Book a cheap hotel in Strasbourg

Strasbourg is the capital and of the Alsace region region of France. Situated close to the border with Germany, the city and its region are historically German-speaking, which explains its name. Sitting on the banks of the river Rhine, the city is known for its historical and cultural sights, as well as its specific, picturesque ambiance and its cathedral, which is the highest medieval building in Europe.

The fact that through the centuries it has been under strong cultural influence from Germany means Strasbourg has a very distinctive appearance. This mixture of cultures has also created a distinctive cuisine which attracts visitors from all around. Strasbourg is a famous university city, housing one of the oldest in Europe, and known to many as the capital of Europe itself due to its being home to the European Parliament and the European Court of Human Rights.

A two-day break
Two days is enough time to get a good taste of what Strasbourg is all about. Its historic city centre, the Grande Île, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is the first ever entire city centre to receive the honour. Spend the first day exploring this and the famous cathedral. Visit Winstub Le Clou for a bustling dining experience, and spend the second day exploring some of the museums, which are uniquely divided by type, area and epoch.

A week-long stay
A week is the perfect amount of time to get to grips with the varied experiences Strasbourg and its region have to offer. As well as the architecture, visit some of the city’s beautiful gardens. Jardin des Deux Rives is an expression of flourishing Franco-German friendship. Former customs posts and military installations have been converted into this 60 hectare garden. It is the perfect location for a bicycle ride and a picnic.

A family holiday
Both the Premiere Classe Strasbourg Ouest hotel and the Premiere Classe Strasbourg Sud – Illkirch hotel, are perfect for a family break – the latter situated very close to Neuhoff Forest. Take a boat tour down the Ill River. This takes around an hour and will allow you to get your bearings in the city. The Petite France district, a short walk from the centre, is a charming neighbourhood of half-timber houses. Kids will love the surroundings, especially when you reach the waterfront park.

Transport
Strasbourg has its own airport, serving major domestic destinations as well as international destinations in Europe and northern Africa. Train services operate from Gare de Strasbourg eastward to Offenburg and Karlsruhe in Germany, westward to Metz and Paris, and southward to Basel. Get around by tram or bicycle, there are plenty of bike lanes and paths.

Gastronomy
Strasbourg’s gastronomy is a hybrid between French and German cuisine. The Sauerkraut is the most famous traditional dish; cabbage with sausages and regional pork with knuckle of ham, the Strasbourg sausage, and other salted meat. Enjoy with a good local beer. Goose foie gras is another specialty along with Kugelhopf – a popular Alsatian cake.

Events
The Strasbourg Music Festival is a famous annual two-week festival of classical music. It takes place in June and was founded in 1932. Musica, an international festival of contemporary classical music, takes place in the autumn and, more obscurely, the Spectre Film Festival is an annual film festival devoted to science fiction, horror and fantasy.

Interesting fact
In February 2011, principal photography for Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows moved to Strasbourg for two days. Shooting took place on, around and inside the cathedral. The scene is said to be the opening scene of the movie.

Useful links
http://www.otstrasbourg.fr/?lang=en
http://www.tourisme-alsace.com/en/