Strasbourg Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Strasbourg.
Healthcare System
Strasbourg benefits from France's excellent public healthcare system, considered one of the best in the world. The city has modern hospitals, numerous clinics, and pharmacies throughout the center. EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can access public healthcare at reduced costs, while non-EU visitors will need to pay upfront and claim reimbursement through travel insurance.
Hospitals
The main hospital is Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg (Nouvel Hôpital Civil) at 1 Place de l'Hôpital, offering 24/7 emergency services. The Clinique Sainte-Anne (182 Route de la Wantzenau) is a private hospital with emergency services. For minor issues, walk-in clinics (maisons médicales de garde) operate outside regular hours. The SOS Médecins service (+33 3 88 60 01 00) provides home visits for urgent but non-emergency medical issues.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (marked with a green cross) are abundant throughout Strasbourg and pharmacists can provide advice on minor ailments and over-the-counter medications. At least one pharmacy in each district operates on rotation for night and weekend service (pharmacie de garde). Many common medications available over-the-counter elsewhere require prescriptions in France. The Pharmacie du Centre at 10 Place Kléber is centrally located.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended for all visitors and mandatory for non-EU citizens, as medical costs can be expensive. EU citizens should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Always keep receipts and medical documents for insurance claims.
Healthcare Tips
- EU citizens should bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for reduced-cost healthcare access
- Non-EU visitors should arrange comprehensive travel health insurance before arrival
- Pharmacists in France can provide medical advice and recommend treatments for minor conditions
- Keep all medical receipts and documentation for insurance reimbursement claims
- Prescription medications should be brought in original packaging with a doctor's letter explaining their necessity
- The city has excellent dental services, but these can be expensive without insurance
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing is the most common crime affecting tourists in Strasbourg, particularly in crowded tourist areas, on trams, and during major events like the Christmas Market. Thieves often work in teams to distract victims while stealing wallets, phones, and bags.
Strasbourg is a major cycling city, but bicycle theft is common. Rental bikes and poorly secured bicycles are frequent targets, even in seemingly safe areas.
Cars, especially those with foreign plates or rental stickers, can be targeted for break-ins. Thieves look for luggage, GPS devices, and valuables visible inside vehicles.
France maintains a heightened security alert (plan Vigipirate) following past terrorist incidents. While the risk is low, Strasbourg's status as home to European institutions means increased security presence and occasional elevated alerts.
Strasbourg's extensive tram network and busy cycling culture can pose risks for unfamiliar pedestrians. Trams are quiet and move quickly, and cyclists may not always yield to pedestrians.
France has a strong protest culture, and Strasbourg occasionally experiences demonstrations, particularly related to EU politics or labor issues. While usually peaceful, some protests can disrupt transportation and occasionally turn confrontational.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals approach tourists asking them to sign a petition for a charity or cause. While the victim is distracted signing, accomplices pickpocket wallets or bags. Sometimes they ask for donations after signing.
Someone approaches and ties a bracelet around your wrist, then demands payment for it. They may become aggressive or claim you've damaged it if you try to remove it.
Some tourist-area restaurants may add unexpected charges (service charges beyond the standard service compris, cover charges, or inflated prices for items not clearly listed on the menu). Occasionally, incorrect bills are presented hoping tourists won't check carefully.
Individuals posing as police officers approach tourists claiming to need to check their wallets for counterfeit money or drugs. They may flash fake badges and request to see cash and credit cards, then steal money or card details.
Some taxi drivers may take longer routes, claim the meter is broken and quote inflated flat rates, or add bogus surcharges for luggage or night service beyond legal rates.
One person creates a distraction (spilling something on you, asking for directions with a map, dropping coins) while an accomplice steals your belongings. Common at ATMs where someone may distract you while another watches your PIN or takes your card.
During the famous Christkindelsmärik, some vendors may not clearly display prices or charge tourists more than locals, particularly for food and drinks. Quality can vary significantly from stall to stall.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Public Transportation Safety
- Validate your tram ticket before boarding to avoid fines; inspectors regularly check tickets and fines are €50+ on the spot
- Keep bags and valuables close on crowded trams, especially lines B and C which serve tourist areas
- Be aware of your stop and plan your route in advance; tram announcements are in French
- Avoid empty tram cars late at night; stay in cars with other passengers
- Purchase tickets from machines before boarding; drivers don't sell tickets
- Keep your validated ticket until you exit the system as proof of payment
Walking and Cycling Safety
- Stay in designated pedestrian areas and avoid walking in the red-marked bicycle lanes
- Look both ways before crossing tram tracks; trams have right of way and cannot stop quickly
- Use pedestrian crossings and obey traffic signals; jaywalking is less tolerated than in some countries
- Be extra cautious on cobblestones, especially when wet, in areas like La Petite France
- If renting a Vélhop bike, familiarize yourself with bike lane rules and always lock securely
- Wear visible clothing at night and use bike lights if cycling after dark (legally required)
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours when possible rather than street machines
- Notify your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks; most places accept credit cards
- Carry only what you need for the day; leave extra cash and cards in hotel safe
- Keep emergency cash and a backup card separate from your main wallet
- Be discreet when handling money; don't count large amounts in public
- Photocopies or photos of important documents (passport, cards) can help if originals are stolen
Accommodation Safety
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra money, and valuables you don't need daily
- Don't leave valuables visible in your room; housekeeping enters regularly
- Know your hotel's emergency exits and evacuation procedures
- Verify the identity of anyone claiming to be hotel staff before opening your door
- Keep your room key secure and don't leave it at reception in plain sight with your room number visible
- If staying in an Airbnb, verify the address and host identity before arrival
Food and Drink Safety
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout Strasbourg and restaurants will provide it free upon request ('une carafe d'eau')
- Be aware that restaurant service can be slow; this is normal and not poor service
- Check bills carefully as mistakes can happen, especially in tourist areas
- Food hygiene standards are high; most restaurants are safe, but check for posted hygiene ratings
- Be cautious of accepting drinks from strangers, particularly in nightlife areas
- Know that ice cubes are less common in France; request them if desired ('avec des glaçons')
Communication and Connectivity
- Download offline maps of Strasbourg before arrival in case of connectivity issues
- Learn basic French phrases; while many speak English, attempting French is appreciated and helpful
- Save emergency numbers in your phone before you need them
- EU visitors can use their mobile phones without roaming charges; others should check rates or buy local SIM cards
- Free WiFi is available in many cafés, hotels, and public spaces, but use VPN for sensitive transactions
- The tourist office at Place de la Cathédrale provides free maps and assistance in multiple languages
Christmas Market Safety
- Visit during daylight hours when possible; the market is less crowded and safer for valuables
- Be extra vigilant with belongings in the extremely crowded evening market periods
- Keep children close and consider using child locator devices or wristbands with contact information
- Be aware of security barriers and checkpoints; bag checks are standard
- Know that the market attracts pickpockets; use anti-theft bags and keep valuables secure
- Stay aware of your surroundings and report suspicious packages or behavior to security personnel
- Plan your route and meeting points in case your group gets separated in crowds
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Strasbourg is generally very safe for women travelers, including solo female visitors. France has strong gender equality laws and women traveling alone are common and unremarkable. Street harassment is less common than in many European cities, though it can occasionally occur, particularly in nightlife areas or around the train station late at night. The city's compact size, good lighting, and active nightlife mean streets are rarely deserted. French culture is generally respectful, though persistent flirting may occur in bars and clubs.
- Solo female travelers are common in Strasbourg and won't attract unusual attention
- Dress as you wish; Strasbourg is cosmopolitan and there are no restrictive dress expectations
- Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps late at night rather than walking alone through quiet areas
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, leave or seek help from nearby businesses
- Be firm and clear if declining unwanted attention; 'Non, merci' (no, thank you) or 'Laissez-moi tranquille' (leave me alone) are useful phrases
- Consider staying in well-reviewed hotels in the city center or near the European Quarter
- Bars and restaurants are generally safe; bartenders and staff will help if you feel uncomfortable
- The emergency number 112 works throughout France if you need immediate help
- Join group tours or activities to meet other travelers if you prefer company
- Avoid isolated areas of parks after dark and stick to well-lit, populated streets at night
- French women often carry themselves confidently; adopting a purposeful demeanor can help you blend in
- The tourist office can recommend women-friendly accommodations and activities
LGBTQ+ Travelers
France has comprehensive LGBTQ+ rights protections including same-sex marriage (since 2013), adoption rights, anti-discrimination laws, and hate crime legislation. Strasbourg, as a cosmopolitan European capital, fully recognizes and protects LGBTQ+ rights.
- Strasbourg is considered one of France's most LGBTQ+ friendly cities; same-sex couples can be openly affectionate in most areas
- The annual Strasbourg Pride (Marche des Fiertés) typically occurs in June with events throughout the city
- LGBTQ+ venues are primarily concentrated in the city center; ask locals or check online resources for current recommendations
- Major hotels and tourist services are LGBTQ+ friendly and welcoming
- French law provides strong anti-discrimination protections; report any harassment to police
- The Centre LGBT Alsace provides resources, support, and community information
- Use standard dating apps which are widely used and generally safe, but take normal precautions when meeting people
- Public facilities use binary gender designations; all-gender facilities are increasingly common in newer venues
- Same-sex couples can book double beds and rooms without issue at hotels
- While acceptance is high, avoid excessive displays of affection late at night in less populated areas as a general safety precaution
- Paris-based organizations like Le Centre LGBT Paris-ÎdF can provide additional resources for travelers in France
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for all visitors to Strasbourg and essential for non-EU citizens. While France has excellent healthcare, medical treatment can be expensive for those without EU health coverage. Insurance provides crucial protection against medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and theft. EU citizens should note that while the EHIC card provides basic coverage, it doesn't cover repatriation, some treatments, or trip cancellation, making supplementary insurance valuable. The potential costs of medical evacuation, trip interruption, or replacing stolen belongings far outweigh insurance premiums.
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