So you have decided to explore Northern France and are wondering: is Strasbourg worth visiting? The capital of the French Alsace region, Strasbourg is a beautiful town that offers a great wealth of interesting landmarks and sights.
I have been to Strasbourg a few times and enjoyed my stay on every trip. Even though it is a big city, Strasbourg conveys the feel of a small town and inspires you to enjoy a relaxing meal, take your time sipping on a cup of warm coffee, take a stroll in the park, and just wander to admire the German-influenced architecture.
If you are still deciding whether Strasbourg is a good choice for your next vacation, here are some pros and cons that will help you make up your mind.
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Pros of visiting Strasbourg
A long and stormy past
The timber-framed houses, cobblestone streets, and medieval architecture are more than a picturesque corner to snap your best photos. They offer a fantastic glimpse into centuries of history. Being on the border with Germany, this region of modern France has often been contended between the two countries. This reflects on a rich culture and historical events.
This part of France has been the theater of countless battles and the buildings, streets, palaces, and squares are revealing of such a stormy past.
Cultural fusion
In Strasbourg, more than most cities in France, you can experience the unique blend of French and German influences. The local culture, cuisine, and language perfectly reflect the city’s strategic position as a crossroads of Europe.
While the most spoken language is French, you can still hear German words here and there and see German dishes on the local menus.
Picturesque waterways
Strasbourg is also famous for its picturesque canals and the calm wind of the River Ill, which winds its way through the city. Enjoy a meal or a drink in one of the restaurants on the banks of the river and you will immerse in the local way of life.
Another great way to enjoy this side of Strasbourg and also admire the architecture from a different viewpoint is to take a boat tour.
Architecture
Admire iconic Strasbourg landmarks such as the Cathedral of Notre Dame, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and the stunning Palais Rohan, former residence of the city’s prince-bishops.
Wandering around town and historical neighborhoods like Petite France will also reveal another side of the local architecture that makes Strasbourg such a lovely travel destination. The houses are clearly built in a German style and walking along the river is a great way to admire the architecture and experience this fascinating city.
European institutions
Strasbourg is where the European Parliament and other EU institutions have their main seat and you can visit them. In fact, the European Parliament is open to visitors six days a week and visits are always free. Find the necessary information on the official website.
Great local food
Indulge in Alsatian cuisine, renowned for its hearty dishes like choucroute (fermented sauerkraut with sausages) and tarte flambée (thin-crust pizza with toppings). However, if these are some of the most famous local recipes, Strasbourg offers a diverse and vibrant culinary experience.
Apart from the typical French baguette, the fragrance of which you will smell everywhere from early morning, you can tuck into typical courses such as spätzle, a very Alsatian way to cook pasta, the traditional German bread known as bretzel, or pretzel, common also in the Italian South Tyrol city of Bolzano, and braised chicken known as “coq au riesling” in French.
You can take one of the many guided food tours of Strasbourg to get to know the local delicacies with the help of an expert such as this one and this one.
Strasbourg and the Alsatian region are also famous for their wines, just like the rest of France. If you are a fan, you can take a wine-tasting experience like this one to try the most famous reds and whites, or a great day trip like this one.
Christmas markets
One experience you cannot miss in Strasbourg if you are going in winter is a stroll around its renowned Christmas markets. Dating back to the 16th century, they perfectly convey the Yule vibe and festive atmosphere with traditional crafts and local mulled wine.
Public parks
Relax in the city’s numerous parks and gardens to take a break from the city’s hustle and bustle. Some of the most popular urban parks in Strasbourg are the famous Parc de l’Orangerie Park with a playground, a restaurant, and a relaxing lake view, the historic Parc de la Citadelle, and the scenic Jardin de la Place de la République.
If you are still wondering whether Strasbourg is worth visiting or not, the public parks are a great reason to book your ticket. Not only they are a fantastic place to relax and take a break from the traffic, but most of them are also historical attractions.
It’s bike-friendly
Are you a cycling enthusiast and wondering, “is Strasbourg worth visiting?” If you like to go sightseeing on two wheels, you will love Strasbourg. With its extensive cycling infrastructure, including dedicated bike lanes and rental services, the Alsatian capital is very bike-friendly.
You can also join one of the many bike tours like this one and ride through the historical districts of the city.
It’s the perfect gateway to Alsace
The French region of Alsace is beautiful and all to be explored. Use Strasbourg as a base to venture to the charming villages, vineyards, and scenic countryside, perfect for wine tasting and outdoor adventures.
Many towns are served by buses and trains, but if you don’t feel like using public transport or driving yourself, you can join one of the many tours and guided day trips available. Some of the most popular day tours to the other Alsatian towns are Best of Alsace historical day trip, Highlights of Alsace, and Medieval villages and wine tasting day trip.
Cons of visiting Strasbourg
Crowds
Let’s face it, nobody likes crowds. While Strasbourg is not as crowded as Rome or other major European cities, there are some periods when you will experience busier streets and landmarks. Some of the busiest times of the year when it comes to tourism are summer and Christmas thanks to its beautiful Christmas markets.
Language barrier
The official language in Strasbourg is French but, due to the location, many also speak German. English will be spoken in the most central areas and around the tourist landmarks, but when you move away from the city center and to the neighboring, smaller towns, you might experience some language barrier.
As always, I suggest learning at least the basics of the local language to give a positive impression to the residents.
Limited nightlife
Compared to other larger European cities such as Paris, London, and Berlin, in Strasbourg, you will find a more subdued nightlife with fewer options for late-night entertainment and dining.
I’m not much of a late-night clubbing person so this wasn’t a problem for me. But if this is your idea of a holiday, you might want to consider whether Strasbourg is worth visiting for you or not.
Weather variability
Prepare for unpredictable weather, as Strasbourg’s climate can be variable, with cold winters and hot summers, as well as frequent rainfall throughout the year. My mother’s family lives near Strasbourg and often talks about the frequent rain.
This certainly explains why the area is so green, but it might be offputting when it rains for days non-stop.
High prices
Strasbourg is a large city in a wealthy region of France, so prices are relatively higher than in other areas when it comes to accommodation and dining, especially in the city center and during peak tourist seasons.
Less expensive than Paris, Strasbourg also features fewer landmarks, even though a wonderful vibe and a fascinating culture.
Traffic
Like in most big cities, you will have to consider navigating through traffic congestion and limited parking options in the city center, making it challenging for travelers with rental cars.
If you are renting a car, I suggest booking a hotel out of the historic center and possibly one with private parking. You can take advantage of the well-organized public transportation system to move around.
Check out Discover Cars for car rental options in France.
Possible political protests
Since it’s the seat of the European Parliament and other European institutions, it’s possible to encounter political demonstrations. These, however, are properly organized, and the local police keep the order and the streets safe.
Is Strasbourg worth visiting? My honest opinion
Overall, what do I think? Is Strasbourg worth visiting or not? Even though, for fairness of reporting, I mentioned a few cons, I think Strasbourg is a fantastic addition to your French and European trip.
During Christmas time, it’s magical, but also throughout the year, the Alsatian capital is a charming destination interesting to explore and make it a base for venturing around the picturesque region.
If you do visit Strasbourg, let me know if you liked it and if you enjoyed your trip!
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