Welcome to One Week In Strasbourg!
Contrary to other cities of France, not many tourists make their way to Strasbourg. A good reason why it’s a wonderful European gem.
Clearly, you will enjoy the 2nd European Capital. Thus, a glorious city with impressive architecture and a rich cuisine to fall in love with.
Our full guide covers:
- Basic Introduction
- Where to stay in Strasbourg
- How to get around
- What to see in Strasbourg
- Things to do in Strasbourg
- Tickets you have to buy before
- Food and Restaurants
- Day Trips from Strasbourg
- Itinerary for Strasbourg
- Packing List
- City Map
1. Basic Introduction
We want to start with a simple intro to the things you need to know before coming for one week in Strasbourg.
Currency: EUR (€)
Language Spoken: French is the national language of the city.
However, there is the Alsatian Dialect. A Low Alemannic German dialect is spoken in most of the Alsace region around Strasbourg.
Additionally, it is a formerly disputed region in eastern France that has passed between French and German control five times since 1681.
Fun Fact about the Alsatian Dialect: Interestingly, this dialect is also spoken in the USA by the so-called Swiss Amish.
Population: 270,000
Known for: Strasbourg is known for its beautiful Gothic Cathedral and La Petit France District. Apart from this, being the 2nd European Capital after Brussels. Moreover, the 2nd Seat of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
Accommodation: There are plenty of small hotels, guesthouses and great hotels dotted around the whole city. My favorite area to stay in is La Petit France. Right at the waterfront.
Along with, find more details in our where to stay in Strasbourg section below.
Public Transport: The tram and buses in the city work like a charm.
Even so, the old town is quite small. Thus, everything is within walking distance. When you stay in the old town and La Petit France, you can walk anywhere really.
In addition, find more details on how to get around.
Safety: Strasbourg is very safe! Thus, pick-pocketing is quite rare.
However, as always, just pay a bit of attention. Be assured! Without a doubt, big destinations like Paris and Rome are much different.
City name: The city’s name is Strasbourg. On the other hand, the spelling is different in other languages. In Alsatian, it is called “Strossburi” and “Strossburig”. While in German, it is called Straßburg.
Further, you may also see spellings like Strasburg.
Still, it is all the same city anyway. Don’t worry.
Electricity: 230V/50Hz (European plug). Remember to pack your travel plug adapter.
2. Where to stay in Strasbourg
The most beautiful area to stay in is La Petit France. There is no doubt about it!
Moreover, I created a map for you with the main sights and best places to stay in Strasbourg. Find the map below.
Plus, here is my selection of where to stay in Strasbourg.
- Top Location and Design: BOMA Easy Living Hotel (my personal favorite!)
- Top Location: Hotel & Spa Regent Petite France
- Great for Business Travel: Hôtel Les Haras
- Great for Solo-Travel: Hôtel Les Haras
- Apartment: The General’s apartment
- For Families: BOMA easy living Hotel
- Youth Hostel: Hostel Ciarus
- On a budget: Hotel Graffalgar
- Couples: Apartment Mon Amour with a great location
- Luxury Travel: Hotel & Spa Regent Petite France
- Directly at Kléber Square: Le Kleber Hotel
- Near European Parliament: Mercure Strasbourg Palais des Congrès
Also, on the map, I added my recommended neighborhoods (inner city, old town and La Petite France).
Even so, please note that this map is simplified. Only with the areas, I enjoyed most.
2.1 BOMA Easy Living Hotel: Top for Location, Design, and Best for Families
Just a few minute-walk from “Petite France” is BOMA Easy Living hotel.
The hotel boasts colorful, comfortable and stylish rooms. Indeed, it will satisfy your stay for one week in Strasbourg.
Apart from this, expect your rooms to have a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, and a minibar. Also, you are given free toiletries and free soft drinks.
Furthermore, I enjoyed the buffet breakfast during my stay. The buffet includes a variety of fresh fruits, artisan pieces of bread and a good coffee.
Good to know: The Cathedral and the train station is only a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
2.2 Hotel Regent & Spa: Top for Location & Best for Luxury Travelers
Find this beautiful hotel and spa right in the heart of Petite France.
In addition, Hotel Regent features a restaurant and a wellness center. Besides, you can enjoy its amazing offers. Choose among a sauna, hammam, hot tub or massage treatments during your one week in Strasbourg.
Furthermore, appreciate the breathtaking views of the river or the traditional half-timbered houses of Alsace from your room.
Interestingly, the hotel also has a Champagne bar. Thus, offering 20 variations of champagne you can choose from.
Good to know: Not only can you enjoy a buffet breakfast at the lounge but you can also choose a continental breakfast served right in your hotel room.
2.3 Hôtel Les Haras: Great for Business Travel and Solo Travelers
Just 5-minutes walk from Petite France is Hôtel Les Haras.
The hotel features a business center and an on-site restaurant – La Brasserie Les Haras. Appreciate French cuisine during your one week in Strasbourg.
However, it is advised that guests should reserve in advance for dining in.
Furthermore, the hotel also offers valet service at a very reasonable price. On the other hand, rooms offer a big space while beds are comfortably soft.
Good to know: The location gives a very quiet and intimate space. Certainly a perfect place for a meeting and business agendas.
2.4 The General’s Apartment: Best Choice for Apartment
Expect a bottle of complimentary champagne or wine on your fridge on your arrival at The General’s Apartment.
The spacious fully furnished apartment has everything you might need. From the kitchen to the living area, and up to the bathroom.
Apart from this, be greeted personally by the apartment host himself, Sebastian. He will give you the most essential tips you need to know from a local.
Good to know: Take a hike around the area in your one week in Strasbourg to discover more of the city.
2.5 Hostel Ciarus: Youth Hostel
Hostel Ciarus features a game area perfect for young travelers. You can choose among a game of billiard, air hockey or foosball to name a few.
The hostel is located right in the center of the city. Thus, making it easy for you to visit the most interesting places in your one week in Strasbourg.
Along with, Hostel Ciarus puts you in great avenue to meet people from all over the world. An amazing place to socialize and win new friends.
Good to know: Some dorms may vary between 4 and 6 people for occupancy.
2.6 Hotel Graffalgar: Travelers on a Budget
If you are into the arts, you will love it in Hotel Graffalgar. You will find each floor and guest room boasting a unique design by local artists.
Plus, the hotel offers continental breakfast and children under 8 are free of charge.
Also, just near Hotel Graffalgar, you can reach Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. As well as the Strasbourg Train Station.
Good to know: Strasbourg International Airport is just a 15-minute drive from the hotel.
2.7 Apartment Mon Amour: Best for Couples + Great Location
If you want to stay in center of Strasbourg but still want a quiet place, stay at Apartment Mon Amour.
Besides, you can reach Strasburg History Museum and Petite France in approximately 10-15 minutes from the place.
On the other hand, rooms offer a flat-screen TV, a living room and a fully-equipped kitchen.
Good to know: Even more, Apartment Mon Amour offers biking rentals you can enjoy to see more in your one week in Strasbourg.
2.8 Le Kleber Hotel: Directly at Kléber Square
Directly at Kleber Square, you will find Le Kleber Hotel.
Aside from being in the historic center, the hotel puts you close to Strasbourg’s public transportations.
Apart from this, you can grab your breakfast at the dining area that offers a beautiful view of Strasbourg Cathedral and Place Kleber.
2.9 Mercure Strasbourg Palais des Congrès: Near European Parliament
Just 5 minutes on tram from Mercure Strasbourg Palais des Congress is the European Parliament.
The hotel features an indoor swimming pool and a health club. Along with, take advantage of the hotel’s sauna in your one week in Strasbourg.
In addition to this, enjoy big and spacious rooms with super nice beds on your stay.
Good to know: You can reach Petite France with just 5 tram stops.
3. How to get around
Accordingly, we have your accommodation set, now let us go around and explore.
Best for sightseeing: One of the best way to go sightseeing is to combine a walking with a boat tour. Visit more and spend less. Without a doubt, the 3 days City Pass has the best value.
Public transport: When you’re in the old town, La Petite France and the inner city, you won’t need this.
Even so, there are trams and buses connecting the different districts and the old town. Unquestionably, I enjoyed the tram. It’s an old-school public transport I always love to take.
Moreover, a single ride ticket costs around 1.60€ while 10 tickets cost around 13.20€. (but please always make sure you check the updated prices)
Bikes: Strasbourg is very bike-friendly city.
Either get your bike in any bike rental in the city or simply ask at your hotel reception.
Yet, my best recommendation would be joining a guided bike tour in Strasbourg. Clearly, it is a fantastic way to get around the city and see all its main sights.
Walking: This is my favorite way to get around Strasbourg, walking. Being a small city and all.
But then again, when you are in the Old town, the best options are the bike and your own feet. Aside form it’s healthy, it’s also FREE.
Taxi: Unless you are staying outside the city center, you won’t need a taxi in Strasbourg.
Boat: I absolutely love the boats in Strasbourg!
It is not really a way to get around, but more to experience. Obviously, the river is a major part of the cities life. Therefore, I suggest that you hop on the open-deck boat and cruise around this picturesque city.
Apart from this, choosing the 3 days City Pass has the best value. Besides, it includes entrances to museums as well as the terrace of the Cathedral.
4. What to see in Strasbourg – The Must-Do’s
What to see in Strasbourg? Absolutely a very good question!
Strasbourg is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1988. Styles from the Medieval, Renaissance, Romantic and Art Nouveau eras are still being embraced by the city’s rich architectural heritage.
Although it’s a relatively a small city, there are far more amazing things you can see for one week in Strasbourg. Places you’ll want to stop and take a picture of. Here are sights I suggest you visit during your stay.
The Must Do’s are:
- Explore La Petite France
- Enter Cathedral Notre-Dame
- Walk around Kléber Square
- Visit the European Parliament
- Admire the beautiful train station from the outside – great architecture
More great sights to see in Strasbourg are:
- Barrage Vauban
- Ponts Couverts
- Église Saint-Thomas
- Alsatian Museum
- Palais du Rhin
- Palais Rohan
- Parc de l’Orangerie
- Neustadt
- Le Vaisseau
- Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg
- Old Saint Peter’s Church, Strasbourg
- Aubette
5. Things to do in Strasbourg
For your convenience, we collected a great list of cool Things To Do in your one week in Strasbourg.
Particularly, here you can find 28 Fun Things To Do in Strasbourg. Most of all, the article includes Instagram-able corners, the most boring clock in Europe, and a devils drink.
Along with, here are more tour ideas you might want to consider.
- Join a 1-Hour Sightseeing Tour on a Pedicab
- Tour on market day and taste some of the best produce of Alsace
- Experience the holiday spirit at Strasbourg’s famous Christmas market
- Visit two Alsatian vineyards in a VW bus
6. Tickets you have to buy before
Usually, in this section, we cover tickets that you need to book in advance.
To mention a few, like the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona or the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Undoubtedly, these are sights you have to prebook in order to actually be able to enter.
However, as Strasbourg is not a huge destination, there is no sight you would need to prebook. But maybe this tour could help.
Cathedral Notre Dame Tour
The #1 sight in Strasbourg is the gorgeous Cathedral of Notre Dame. An absolute must-see for tourists.
However, there is no real need to prebook your entrance.
Alternatively, you can book a guided tour in your one week in Strasbourg. Besides, it also includes a skip-the-line-ticket. Yet again, I don’t even think that is necessary (unless during Christmas Market).
7. Food & Restaurants
Basically, when visiting a place for the first time, there is undoubtedly chance that you have never tried the food they have. Only on the day you come to visit the city yourself.
Moreover, in Strasbourg, there are numerous cuisines and traditional foods that awaits for you to discover. Foods you would come to know that existed ONLY in Strasbourg like the Choucroute garnie.
More details here:
Specifically, I loved the recommendations by Lauren about the best restaurants in Strasbourg.
She really summed up what she liked – and what she did not like. Indeed, I enjoyed such a great article, recommending it!
Furthermore, she also wrote up a foodie-walking tour for Strasbourg you can get inspiration from.
8. Day Trips from Strasbourg
There are plenty of great day trip options you can try from Strasbourg. Nevertheless, I am a huge fan of Alsace, the region.
There are so many beautiful towns, endless nature, mountains, lakes, and wineries.
Moreover, in my guide to the most beautiful cities to visit in France, I included cities and towns in the Alsace area.
Apart from this, below is a list of my favorite day trips from Strasbourg.
8.1 Full Day Alsace Highlights Tour
Aside from being know for its charming villages, Alsace is also famous for its untouched nature.
In addition, with its villages of brightly-painted, steep-roofed, half-timbered houses, Alsace certainly feels Germanic.
On the other hand, the food here is amazing. Very distinctive among the other French regions.
Along with, you can join a Full Day Alsace Highlights Tour here.
Good to know:
- Bring your passport or ID card
- Wear comfortable shoes
- The tour proceeds rain or shine
- Children under 4 years old is not allowed
8.2 Half Day Wine Tour in a Vintage VW Bus
Alsace is France’s third most important wine making region. Therefore, you should not miss the Alsace’s scenic Wine Route.
Absolutely, the Wine Route is the most visited tourist feature in Alsace. It is a 170 km long road where you can find cellars of the winegrowers open for wine tasting.
Even so, you can join a Half Day Wine Tour aboard a legendary 1970s VW bus. How cool is that?
Good to know: Don’t forget to taste Kougelhopf, a cake specific to the region.
8.3 Wine Tour from Strasbourg
Along Alsace Wine Route, winegrowers are very generous on giving people who wants to take a chance and taste some of the best French wines in the world.
In addition, Alsace has been producing wine uninterruptedly since about the year 300 AD.
Furthermore, you will be able to taste and discover one of the best wines in France for half a day. Besides, come and learn about the 7 types of Alsace wines.
Good to know: It requires a minimum of 2 persons to proceed the tour. And please wear comfortable shoes.
8.4 Colmar
One of the most beautiful towns in all of France is Colmar.
Moreover, once you enter the town, you will be fascinated by the region’s beautiful colors that illuminate the place. Find magnificient flowers that cover the railings of the canal on the Lauch River.
A place where people call “Little Venice”.
Furthermore, according to the locals, the narrow cobblestone streets lined with distinctive half-timbered houses is said to have been the inspiration for Belle’s hometown in Disney’s “Beauty and The Beast.”
8.5 Baden-Baden (Germany)
Baden-Baden is a magnificent, German town at the French-German Border.
Apart from this, it is located at the edge of the Black Forest.
Follow in the footsteps of European royals and the aristocracy who came to Baden-Baden to indulge in the finer things in life.
Aside from this, you will be surely impressed by the majestic architecture here. My highlight, however, is to have a taste of the famous Black Forest gâteau. It is named after a specialty liquor of the region, known as Schwarzwälder Kirsch (it contents alcohol).
8.6 Europa Park (Theme Park)
Personally, I love theme parks.
Europa Park in Rust, Germany is one of the biggest theme parks of Europe.
Moreover, there is a direct bus leaving from Strasbourg and it will only take you 1:30 hours to get there.
The prices are around 40€. You can check the official website www.europapark.de/en for more information.
8.7 Saverne
Only 40km North-East of Strasbourg you find the tiny town of Saverne.
It is a very cute, traditional French town with a river running through it. If you bring enough time, I recommend coming here. Apart from this, enjoy lunch at the main square and get the list in the many boutiques and narrow streets.
9. Itinerary for 7 days
When spending one week in Strasbourg, you can explore the city itself and its surroundings.
However, there is no real need for an itinerary in Strasbourg. Nevertheless, scroll up again to the day trips and make sure you book them ahead of time.
Depending on availability you can plan your city exploring Strasbourg plus the day trips and other sights.
10. Packing List
There is a few things we recommend for your packing list Strasbourg. Depending on the season, you should bring an umbrella. It can rain even in summer.
Optional but always useful:
11. Printed Guides & Map
These guides are best for the ones looking for a printed version.
Once you come to Strasbourg, you will also receive a paper map of the city.
Here is again our map of Strasbourg with the recommended hotels and neighborhoods.
Questions? Contact us
I tried to make this guide as useful and complete as possible. However, chances are you still have questions left.
Therefore, any questions? Anything not clear?
Please get in touch with us, I would be very happy to help. I want to make this guide as useful as possible for you.
You see, your question actually helps me as well.
Do not be shy and send me an email.
Find below all our articles on 3 days in Strasbourg and more.
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