Strasbourg

Strasbourg is located in northeastern France, near the German border, in the Grand Est region. The city sits on the Ill River and is connected to the Rhine, with a network of canals running through its historic center.

The best time to visit Strasbourg is during spring (April to June) and early fall (September to October), when the weather is mild and ideal for walking along the city’s canals and exploring its historic quarters. These shoulder seasons offer a balance of comfortable temperatures, lighter tourist crowds, and better hotel rates compared to the busy summer months.

The best weather is a personal preference. We find the best weather for exploring a city is around 55°F and sunny. The weather in Strasbourg during the winter can be cold, so plan accordingly if you’re visiting for the Christmas Holiday.

Below is a chart showing the average high and low temperatures for each month, so you can decide what is best for you.

Strasbourg’s shoulder seasons—spring (April to June) and early fall (September to October)—offer mild weather, thinner crowds, and better prices, making them ideal for sightseeing and enjoying the city’s markets and riverside walks.

We spent the entire month of September in Strasbourg. The weather was cool in the morning but warmed up during the day.

For the best value, visit Strasbourg in April or October, when hotel rates are lower and the city is less crowded. These months still offer pleasant weather, making it easy to explore the Old Town and enjoy the local food scene without peak-season prices.

For travelers seeking atmosphere, walkability, and historic charm, the Petite France neighborhood is the best place to stay in Strasbourg. This central district, part of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, is known for its half-timbered houses, cobblestone lanes, and canal-side views. Many hotels here occupy restored historic buildings and offer direct access to top attractions like Strasbourg Cathedral and the Covered Bridges. Staying in Petite France means you’re within easy walking distance of restaurants, shops, and tram stops, making it ideal for first-time visitors and anyone interested in architecture, food, and riverside ambiance.

Use the interactive map below to explore accommodations by date, budget, and amenities. Book your stay now!

The principal airport serving Strasbourg is Strasbourg‑Entzheim Airport (IATA: SXB). Located in Entzheim about 10 km (6 mi) southwest of the city, it offers regional international connections and handles primarily European traffic.

Travelers can reach central Strasbourg by TER regional train—the journey takes around 9–12 minutes, or by car or taxi in approximately 12 to 20 minutes depending on traffic.

The main train station in Strasbourg is known as Gare de Strasbourg-Ville (often simply “Strasbourg” or “Strasbourg-Ville”). It occupies a historicist-style building, reconstructed in 1883 and enhanced in 2007 with an impressive glass canopy over its facade. In 2023, it handled nearly 24 million passengers, making it one of France’s busiest stations outside the Paris region.

Situated on the western edge of the Old Town, the station lies within walking distance of Strasbourg’s historic district. Visitors can reach La Petite France in around 10–15 minutes on foot. For faster travel, trams A and D run from the underground tram stop directly beneath the station to stops near the cathedral and central squares.

Strasbourg is in the Central European Time zone (CET = UTC +1). Daylight saving time applies from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October, during which the city observes Central European Summer Time (CEST = UTC +2).

Euro (€)

French is the official language in Strasbourg, though German is also commonly understood. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, restaurants, and hotels.

Citizens from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia don’t need a visa to visit France for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. France is part of the Schengen Area, so this rule applies to travel across most of continental Europe. For more information on visa-free travel in France, check out our article on traveling visa-free.

France uses electrical outlets of Type C and Type E. Type C has two round pins, while Type E includes two round pins and a hole for the socket’s male grounding pin. The standard voltage is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz.

Travelers from the United States and other countries using different plug types or voltages will need an adapter, and possibly a voltage converter. A travel power strip with USB ports can be useful, allowing multiple devices to charge from a single outlet using one adapter.

Travelers will want a SIM card for France. You can get either a local SIM card or an eSIM card.

To get a local SIM card, you must find a local cellular service provider, often stand in line for assistance, show your passport, and complete some paperwork. The SIM cards work great, but purchasing them is somewhat inconvenient. This option is best if you need more than 5GB of data.

We use eSIMs exclusively because they can be purchased before arrival in a new country and activated when you hit a cell tower in the country. We use Airalo eSIMs. They work great, and I recommend them if you plan to use less than 5 GB of data during your stay or if you need internet immediately on arrival.

The lack of a train system in France makes rental cars necessary for most destinations. In addition to the major car rental companies found in the United States, Sixt and Europcar are common throughout Europe.  For a comparison of rental car offers from large international brands and smaller regional brands, we recommend Discover Cars.