Is Strasbourg Safe? The Ultimate Safety Guide by a Local

I’ve been living in France for more than six years, and, in 2019, I moved to Strasbourg.

Over the years, I’ve come to know and appreciate this city’s charm, culture, and history. I’ve climbed to the top of the Strasbourg Cathedral, shopped at the local markets, and taken public transport during the day and at night.

And one question that I often get asked is, “Is Strasbourg safe?”

In short, yes, Strasbourg is a safe city, but there are some things to look out for.

In this post, I’ll share all the information you need to make your stay as safe and enjoyable as possible.

Is Strasbourg Safe?

To answer your question – Yes, Strasbourg is safe!

I’ve roamed the streets late at night, used public transportation at all hours, and toured crowded areas, and I never once felt threatened or unsafe.

Strasbourg maintains a small-town charm that makes you feel at home, secure, and welcome.

But like any other city, it is not devoid of crime.

According to Numbeo, Strasbourg’s crime index is low at only 41 out of 100, with 100 being the most dangerous.

Most crimes in Strasbourg are non-violent and consist mainly of petty theft, like pickpocketing and bike theft. So, it’s important to be vigilant of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas.

In general, the chances of experiencing a violent crime are very low.

Public transportation in Strasbourg is also very safe.

Since moving here, I’ve used the tram and bus system almost every day and I’ve never encountered any issues. But I don’t listen to music or use my phone, and I always have my backpack tucked under my arm or in front of me.

I learned those tactics when I was living in Paris and they’ve proved to be useful in Strasbourg too, even if Strasbourg is much safer than Paris.

Safety Tips for Strasbourg

Here are some tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable stay in Strasbourg:

1. Getting Around Strasbourg Safely

Whether you’re walking, riding a bike, or using public transportation, getting around Strasbourg is safe.

I’ve used all three of these methods and I’ve never felt unsafe. The city’s layout is pedestrian-friendly so you can explore the picturesque alleys without having to worry.

I often go walking around Neustadt on Sunday evenings.

It’s one of my favorite times to snap photos of the area. I usually stay past sunset, and, even when it’s dark, I still feel safe walking around.

When it comes to public transport, Strasbourg has a comprehensive and reliable network of trams and buses that service the whole city.

But it’s important to always be aware of your surroundings, especially during peak tourist season.

While I love exploring the Alsace Wine Route by bike, it’s my least favorite way to get around Strasbourg.

Yes, there are tons of cycling paths, but there’s also a lot of bike theft. And to make matters worse, most cyclists don’t respect traffic laws. I personally prefer walking or using the tram.

2. Avoid Bike Theft

One of the most popular things to do in Strasbourg is rent a bike and cycle to Colmar on the Alsace Wine Route. It’s also one of the best ways to get around Strasbourg.

Unfortunately, bike theft is as common as pickpockets, so be extra careful if you decide to rent one.

Make sure your bike has a good-quality lock and that your hotel has a garage where you can keep it.

3. Watch out for Cyclists

If you’re walking around Strasbourg, it’s important to watch out for cyclists. They have their own lanes, but they often ride wherever they want. They also cross streets when the lights are red and don’t follow the direction of traffic.

Always listen for bike bells or warning calls from fellow pedestrians to avoid collisions. And don’t forget to look both ways before crossing the bike lanes.

I was hit by a cyclist who was on his phone and swerved into the pedestrian lane, so be extra cautious. Luckily, I was paying attention, and my injuries were minor, but it could have been much worse.

4. Steer Clear of Pickpockets

As I mentioned above, petty theft is the main form of crime in Strasbourg.

Here are some simple tips to follow:

✓ Make sure you have copies of your essential documents. That includes your passport, visa, travel itinerary, and credit/debit card numbers. I always keep a copy in the cloud and hidden in my suitcase.

✓ Keep receipts and take pictures of your most valuable items, like your phone or computer in case you need to make an insurance claim.

✓ Don’t keep all your cash in one place. I only travel with the cash I need for the day. The rest I keep in my suitcase.

✓ Be vigilant of crowded places and popular sites. I always wear my backpack in front of me or put it under my arm. I also keep my wallet at the very bottom of my bag, so if someone opens the zipper, they can’t get to it without me noticing.

✓ Bring the minimum. If you don’t need your computer don’t bring it. The less you have the less likely you’ll catch the eye of a pickpocket.

✓ Invest in a money belt. I have one but I’ve never needed it in Strasbourg.

5. Avoid Certain Areas at Night

As with any city, certain areas in Strasbourg are more dangerous than others at night. It’s best to avoid the following areas after dark:

✓ Esplanade – This area is known for student parties, which can get out of control.

✓ Gare Centrale – While it’s generally safe during the day, Strasbourg’s main train station can be sketchy at night with large crowds of people and panhandlers.

✓ Cronenbourg – This is a low-income neighborhood that has a higher crime rate, especially at night.

If you do need to travel at night to any of these neighborhoods, take a taxi or use public transport. And try to stay in well-lit and busy areas as much as possible.

Helpful Tip: I see other articles that include Neudorf in this category, but I disagree. I lived in Neudorf, went out all the time at night, and never had any problems.

Safest Areas to Stay in Strasbourg

If you’re planning a trip to Strasbourg, here are some of the safest areas to stay:

✓ La Petite France – This is the historic area of Strasbourg and is known for its picturesque canals and half-timbered houses. It’s a popular tourist destination and generally safe day and night.

✓ Krutenau – This is a trendy neighborhood with a mix of students and young professionals. It’s popular for its restaurants and bars but also known for being safe.

✓ Historic Center (Grande Île) – If you want to be near all the main sites, this is the place to stay. This area is well-lit and there are always people around. Then, during Strasbourg’s annual Christmas market, the area is patrolled by police.

✓ Orangerie – This residential area is known for its safety and peaceful atmosphere. It’s a great place to stay for families or couples.

Emergency Information

It’s always good to know how to contact emergency services. In Strasbourg, you should always keep the following numbers with you:

✓ European emergency number: 112

✓ Ambulance service: 15

✓ Fire service: 18

✓ Police: 17

✓ Central police station: +33 (0)3 90 23 17 17

✓ Gendarme station: +33 (0)3 88 37 52 99

✓ US Consulate General Strasbourg: +33 (0)1 43 124 880

You can also check the US Government Travel Advisory for more information about traveling in France.

FAQs about Safety in Strasbourg

Conclusion: Is Strasbourg Safe?

While no city can be completely free of crime, Strasbourg is a generally safe city to live in or visit. As always, it’s important to remain vigilant, be aware of your surroundings, and take basic precautions.

Nothing is more important than your personal safety.

So, now that you know Strasbourg is safe, it’s time to start planning your trip. Why not check out my guide on how to spend a weekend in Strasbourg?

---

Read More Articles About France

I hope you enjoyed my post and found it helpful. Here are some other articles that I think you might find interesting.

• Colmar or Strasbourg: Which One is Better? (from a Local)
• 7 Best Strasbourg Walking Tours (Local’s Guide)

---