Where to Stay in Strasbourg (Best Places & Areas)

5 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Strasbourg

Officially, Strasbourg and its surroundings have ten different areas. However, visitors will want to focus on those closest to the center. The center itself includes the famous “Petite France” area. 

Clockwise from there, you’ll find the Orangerie-Conseil du XV. Then, you’ll find the Bourse-Esplanade and Gare-Tribunal neighborhoods. Neudorf is to the south of Bourse-Esplanade.

City Center – Petite France

👉 Best Area For First-Timers | ✨ Best City Center – Petite France Hotels: Hôtel Léonor •  Hotel Les Haras • Hotel Rohan

When you picture Strasbourg, you’re likely picturing its city center. This includes the small area of Petite-France. The streets here contain Strasbourg’s characteristic half-timbered houses. Meanwhile, you’ll find canals running through the cobblestone streets. 

The city center is the historic heart of Strasbourg. You can visit the 13th-century Gothic cathedral, which was once the tallest building in the world. The Rohan Palace lines the riverbank nearby. 

The area also boasts great hotels, including the Hôtel Léonor. Its central location, great decoration, and private terrace make it a good option as a peaceful haven in the crowded city center.

If you want to be at the center of everything, Hotel Le Rohan is a great choice. Its two private terraces offer some peace in the busy city center. Meanwhile, the individually decorated rooms and friendly staff get rave reviews from guests.

Pros of Staying in City Center – Petite France Neighborhood:

• Attractions surround you
• Beautiful local architecture
• Lots of restaurants and bars

Cons of Staying in City Center – Petite France Neighborhood:

• Can get crowded in high seasons
• Hotels can be pricey

Bourse-Esplanade

👉 Best Area For Lower Prices & Nightlife | ✨ Best Bourse-Esplanade Hotels: Hôtel De L’Ill • Hôtel Diana Dauphine • Hotel Cour du Corbeau Strasbourg – MGallery

You’ll find the Bourse-Esplanade area directly south of the city center, across the river. (The Krutenau neighborhood is also in this area.) 

Bourse-Esplanade is incredibly varied. It includes everything from charming narrow streets to more modern and industrial areas. The latter is particularly true near the Esplanade/university area.

You’ll generally find lower prices here than in the city center. Meanwhile, lots of areas are still close to the center, making walking to attractions easy. However, the area is bigger than it looks on a map. It’s a hike from the university to downtown!

I recommend a stay at Hôtel De L’Ill for its location. It’s between the cathedral and the university, providing you with tons of options for sightseeing and nightlife. The hotel is an example of charming local architecture. Meanwhile, its pricing is reasonable: Booking cites a price of $148 for a June weeknight stay.

For a hotel full of character, check out the Hotel Cour du Corbeau Strasbourg – MGallery. Its renovated 16th century building has gorgeous details. But the past doesn’t overtake the present here! The hotel also offers contemporary amenities like free WiFi and air conditioning.

Pros of Staying in Bourse-Esplanade Neighborhood:

• Close to the city center
• Lots of great restaurants and bars
• Easy to walk to many neighborhoods

Cons of Staying in Bourse-Esplanade Neighborhood:

• Modern (not historic) architecture in Esplanade 
• Areas near the university can get rowdy

Gare-Tribunal

👉 Best Area For Art & Culture | ✨ Best Gare-Tribunal Hotels: Hôtel Tandem • Hotel des Vosges BW Premier Collection • Best Western Plus Monopole Métropole

You might not think that the Gare-Tribunal area is a cultural hotspot when you step out of the train station. However, the neighborhood has a ton to offer. 

You’ll find the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art here. You’ll also find contemporary music venues, including the Laiterie and the Molodoï. The area is a quick walk to the city center, so it can be a good choice for bargain hunters and those who want to stay close to the train station for other trips. 

Although the area is full of chain hotels, the boutique Hôtel Tandem is my choice in this neighborhood. You’ll find colorful decor, a warm staff, and a convenient location just across from the train station.

If you’re going in and out of the city, the Best Western Plus Monopole Métropole makes a great homebase. It has an ideal location between the Petite France neighborhood and the train station. And, even though it’s part of the Best Western chain, it features art by local artists.

Pros of Staying in Gare-Tribunal Neighborhood:

• Easy access to transportation
• Great music venues
• Inexpensive hotels and restaurants

Cons of Staying in Gare-Tribunal Neighborhood:

• Not as charming as other neighborhoods
• Can be dangerous at night

Orangerie – Conseil des XV

👉 Best Area For Luxury | ✨ Best Orangerie Hotels: Boutique Hotel Des XV • Hôtel Garrigae Villa La Florangerie • AC Hotel by Marriott Strasbourg

If you’re coming to Strasbourg to relax or to visit the European Parliament, the Orangerie – Conseil des XV neighborhoods are your best bet. 

This quiet area is full of leafy, broad streets. I spotted beautiful 19th- and 20th-century architecture on my walk through the quarter. Meanwhile, the large Orangerie park at the center offers everything from boating to a lending library. 

Prices are slightly higher in this area, but the amenities are worth it. For example, the Hôtel Garrigae Villa La Florangerie is my favorite luxury hotel in the city. It has peaceful surroundings, an outdoor swimming pool, and a wellness center. These make this park-adjacent hotel a truly luxurious experience.

You can get great deals, too. The Boutique Hotel Des XV, for example, is a hidden gem. It’s only a few minutes walk from the park. Its gorgeous decor combines the classic and the contemporary. You’ll pay an incredibly reasonable price for this luxury: the Booking price for an overnight June mid-week stay is $185.

Pros of Staying in Orangerie Neighborhood:

• Great luxury hotels
• Lots of green space
• Close to the European Parliament

Cons of Staying in Orangerie Neighborhood:

• Almost no bars
• Far from the city center

Neudorf

👉 Best Area For Longer Stays | ✨ Best Neudorf Hotels: Okko Hotels Strasbourg Centre • ibis Styles Strasbourg Avenue du Rhin • Holiday Inn Express Strasbourg Centre

The large Neudorf area is far from Strasbourg’s city center, but its diverse neighborhoods offer a lot to long-term visitors. 

You’ll find everything here from cinema complexes to grocery stores. Architecture ranges from the traditional to the very contemporary. Public transport can get you to the city center fairly quickly. 

The hotels in this area have a ton to offer. For example, the Okko Hotels Strasbourg Centre has a bar, fitness center, and sauna. Rooms have air-conditioning, and you can bring animals with you. It’s hard to find this level of amenities at smaller city-center hotels!

Long-term guests will appreciate the good value at ibis Styles Strasbourg Avenue du Rhin. Prices here can drop to under 100 euros a night in the low season. Guests have remarked on its cleanliness, modern decor, and friendly staff.

Pros of Staying in Neudorf:

• Lots of inexpensive amenities
• Residential neighborhoods to explore
• Close to restaurants and bars

Cons of Staying in Neudorf:

• Far from the city center
• Amenities can be far apart

Tips for Staying in Strasbourg

The City is Bigger Than it Looks

I walked over 11 miles on my first day in Strasbourg just going between districts! Although Strasbourg looks small on a map, mastering its public transportation is key if you’re going far beyond the city center. 

Watch Out for Cyclists

Strasbourg is a biking city, which is wonderful! But look out for cyclists who don’t always stay in their designated paths. And be sure to look out for those paths on sidewalks and at intersections. 

Don’t Try to Drive in the Center

Renting a car to get to Strasbourg is a good idea, but driving in the city center isn’t. There are tons of pedestrian-only streets. There are also many streets that pedestrians think are pedestrian-only, even when they aren’t! The crowds here make driving a bad idea. 

Plan Meals if You’re Vegetarian or Vegan

The Alsatian food in Strasbourg is incredible. However, it involves a lot of meat and cheese. Pick restaurants in advance if you’re vegetarian or vegan, as places that serve only Alsatian cuisine may not have dishes you can eat.

Pack Layers

Strasbourg’s weather can change dramatically! On one May day during my visit, the temperature ranged from 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. I was wearing a spring jacket, cardigan, and tank top, and used all three at one point or another. Pack layers for your French trip to Strasbourg!

Come in December for the Markets

Strasbourg’s Christmas markets are one of my top things to do in France. Come to the city from early December onward to experience this special local tradition. 

FAQs

What are the best areas to stay in Strasbourg for first-timers?

The best areas to stay in Strasbourg for first-timers are the city center, including Petite France, and Bourse-Esplanade. Staying in the city center puts you at the crossroads of major attractions. Bourse-Esplanade keeps you close to those attractions at lower prices.

What are safe areas to stay in Strasbourg?

The central areas of Strasbourg, including Petite France and the city center, are safe. However, keep an eye out for pickpockets. Strasbourg as a whole is very safe, with the majority of crime being theft and burglaries. [Source] 

What are the best parts of Strasbourg to stay on a budget?

The best parts of Strasbourg to stay on a budget are Neudorf and Bourse-Esplanade. Neudorf is mainly residential, and you’ll find amenities like grocery stores that allow you to save money. Bourse-Esplanade is full of students near the university, with lower prices for their budgets. 

What are the best parts of Strasbourg to stay for a weekend?

The best parts of Strasbourg to stay for a weekend are the city center (Petite France) and Bourse-Esplanade. The city center puts you at the heart of Strasbourg’s attractions. Meanwhile, Bourse-Esplanade is great for nightlife.

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Now that you’ve found the best place to stay in Strasbourg, continue your French adventure with my guide to all the best parts of France to see.