Strasbourg is a city that will captivate you with its charm, its history, and its atmosphere. It is a city that has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the birth and death of legends, and the creation and destruction of art. It is a city that has something for everyone, whether you are interested in castles, churches, museums, or pubs. In this blog post, I will share with you some of the most important things to know before you visit Strasbourg, how to get there, what to do and see, and where to eat and stay.
What to Know Before You Visit Strasbourg
Before you pack your bags and head to Strasbourg, there are some things you should know to make your trip easier and more enjoyable. Here are some of the most important ones:
- Language: The official language of Strasbourg is French, but you will also hear some people speaking Alsatian, a local dialect of German. Many people in Strasbourg can speak some English, especially in the tourist areas, but it is always polite and helpful to learn some basic French phrases, such as bonjour (hello), merci (thank you), and excusez-moi (excuse me).
- Currency: The currency of Strasbourg is the euro (EUR). You can exchange your money at the airport, banks, or exchange offices, but you will usually get a better rate by using your debit or credit card at ATMs. You can also use your card to pay at most places, but it is always good to have some cash for small purchases, tips, or emergencies.
- Climate: Strasbourg has a continental climate, with warm and sunny summers and cold and snowy winters. The average temperature in Strasbourg is 11°C (52°F), but it can vary from -1°C (30°F) in January to 25°C (77°F) in July. The best time to visit Strasbourg is from April to October, when the weather is pleasant and the flowers are blooming. However, you can also visit Strasbourg in the winter, when the city is covered with snow and offers a different scenery and atmosphere.
- Transportation: Strasbourg has a good public transportation system, consisting of trams, buses, and bikes. You can buy tickets at kiosks, vending machines, or on board, and you need to validate them before boarding. A single ticket costs 1.80 EUR and is valid for 24 hours on any tram or bus. You can also buy a 24-hour ticket for 4.50 EUR, which is valid for unlimited rides on any tram or bus. You can also use bikes, which are free for the first 30 minutes, and then cost 1 EUR per hour. You can also use taxis, Uber, or car-sharing services, but they are more expensive and less reliable than public transportation.
- Safety: Strasbourg is a safe city, but like any big city, it has some risks and dangers. You should be aware of pickpockets, scammers, and beggars, especially in crowded and touristy areas. You should also avoid walking alone at night in dark or isolated streets, and be careful when crossing the roads, as drivers can be aggressive and unpredictable. You should also respect the local laws and customs, and avoid any political or religious demonstrations. If you need any help or emergency, you can call 112, the European emergency number, or 17, the French police number.
How to Get to Strasbourg
There are many ways to get to Strasbourg, depending on where you are coming from and what your budget and preferences are. Here are some of the most common ones:
- By plane: Strasbourg has one main airport, Strasbourg International Airport (SXB), which is about 10 km from the city center. You can take a train, a bus, a taxi, or a private transfer to reach your accommodation. The airport is served by many international and domestic flights, from low-cost to full-service airlines. You can also fly to other nearby airports, such as Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL) or Frankfurt (FRA), and then take a train or a bus to Strasbourg.
- By train: Strasbourg has one main train station, Strasbourg-Ville, which is located in the center of the city and connected to the tram network. You can take trains from many other cities in France and Europe, such as Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Brussels, Amsterdam, or Berlin. You can buy train tickets online, at the station, or at authorized agencies, and you need to validate them before boarding. A train ticket from Paris to Strasbourg costs 25-75 EUR and takes 1.5-2 hours. A train ticket from Lyon to Strasbourg costs 35-85 EUR and takes 3-4 hours. A train ticket from Marseille to Strasbourg costs 45-95 EUR and takes 5-6 hours. A train ticket from Brussels to Strasbourg costs 35-85 EUR and takes 3-4 hours. A train ticket from Amsterdam to Strasbourg costs 45-95 EUR and takes 5-6 hours. A train ticket from Berlin to Strasbourg costs 55-105 EUR and takes 6-7 hours.
- By bus: Strasbourg has one main bus station, Place de l’Étoile, which is located on the east side of the city and connected to the tram network. You can take buses from many other cities in France and Europe, such as Flixbus, Eurolines, or BlaBlaBus. Buses are usually cheaper than trains or planes, but they are also slower and less comfortable. You can buy bus tickets online, at the station, or at authorized agencies, and you need to show them to the driver before boarding. A bus ticket from Paris to Strasbourg costs 15-25 EUR and takes 5-6 hours. A bus ticket from Lyon to Strasbourg costs 15-25 EUR and takes 6-7 hours. A bus ticket from Marseille to Strasbourg costs 25-35 EUR and takes 10-11 hours. A bus ticket from Brussels to Strasbourg costs 15-25 EUR and takes 6-7 hours. A bus ticket from Amsterdam to Strasbourg costs 25-35 EUR and takes 9-10 hours. A bus ticket from Berlin to Strasbourg costs 25-35 EUR and takes 10-11 hours.
What to Do and See in Strasbourg
Strasbourg is a city that has so much to offer, that you will never run out of things to do and see. You can spend days, weeks, or even months exploring its attractions, and you will always find something new and exciting. Here are some of the most popular and recommended things to do and see in Strasbourg:
- Visit the Cathedral of Notre-Dame: The Cathedral of Notre-Dame is the most iconic and impressive landmark of Strasbourg, and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. It was built between the 12th and 15th centuries, and it is the sixth-tallest church in the world, with a height of 142 meters. You can admire its exterior, which is decorated with sculptures, stained glass, and a famous astronomical clock. You can also climb to the top of the tower and enjoy the panoramic view of the city. You can visit the cathedral for free, but you need to pay 5 EUR to access the tower. You can also book a guided tour, which costs 10 EUR and includes access to the crypt, the choir, and the treasury.
- Explore the Petite France: The Petite France is the most charming and picturesque part of Strasbourg, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a historic quarter that dates back to the Middle Ages, and it is characterized by half-timbered houses, canals, bridges, and flowers. You can walk, bike, or take a boat tour around the Petite France, and see some of the attractions, such as the Covered Bridges, the Vauban Dam, the Tanners’ House, and the Museum of Alsatian History. You can also enjoy some of the local specialties, such as flammekueche, choucroute, or kugelhopf.
- See the European Institutions: Strasbourg is the official seat of several European institutions, such as the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, the European Court of Human Rights, and the European Ombudsman. You can visit some of these institutions and learn more about their role and function in the European Union. You can also see some of the monuments and artworks that symbolize the European values and identity, such as the European Flag, the Human Rights Building, the Agora, and the European Garden.
- Visit the Museums: Strasbourg has a rich and diverse cultural scene, and it offers many museums for all tastes and interests. You can visit some of the museums and see some of the collections and exhibitions that showcase the history, art, and traditions of Strasbourg and Alsace. Some of the best museums in Strasbourg are the Alsatian Museum, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, the Historical Museum, the Tomi U