Is Strasbourg safe to visit? A comprehensive safety guide
Strasbourg, the capital of France's Alsace region and the ninth largest city in the county, is mainly known around the world because it is home to some important European institutions but also because of the beauty and personality of its historic district. The city is a good tourist destination with plenty of museums and landmarks to visit, and you can spend weeks discovering all of its hidden gems.
Strasbourg is a lovely place to visit at all times of the year, with every season bringing a fresh look and feel to its charming streets. In total, the city can see up to 4 million tourists every year. December is the busiest month since that is when the Christmas markets and festive celebrations are happening, although the city can get busy between the months of April and August as well. Strasbourg is also home to about 280,000 citizens.
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Is Strasbourg safe to visit right now?
France actually has a very good score on the 2021 Global Peace Index with a ranking of 55th place. Before you plan a trip to this country we recommend looking at the travel advisories of your own government as they might have different recommendations.
Strasbourg itself is a very safe city, and you will only have to be on the lookout for scams and pickpockets as it doesn't experience any natural disasters and serious crimes are very rare, especially for tourists. These are the most common petty crimes reported but are quite easy to avoid as long as you know about them. Keep reading if you want to learn more about how to protect yourself and your items, and we suggest reading some other safety guides before your trip as well, experienced traveler or not.
Top petty crimes and scams in Strasbourg affecting tourists
If you are aware of the crimes happening in Strasbourg then you are much less likely to fall victim to them. Here is what you should know.
Scams
Scammers are present in Strasbourg, which can be expected since it is one of France's top tourist areas. The thing about this kind of crime is that it can take on a lot of forms and the safest way to travel is to be wary of any strangers who approach you on the street, especially if they are trying to sell you something, give you advice, or offer help.
In some cities, street vendors can get very pushy when trying to sell you things and might also give you back the incorrect amount of money, which is why it is necessary to double check your change. You should also never accept help with your luggage from a stranger on the street.
Pickpocketing
Petty theft makes up a big part of the Strasbourg crime index and there are some basic precautions that you will need to take to protect your valuables from being stolen. Firstly, you should always be a bit more careful when you are in crowded tourist areas since pickpockets operate more easily in busy places. If you want to tour the city without worry, leave your belongings with Bounce.
Luckily there are a few things that you can do to make it harder for pickpockets. This includes buying a bag that goes across your body as opposed to over your shoulder and making sure that it has secure pockets. If you need easy access to your smartphone or wallet, consider buying a money belt or wearing pants with pockets that zip up.
Transport risks.
Some cities have a reputation for fake taxis but in Strasbourg, this is not often the case, so if you ever feel unsafe using public transportation we do suggest taking a taxi instead. Another option is to drive yourself around the city, but keep in mind that parking can be limited.
Is Strasbourg safe to travel alone
If you enjoy traveling by yourself don't rule out Strasbourg. It is a generally safe city to visit, even by yourself, but you should trust your gut if you are ever in a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable. It is always safer to travel in groups but a solo vacation here is still definitely doable as long as you are careful and research where you will be going.
Because France is ranked 14th on the Bounce Women Travel Safety Index, Strasbourg can be considered a relatively safe city for solo female vacationers as well. There are no particular things that make this city any more dangerous for women. We always recommend that you follow the usual precautions when by yourself just like you would in your home country. Stay away from the areas that have a higher crime rate and try to not walk around the streets alone at night, just to be safe.
Safest neighborhoods in Strasbourg
Here are a few of the top neighborhoods to visit in Strasbourg.
European Quarter
This part of this city is a popular destination for those who are visiting Strasbourg for business trips because it is the official seat of the European Parliament, the European Court of Human Rights as well as the Council of Europe. It is also home to the Palais de l'Europe.
Krutenau
As the Old Town of Strasbourg, you will definitely be spending a lot of time in this neighborhood. It is the student area and hub of local student life so expect to see a fairly young crowd around the streets. There is plenty for everyone to do here, like visiting the museums of the Palais Rohan. Nearby places like La Grande île are worth seeing as well.
La Petite France
La Petite France is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and with its charming half-timbered houses and old town feel it will definitely be a well loved destination for anyone visiting the city. Come check it out, you will feel just like you are walking through a fairy tale town in the middle ages.
Is Strasbourg public transportation safe?
This is the largest city in the Grand Est region of France and a well known tourist destination, so using the transit network will definitely come in handy. As you already know by now petty theft will be your main concern when using the public transport services in Strasbourg.
If you are ever uncomfortable you can sit next to the bus or tram driver. Overall the public transit network has a positive reputation and is safe to use.
Important emergency numbers in Strasbourg
Anytime that you are in Northeastern France you will have access to these emergency phone numbers which may come in handy. Even though this is one of the safest cities in the country, it doesn't hurt to write them down just in case. You will also have to know your embassy number.
- European Emergency Number: 112
- Ambulance: 15
- Police: 17
- Fire Department: 18
- ASUM Medical Emergencies: +33 (0)8 00 71 36 36
Safe travels in Strasbourg, France
Now that you have Strasbourg safety tips in hand, you are ready to tour. With amazing landmarks like the Strasbourg Cathedral and incredibly peaceful scenery on the bank of the Ill River, there is little reason to wonder why Strasbourg is such a popular tourist destination.
As one of the safest large cities in France the Alsatian capital sure has lots to offer, and the Strasbourg airport is just waiting to welcome you. Before you head out on your next exciting vacation, read up on How to Get Around Strasbourg. You can also get a glimpse into some of the many areas and hotels by reading Where to Stay in Strasbourg: The Ultimate Guide.