Where to stay in Strasbourg: best areas and neighborhoods
Open IndexStrasbourg is a wonderful destination in Alsace, perfect for spending a few days not too far from Italy. The city is divided into 6 cantons and 15 districts. The cantons are numbered from 1 to 6, while the districts have their own names. The central district is Centre-ville, definitely the best area to stay in. From a tourist perspective, other important districts include Gare-Tribunal, Orangerie-Conseil des XV, and Bourse-Esplanade-Krutenau.
Here’s everything you need to know about where to stay in Strasbourg.
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In a hurry? Here are our recommended places to stay
| Category | Recommended Accommodation |
|---|---|
| 👑 5-star hotels and luxury stays | Hôtel Régent Petite France & Spa |
| 🛎️ Quality B&Bs and hotels | AC Hotel by Marriott Strasbourg |
| 🎒 Hostels and budget options | Appart'City Confort Strasbourg Centre |
| 🏡 Homes and apartments | City Résidence Strasbourg Centre |
Useful tips: the best areas to stay
| target | Area | rates from |
|---|---|---|
| Shoestring budget | Quartier de la Gare | €75.00 |
| Families with children | Grande Île (Petit France) | €100.00 |
| Orangerie | €95.00 | |
| Young travelers | Grande Île (Place Kléber and Cathedral area) | €100.00 |
| Krutenau | €85.00 | |
| Quartier de la Gare | €75.00 |
Areas to avoid: Strasbourg is not a dangerous city, but there are some suburban districts that are not recommended to explore, and they have little tourist interest. These include Hautepierre, Elsau, Neuhof, Cronenbourg, Meinau, Koenigshoffen, and Poteries.
If you’re visiting Strasbourg for the first time, the best place to stay is Grande Île, the city’s historic center and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a neighborhood suitable for any type of trip: if you want a quiet and romantic atmosphere, choose the beautiful Petit France area; if you’re looking for some nightlife, opt for Place Kléber and the Cathedral area.
Outside Grande Île, there are other interesting neighborhoods. For nightlife, Krutenau and Quartier de la Gare are excellent options: the first is the university district, lively and full of bars; the second is the multicultural district around the station, with ethnic restaurants, an artistic spirit, and many nightlife spots. Quartier de la Gare also offers cheaper accommodation options.
Finally, if you’re seeking peace and quiet, choose Orangerie: it’s an elegant residential neighborhood that hosts Parc de l'Orangerie and several European institutions.
Best accommodations: we’ve selected the best hotels, B&Bs, and hostels in Strasbourg. Check out our recommendations and book on Booking
Grande Île (Centre-Ville District): best for sightseeing and history
- Pros: Heart of the historic city, close to the Cathedral and museums, vibrant atmosphere, easy access to all main attractions.
- Cons: Can be crowded with tourists, often the most expensive area, limited car access.
- Main attractions: Strasbourg Cathedral, Petite France, Place Kléber, Rohan Palace.
- Average prices: from €100,00 per night - find top stays on Booking
Recommended accommodations
Grande Île is the historic center of Strasbourg and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Completely surrounded by the canals of the Ill River, it features traditional half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and countless little shops. Here you’ll find some of the city’s most famous attractions, such as the enchanting Petite France, Strasbourg Cathedral, and the Museums of the Rohan Palace.
Grande Île is the best area to stay in Strasbourg, especially if you’re visiting for the first time. It’s a district suitable for absolutely everyone: if you’re looking for a quieter atmosphere, choose the romantic Petite France; if you prefer nightlife and entertainment, the area stretching from Place Kléber to the Cathedral is perfect.
Staying here allows you to get around entirely on foot and easily reach all the main attractions. Strasbourg’s central train station is also within walking distance, while a tram will take you to the European Quarter in about 15 minutes.
Average prices in this area start at around €100.00 per night – compare the selection of the best accommodations on Booking
Krutenau: best for students, nightlife, and atmosphere
- Pros: Bohemian, youthful vibe, excellent bars and restaurants, close to the city center but slightly less touristy.
- Cons: Can be noisy at night, some distance from the train station.
- Main attractions: Beautiful canals, numerous independent boutiques, lively student quarter near the university campus, short walk to Petite France and Grande Île.
- Average prices: from €85,00 per night - find top stays on Booking
Recommended accommodations
Krutenau is one of Strasbourg’s liveliest districts, thanks especially to its location right next to the University of Strasbourg. With its youthful, student-friendly atmosphere, it’s an excellent option for your stay. Here you’ll also find several important attractions, such as the Alsatian Museum, and by simply crossing a bridge you can reach the Historical Museum and the Museums of the Rohan Palace.
Krutenau is an ideal neighborhood for young travelers and anyone looking for nightlife. Its small streets are filled with artisan shops, trendy bars, stylish bookstores, tattoo studios, and international restaurants, making it vibrant both day and night. Thanks to the presence of the university, it’s always lively with students from all over Europe.
Finally, staying here allows you to get around easily on foot: to reach Grande Île, all you need to do is cross one of the river bridges, while the central station is about a 20-minute walk away. The area is also well served by trams and buses.
Average prices in this area start at around €85.00 per night – compare the selection of the best accommodations on Booking
Orangerie (Orangerie–Conseil des XV District): best for peace, parks, and European institutions
- Pros: Quiet and upscale residential area, close to the beautiful Parc de l'Orangerie, near the European Parliament and Council of Europe.
- Cons: Further from the historic center (requires a tram or longer walk), fewer dining and nightlife options.
- Main attractions: Parc de l'Orangerie, European Parliament, Council of Europe, Palais de l'Europe.
- Average prices: from €95,00 per night - find top stays on Booking
Recommended accommodations
Orangerie is an elegant residential district located in the northern part of the city, close to the European Quarter. In fact, several European institutions are found here, such as the Council of Europe. It also hosts some must-see attractions during a visit to Strasbourg, including the Parc de l’Orangerie.
Thanks to its characteristics and wide green spaces, Orangerie is a highly recommended neighborhood for families or anyone simply looking for peace and quiet. You’ll also find plenty of services such as restaurants and cafés, as well as numerous events organized in the park throughout the year.
If you stay here, you’ll need to rely on public transportation. The European Quarter is reachable on foot, but to get to the historic center you’ll need to take bus line L6 (about 10 minutes).
Average prices in this area start at around €95.00 per night – compare the selection of the best accommodations on Booking
Quartier de la Gare (Gare–Tribunal District): best for transport links and short stays
- Pros: Unbeatable access to the train station (TGV and regional trains), good transport links via tram, proximity to the city center.
- Cons: Can feel less charming or vibrant than other areas, can be busier and less quiet due to transport hub.
- Main attractions: Strasbourg-Ville Train Station (Gare Centrale), the contemporary façade of the station, short walk to Grande Île and Petite France.
- Average prices: from €75,00 per night - find top stays on Booking
Recommended accommodations
Finally, we recommend the Quartier de la Gare which, as the name suggests, is home to Strasbourg’s central train station, known in French as Gare Centrale. It is a completely safe area offering plenty of accommodation options. It’s a multicultural neighborhood filled with international eateries, small galleries, and major museums such as the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and the Château Musée Vodou.
This is an ideal neighborhood for budget-conscious travelers, thanks to its competitive accommodation prices. It’s also the best area to stay if you’re planning multiple day trips by train. At the same time, it is a great choice for young travelers, offering lively nightlife and many bars and venues.
Finally, staying here allows you to get around easily on foot and by public transport: the historic center is just a 10-minute walk away, while bus line H takes you to the European Quarter in about 15 minutes.
Average prices in this area start at around €75.00 per night – compare the selection of accommodations on Booking
Towns near Strasbourg where you can stay
Staying in Strasbourg is the best option if you’re visiting the city for the first time or if you don’t have much time available. From here, you can easily get around on foot and fully enjoy the city.
But remember that Strasbourg lies in the wonderful region of Alsace, a land filled with villages and small towns that look like they came straight out of a fairytale, set among gentle hills. If you’re traveling by car and want to soak in its atmosphere, you might also consider staying in a farmhouse surrounded by nature or in one of the many nearby towns, such as the famous Colmar, connected to Strasbourg by train (30 min). Here are some good alternatives:
- Colmar (70 km / 55 min): a wonderful town that feels like it came from a storybook. Ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in the true essence of Alsace. Unmissable at Christmas, with one of the most beautiful markets in Europe. Connected to Strasbourg by a direct train (30 min) – compare accommodations on Booking;
- Obernai (30 km / 25 min): a small town at the foot of the Vosges Mountains, perfect for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. It’s also located along the Alsace Wine Route, ideal for anyone wanting to explore the region’s wines. Connected to Strasbourg by a direct train (25 min) – compare accommodations on Booking
- Baden-Baden (57 km / 50 min): a German town on the French border. It is a renowned spa destination, perfect for those who want to enjoy a few days of relaxation. Best suited if you have a car – compare accommodations on Booking
Strasbourg accommodation price map
Travel Tips
- Safety: It is generally safe to walk around Strasbourg at night, especially in the well-lit, central tourist areas, but common urban precautions should always be taken.
- Strasbourg vs. Colmar: Both are worth staying in. Strasbourg offers a larger city experience with grand architecture, major institutions (like the European Parliament), and vibrant nightlife. Colmar is smaller, quainter, and famous for its picturesque "Little Venice" area. Many tourists opt to stay in Strasbourg and take a day trip to Colmar, or vice-versa.
- Culture: Strasbourg is the historic capital of Alsace, a region that has frequently changed hands, giving it a blend of French and German influences in its architecture, cuisine (like choucroute and tarte flambée), and even language (Alsatian is a German dialect).
- Getting Around: Trams in Strasbourg are generally not free, but the city center is so compact you might not need them. To get from Strasbourg train station (Gare Centrale) to the city centre (Grande Île), it is a quick 10-15 minute walk or a short tram ride.
- Strasbourg Cathedral: It is free to enter Strasbourg Cathedral (Notre Dame de Strasbourg) to view the main interior, but there is a charge to climb the platform for the panoramic view. It is generally advised not to wear shorts in Strasbourg Cathedral out of respect for the religious site, though there is no strictly enforced dress code during public visits.
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