Strasbourg Travel Guide

Introduction

Strasbourg (pop. 290,000; urban 485,000; metro 860,000) is capital of the Alsace region and the 7th most populous city in France.

Strasbourg is the seat of one of the two European Parliaments (the other being in Brussels), the European Ombudsman, the Eurocorps, as well as the Council of Europe with its European Court of Human Rights, its European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines and its European Audiovisual Observatory.

The city's historic center (Grande Île) has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1988 - a distinction only shared by two other French cities, Le Havre and Bordeaux. Apart from its sumptuous Gothic cathedral, Strasbourg is well-known for its historical timber-framed houses.

Strasbourg's bicultural heritage has owed the city to be the seat of the Franco-German TV channel Arte (along with Baden-Baden).

Interesting Facts about Strasbourg

• Strasbourg's historic city centre, the Grande Île, was the first entire city centre in France to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The Strasbourg Cathedral had the tallest spire in the world from 1647 to 1874 and is made of distinctive pink Vosges sandstone.
• Strasbourg is popularly known as the "Capital of Europe", hosting major European institutions such as the European Parliament and the Council of Europe, despite not being a national capital.
• Johannes Gutenberg invented the movable type printing press in Strasbourg in the 15th century, revolutionising written communication.
• The city's Christmas market, Christkindelsmärik, dates back to 1570 and is recognised as the oldest and one of the largest in Europe.
• The Ponts Couverts (Covered Bridges) in Strasbourg are among the oldest functioning bridges in Europe and form part of the city's medieval fortifications.
• "La Marseillaise", the French national anthem, was composed in Strasbourg in 1792 by Claude-Joseph Rouget de Lisle.
• Strasbourg has a unique status as a cultural bridge between France and Germany, with rich Franco-German heritage evident in its architecture and traditions.
• The city's Petite France quarter is famous for its picturesque canals and half-timbered houses from the Renaissance period.
• The oldest continuously operating restaurant in Strasbourg, Zuem Strissel, has been serving Alsatian specialities for over 700 years.
• Strasbourg boasts the longest network of cycle paths in France, making it a cyclist's paradise.
• Strasbourg houses the world's oldest wine in a barrel, dating back to 1472.
• The city's Astronomical Clock, located in the cathedral, is a marvel of medieval engineering, featuring automatons and a perpetual calendar.

History

=> Detailed history of Strasbourg

Strasbourg's history began around 1300 BCE with the first permanent human settlements. The Romans later established a military camp called Argentoratum in 12 BCE. The city's name evolved from Strateburg, meaning 'city of roads' or 'meeting point of many roads', reflecting its strategic location.

The city gained prominence under Charlemagne, who authorised it to trade throughout the Empire in 775. In 1262, the bourgeoisie defeated Bishop Walter de Geroldseck at the battle of Hausbergen, leading to Strasbourg becoming an Imperial City in 1332.

The 15th century marked significant developments with the completion of the cathedral's steeple in 1439, reaching 142 metres in height. Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press in Strasbourg in 1440.

Louis XIV's army besieged Strasbourg on 28 September 1681, leading to its surrender and incorporation into France. The renowned military engineer Vauban constructed an advanced defence system, including a pentagonal citadel completed in 1685.

After World War I, French troops entered Strasbourg on 22 November 1918. The city has since become a crucial European centre, hosting:

• The European Court of Human Rights
• The European Parliament (designated seat in 1965)
• The European Science Foundation (established 1974)

Cultural Heritage

The city maintained its distinct character throughout history. In the 18th century, only 1% of the population spoke French. The world's first school for midwives opened in Strasbourg in 1728. In 1974, Johann Sebastian Bach's personal copy of the Goldberg Variations with fourteen previously unknown canons was discovered here.

Today, Strasbourg stands as a symbol of European cooperation and cultural exchange, incorporating its Germanic heritage with French influence.

Attractions

Strasbourg is one of the best preserved historical city in France (and in Germany, if it was still German). The best way to visit it is to wander around the medieval streets of the Grande île ("greater island", on the Ill River), particularily the black and white timber-framed buildings in the Petite-France district. The most impressive building is undeniably the huge Cathedral of Our Lady, which was the tallest construction in the world (142m) for over 200 years, and remains the fourth tallest church in the world (after Ulm, Yamoussoukro and Cologne).

Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg)

The Strasbourg Cathedral dominates the city centre with a spire that reaches 142 metres, making it one of the tallest churches in Europe. Built between 1015 and 1439, the building is considered a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, distinguished by intricate sculptures, a striking rose window, and elaborately carved façades. The cathedral offers panoramic city views from its viewing platform and is famous for its interior stained glass and 19th-century astronomical clock, which animates with a procession of figures at midday. The western façade features three portals decorated with biblical scenes and apostle statues, whilst the south transept contains the famous Pillar of Angels, a 13th-century masterpiece depicting the Last Judgement. The cathedral's single tower construction makes it architecturally unique amongst major European cathedrals. Inside, visitors can admire the organ case designed by Silbermann and medieval tapestries that adorn the nave walls. The building serves as both an active place of worship and a symbol of Strasbourg's historical significance as a crossroads between French and German cultures.

La Petite France

Located at the western end of the Grand Île, La Petite France is a historic district characterised by half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and scenic canals. This area originally housed fishermen, millers, and tanners who utilised the river's resources. Its buildings date mainly from the 16th and 17th centuries, reflecting Alsatian architectural styles. La Petite France is ideal for strolls, with picturesque views at every turn and atmospheric cafés lining the river. The district's name derives from a hospital that once treated soldiers suffering from syphilis, then known as the "French disease." The area features several historic mills, including the Haderer Mill and the Zorn Mill, which demonstrate traditional Alsatian industrial heritage. Narrow alleyways connect timber-framed houses with steep roofs, flower boxes, and shuttered windows that create postcard-perfect scenes. The Rue du Bain-aux-Plantes remains one of the most photographed streets, whilst the various bridges offer different perspectives of the meandering waterways. During summer evenings, the area transforms into a romantic setting with soft lighting reflecting off the water and outdoor dining terraces bustling with activity.

Barrage Vauban

The Barrage Vauban is a 17th-century defensive structure functioning as both a dam and a bridge across the River Ill. Built under King Louis XIV, its purpose was to flood parts of the city during sieges. The dam features a panoramic rooftop terrace that provides excellent views over the city skyline, including La Petite France, Ponts Couverts, and the cathedral. The structure itself, with its 13 arches, remains a notable example of military engineering from the period. Designed by the famous military engineer Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, the structure demonstrates sophisticated hydraulic engineering that could raise water levels by up to three metres within hours. The building houses temporary art exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year. Visitors can explore the interior passages that once housed soldiers and examine the original mechanisms used to control water flow. The terrace restaurant offers traditional Alsatian cuisine with unparalleled views, making it particularly popular during sunset hours. The dam's strategic importance continued well into the 20th century, and its preservation reflects Strasbourg's commitment to maintaining its military heritage alongside its cultural landmarks.

Ponts Couverts

Ponts Couverts comprises three stone bridges and four imposing towers constructed in the 13th century as part of Strasbourg's medieval fortifications. Originally covered by wooden roofs—hence the name—the bridges provided vital defence for the Grand Île. Today they offer serene views over the river and are a favourite spot for early morning walks or sunset photographs, capturing the essence of Strasbourg's historic core. The towers, known as Tour du Bourreau, Tour des Français, Tour des Dentelles, and Tour de la Chaîne, each served specific defensive purposes and housed different military functions. Archaeological evidence suggests that earlier wooden bridges existed on this site as early as the 12th century. The current stone structures feature pointed arches that allow boat traffic to pass underneath whilst maintaining the defensive capabilities essential to medieval urban planning. During the 18th century, the wooden roofs were removed due to deterioration, but the bridges retained their historic name. The towers now serve as venues for cultural events and exhibitions, whilst the bridges themselves provide crucial pedestrian and cycling connections between different neighbourhoods. The area surrounding the bridges features walking paths and benches that allow visitors to appreciate both the architectural details and the peaceful water views.

Place Kléber

Strasbourg's central square, Place Kléber, is named after Jean-Baptiste Kléber, a prominent French general. The square is encircled by stately architecture, modern shops, and cafés and serves as a hub for both locals and visitors. At its centre is a statue and vault containing Kléber's remains. Place Kléber is particularly lively in December when it hosts Strasbourg's main Christmas market, complete with festive decorations and a grand Christmas tree. The square underwent significant renovation in the early 2000s, transforming it into a pedestrian-friendly space with underground parking facilities. The surrounding buildings represent various architectural periods, including the Aubette, an 18th-century military building that now houses cultural facilities and restaurants. Kléber's statue, erected in 1840, depicts the general in classical military dress and serves as a popular meeting point for both locals and tourists. The square frequently hosts outdoor events, including concerts, festivals, and seasonal markets throughout the year. During the Christmas season, the square accommodates over 300 market stalls selling traditional crafts, seasonal foods, and regional specialities. The famous Christmas tree, often exceeding 30 metres in height, is decorated with thousands of lights and serves as the centrepiece for Strasbourg's reputation as the "Capital of Christmas."

Parc de l'Orangerie

Parc de l'Orangerie is Strasbourg's oldest and largest park, located near the European institutions. Its grounds feature tree-lined pathways, colourful gardens, a peaceful lake with rowboats, and a variety of recreational facilities including a mini-zoo, playground, and bowling alley. Locals and visitors alike frequent the park for leisure walks, picnics, and birdwatching, especially around the Fontaine de l'Orangerie and the Temple de l'Amour. Created in 1804 during the Napoleonic era, the park was designed in the English garden style with winding paths, naturalistic landscaping, and romantic architectural elements. The park's name derives from an orangery that once housed exotic plants during winter months. The lake, fed by the River Ill, supports various waterfowl species including swans, ducks, and herons, making it a popular spot for nature photography. The bowling alley, dating from the early 20th century, maintains its original Art Nouveau architecture and continues to attract players of all ages. The park also contains a restaurant housed in a restored 19th-century building that serves traditional Alsatian cuisine. During spring and summer, the rose garden displays hundreds of varieties in full bloom, whilst autumn brings spectacular foliage colours. The park serves as a venue for various cultural events, including outdoor concerts and art installations, and provides a peaceful retreat from urban activity whilst remaining easily accessible from the city centre.

River Ill

The River Ill flows through the heart of Strasbourg, dividing the historic centre into picturesque segments. Walking along its banks, especially in the Krutenau neighbourhood or along the Quai des Bateliers, offers views of colourful houses, medieval bridges, and lively cafés. The river is popular for boat tours, which provide another perspective on the city's landmarks and atmospheric waterside scenes. The river system consists of multiple channels that create the island geography that defines Strasbourg's urban layout. The main waterway connects to the Rhine through a network of canals that historically made Strasbourg an important trading centre. Various species of fish inhabit the waters, and fishing is permitted in designated areas with proper licences. The riverbanks feature dedicated cycling paths that connect different districts and provide car-free transportation routes. During summer months, several companies operate glass-topped boats that offer multilingual commentary about the city's history and architecture. The Krutenau district, in particular, showcases student life with its proximity to the university and numerous bars and restaurants along the water's edge. Evening river walks are particularly enchanting when historic buildings are illuminated, creating mirror-like reflections on the water's surface. The river also serves practical purposes, including flood control and providing water for the city's fountains and parks.

Place Gutenberg

Place Gutenberg is dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press who lived in Strasbourg. The square is marked by his statue surrounded by various cafés and restaurants, and features notable 16th-century buildings. It is a pleasant area for people-watching and architectural appreciation. During the Christmas season, Place Gutenberg hosts a second market with chalets, festive lights, and a unique blue tree. The square's history dates back to medieval times when it served as a marketplace for various guilds and merchants. Gutenberg lived in Strasbourg from 1434 to 1444, during which time he developed crucial innovations that would later lead to his famous printing press invention in Mainz. The bronze statue, created by sculptor David d'Angers in 1840, depicts Gutenberg holding a printed page, symbolising his revolutionary contribution to human knowledge. The surrounding buildings include the Chamber of Commerce, housed in a Renaissance building with elaborate stonework and decorative elements. The square serves as a terminus for several tram lines, making it an important transportation hub for both residents and visitors. Local cafés offer outdoor seating that provides excellent vantage points for observing daily life in central Strasbourg. The Christmas market held here specialises in local crafts and food products, creating a more intimate atmosphere compared to the larger market at Place Kléber. Throughout the year, the square hosts various cultural events and serves as a starting point for guided walking tours of the historic city centre.

European Parliament

The European Parliament in Strasbourg is the official seat of the European Union's legislative body. Although much of the day-to-day work takes place in Brussels, the Parliament is legally required to hold twelve four-day plenary sessions per year in Strasbourg. During these sessions, all Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) convene to debate and cast final votes on EU legislation. The Parliament represents approximately 450 million citizens of the EU, with its 705 members elected every five years. Its location in Strasbourg, a city historically at the crossroads of French and German influence, was chosen after the Second World War as a symbol of reconciliation.

The main structure is the Louise Weiss building, inaugurated in 1999 and named after a French politician and women's rights advocate. Designed by Architecture-Studio, the building is noted for its contemporary design, particularly its large glass façade which symbolises democratic transparency, and a 60-metre tower that is intentionally designed to look unfinished, representing the ongoing nature of the European project. The complex also includes the older Winston Churchill and Salvador de Madariaga buildings. The interior of the Louise Weiss building is structured around a vast, central hemicycle, or debating chamber, which is the largest in Europe with more than 750 seats for MEPs and additional space for visitors. The entire complex covers 220,000 square metres and contains 1,133 offices and 18 committee rooms. Visitors can take free guided or self-guided tours of the building, including the Hemicycle and the Parlamentarium Simone Veil, an interactive exhibition that explains the function of the Parliament. It is also possible for the public to watch the plenary sessions from the visitors' gallery.

Palais Rohan

The Palais Rohan is a magnificent 18th-century palace considered a masterpiece of French Baroque architecture. Built between 1732 and 1742 for Cardinal Armand de Rohan-Soubise (1717-1756), Prince-Bishop of Strasbourg and illegitimate child of Louis XIV. It was designed by the king's first architect, Robert de Cotte. This former episcopal residence is a major historical and cultural landmark in Strasbourg and has hosted French monarchs such as Louis XV and Napoleon. Since the late 19th century, the palace has been home to three major museums: the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Decorative Arts, and the Archaeological Museum.

Other attractions

The most famous traditional house is the Maison Kammerzell, built by a rich cheese merchant in 1427. It now houses a hotel and a restaurant. Other notable buildings in town include the Palais du Rhin (former Kaiserpalast), the Opera House, the Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie (former town hall), the Théâtre national de Strasbourg (former regional parliament or Landtag), the Hôtel de Ville (city hall), the Hôtel du Préfet, the Hôtel des Deux-Ponts, the Temple Saint-Paul (former Garnisonskirche), as well as the Art Nouveau Palais des Fêtes.

Top Museums

History Museums

Musée Alsacien

The Musée Alsacien stands as a testament to regional identity and tradition. Housed within a series of charming 16th and 17th-century half-timbered houses, this museum was created to preserve Alsatian traditions during periods when the region's cultural identity faced challenges. The collection provides an in-depth look at what life was like in historical Alsace, featuring traditional costumes, furniture, pottery, and religious items. Some rooms present replicas of typical Alsatian interiors, offering visitors an immersive experience of domestic life through the centuries.

Musée Historique de la Ville de Strasbourg

Located in the symbolic Grandes Boucheries de Strasbourg, which operated from 1587 to 1899, this five-storey museum is entirely devoted to the history of the city from the Middle Ages to the present day. The museum traces the political, economic, and social evolution of Strasbourg through paintings, engravings, models, and other artifacts. A particular highlight is the relief map from 1727, which reproduces the city on a 1:600 scale, allowing visitors to see how Strasbourg appeared nearly three centuries ago. The exhibition is structured around three major periods: Strasbourg as a Free City of the Holy Roman Empire (1262-1681), as a Royal City (1681-1789), and from 1800 to 1949.

Musée Archéologique

Housed in the basement of the Palais Rohan, the Archaeological Museum is one of the most important in France due to the scope of its collections. It covers thousands of years of history, from 600,000 BCE onwards, offering visitors an extraordinary journey through prehistoric and ancient civilisations.

Contemporary Art and Modern Collections

Musée d'Art Moderne et Contemporain (MAMCS)

Established in 1998, the Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art houses one of France's largest collections of contemporary and modern art with more than 18,000 works from the late 19th century to the present day. The museum, designed by architect Adrien Fainsilber, features a spectacular glazed nave of 25 metres in height. The collection presents works by renowned artists such as Monet, Picasso, Kandinsky, and Kupka, as well as Alsatian artists including Gustave Doré and Jean Hans Arp. Many artistic movements are represented, including new realism, new figuration, conceptual art, Fluxus, and Jugendstil.

Tomi Ungerer Museum

Inaugurated in 2007, this unique institution was the first French museum to be devoted to an artist during his lifetime. The museum features a collection donated by Tomi Ungerer himself to his hometown, boasting 11,000 drawings and posters, advertisements, sculptures, games, toys, family archives, and photographs. The collection includes 300 artworks for children alongside others reserved for adults due to their satirical or erotic content.

Musée des Beaux-Arts

The Musée des Beaux-Arts occupies the first and second floors of the baroque Palais Rohan, which was built between 1732 and 1742. This art sanctuary houses an exquisite collection of paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages to 1871. The gallery walls showcase masterpieces by iconic artists including Botticelli, Rubens, Raphael, and Goya. The museum displays works by non-Upper Rhenish artists from between the 14th century and 1871, and by Upper Rhenish artists from between 1681 and 1871. Among its treasures is Nicolas de Largillière's famous "Belle Strasbourgeoise".

Musée des Arts Décoratifs

The Museum of Decorative Arts occupies the ground floor of the Palais Rohan, offering visitors two distinct experiences. One half consists of magnificent chambers decorated in late baroque, Rococo, and Empire styles with traditional furnishings including Gobelins tapestries, chinoiserie, wood carvings, murals, and stucco decorations. The other half provides a broad overview of Alsatian porcelain, gold- and silversmith masters between 1681 and 1870.

Religious Art and Medieval Treasures

Musée de l'Œuvre Notre-Dame

This exceptional museum houses the city's collection of Upper Rhenish fine and decorative arts from the early Middle Ages until 1681. The museum is particularly famous for its rich holdings of original sculptures, glass windows, architectural fragments, and building plans of Strasbourg Cathedral. The collection includes considerable works by renowned artists such as Peter Hemmel von Andlau, Niclas Gerhaert van Leyden, Ivo Strigel, Konrad Witz, Hans Baldung, and Sebastian Stoskopff. The museum offers a chronological tour through the ages, from Romanesque to Gothic, the late Middle Ages, the Renaissance to the 17th century. Wooden galleries and staircases create a tortuous but enchanting pathway through the interconnected buildings.

Specialised Collections

Musée Zoologique

The Zoological Museum displays the natural history collections of the city, with a particular focus on Alsatian fauna. The museum houses an impressive collection including 1,350,000 invertebrates, 18,000 birds, 1,000,000 insects, 10,000 mammals, 2,450 fishes, and 1,300 reptiles and amphibians. A notable feature is the reconstruction of Johann Hermann's cabinet of natural history with many documents and specimens from his era.

Voodoo Museum (Château Musée Vodou)

Housed in a historic water tower from 1878, the Voodoo Museum (Château Musée Vodou) is a unique private institution that holds the world's largest collection of West African Voodoo objects. The artifacts on display, originating from Ghana, Benin, Togo, and Nigeria, were all used in religious ceremonies, including ancestor worship, divination, and healing rituals. The collection invites visitors to explore the rich and often misunderstood Voodoo culture and philosophy, offering a glimpse into its spiritual practices and beliefs.

Le Vaisseau

Le Vaisseau is an interactive science and technology centre primarily aimed at children and young people from 3 to 15 years old. With the motto "science is fun," it encourages a hands-on approach to learning through more than 130 interactive exhibits. The centre explores various scientific themes, including the human body, water, construction, logic, and the animal world, and also features a 5,000-square-metre garden. Managed by the Collectivité européenne d'Alsace, its mission is to make scientific and technical culture accessible and engaging for a young audience in a playful environment.

Local Cuisine

Strasbourg's culinary heritage brilliantly showcases the harmonious fusion of French and German influences, creating a unique gastronomic identity. The city's signature dish is choucroute garnie, a hearty combination of fermented cabbage prepared with wine and aromatic spices, traditionally served with various sausages, including the local Knack d'Alsace, which is exclusively smoked over beechwood. Other must-try specialities include baeckeoffe, a rich wine-marinated meat casserole with vegetables, and tarte flambée, a thin-crusted Alsatian pizza topped with crème fraîche, onions and lardons. The local pasta variety, spätzle, offers a delightful complement to many dishes, whilst the coq au Riesling presents a regional twist on the classic French coq au vin, using local white wine for a lighter, tangier flavour. For a quick snack, the iconic bretzel (pretzel) can be found in bakeries throughout the city, offering a perfect taste of Alsatian street food.

Shopping

Strasbourg offers a delightful shopping experience with its charming pedestrianised city centre, particularly in the Grande Ile district. The main shopping arteries include Grand'Rue, Rue des Grandes Arcades and Rue de la Haute-Montée, whilst luxury brands can be found along Rue des Hallebardes and Rue du Dôme. The historic Galeries Lafayette department store, established in 1912, stands as an architectural landmark offering fashion, beauty and luxury goods. For a comprehensive shopping experience, visitors can explore Place des Halles, the city's main commercial centre housing over 120 shops and restaurants. Traditional markets add local flavour to the shopping scene, with the most notable ones held at Place Broglie on Wednesdays and Fridays, where shoppers can find everything from local produce to flowers and collectibles. Those seeking souvenirs should head to the shops around the cathedral, which offer local pottery, traditional Alsatian decorations and the city's emblematic stork-themed merchandise.

Nature in and around Strasbourg

Strasbourg offers a remarkable array of natural attractions both within and around the city. The city's commitment to preserving these natural spaces dates back to 1972, when Strasbourg initiated a comprehensive policy to protect and re-naturalise its surrounding environments.

Parks

Strasbourg features a number of prominent parks, of which several are of cultural and historical interest. The 26-hectare Parc de l'Orangerie, situated near the European institutions, was laid out as a French-style garden by André le Nôtre (1613-1700), who designed the gardens of the Palace of Versailles. It was later remodeled as an English garden on behalf of Joséphine de Beauharnais (Napoleon's first wife). The neo-classical Pavillon Joséphine is now surrounded by French gardens and a small zoo. The park also features boating lakes, playgrounds and a pesticide-free rose garden.

The impressive remains of the 17th-century fortress erected close to the Rhine by Marshal Vauban (Louis XIV's military architect) can be seen in the Parc de la Citadelle.

The English-style Parc de Pourtalès boasts a baroque castle (heavily restored in the 19th century), now housing the Schiller International University.

The University of Strasbourg's botanical garden, home to over 6,000 species of trees and flowers.

Forests & Nature Reserves

For those seeking larger green spaces, the Robertsau and Wantzenau forests, classified as a national nature reserve spanning 493 hectares, offer kilometres of marked trails, ponds and diverse wildlife. The Rohrschollen nature reserve, a 157-hectare island between the Canal d'Alsace and Old Rhine, provides an exceptional spot for birdwatching with 158 recorded species. Just beyond the city, the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, presents pristine forests, gentle hiking slopes and rich biodiversity.

Getting To & Around Strasbourg

Getting There

By train, Strasbourg is exceptionally well connected. You can reach the city directly from Paris, Lyon and other major French and European cities aboard high-speed TGV services, with Strasbourg Gare Centrale station welcoming several daily arrivals. Journey times from Paris are under two hours, and many international routes link through key hubs such as Paris and Frankfurt, making rail travel convenient and comfortable.

By coach or bus, numerous operators including FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus provide regular long-distance services to Strasbourg from cities throughout France and neighbouring countries. Coaches usually arrive at Place de l'Étoile, the city’s main stop, and modern vehicles offer amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi and power sockets. While travel times are generally longer than by train, the bus network can present an economical and straightforward option for many travellers.

By car, Strasbourg is easily accessible via the motorway network, with the A4 connecting from the north and the A35 from the south. If driving into Strasbourg, convenient parking is available at Relay-Tram (P+R) car parks situated near tram lines, offering hassle-free access to the city centre. Please note that traffic restrictions may apply during peak seasons or periods of high air pollution, requiring a Crit’Air emission certificate for your vehicle.

Getting Around

Strasbourg boasts one of France's most comprehensive public transport networks, featuring six tram lines and over 35 bus routes that connect the city centre with surrounding suburbs and even extend to Kehl, Germany. The tram system, operated by Compagnie des Transports Strasbourgeois (CTS), runs from 4:30 to 00:30 on weekdays and Saturdays, with a slightly later start at 5:30 on Sundays, offering frequent services every 5-15 minutes throughout the day. Visitors can purchase single-journey tickets starting from €1.90, daily passes for €4.60, or three-day passes for €10.40, with tickets being valid on both trams and buses. For those arriving by car, the city offers convenient Park & Ride facilities near tram stations, allowing travellers to avoid city centre traffic whilst enjoying special combined parking and transport rates for up to seven passengers.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Strasbourg is during late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October), when the weather is pleasantly mild and the city is less crowded than during the peak summer season. During these months, temperatures range from 17°C to 18°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities like strolling through La Petite France or taking river cruises on the Ill. Spring brings vibrant flowers and returning storks nesting on rooftops, whilst autumn offers golden hues and the opportunity to explore the Alsace Wine Route. Whilst summer (June to August) can be quite hot and crowded with temperatures reaching up to 25°C, and winter brings chilly temperatures, the latter is particularly magical during December when the city hosts its famous Christmas markets. However, do note that accommodation prices tend to be higher during the summer months and the Christmas season.