Finding where to stay in Strasbourg as a first-timer can be a headache. That’s why, in today’s article, I will help you to find safe places to stay in Strasbourg for first-time visitors.
I will share with you what I believe are the best and safe areas to stay in Strasbourg for first-timers and tourists, along with a helpful map and areas to avoid. I’ll also share where I stayed in Strasbourg and recommend some of the best hotels for various budgets.
Strasbourg is a beautiful city in northeastern France, known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and being the formal seat of the European Parliament. Located near the German border, Strasbourg has a unique blend of French and German influences evident in its culture, cuisine, and language.
The city’s most famous landmark is the Cathedral of Notre Dame, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that dates back to the 12th century. The historic city center, Grande Île, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to picturesque half-timbered houses, charming cobblestone streets, and lively squares.
Strasbourg is also renowned for its institutions, including the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights, which reflect its importance as a center for European politics and diplomacy.
Additionally, the city is famous for its Christmas market, one of the oldest and largest in Europe, drawing visitors from around the world to experience its festive atmosphere and traditional Alsatian crafts and treats.
Is Strasbourg safe to visit?
Yes, Strasbourg is overall a safe place to visit. Like many cities in France, common safety problems in Strasbourg are pickpocketing, bike theft, so I advise you to always be aware of your surroundings, secure your belongings, and use a good lock if renting a bike.
Tourist central areas such as the Old Town (Grande Île), La Petite, Krutenau, and the European Quarter are generally safe to book your hotel. It is recommended to avoid Hautepierre, Neuhof, and Cronenbourg. Both are quite out of the city center, I don’t see you have a reason to go there as a tourist.
The Strasbourg Train station, like many train stations in Europe, is generally safe during the day, and can be sketchy at night. It is crowded and you can see panhandlers, so basic common sense applies. It is a practical base if you want easy access to the trains for day trips.
Where to stay in Strasbourg for the first time?
The best and safe areas to stay in Strasbourg for first-timers and tourists include the City Centre – Petite France, Neustadt, Quartier Européen – Orangerie, and Krutenau. But as always, regardless of which area you choose to stay, it’s essential to take standard precautions to ensure an enjoyable holiday.
The City Centre, particularly the Grande Île and Petite France, is the most popular area for first-time tourists due its proximity to charming shops, cafes, and major attractions like the Cathedral. The historic Petite France is known for its picturesque canals, half-timbered houses, and cobblestone streets.
Krutenau, right next to the old town, is a great location for a lively nightlife scene and student vibe. It is a trendy area known for its vibrant atmosphere, with plenty of cafes, bars, and boutiques and proximity to the University of Strasbourg.
The European Quarter is a convenient base if you’re in Strasbourg for business or to visit European institutions. It’s a quieter and more residential vibe, home to the Parc de l’Orangerie, European Parliament and other EU buildings.
During my trip to Strasbourg, I stayed in the old town at the HANNONG Hotel & Wine Bar. It was a pleasant stay in the heart of the city center, easy access to the famous cathedral, the Petite France, and the central station. My room was comfortable and clean, and breakfast was lovely too.
Below is a map of the popular areas in Strasbourg for first-time travelers. You can scroll down to view the live map.
Let’s get into the details of the recommended areas to stay in Strasbourg, especially for first-time visitors. I’ll provide you with some suggestions for the best places to stay in each area, catering to every budget.
All hotels in Strasbourg have been carefully selected by me from well-known and secure booking sites such as booking.com, with guest review scores of at least 8.0 or higher at the time I chose them.
If you don’t like my suggestions (perhaps they don’t suit your budget or preferences), you can click the “MORE HOTEL DEALS” button where you can choose your own hotel.
4 Best/ Safe areas to stay in Strasbourg for first-timers and tourists:
1. City Centre – Petite France
Staying in the City Centre, encompassing both the Grande Île and Petite France, is an excellent choice for first-timers and tourists in Strasbourg. Staying here puts you right in the heart of the action, with easy access to all the main attractions, including the Cathedral, Place Kléber, and Musée Alsacien.
The Grande Île is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its stunning architecture, medieval streets, and beautiful squares. Petite France, with its canals and half-timbered houses, adds to the area’s charm.
One of the best ways to experience Strasbourg is on foot, and staying in the City Centre allows you to explore the city’s beauty at your own pace. You can wander along the cobblestone streets, cross the picturesque bridges, and discover hidden gems around every corner.
The City Centre is filled with excellent restaurants, cafes, and shops, offering a wide range of traditional Alsatian cuisine or international fare.
In the evenings, the City Centre comes alive with vibrant nightlife. From cozy wine bars to lively pubs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy after dark.
While the City Centre is easily walkable, it also has excellent public transportation connections, making it convenient to explore other parts of the city and beyond. The city’s main train station, Gare de Strasbourg, nearby offers high-speed trains (TGV) from Paris, Frankfurt, Brussels, or other cities.
Best places to stay in Strasbourg City Centre for first-timers:
Luxury ($$$): Hotel & Spa REGENT PETITE FRANCE, 5-star hotel located in a converted 17th-century mill in the heart of the Petite France district of the city, 10 mins walk from the Cathedral and the Alsatian Museum. It features air-conditioned rooms with views of either the river Ill or the charming half-timbered houses. It also has excellent breakfast, a spa, and a fitness center.
Luxury ($$$): Maison Rouge Strasbourg Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection, great 5-star hotel centrally located in the pedestrian area in the heart of the historic center of Strasbourg, close to Place Kléber and rue de Mésange. It has 24-hour reception, very good breakfast, and a traditional elevator. Easy access to trams for further exploration.
Mid-range ($$): BOMA easy living hotel, 4-star hotel conveniently located in the city center of Strasbourg, close to The Petite France and the main train station. Good base to explore the city on foot and by tram. Short walk to restaurants and bars.
Mid-range ($$): Hôtel LÉONOR the place to live, great 4-star hotel in the center of Strasbourg, walking distance to main attractions like christmas markets and Strasbourg Cathedral. It has an onsite bar, wonderful breakfast, and private parking.
Mid-range ($$): Hôtel Gutenberg, 4-star hotel in central old town, right next to the cathedral and the historic district of La Petite France. It has soundproofed rooms, buffet breakfast, and 24-hour reception.
Budget ($): Hotel Suisse, popular 3-star family-run hotel on Rue De La Rape, close to everything, including the famous Strasbourg Cathedral, Petite France, the River Ill, and Palais des Rohan Museum. You can find Parcus Parking Bateliers nearby for 20€/day.
Budget ($): Citadines Kléber Strasbourg, 3-star apartment-style hotel on Rue Du Jeu Des Enfants, right next to Place Kléber. 10 mins walk from Strasbourg SNCF Train Station. Each fully-furnished apartment comes with a kitchenette with a fridge and dishwasher. Great base for couples, families of 4 to 6.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN CITY CENTRE2. Neustadt
Neustadt, conveniently located between the old town and the European Quarter, is a great location to stay in Strasbourg. The area has some accommodations, and is home to several local attractions like the Palais du Rhin, Tomi Ungerer Museum-International Illustration Center, and Parc du Contades.
Best places to stay in Strasbourg in Neustadt:
Mid-range ($$): Hotel D – Strasbourg, popular hotel located in central location, within walking distance to the cathedral, the Christmas Market, and Place de la République. It has luggage storage, laundry facilities, and a fitness center. Rooms are clean and have everything you need for a pleasant stay.
Mid-range ($$): Régent Contades, BW Premier Collection, 4-star accommodation conveniently located in Neustadt next to the River Ill and a 10 mins walk from the Cathedral. It features soundproofed rooms, 24-hour front desk, and very good breakfast.
Budget ($): Ciarus, great accommodation located on rue finkmatt, 10-15 mins walk from the Palace of the Rhine and Strasbourg Cathedral. It has family rooms and children’s facilities like a baby changing area, high chair, and kid’s meals.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN STRASBOURG3. Quartier Européen – Orangerie
Quartier Européen – Orangerie offers a tranquil retreat with easy access to European institutions, green spaces, and cultural attractions, making it a worthwhile option for tourists who appreciate a quieter atmosphere.
This area is home to many European institutions, including the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. If you’re interested in European politics or want to learn more about the EU, staying here provides easy access to these institutions and possibly even guided tours.
Orangerie Park is a highlight of this area, offering expansive green spaces, a beautiful lake, and even a small zoo. It’s a great place to unwind and enjoy nature, especially during the warmer months.
Best places to stay in Strasbourg in Orangerie for tourists:
Mid-range ($$): Boutique Hotel Des XV, 4-star boutique hotel located in the European Quarter of Strasbourg, within walking distance from l’Orangerie Park, The Council of Europe, and the European Parliament. It has a 24-hour front desk, wonderful breakfast, and family rooms. You can find a local bus nearby taking you to the old town in a 15 mins ride.
Mid-range ($$): Garrigae Villa La Florangerie – Hôtel – Piscine & SPA inclus, 4-star hotel located close to the St. Paul’s Church and the Botanical Gardens. It has an outdoor swimming pool, business facilities, and Free parking, which is a bonus for those who drive.
Mid-range ($$): Le Jean-Sébastien Bach, 4-star accommodation conveniently located near Parc de l’Orangerie and the Parliament. It features soundproofed apartments and studios with a fully equipped kitchenette. Quiet neighborhood but a slight long walk from the train station.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN ORANGERIE4. Krutenau
Krutenau and its nearby Bourse, is conveniently located close to the historic center, the Strasbourg University, and Strasbourg General hospital. This area is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, student atmosphere, and budget-friendly accommodations.
Best places to stay in Strasbourg in Krutenau:
Mid-range ($$): Hotel Cour du Corbeau Strasbourg – MGallery, 4-star beautiful hotel, located in the historic building near the old town, featuring spacious and comfortable rooms, and excellent breakfast with lots of options.
Mid-range ($$): Hotel Beaucour, 4-star accommodation centrally located on rue des Bouchers, within walking distance from The Ill River, the Petite France district and the historic Palais Rohan. You can find a tram stop nearby for services to the train station and European district.
Budget ($): Hôtel De L’Ill, 3-star accommodation in Krutenau, set in a one-way street, halfway between the cathedral and the university. Rooms are clean with modern bathrooms.
Hostel ($): The People – Strasbourg, popular backpacker hostel in Krutenau, featuring form rooms, a shared lounge, terrace, a nice restaurant and bar. Easy access to the old town, Jardin botanique de l’Université de Strasbourg, St. Paul’s Church, and Strasburg History Museum. There are trams nearby, and many restaurants and bars in the area.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN STRASBOURGIn conclusion, City-Centre – Petite France, Neustadt, Quartier Européen – Orangerie, and Krutenau are the best places to stay in Strasbourg for first-timers and tourists. These are generally safe areas, where you will have a variety of accommodations and easy access to major attractions.
You can continue reading about Strasbourg and other destinations in France in these articles:
- Best places to Stay in Strasbourg for Christmas Markets
- Best areas to stay in Paris first time
- Best areas to stay in Lyon first time
- Best areas to stay in Bordeaux first time
- Best areas to stay in Marseille first time
There you have it, my recommendations for the most popular and safest neighborhoods that you can stay during your first trip to Strasbourg. I hope you enjoyed my article and find it both informative and helpful.
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more quality content.