 8
Sustainability
France – Quick facts
Power Grid: 230 V, 50 Hz
Plug: Type C , Type E
Type C:
Diagram of a Type C power plug
Type E:
Diagram of a Type E power plug

Read about power adapters
Currency: Euro (EUR)
£1 ≈ €1.19
Cashless info: Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted, especially in cities and tourist areas.

Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers: Best value: Saily
Flexibility: Airalo
Read our in-depth comparison
Tipping: Tipping is optional but appreciated in restaurants (5-10%) and for exceptional service.
Public drinking: Public drinking is allowed in designated areas, but restrictions apply in some cities.
Public smoking: Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces but common in outdoor cafes.
Bastille Day
(July)
Parades and fireworks occur nationwide.
Easter
(March/April)
Cultural celebrations and closures.
Christmas
(December)
Markets and festive events.
Emergency contact: Emergency Numbers: 112 (EU emergency), 15 (Ambulance), 17 (Police), 18 (Fire)
Taxi apps: Uber, Bolt, Heetch
Other: France offers diverse experiences, from art and culture to nature and cuisine. Be cautious in crowded areas.
Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Strasbourg, France
❄️
Jan
🌥️
Feb
🌤️
Mar
🌤️
Apr
🌤️
May
🌤️
Jun
☀️
Jul
☀️
Aug
☀️
Sep
🌤️
Oct
🌤️
Nov
🌥️
Dec
High season: June - Sep., Dec.
Shoulder season: April - May, Oct.
Crowdedness: 8 (Very crowded)
Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info
Christmas market (Christkindelsmärik) runs from late November to 24 December, the main reason to visit
Many sights and restaurants close on Mondays; shops are mostly closed on Sundays
Winter fog and low cloud are common from November to January, especially in the mornings

Why travel to Strasbourg?

Strasbourg is a dream for history lovers, foodies and anyone who enjoys wandering beautiful old streets. The UNESCO-listed Grande Île is packed with medieval architecture, from the jaw-dropping Cathédrale Notre-Dame to the picture-perfect Petite France district. The city’s museums, like the Musée des Beaux Arts and the Alsatian Museum, showcase its rich cultural heritage, while the Christmas market is legendary – the oldest and biggest in Europe. But Strasbourg is more than just its past: it’s a vibrant, walkable city with bustling markets, riverside cafés and a unique blend of French and German influences in everything from the food to the street signs. Just be ready for crowds in peak season (especially December) and keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas. Some museums have limited English info, so a guidebook or audio guide can help you get the most out of your visit.

🏯Places worth seeing
  • 1 Vauban Dam
  • 2 European Parliament
  • 3 Cathedral of Our Lady
  • 4 Musée des Beaux-Arts
  • 5 Musée Alsacien
  • 6 Petite
  • 7 Palais Rohan
  • 8 Place Kléber
  • 9 La Maison Kammerzell
🎡Places for activities
  • 1 Place Kléber
  • 2 Cave historique des Hospices de Strasbourg
  • 3 Orangerie Zoo
🏞️Natural landmarks
  • 1 Vauban Dam
  • 2 Parc de l'Orangerie
  • 3 Du Lac Du Baggersee
  • 4 Parc du Contades
  • 5 Parc de la Citadelle
  • 6 L'Ill
  • 7 Jardin des Deux Rives
🛍️Shopping
  • 1 Place des Halles
  • 2 Galeries Lafayette
  • 3 Rue des Grandes Arcades
  • 4 Rue de la Mésange
🎈Events
  • Strasbourg Christmas Market (Christkindelsmärik)
  • Strasbourg Music Festival
  • European Fantastic Film Festival
  • St. Nicholas Parade
  • Strasbourg Jazz Festival
  • Fête de la Musique
  • Strasbourg Marathon
  • Summer Street Art Festival
  • Fête de la Bière (Beer Festival)
  • Night of the Museums

Knowledge before you go

  • Explore by foot or tram; the center is compact.
  • Visit the cathedral early for quieter views and better light on the façade.
  • Try Alsatian food like tarte flambée; many places get busy after 7pm.
  • Walk Petite France at sunrise, then follow the canals toward Neustadt for calmer, grander architecture.

How to travel to Strasbourg

Strasbourg is well connected by high-speed TGV trains to Paris (under 2 hours), as well as to Germany and Switzerland. Strasbourg Airport offers flights across Europe and is 15 minutes from the center by train or shuttle. The main train station is a short walk or tram ride from the old town.

Access summary

  • From Strasbourg Airport (SXB): Shuttle train to central station, around 8–10 minutes.
  • From Paris: Direct TGV/ICE high-speed trains, typically 1.5–2 hours.
  • From Frankfurt: Direct ICE trains via Karlsruhe/Offenburg, usually about 2.5–3 hours.

Where to stay in Strasbourg

Strasbourg offers everything from boutique hotels in Petite France to modern chains and charming guesthouses. For the best experience, stay in or near the historic center, but book early for December and summer weekends. Prices rise during the Christmas market and major festivals.

How to get around Strasbourg

The historic center is compact and best explored on foot or by bike. Strasbourg has France’s largest cycling network and flat streets, making it easy to get around. Trams and buses connect all neighborhoods and day passes are available. Boat tours offer a scenic way to see the city from the water. Parking is limited in the center, so leave your car at a park-and-ride if you’re driving.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-4 %
Daily expenses in Strasbourg are around 4% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend around the same on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-3 %
Your exchange rate (GBP to EUR) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

Backpacker Mid-range Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation
£66
£145
£390
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person
£28
£68
£162
🍝 Food per day
£31
£67
£198
🚕 Transportation per day
£8
£9
£30
Food & Drink
🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person
£25
🍛 Lunch Set, per person
£12.50
🍟 Fast food combo
£10
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day
£10.50
☕ Cappuccino
£3.10
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l
£5
Transportation
🚌 Public transport ticket
£1.70
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi
£18
⛽ Petrol, 1 l
£1.60
Other
🎞️ Cinema ticket
£10
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult
£22
🤧 Cold medication
£8
💇 Basic haircut
£15

Safety information overview

General safety
8
Strasbourg is generally very safe, with low violent crime. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, especially during the Christmas market and in busy squares — keep an eye on your belongings and avoid isolated areas late at night.
Health & Medical
8
Medical care is excellent and easily accessible, with pharmacies and clinics throughout the city. No special health risks beyond standard travel precautions. Pharmacies are easy to find and tap water is safe.
Accessi­bility
8
Most main attractions, shops and public transport are accessible, though some cobblestone streets and historic buildings may be tricky for those with limited mobility. The city is flat and easy to navigate by wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Tap water
10
Tap water is clean, safe and widely available. Public drinking fountains are rare, but restaurants and cafés will provide tap water on request. Bring a refillable bottle to stay hydrated.

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