Is Strasbourg Worth It? A Local’s Guide to the Pros and Cons

15 Pros and Cons of Visiting Strasbourg

1. Pro: Easy to Visit in Two Days

One of the biggest perks of visiting Strasbourg is that it’s easy to cover on a weekend trip.

It’s relatively small and compact, which means you can see most of the top sights in just two days.

Some of my favorite activities that I think should be at the top of your list on a weekend trip include:

• Go on a Batorama Boat Tour
• Tour the Alsatian Museum
• Visit the Strasbourg Cathedral
• Enjoy tea time at Au Fond du Jardin
• Take in the views from the Vauban Dam
• Wander around La Petite France

2. Con: Crowds During Peak Season

While Strasbourg may be a great city to visit for a short trip, it does get crowded during peak season.

July and August are the busiest months for tourism in Strasbourg. Then, there’s the Christmas market, which attracts thousands from the end of November to the end of December.

If you visit during these times, be prepared for crowded streets and higher prices, especially for accommodation.

I recommend booking hotels, restaurants, and activities in advance.

3. Pro: Great Food

As a French-German border city, Strasbourg has a unique blend of both cuisines. This means there are lots of delicious foods to try while visiting.

At the top of the list is traditional Alsatian cuisine, like tarte flambée and choucroute garnie.

There are also modern takes on these traditional dishes and plenty of international restaurants around town.

Think of Strasbourg as the foodie city of Alsace. It’s the best place to indulge in some delicious food and wine. And my list of favorite places to eat grows every year.

4. Con: Limited Nightlife Options

While Strasbourg may be a charming city during the day, it has limited nightlife options compared to bigger cities like Paris.

Most bars and clubs close around midnight, so if you’re looking for a late night out, this may not be the place for you.

There are still a few bars and restaurants that stay open late. (They don’t have a big/wild party scene, but the atmosphere is still fun and lively.)

Some of my favorites are:

• Supertonic
• Les Berthom
• Aeden Speakeasy
• Le Garde Fou

And, as an added pro, if you decide to stay out late, you’ll be completely safe.

5. Pro: Lots of History and Culture

As the capital of Alsace, Strasbourg has a rich history and is filled with cultural landmarks.

The city’s historic center, known as “Grande Île,” is even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

And don’t forget Strasbourg is one of the four capitals of Europe and home to the European Parliament.

There are also tons of museums, where you can learn more about its history.

I, personally, love the Alsatian Museum.

It highlights Strasbourg and Alsace during the 19th and 20th centuries when the area was at risk of losing its identity.

It shows you what life was like and how people fought to preserve their culture.

6. Con: Can Be Expensive

A downside to Strasbourg is that it can be expensive, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Accommodation, especially in the city center, can be pricey, and dining out can add up quickly.

I always recommend booking ahead.

For example, if you’re visiting during the holiday season, you should book your hotel by September.

Any later and most of the affordable accommodations have already sold out.

Helpful Tip: There are lots of free activities that can help offset some of the costs.

7. Pro: Easy to Get Around

Strasbourg is very easy to navigate. It’s also relatively small, making it easy to explore on foot.

Most attractions are within a 10-minute walk of each other.

And, if you’re not feeling up to it or the weather is bad, there is an excellent tramway.

There are also tons of bike paths, 600 kilometers (372 miles) to be exact.

You can rent a bike and explore the city on two wheels, head out to the Alsace Wine Route, or even tackle one of the EuroVelo routes.

Helpful Tip: Cyclists in Strasbourg don’t follow the rules or stick to bike paths. They ride both ways on one-way streets, and you’ll see them taking shortcuts through pedestrian areas.

8. Con: Language Barrier

While many locals in Strasbourg speak English, French is still the main language. If you don’t speak any French, communication could be challenging.

It’s not as bad as some French destinations like Paris, but it’s still something to keep in mind.

I recommend learning some basic French phrases before your trip or having a translation app handy to help with any language barriers.

9. Pro: Christmas Markets

Every year at the end of November, Strasbourg hosts one of the most magical Christmas markets. It’s also the oldest one in Europe.

The city comes alive with decorations, mulled wine, wooden chalets, and roasting chestnuts.

It’s busy, yes, but the festive cheer is contagious.

And the giant Christmas tree in Place Kléber never disappoints.

I’ve lived in Strasbourg since 2019 and look forward to the Christmas market every year.

10. Con: Unpredictable Weather

While you might think Strasbourg’s weather is predictable, over the last few years it has been anything but.

The first summer I moved to Strasbourg temperatures soared to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). The following year it was rainy with only a few days of sunshine.

It’s not so unpredictable that you’d see snow in July, but you might not get the sunny vacation you were expecting.

My advice is to check the weather before your trip and pack accordingly.

11. Pro: Proximity to Other Destinations

One of the reasons I moved to Strasbourg was its location.

It’s in the heart of Europe with excellent train connections to nearby destinations.

Helpful Tip: Strasbourg does have an airport, but I prefer flying in and out of Basel, Paris, and Frankfurt.

Some of my favorite day trips from Strasbourg have been:

• Colmar, a colorful Alsatian town famous for its half-timbered houses and proximity to the wine route.
• Metz, a charming French city worth seeing for its stunning architecture and delicious food.
• Nancy, a city worth visiting for its rich history and beautiful gardens.
• Château du Haut-Barr, a medieval castle with breathtaking views.
• Grand Ballon, the highest peak in the Vosges mountains with stunning views.

12. Con: Limited Shopping Options

While Strasbourg has a charming city center and plenty of souvenir shops, it’s not known for its shopping options.

The main shopping area is located on Grand Rue and around Place Kléber. Here you’ll find typical stores like H&M, Zara, and Sephora.

But, if you’re looking for high-end designer brands or big outlet stores for Nike, you may be disappointed.

Helpful Tip: While there aren’t famous outlet stores, there are tons of local markets.

13. Pro: Picturesque Scenery

One of the best things about Strasbourg is its picturesque scenery.

The city is full of quaint cobblestone streets, colorful half-timbered houses, and charming canals.

In the summer, flowers line the streets, and, in the winter, Christmas decorations adorn the city center.

Some of the prettiest spots are:

• Rue Mercier
• Vauban Dam
• Ponts Couverts
• Place Benjamin Zix
• Pont Saint Martin
• Quai de la Petite France

14. Con: It’s a Small City

While Strasbourg has its charms, it’s also a relatively small city.

Compared to other major European cities like Paris or London, it doesn’t have as much to do.

Personally, I think this is more of a pro, especially if you prefer city vacations with a laid-back vibe.

You won’t feel rushed to fit everything into your itinerary and you’ll be able to slow down and appreciate Strasbourg’s beauty.

15. Pro: Tons of Festivals and Events

What surprised me the most about Strasbourg was the number of events and festivals throughout the year.

The most famous is the annual Christmas Market, but there are other events like:

• Strasbourg Mon Amour
• Jazzdor
• La Foire Européenne de Strasbourg
• Fête de la Musique
• Strasbourg Craft Beer Festival

During these events, the atmosphere is fun and lively. It adds a bit of flare to the region, making it an even more exciting place to visit.

Conclusion

Strasbourg may not be the first city that comes to mind when planning a trip to France.

But its unique blend of French and German culture, charming scenery, and exciting events make it worth exploring.

There are, of course, some drawbacks but, in my opinion, it’s still an unrecognized city in France.

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

• 13 Amazing Things to Do in Eguisheim, France
• 11 Best Things to Do in Kaysersberg, France
• 25 Amazing Things to Do in Alsace (Local’s Guide 2024)
• 23 Incredible Things to Do in Colmar, France (from a Local)

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