A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers York vs. Strasbourg for Food, Old Town, Families, and Attractions

Should you visit York or Strasbourg?

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

Should I visit York or Strasbourg? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

York

York is a historic, medieval, and fanciful city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a picturesque, impressive, and quaint city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

York and Strasbourg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in York or Strasbourg?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in York than Strasbourg. While Strasbourg is larger than York, York has more sights and attractions for tourists. York is more popular for its food and nightlife, while Strasbourg is known for its shopping and impressive beauty. York is popular for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. It is also home to The Shambles. Strasbourg is popular for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses.

How is York different from Strasbourg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in York or Strasbourg?

York
Strasbourg

Both York and Strasbourg have great landmarks and museums for visitors.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

Many visitors head to Strasbourg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.


Is the Food Better in York or Strasbourg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York
Strasbourg

York is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

York has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Strasbourg. 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.

Is York or Strasbourg Better for Nightlife?

York
Strasbourg

York is a great city for nightlife. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in York has something for everybody. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Strasbourg. 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.

Is York or Strasbourg Better for its Old Town?

York
Strasbourg

It's fun to wander around the world-class old towns in both York and Strasbourg.

The historic old town of York is revered around the world. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

With a famous historical old-town, Strasbourg offers plenty to see. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.


Is the Shopping Better in York or Strasbourg?

York
Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a well-known place for shopping. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Strasbourg is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting York. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Is York or Strasbourg Better for Families?

York
Strasbourg

York is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

York is one of the most popular family destinations. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

Strasbourg is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is York or Strasbourg Better for Couples?

York
Strasbourg

With fun activities for couples, both York and Strasbourg make for a great place to visit.

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

Strasbourg makes for a fun place to visit for 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.


Is York or Strasbourg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York
Strasbourg

York is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

York is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

It's common for backpackers to visit Strasbourg. The city has a handful of hostels that offer affordable accommodation for those on a shoestring budget.

Is York or Strasbourg Better for Students?

York
Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a popular place for students. However, York is not popular with students.

Strasbourg is a good city to visit for students. Students appreciate the mix of traditional culture and international opportunities.

York is not popular with students.

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

York
Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Strasbourg is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.

York has some public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.


Is York or Strasbourg a more walkable city?

York
Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

For even more information, also check out Is York Worth Visiting? and Is Strasbourg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Strasbourg or York?

How long in York or Strasbourg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both York and Strasbourg. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in York than in Strasbourg. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 2-3 days is enough time in Strasbourg.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in York than Strasbourg 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 York.


  • How many days in York or Strasbourg? Ideal Length of Stay
    York 2-4 
    Strasbourg 2-3

One day in York or Strasbourg?

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of York, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Strasbourg. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in York or Strasbourg?

With nightlife and food around the destination of York, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Strasbourg is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


Five days in York or Strasbourg?

York, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Strasbourg. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Strasbourg?

York is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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.

The quaint city of Strasbourg offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.


Which place is cheaper, Strasbourg or York?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in York is £106, while the average daily cost in Strasbourg is £118. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for York and Strasbourg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    York £59
    Strasbourg £57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    York £118
    Strasbourg £114
Compare Hotels in York and Strasbourg

Looking for a hotel in York or Strasbourg? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in York


Hotels in Strasbourg


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: York Hotel Prices and Strasbourg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    York £12
    Strasbourg £38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in York

Some specific examples of transportation prices in York:

  • Private Transfer from York to Manchester Airport (MAN): $279
  • Private Transfer from Hull to Manchester Airport (MAN): $271
  • Private Transfer from Hambleton to Manchester Airport (MAN): $163

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Strasbourg

Also for Strasbourg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: $58
  • Private transfer Strasbourg Airport: $59
  • Private Transfer from Strasbourg Train Station to Hotel: $64
  • Door-to-Door private transfer and driver from Strasbourg to Basel: $233
  • Private Transfer Strasbourg to Europa Park: $251

Is it cheaper to fly into York or Strasbourg?

Prices for flights to both Strasbourg and York change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    York £32
    Strasbourg £37
Typical Food Prices in York

Some typical examples of dining costs in York are as follows:


  • Dinner
    £22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in York

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in York.

  • Breakfast Food Tour in York: $51
  • Party Cruise with Welcome Drink, Dinner, and DJ Music: $56
  • York on a Fork Food Tour: $83

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Strasbourg

For Strasbourg, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Strasbourg Private Food Tour: experience the city like a local!: $93
  • Strasbourg Food Tour : Gourmet private Tour with tastings: $102
  • Strasbourg Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    York £11
    Strasbourg £20

Tours and Activities in York

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for York are as follows:

  • All Creatures Great & Small tour from York: $100
  • Bishopthorpe Palace Christmas Cruise: $19
  • Castle Howard Entrance Ticket: $32
  • City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $20
  • Clueniveristy of Magic!! Immersive Adventure in York City: $24
  • Comedy Horror Show: York Ghost Bus Tour: $25
  • Dark Tales of York. Private ghost tours.: $61
  • Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise in York: $18
  • Discover York's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour of the City Walls: $11
  • Early Evening Boat Cruise through York: $18
  • Fish & Chips Boat Cruise in York: $30
  • From Full-Day Yorkshire Dales Tour: $74

Tours and Activities in Strasbourg

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Strasbourg.

  • Self-Guided Photo Tour with Photobook: $0.86
  • Strasbourg : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.13
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Self-Guided Tour of Strasbourg’s Grand Île: $6.39
  • Strasbourg Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Strasbourg сity tour: audioguide in your smartphone: $7.49
  • Self Guided City Audio Tour in Strasbourg: $7.65
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt City Tour: $8.02
  • Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $9.84
  • Strasbourg Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    York £13
    Strasbourg £17
Typical Alcohol Prices in York

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in York are as follows:


  • A Couple Beers
    £9.00

Sample the Local Flavors in York

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in York:

  • Hooting Owl Distillery York - Distillery Tour & Guided Tasting: $32
  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • The Full Hoot Distillery Tour & Guided Hooting Owl Experience: $57

Sample the Local Flavors in Strasbourg

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Strasbourg:

  • Aperitif at the winemaker with cellar visit and wine tasting in Alsace: $11
  • Wine tasting and immersive cellar tour: $20
  • Wine tour, tasting and picnic basket: $38
  • From Medieval Villages & Wine Tasting Day Trip: $118
  • Medieval Villages and Wine Tasting from Strasbourg: $120
  • Strasbourg : Wine Tour by bike with a local: $150
  • Wine Tasting Private Tour: $545


When comparing the travel costs between York and Strasbourg, we can see that Strasbourg is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, York or Strasbourg?

Strasbourg has a larger population, and is about 91% larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York and Strasbourg, 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 York or Strasbourg?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit York or Strasbourg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to York as well as Strasbourg. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to York this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Strasbourg for the family-friendly experiences.

York is cooler than Strasbourg in the summer. The daily temperature in York averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Strasbourg fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Strasbourg. In the summer, York often gets less sunshine than Strasbourg. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Strasbourg receives 240 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in July than Strasbourg. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    York 16°C (62°F) 
    Strasbourg 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit York or Strasbourg in the Autumn?

Both Strasbourg and York are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to York for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Strasbourg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, York is around the same temperature as Strasbourg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in York in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Strasbourg averages at about 12°C (53°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Strasbourg during autumn. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Strasbourg receives 101 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, York usually receives more rain than Strasbourg. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    York 11°C (52°F) 
    Strasbourg 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit York or Strasbourg in the Winter?

Both Strasbourg and York during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to York in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Strasbourg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Strasbourg can be very cold during winter. York can get quite cold in the winter. In January, York is generally much warmer than Strasbourg. Daily temperatures in York average around 4°C (39°F), and Strasbourg fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, York often gets more sunshine than Strasbourg. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Strasbourg receives 42 hours of full sun.

York usually gets more rain in January than Strasbourg. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    York 4°C (39°F) 
    Strasbourg 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit York or Strasbourg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Strasbourg. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Strasbourg because of the natural beauty.

York is cooler than Strasbourg in the spring. The daily temperature in York averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Strasbourg fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Strasbourg during spring. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Strasbourg receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, York usually receives around the same amount of rain as Strasbourg. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    York 8°C (46°F) 
    Strasbourg 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Strasbourg and York

York Strasbourg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (35°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 50 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)