Where to Stay in Strasbourg

Our Favorite Strasbourg Hotels

• Five-Star Hotel: Cour du Corbeau
• The boutique hotel: Hotel Léonor
• Inexpensive Hotel: The Hannong Hotel
• Family Hotel: Hôtel Suisse
• Indoor Pool: Les Haras Hotel
• ・ Outdoor Swimming Pool: Villa La Florangerie
• Near Train Station: Hotel Tandem
• · Near the Airport: Lodging Establishment

a large building with a clock tower next to it

The Best Area to Stay in Strasbourg

Guests to the French city of Strasbourg, the de facto capital of the Alsace region and home to the European Parliament, are in store for a pleasant surprise. Known for its distinctive Alsatian half-timbered houses, a stunning Gothic cathedral, and narrow winding roads, it’s one of the most scenic cities in Europe, surrounded by canals and the tranquil waters of the River Ill. It also boasts one of the largest universities in France (with students accounting for approximately 20% of the population), establishing a lively, energetic atmosphere combining the best aspects of German and French culture (with the German border located a short trip across the Rhine).

At the heart of Strasbourg is the island created by the Ill River and its canals known as the Grande-Île. Centered around the river and canals is an island called Grande-Île, the most picturesque part of the city and an atmospheric place to lodge; home to the magnificent cathedral, the Strasbourg Museum of Fine Arts, Historical Museum, and the charming neighborhood named La Petite France, with its covered bridges and medieval towers. Many of the city`s most luxurious hotels are found here, but a few reasonably priced options exist as well. The Gare-Tribunal district, focused around the city`s main train station, offers a convenient alternative for rail travelers, with numerous cost-effective and boutique hotels within walking distance of the station – while also not too far from Grande-Île. To the northwest, Neustadt and the European District present dramatic contrasts to the medieval and traditional Alsatian architecture of Grande-Île. Neustadt was significantly created by the Germans during the occupation of 1871–1918, scattered with grand Neoclassical structures including the Palais Universitaire de Strasbourg. The adjacent European District features a more modern, landscaped neighborhood that is home to the key European institutions based in Strasbourg: the Council of Europe, European Parliament, and the European Court of Human Rights. Both areas are intriguing to explore, but hotels are sparse. Finally, you could look at the scattering of generally high-end hotels south of the Grande-Île in the Bourse-Esplanade-Krutenau district. It`s a little more serene here, away from the central tourist trail, but still near the primary sights. In Krutenau itself is the excellent Musée Alsacien (Alsatian museum) and the stunning tiled facade of the Haute École des Arts du Rhin (School of Arts). You could also take into account the contemporary hotels a bit further south in Neudorf, which offer much cheaper rates for relatively high levels of comfort.

Strasbourg Travel Tips

  • While exploring Strasbourg’s historic Grande-Île district is best done on foot, the city`s excellent public transportation network must be utilized to visit more distant areas. The system includes buses and Strasbourg`s six-line futuristic tramway (€2 per single ticket, €4.60/24 hours). It can prove helpful to rent a vehicle when touring the countryside surrounding the city, but within Strasbourg itself, there is really no need as much of the center is pedestrian-prioritized, so it`s best to park in one of the lots outside the Grande-Île area anyway.
  • Note that when the European Parliament is in session (around once a month from Monday to Thursday), lodging in Strasbourg can become expensive and/or fully booked. To discover ahead of time when the parliament is convening visit europarl.europa.eu.
  • Exploring Strasbourg by bicycle can be entertaining, using a dedicated path and extensive network of around 600km for cycling. Bike rentals are conveniently available through the Vélhop bikeshare system, operating 6,000 bicycles.
  • Strasbourg Airport lies around 6 miles (10km) southwest of the city center. Trains quickly transport between the airport and main train station in around 7 minutes. The airport serves primarily European destinations, but there are no flights to Paris; the high-speed LGV Est train service takes under 2 hours.
  • The Strasbourg City Card (€6.50) provides discounts in museums, hotels, restaurants, and tourist spots for up to 7 days. You solely need to visit three or more attractions to make it beneficial. Visit the tourist guidance office at 17 place de la Cathédrale to obtain. If you plan on visiting many museums, also look at the Museums-PASS-Musées card, which is €16 for one day and €20 for three days (the latter is much better worth) – it gives free access to all of them. All the city’s museum’s cost €7.50, so if you visit three or more, the card will help you save money.
  • You`ll find many English speakers in the cosmopolitan city of Strasbourg, but it is still helpful to learn some words and numbers in French before traveling there – do not presume everyone understands English.
  • Free wifi access is available at Strasbourg Airport, but within the city you`ll need to tap local hotspots at cafes, bistros and eateries (most of which offer complimentary wifi).

The Best Places to Stay in Strasbourg

a man sitting on a bench in front of a store

Best Neighborhoods in Strasbourg for…

  • Best Neighborhood to Stay in for First Timers/Sightseeing: Grande-Île
    Strasbourg’s Grande-Île is at the heart of the city and home to the cathedral, museums, the best restaurants, shopping streets, elegant squares and the beautiful Petite France neighborhood. It’s the most atmospheric place to stay in Strasbourg and easily the best for sightseeing, particularly for visitors with a short amount of time. The selection of hotels is fairly extensive, from the most luxurious to budget inns, though quality in the latter group tends to be poor; if you’re looking to save money but maintain high standards of comfort, consider Krutenau or Neudorf to the south, or Gare-Tribunal to the east. The latter region, surrounding the main station, is also a lot more convenient for those traveling by train (Grande-Île hotels can be tricky to access by taxi, given the number of pedestrian zones); you’ll be able to walk to your hotel with luggage, but still be within strolling district of Grande-Île.
  • Most Romantic Quarter: La Petite France
    The narrow lanes of Strasbourg`s iconic Petite France district are quite beautiful in the early mornings or evenings when the number of travelers start decreasing. Strolling along its riverside parks and promenades provides gorgeous views of the city and its Alsatian architecture, appearing very romantic in the moonlight. The panoramic terrace of Barrage Vauban is the optimal location to take in the entire scene. Spoil yourselves with stays at the excellent Régent Petite France or Bouclier d’Or hotels, and meals at the historical Maison Des Tanneurs or Le Thomasien French dining establishment
  • Top Neighborhoods for Nightlife: Grande-Île and Krutenau

    • Strasbourg features a vibrant nightlife, greatly benefitting from its large student community. Grande-Île is dotted with bars, late-night cafes, and nightclubs, all well-liked by visitors similarly to locals. Place Marcel Gayot is a wonderful starting point; a small, lovely square outlined with outdoor dining and drinking places, with well-known Bar Barberousse a brief walk away, and a cluster of places on nearby Rue des Frères and Rue des Juifs ( Académie de la Bière Cathédrale and wine bar Royal 26 Strasbourg are our favorites on the latter). On the opposite side of the cathedral the scene is more spread out, with Code Bar (which turns into a club at weekends), Les Tricheurs,Schluck N’Spiel,Les Berthom, and the 1950s-themed Jeannette and the Cycleux all definitely worth exploring

    South of the river, Krutenau is perfect for casually visiting bars, with a more local scene present. Notable options include Le 21 ShooterBar (an establishment specialized in shots), the mixed drinks at Bar Algorythme, the craft beers at Brasserie Au Télégraphe, the rock/metal music at Bar L’Excalibur, and the standard Guinness at the obligatory Irish pub Molly Malone.

  • Best Neighborhoods for Cuisine and Eateries: Grande-Île and Krutenau
    You’ll discover the finest restaurants and cafés spread throughout Grande-Île and Krutenau, with Strasbourg increasingly renowned as a cross-cultural culinary hotspot, though it still does French cuisine and traditional Alsatian cooking best. Places to splurge in Grande-Île include the highly rated Au Crocodile,Les Chauvins Père & Fils,Perles de Saveurs, and Zehnerglock. It’s also difficult to surpass Maison des Tanneurs for historic atmosphere and Alsatian cuisine, while Au Cruchon is cozier and more informal

    Over in Krutenau, the restaurants and bars along the riverside Quai des Pêcheurs are particularly appealing in summer, while further into the neighborhood you’ll find a diverse selection of spots that feature Umaï Ramen,MÂY (Vietnamese), Pitaya Thaï Street Food, and Vert Olive (Lebanese). There are quite a few upscale establishments over here too, concentrating on French and Alsatian cuisine; Brasserie Des Haras,Fink Stuebel,Restaurant Gavroche,La Cuiller à Pot,La Coccinelle, and Restaurant 1741 are all excellent choices. Another standout should you be seeking something different is Le Transsibérien, serving high-end Russian cuisine.

    Strasbourg is considered the birthplace of foie gras in 1780. Typical street snacks include tarte flambée or “flammeküche” (similar to thin-crust pizza) and braided pretzels. Most Alsatian restaurants feature dishes with German-style pork, potatoes, and spaetzle (resembling pasta) along with the classic “choucroute”, somewhat like sauerkraut, usually served with smoked pork, ham, or sausages. Another favorite dish is “baeckoffe”, an aromatic casserole layered with potatoes, onions, mutton, beef, and pork marinated in Alsatian white wine. The classic Alsatian cake is the dome-shaped kugelhopf, made with raisins and almonds. Look out for cozy “winstubs”, traditional Alsatian wine bars, for authentic regional dishes and (usually) heaps of historic character.

    • Best Neighborhood for Shopping: Grande-Île
    Though it remains a popular tourist area, Grande-Île is happily still the lively commercial center of the city, where locals frequently shop along with visitors. The streets east of the cathedral house all the best-known labels as well as numerous boutiques and independent stores. Along Grand’Rue there are establishments ranging from the L’Occase de l’Oncle Tom vinyl retailer and Librairie Dinali bookseller, to the Papa Pique et Maman Coud fashion boutique and Le Ceinturier leather goods shop. You’ll discover additional stores along the busy Rue des Francs-Bourgeois and Place Kléber, such as the indoor Galeries Lafayette department retailer, and L’Aubette mall. For tourist souvenirs head to Place de la Cathédrale. Also, don`t skip the biweekly food and goods marketplace on Place Broglie. Smaller indie boutiques can be found along Rue des Juifs north of the cathedral, and more upscale labels like BOSS, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton line the tram-routed Rue de la Mésange

    • The city center’s largest malls lie just outside Grande-Île: the giant Place des Halles over the canal to the north, and Centre Commercial Rivetoile in the southern Neudorf district.

  • Best neighborhood for local atmosphere: Neudorf
    Strasbourg’s most populated neighborhood lies south of the city center, best known for its revitalized riverside district, the Presqu`île André-Malraux, featuring the Rivetoile shopping mall, the Médiathèque André Malraux (library), a cinema, and lots of bars and restaurants (and a couple of newish hotels) – you’ll rarely see any tourists down here. There’s also Le Vaisseau, a family-friendly science museum. There are three good hotels here, all short tram or bus rides from the old town: Aloft Strasbourg Etoile, Holiday Inn Express Strasbourg – Centre, and OKKO Hotels Strasbourg Centre. All tend offer high quality for much lower rates than you’d get in the city center.
  • Safety in Strasbourg
    Strasbourg is a very safe city, even by European standards, though the usual precautions should be taken at night and you’ll see plenty of lively (aka drunk) students around at the weekends, as well as some drug dealing and panhandling. Higher crime rates tend to be posted in outer suburbs such as Hautepierre, Elsau, and Bischeim, but you are highly unlikely to end up here. Grande-Île, Neustadt, the European District and Krutenau are especially safe.

The 5 Best Neighborhoods in Strasbourg for Tourists

1. The Grande-Île and Petite France (Centre-Ville)

The historic core of Strasbourg is the Grande-Île, literally an island encircled by the narrow waters of the Ill River and the Canal du Faux-Rempart. The entirety is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a lovely collection of medieval architecture, narrow streets, cafes, and riverside restaurants that brings great joy to explore on foot. Towering above all is the spectacular cathedral ( Cathédrale de Notre-Dame), with its delicate medieval spire, magnificent interior, and viewing platform providing the finest views of the city (332 steps up). The traffic-free zone surrounding the cathedral is lined with shops and cafes, while the adjacent Palais Rohan houses the Strasbourg Museum of Fine Arts and the city Archaeological Museum. The neighboring Musée de l’Œuvre-Notre-Dame holds medieval and Renaissance art, while by the river, the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg chronicles the history of the city. (Don’t miss the huge 3-D relief map of the city, commissioned in the 1720s.)

Grande-Île’s museums offer absorbing exhibits, but the best way to enjoy the old city is simply wandering its streets and squares, stopping for coffee and cake along the route. Place Gutenberg is surrounded by typical Alsatian homes with steeply pitched roofs and brightly painted facades – it’s named for the German inventor of the printing press who lived in Strasbourg in the early 15th century (a statue of Johannes Gutenberg graces the center of the square). One could stroll up the narrow Rue des Orfèvres to the Temple-Neuf de Strasbourg, one of the city’s Protestant churches, or up the Rue des Grandes Arcades to Place Kléber, Strasbourg’s largest square. Place du Marché-Gayot, tucked away off Rue des Frères east of the cathedral, is a pleasant cobbled square full of bars and restaurants, while long, formal-looking Place Broglie is home to the opera house, city hall, and outdoor market (Wed & Fri). St. Thomas Church is the city’s premier Protestant place of worship, where 16th-century Reformation leader Martin Bucer was once pastor.

La Petite France: the southwest corner of the Grande-Île is known as La Petite France, once home to city artisans and now its most picturesque quarter. Here a series of canals have created three narrow promontories of land surrounded by water, connected by the so-called “Ponts Couverts” (ancient bridges, though no longer covered, guarded by three medieval towers). Beyond lies the Barrage Vauban, a bridge and dam constructed by the Marquis de Vauban (Louis XIV’s celebrated engineer) in the 1600s to protect the city from attack. Cross it to gain the finest views of Petite France.

  • Bozas: Just north of Plitra, a beautiful and peaceful beach with interesting rock formations, shade-giving trees, and a beachfront taverna. Located within an hour’s drive of Monemvasia. • Map

2. Neustadt

The Neustadt district lies across the river and canal northeast of the Grande-Île. It provides quite a contrast to its neighboring medieval, Alsatian area. Most of this neighborhood was designed in the late 19th century showcasing a grand Neoclassical style, reflecting German power – it was intended to serve as the new city center following Germany`s occupation of the city in 1871. (Strasbourg and the Alsace remained under German control until 1918.) Unlike the old town, Neustadt features wide boulevards, grand mansions, and huge plazas arranged in a grid pattern – the transition from Grande-Île is quite abrupt.

The public square known as Place de la République, located in the heart of the district, features significant architectural works such as the Prussian-style Palais du Rhin, the National and University Library, and the National Theatre of Strasbourg, which once served as the regional parliament of Alsace-Lorraine. Nearby is the Musée Tomi Ungerer that honors the legacy of acclaimed Strasbourg illustrator Tomi Ungerer (1931–2019), renowned for children`s books like Flat Stanley. Avenue de la Liberté connects Place de la République with the enormous Palais Universitaire de Strasbourg (the main building of Strasbourg University), passing the twin-towered St Paul’s Church along the route. The university complex can be visited to view the magnificent Aula (Great Hall) featuring a giant statue of Egyptian pharaoh Ramses II, as well as the Botanical Gardens and Observatory situated at the back.

3. The European District (Quartier Européen)

The northern section of Neustadt transforms into the more contemporary European District of wide boulevards and parks surrounding the Ill River that contain the main European Union institutions based in Strasbourg: the squat 1970s-built home of the Council of Europe; the massive glass and steel elliptical European Parliament building, with its intentionally unfinished tower, which opened in 1999; and the tilting silver cylinders of the European Court of Human Rights, completed in 1995. You can acquire knowledge about the procedures of the European Parliament at the Parlamentarium Simone Veil, and a little further north, view exhibitions on the history of the EU at Lieu d’Europe in the Kaysersguet, a former 18th-century country mansion. Opposite the Council of Europe, the Parc de l’Orangerie, Strasbourg’s best green area, contains pleasant outdoor restaurants, ponds, playgrounds, and a small zoo.

4. Bourse-Esplanade-Krutenau

The district to the south of the Grande-Île, across the River Ill, is noticeably less crowded with tourists, wedged between Strasbourg University and the city`s principal medical facilities. The chief attraction here is the Musée Alsacien situated over the river, a delightful museum showcasing Alsatian historical past and culture inside an arrangement of lovely aged Alsatian houses. From here you can meander along the riverbank by way of the traffic-free Quai des Bateliers, or grab a drink at one of the bars on the barges along Quai des Pêcheurs. To the south, Place d’Austerlitz is at the heart of the district; a dining, shopping, and nightlife hub along with pedestrianized Rue d’Austerlitz.

Within the central hospital grounds farther west, you can tour the Historic Cellar of the Hospices of Strasbourg, a 14th-century wine cellar where 50 large wooden barrels continue to age Alsatian wines. You can also visit the 15th-century Saint-Guillaume Church, with its uneven bell tower and ornate interior, and the nearby Haute École des Arts du Rhin (School of Arts), its facade adorned with amazing polychrome ceramic panels in the Art Nouveau style.

  • The Best Hotels in Bourse-Esplanade-Krutenau
    Au Cerf d’Or • Hotel phone: +33 3 88 36 20 05
    The ” Cour du Corbeau” contact number is +33 3 90 00 26 26
    Hôtel De L’ill Hotel contact number: +33 3 88 36 20 01
    The hotel ” Les Haras” is located in Strasbourg and can be reached at +33 3 90 20 50 00.
  • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
    Hôtel Beaucour – Hotel contact number: +33 3 88 76 72 00.
    The Hôtel du Dragon – Hotel phone number: +33 3 88 35 79 80
    The La Célestine – Hotel phone number: +33 6 48 13 14 75.
  • Best Hostel
    The People Hostel • Hotel phone: +33 9 78 36 20 27

5. Gare-Tribunal

This area surrounds the city`s enormous train station (“La Gare”) across the canal on the western side of Grande-Île – it`s the most convenient place to stay if you`re traveling by train, with the added advantage of being just a brief walk from the historic center via largely pedestrianized Rue du Maire Kuss (and Rue du 22 Novembrein Grande-Île). One of the biggest attractions here lies to the south of the station, just across from Petite-France and Barrage Vauban; the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Strasbourg presents a decent selection of modern and contemporary art in a sleek contemporary glass-fronted building, with works by Kandinsky, Picasso, Pissarro, Renoir, and Strasbourg`s own Jean Arp, among many others. Art fans should also explore the Château Museum Vodou, which displays the biggest collection of West African voodoo artifacts globally, inside a 19th century water tower. To the south is Strasbourg`s alternative theater and performance district, home to venues such as La Laiterie and Le Molodoï.

Other Strasbourg Neighborhoods

We’ve examined our favorite neighborhoods to visit and stay in more detail above, but with more time these places are also worth exploring:

  • Alsace`s Wine Route: Strasbourg serves as a good base for exploring the picturesque Wine Route of Alsace, bordered by the southern Vosges mountains and the Rhine River. Best explored by vehicle, the route passes around 70 winegrowing villages and 1,000 wine producers renowned for top-quality Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir, and Riesling varieties (and the local sparkling wine, Crémant d’Alsace).
  • Colmar: This renowned Alsatian old town located approximately 43 miles (70km) south from Strasbourg is filled with beautifully crafted multicolored half-timbered houses, narrow waterways, and attractive Gothic churches built in a bygone era. Noteworthy spots include the renowned 16th-century Isenheim Altarpiece housed at the Unterlinden Museum and the masterwork “Madonna of the Rose Bush” on exhibit at the Dominican Church, but visitors will find delight simply exploring the picturesque setting. The top hotel option in Colmar is the exceptional La Maison des Têtes, though it comes at a steep price; reasonably priced yet still quality lodging within the historic center comprises places such as ibis Styles,Hôtel Saint-Martin, and Hôtel Le Maréchal.
  • Koenigshoffen: This suburb to the west of Strasbourg has a scattering of intriguing sights worth checking out if you’re staying in the city for more than just a few days; the Tour Merveilleuse du Schloessel (Schloessel Tower) features a lovely café and park-like grounds, Parc Albert-Schweitzer (named after the famous humanitarian who lived and studied there in the early 20th century), and the historic Jewish Cemetery (Cimetière Juif de Koenigshoffen). There isn’t much purpose in remaining out here unless wanting to pitch a tent at Camping de Strasbourg, near the river.
  • There is little reason to remain near Strasbourg Airport (Aéroport de Strasbourg) located to the southwest of the city unless you have a very early flight. Trains only take 7 minutes to get to the airport from Strasbourg main station. If it is necessary to stay in this area, the only good option nearby is B&B Hotel, though the Hôtel Père Benoît in the village of Entzheim is not too far away by taxi.
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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

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