Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg
The Gothic cathedral of red Vosges sandstone, completed in 1439 with a 142 m spire, the Astronomical Clock and the Pillar of Angels.
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About Strasbourg
Strasbourg is the capital of the Grand Est region and the prefecture of the Bas-Rhin, on the Rhine and the German border. Its Grande Île, the island historic centre, is UNESCO-listed and holds the red-sandstone Gothic cathedral, the half-timbered Petite France quarter and the Ponts Couverts; the Neustadt, built under German rule after 1871, is also on the UNESCO list. Strasbourg is a seat of the European Parliament and the Council of Europe. Alsatian food is built on choucroute, baeckeoffe, tarte flambée and Riesling, served in traditional winstubs, and the city hosts one of Europe's oldest Christmas markets. The centre is flat and compact, with trams run by CTS, a large cycling network and a short tram ride to Kehl in Germany.
- Capital
- Paris (national capital); Strasbourg is the regional capital of Grand Est and the prefecture of the Bas-Rhin
- Largest city
- Strasbourg (largest city of Grand Est)
- Population
- About 291,000 (commune of Strasbourg, INSEE 2021 census); about 523,000 in the Eurométropole de Strasbourg (INSEE 2023 reference population)
- Languages
- French
- Currency
- Euro
- Time zone
- Europe/Paris (UTC+1, summer UTC+2 CEST)
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Best places to visit in Strasbourg
The 14 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
La Petite France
The former tanners', millers' and fishermen's quarter of half-timbered houses along canals of the River Ill, part of the UNESCO-listed Grande Île.
Ponts Couverts
Three bridges and four medieval towers across the Ill, built in the 13th century as part of the city's defences.
Barrage Vauban
A covered weir built in 1686-1690 to Vauban's plans, with a free rooftop terrace overlooking the Ponts Couverts and the cathedral.
Palais Rohan
The 18th-century archbishops' palace by Robert de Cotte, now housing the Archaeological Museum, the Decorative Arts Museum and the Fine Arts Museum.
Musée de l'Œuvre Notre-Dame
A museum of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance sculpture and stained glass, including original statues from the cathedral.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Strasbourg Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Strasbourg, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Strasbourg
- Days 1-2Strasbourg city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Strasbourg
- Days 1-3Strasbourg comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Strasbourg, departure
Where to stay in Strasbourg
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget €85 (about $98 USD)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range €190 (about $219 USD)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury €450+ (about $518+ USD)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Île
5-star hotel in Strasbourg's Grande Île district, Grand Est, France. It is among the highest-category hotels in the city.
Check rates on Booking.comHôtel Maison Rouge Strasbourg
5-star hotel in Strasbourg's Grande Île district, Grand Est, France. It is among the highest-category hotels in the city.
Check rates on Booking.comRégent Petite France Hôtel & Spa
4-star hotel in Strasbourg's Petite France district, Grand Est, France.
Check rates on Booking.comRégent Contades
4-star hotel in Strasbourg's Neustadt district, Grand Est, France.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Strasbourg
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Chez Yvonne (S'Burjerstuewel)
Traditional winstub near the cathedral, long known as Strasbourg's best-known address for Alsatian home cooking.
Maison Kammerzell
Gault&Millau-listed Alsatian restaurant in the half-timbered house on the cathedral square, with a nine-room hotel attached.
Au Crocodile
Historic Strasbourg gastronomic table and Relais & Châteaux member.
Winstub Le Clou
Traditional winstub serving tarte à l'oignon and choucroute garnie.
Binchstub Broglie
Casual Alsatian bistro known for tarte flambée, near Place Broglie.
Mama Bubbele
Tarte flambée restaurant on the Ill quays, using organic ingredients and local flour.
Book a food tour in Strasbourg We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Getting around Strasbourg
Transportation options in Strasbourg include local buses, taxis, and rental cars. Check local conditions before planning your travel.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in EUR (converted to USD at 1 EUR = 1.15 USD), broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €45 (about $52 USD) | €115 (about $132 USD) | €280 (about $322 USD) |
| Food (per day) | €22 (about $25 USD) | €45 (about $52 USD) | €110 (about $127 USD) |
| Transportation | €4 (about $4.60 USD) | €12 (about $14 USD) | €25 (about $29 USD) |
| Activities | €14 (about $16 USD) | €18 (about $21 USD) | €35 (about $40 USD) |
| Daily total | €85 (about $98 USD) | €190 (about $219 USD) | €450+ (about $518+ USD) |
Best time to visit Strasbourg
Weather through the year in France
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for France.
Spring and early autumn give mild weather and open terraces; December gives the Christmas market but heavy crowds.
Strasbourg has a semi-continental climate with warm summers (highs around 24-27C, or 75-81F), cold winters (highs around 4-6C, or 39-43F, with frost and occasional snow) and rain spread across the year. The Christkindelsmärik (Christmas market) runs from late November to 24 December; the 2026 dates were not confirmed at the time of writing, so check noel.strasbourg.eu. The cathedral is closed on 1 November and 11 November 2026.
Essential travel tips
- Buy single tickets in the CTS app or at tram-stop machines and validate them on every ride
- The Strasbourg Pass (visitstrasbourg.fr) bundles several museums, a boat tour and the cathedral tower; check current prices on the tourist office site
- The cathedral nave hours listed by the city are Mon-Sat 8:30-11:15 and 12:45-17:45, Sun 14:00-17:15; the astronomical clock show is at 12:30, with a small ticket bought at the cathedral entrance
- Many museums close on Monday or Tuesday, so check hours before travelling
- Book winstub dinners for Thursday to Saturday several days ahead, and book hotels months ahead for December
- Expect a tourist tax (taxe de séjour) of a few euros per person per night added by hotels
Safety information
Keep bags zipped and in front in crowds at the station, the cathedral and the Christmas markets.
Cross tram rails at a right angle when cycling, since narrow tyres can catch in the tracks.
Expect bag checks at Christmas-market entrances and never leave luggage unattended.
Save 112 on the phone; operators speak English.
Keep photocopies of passport pages separate from the originals.
The area around the station feels less comfortable late at night; take a tram or taxi instead of walking alone.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Strasbourg?
Entry follows France/Schengen rules. EU citizens need only a national ID card or passport; visitors from many non-EU countries may stay visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 days; others need a Schengen visa. Requirements vary by nationality, so check france-visas.gouv.fr or the nearest French embassy before travelling.
What currency is used in Strasbourg?
Strasbourg uses the Euro (EUR). ATMs are widely available around Place Kléber and the station. Cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere, but carry a little cash for markets and small bakeries.
What language is spoken in Strasbourg?
French is the main language, and the Alsatian dialect is still heard. English is widely understood in hotels, museums and major restaurants, and German is common because of the border; greeting people with 'Bonjour' is expected.
What are the top attractions in Strasbourg?
The top attractions are the Cathédrale Notre-Dame and its astronomical clock, Petite France and the Ponts Couverts, the Palais Rohan museums, the Musée Alsacien, Place Kléber, the Neustadt and the Parc de l'Orangerie.
How do I get from Strasbourg Airport to the city centre?
Strasbourg Airport (SXB) at Entzheim is about 12 km southwest of the centre. A train links the airport station to Strasbourg-Ville in about 10 minutes; taxis and ride-hailing are also available. Confirm the current train fare at sncf-connect.com.