Is Strasbourg safe? What you should know

Bonjour! Strasbourg is a charming city in northeastern France that loves to show off its dual personality - part French flair, part German coziness! Here you’ll find medieval half-timbered houses and the jaw-dropping Strasbourg Cathedral, whose spire once claimed the title of the world’s tallest! Strasbourg is also the seat of the European Parliament, which gives it a political punch to match its historical charm! And let's not forget, it's a foodie paradise with tarte flambée and rich Alsatian wines. Yum!

Now, let’s talk safety because enjoying all of this worry-free is the real goal. Strasbourg is generally very safe, but you’ll find out how to navigate its rich culture, bask in nature without mishaps, and stay healthy while you’re here. Whether you're strolling along the Petite France canals, sipping wine in a cozy tavern, or hiking in the nearby Vosges Mountains, just keep safety in mind while you have fun!

Fun fact: Strasbourg’s Christmas Market is one of Europe’s oldest! It's been drawing crowds since 1570. With twinkling lights and mulled wine, it’s very magical! But keep an eye on your belongings because even Santa's big day isn't free from pickpockets! Let’s dive into how to make your Strasbourg adventure safe and stress-free!

Safety tips to keep in mind during your time in Strasbourg

Don't get your knickers in a twist, Strasbourg is a very safe city! You can rest easy because apart from the (expected) petty theft cases in crowded tourist areas, you'll be safe pretty much wherever you go! Just follow some basic precautions that we'll lay out for you and you're good to go!

Getting from the airport to Strasbourg city center

So, you're going to Strasbourg? Great choice! If you're going by plane, all you have to do to get to the historic district is take the TER bus and you'll be there in just half an hour! Strasbourg is a very popular tourist destination and no wonder! It's got a lot of fun architecture and cool spots to check out (even a UNESCO World Heritage site or two)!

Tips to stay safe when you first arrive in Strasbourg

You might run into some people asking you to sign petitions. They often pull on heartstrings because the cause is helping deaf or blind people. When you hear the stranger out, you might think there's no harm in signing, but when you do, they'll start asking for a donation. They'll even use your signature as leverage, but you're not obligated to give anything. Just stay calm, and don’t feel pressured or just ignore the petitioners!

Is tap water in Strasbourg safe to drink?

Absolutely, no need to worry about the tap water. The EU has rigorous water quality tests so you'll be fine. It's really up to your taste if you'll like the water, but there are no safety concerns about drinking it! So go ahead and drink up!

Safe accommodation options in Strasbourg

Even though Strasbourg is a relatively safe city all around, some areas are safer than others. So if you're looking for where to stay in Strasbourg and stay as safe as possible, check out:

1. Orangerie is an upscale neighborhood that's home to the huge and equally beautiful Parc de l’Orangerie. It's great for a nice stroll and forgetting about the city bustle. Pavillon Régent Petite France Hotel is a great place to crash with incredible interiors and even better French food! It's luxurious, so expect to spend around €220 per night.
2. Neustadt is a historic district, home to the stunning University of Strasbourg and its incredible park and botanical garden. Even if you're not a student, it's worth checking out! You can stay at the Hôtel Les Haras which has a cozier and simpler design for around €180 per night.
3. Robertsau is on the outskirts of the city and has idyllic Shire vibes! Lots of green, paths, and exploration options! If you want to stay here, check out Château de Pourtalès for around €130 a night. The main attraction? It's a castle! What else is there to say?

Pro tip: If you've had a rough year staring at your computer screen, Strasbourg's nature will heal your soul (and eyes)! So forget about work, leave your laptops, Switches, and Steam decks with us so you can immerse yourself in Mother Nature's bosom! Get away from your screens with Bounce, where all your tech is safe with our $10,000 protection plan!

Cultural callouts & things to keep an eye out for

You might know that Strasbourg is a mix of French and German culture, so what should you expect? Here are the cultural callouts you need!

• If you know German, you can flaunt your knowledge here because most locals speak it. The primary language is French, so some useful phrases are: Bonjour (Hello); Merci (Thank you); Où est…? (Where is…?); L’addition, s’il vous plaît (The bill, please).
• The French love their local alcohol, and they have every right to! They have some of the best wines in the world. They also indulge in something called apéritif hour where they sit down and have a drink with small bites before dinner. So, join them!
• Also, when you're dining, you should almost always use utensils, even for pizza! Only use your hands with foods that have bread. Speaking of bread, it stays on the table and not on your plate between bites!

Keeping safe when navigating the city

Strasbourg is a generally safe city at night, but we're here to help you navigate it super smoothly!

• If you use public transportation like trams and buses, you can zip around town as much as you want! Trams are very efficient and clean, and you can use the CTS app to easily find and purchase tickets, though you should verify them to avoid fines.
• Be careful when you're driving, the historic center is mostly car-free. Some streets are also pretty narrow. So, if you're not experienced and don't want to risk scratching the rental, it's best to stick to walking and biking.
• The city is a perfect place for biking with so many streets that have a dedicated bike lane. You can rent them with services like Velhop. Walking is also great, but watch out for those pesky cobblestones that pop up in every historic city. They sure stood the test of time!

Nature and Strasbourg: Tips to keep in mind

You like visiting cities to see historic architecture and beautiful but important European institutions. But, you shouldn’t neglect nature in and around cities! Here are some spots to explore:

• You can swim at Lac de Baggersee, Gravière du Fort, and the beaches of the Rhinau and Gambsheim. They're not seaside beaches, but they are clean, surrounded by nature, and perfect for family outings!
• If you're looking for challenging hikes near Strasbourg, the Vosges Mountains, Mont Sainte-Odile, and Le Hohneck offer lots of trails and difficulty levels. Make sure to stop every once in a while to check out the stunning views!
• You don't have to worry about any extreme weather that causes natural disasters. France has all 4 seasons where winters are cold and snowy, while summers are hot and sunny!

Last tips in the case of an emergency

It's best to be prepared in case you need any emergency services. You might wish you'd done some research if you get caught in a tight spot. So we've got your back with some tips:

• Always grab travel insurance before you leave your country, it can save you from a seriously empty wallet! EU citizens are in luck with the EHIC card.
• Definitely check out Strasbourg's famous street food scene at markets. Many French dishes have allergens, so ask vendors if you're unfamiliar with the food!
• 112 is the European emergency number while 15 is straight to ambulances.

So, is Strasbourg safe?

Yep, Strasbourg is completely safe, even for solo female travelers. You can always check out the Women Travel Safety Index if you're unsure. Apart from some petty crimes in crowded areas that you can avoid by keeping your head, you're good to travel to Strasbourg. And while you're here, leave your tech behind with Bounce so you can enjoy nature to the fullest!