A Travel Price Comparison for France Strasbourg vs. Saint-Etienne for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Strasbourg or Saint-Etienne?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Strasbourg and Saint-Etienne can help you decide which place is right for you.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a charming, picturesque, and impressive city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a park-filled, industrial, and undiscovered city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and museums.

Strasbourg and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Strasbourg or Saint-Etienne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Strasbourg than Saint-Etienne. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Strasbourg is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne attracts visitors for its hiking. Strasbourg is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is known for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses. It is also well known for The Strasbourg Cathedral. Saint-Etienne is famous for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Strasbourg different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne and Strasbourg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Strasbourg or Saint-Etienne?

Strasbourg is great for its historical sights. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Strasbourg. It is filled with grand monuments and historic landmarks. Many are concentrated in La Petite France and highlights include Strasbourg Cathedral, Barrage Vauban, Ponts Couverts, and Église Saint-Thomas.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Strasbourg or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Strasbourg is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Strasbourg has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The cuisine combines French and German flavors for rich and hearty flavors. Popular dishes include Tarte Flambée, Alsatian Sausages, and Baeckeoffe (meat and vegetable stew). Also make sure you sample the Sauerkraut, munster cheese, and Reisling wine.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Strasbourg or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Strasbourg and Saint-Etienne.

If you're looking for night time activities Strasbourg has a few options to choose from. It's most famous for its monuments and charm, but the city also has plenty to do at night. The liveliest areas are The Krutenau (for students and tourists alike), The Grande-île, and La Petite France.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Strasbourg or Saint-Etienne Better for its Old Town?

Strasbourg is an amazing city to visit for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Strasbourg offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Strasbourg or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is very good for hiking. However, Strasbourg is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Saint-Etienne. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Strasbourg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Strasbourg or Saint-Etienne?

Strasbourg is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Strasbourg is well-known for its shopping. The city center is filled with pedestrian shopping streets and boutique stores. For some of the best shopping make sure you check out the main thoroughfare of Grand'Rue. If you want to pick up some trinkets or souvenirs, head to Place de la Cathédrale, and for department store shopping head to Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Strasbourg or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Strasbourg or Saint-Etienne.

Strasbourg offers lots of family activities. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to Zoo de l’Orangerie or La Montagne des Singes. If the kids need to stretch their legs you can head to Deux-Rives Garden or on a rainy day check out Planetarium De Strasbourg or the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Strasbourg or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Strasbourg is great for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

Strasbourg is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the region and it is filled with romance. There is beautiful architecture, romantic restaurants, wine tours, and flower filled parks. The scenic squares and grand cathedrals offer a truly perfect couples getaway.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Strasbourg or Saint-Etienne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Strasbourg is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Strasbourg. The city has a handful of hostels that offer affordable accommodation for those on a shoestring budget.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Strasbourg or Saint-Etienne Better for Students?

Strasbourg is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Strasbourg. Students appreciate the mix of traditional culture and international opportunities.

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

Is Strasbourg or Saint-Etienne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Strasbourg is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Strasbourg can get you to some places easily. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.

Saint-Etienne has a few public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Strasbourg or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Strasbourg is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

Strasbourg is a very walkable city. One of the best ways to explore the city is on foot.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Strasbourg Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Strasbourg?

How long in Strasbourg or Saint-Etienne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Strasbourg or Saint-Etienne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Strasbourg than Saint-Etienne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Strasbourg, and 1-2 days is enough time in Saint-Etienne.

Families should spend more time in Strasbourg than Saint-Etienne. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Strasbourg, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Strasbourg than Saint-Etienne. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Strasbourg that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Strasbourg than Saint-Etienne if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Strasbourg.

One day in Strasbourg or Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Strasbourg. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With museums and nightlife around the undiscovered city of Saint-Etienne, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saint-Etienne, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Strasbourg or Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Strasbourg. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

With nightlife and museums around the destination of Saint-Etienne, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Strasbourg or Saint-Etienne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the impressive destination of Strasbourg. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Saint-Etienne, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Strasbourg or Saint-Etienne?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Strasbourg. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Saint-Etienne is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Strasbourg and Saint-Etienne, we can see that Strasbourg is more expensive. And not only is Saint-Etienne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint-Etienne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint-Etienne and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Strasbourg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Strasbourg than you might in Saint-Etienne.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Strasbourg Expensive? and Is Saint-Etienne Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Strasbourg or Saint-Etienne?

Strasbourg has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Saint-Etienne. When comparing the sizes of Strasbourg and Saint-Etienne, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Strasbourg or Saint-Etienne?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Strasbourg or Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

Both Saint-Etienne and Strasbourg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Strasbourg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Strasbourg is around the same temperature as Saint-Etienne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Strasbourg in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint-Etienne. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Strasbourg. Strasbourg usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during summer. Strasbourg gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Strasbourg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint-Etienne. Strasbourg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Strasbourg or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

Both Saint-Etienne and Strasbourg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Strasbourg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Strasbourg is generally cooler than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Strasbourg average around 12°C (53°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Strasbourg often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Strasbourg gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun.

Strasbourg usually gets less rain in October than Saint-Etienne. Strasbourg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Strasbourg or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Strasbourg and Saint-Etienne. The winter months attract visitors to Strasbourg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

It's quite cold in Saint-Etienne in the winter. The weather in Strasbourg can be very cold. Strasbourg is much colder than Saint-Etienne in the winter. The daily temperature in Strasbourg averages around 2°C (35°F) in January, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Strasbourg usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during winter. Strasbourg gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Strasbourg usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Strasbourg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Strasbourg or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Strasbourg as well as Saint-Etienne. The natural beauty are the main draw to Strasbourg this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Strasbourg is around the same temperature as Saint-Etienne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Strasbourg in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Strasbourg often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Strasbourg gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun.

Strasbourg usually gets less rain in April than Saint-Etienne. Strasbourg gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Strasbourg