Visit Strasbourg in 2 days

Where to Stay in Strasbourg

Choosing the right base in Strasbourg matters because the city rewards walking and short tram hops: your neighbourhood will shape how much of the city you can soak in without wasting time. If you want to wake up and be moments from the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Statue of Gutenberg, staying on the island heart of the city makes it easy to slide into the UNESCO-listed atmosphere and to make the most of a two-day stay.

Strasbourg is compact and layered, with the medieval Grande Île at its core, lively student quarters to the north and east, and the gridded Neustadt and quieter residential streets beyond. The Seminary of St. Mary Major and Place Saint-Étienne sit close enough to each other and to the cathedral that a central location keeps your walking straightforward: mornings in the cathedral precinct, afternoons exploring nearby lanes and the riverside, evenings at a café without a long commute back to your room.

For practical neighbourhood choices, consider staying on the Grande Île if you want to be in the thick of things — the Cathedral and the Statue of Gutenberg will be part of your daily stroll. If you prefer a slightly calmer, local feel but still within easy reach of the Seminary of St. Mary Major and Place Saint-Étienne, the Krutenau area offers narrow streets, student energy and good dining options. Those who value tidy boulevards and a sense of 19th‑century architecture will find the Neustadt direction useful, especially if you want straightforward access to Rue de la Division Leclerc and tram links.

Getting around is simple: Strasbourg’s efficient tram network and compact centre mean most sights are 10–20 minutes apart. Pick accommodation with a nearby tram stop or within easy walking distance of the cathedral; arriving at Gare Centrale usually puts you a short tram ride from the heart. For an efficient two-day itinerary, base yourself where mornings can be spent at the cathedral and Seminary, afternoons around Place Saint-Étienne, and pockets of time left to wander by the Gutenberg statue and along the river.

Finally, don’t overthink it: whether you choose a central room on the Grande Île, a cosy flat in Krutenau, or a quiet street in Neustadt, prioritise proximity to transit and the cathedral area for peace of mind. With a good location you’ll waste less time in transit and more time enjoying Strasbourg’s layered streets, architecture and riverside charm. Safe travels — your short stay will feel perfectly manageable from the right base.

Getting Around Strasbourg

Strasbourg is delightfully easy to explore by public transport, and once you get comfortable with the rhythm of the city you’ll feel like a local in no time. The network run by CTS is centered on frequent tram lines (A–E) and a complementary bus system, so most sights are never far from a stop. Trams are punctual and the stops are well signed in both French and English, which makes hopping from the riverside to the Grande Île feel effortless 🚇. The city’s compact center also means many attractions are within a pleasant walk if you prefer to soak up the streetscape.

A practical tip about tickets: you can buy single tickets, multi-ride carnets, or a day pass depending on how much you plan to move around. Single fares are inexpensive (usually under a few euros) and a 24‑hour option often becomes the best value for a full day of sightseeing. Purchase at station machines, from kiosks, or via the official CTS app, and remember to validate your ticket on the validators when you board; inspectors do check. Most ticket machines accept cards and contactless payment, so you don’t need to carry lots of change 🎫.

Use Google Maps to plan routes in real time: it shows tram numbers, departure times, and walking segments clearly. Set your destination to the exact name (for example Cathedral of Our Lady or Place Saint-Étienne) and Google will give you door‑to‑door directions with platform info and estimated travel times. I rely on it constantly in Strasbourg because the app’s tram departure times are usually spot on, and it helps you decide whether to walk a scenic five minutes instead of waiting for the next tram.

Money-saving hints: if you love wandering, combine walking with trams—many central POIs are clustered so a mix of both saves fares. If you’re in town for a couple of days, a day pass or a small carnet of tickets often costs less per ride. Also look for reduced fares for youth and seniors on the CTS website before you travel.

From personal experience, when we wanted to go from the Seminary of St. Mary Major to the Cathedral of Our Lady we didn’t overthink it. We hopped on a tram toward the city center, got off at Homme de Fer, and walked along the lively streets to the Cathedral in under ten minutes. The tram dropped us close, we validated our tickets, and then enjoyed the short walk through historic lanes—simple, efficient, and joyful 🗺️. You’ll find Strasbourg’s transport welcoming and straightforward, perfect for first-time visitors.

What to Pack for Strasbourg

Two days in Strasbourg is mostly church spires, canals of La Petite France, and strolling between monuments — I learned that on my first trip when I ambitiously walked 15 miles over two days and still felt like I missed corners. Below are the essentials I pack every time, with short stories about why each item saved the day (or my feet).

1. Comfortable walking shoes (REQUIRED — e.g., Ecco Soft 7 or Merrell Moab): Strasbourg’s historic center is full of cobblestones and uneven pavements. The first time I wore flats I was miserable by hour three; with supportive shoes I easily did 10+ hours of wandering without foot pain. Choose shoes with good soles and ankle support so your knees don’t pay the price after climbing cathedral steps.

2. Cross-body bag with zippered compartments: Popular viewpoints and trams get crowded around cathedral hours. I had my phone jostled once on a packed bridge — a small, zippered cross-body stopped it sliding out. It keeps essentials handy (wallet, transit ticket, tiny guide) and deters opportunistic hands, especially in touristy areas like Place Gutenberg.

3. Weather-appropriate clothing (layered jacket, breathable layers): Strasbourg weather flips quickly — I’ve been out for 10+ hours where morning fog turned into a sunny afternoon. Layers let you visit riverside monuments comfortably and still look tidy for a cathedral interior or a café. In cooler months bring a warm mid-layer; in summer, a light sun/shower jacket is a lifesaver.

4. Power adapter (Type C/E for France, 230V): You’ll be taking lots of photos of sculptures, façades, and memorials. My camera and phone both ran low by late afternoon the last trip; having the proper European adapter meant I could charge at my hotel and not miss evening shots. Don’t assume your charger will fit French sockets.

5. Power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh): Between map navigation, photography, and checking opening times, your phone battery will drain fast. I relied on a 10,000 mAh power bank to push my phone back to 70% during a long day of exploring and festival lights — it kept me connected without hunting for cafés to plug in.

6. Optional — compact umbrella & lightweight scarf: Short showers are common; once I ducked under a café awning for 20 minutes during a sudden downpour. A small umbrella packs tiny but keeps you sightseeing without getting soaked. A scarf doubles as a layer for cool evenings and a respectful cover when visiting religious sites.