Experience in Strasbourg, France by Eliette

How did you find living in Strasbourg? Do you recommend it? How is the city?

Strasbourg is a really beautiful city to visit and to live in.

The culture, the gastronomy or yet the architecture are to be discovered. Moreover, the Christmas market is magnificent and can't be missed; as well as the other celebrations it can have, such as the music festival.

How is student life in Strasbourg

Student nights begin on Wednesdays or Thursdays in the bars/clubs. You usually have to pay entry (5 euros). There are different places to dance: Live, Living Room, Seven, Barco Latino... and there is the Nelson or the Molly Malone to drink a good beer. Unfortunately, there isn't as much of a party atmosphere as there is in Spain and it's not as animated in the streets at night.

How much are living costs in Strasbourg?

Life is quite expensive in contrary to life in Spain whether it be to live, go out or eat...

Is it hard to find accommodating in Strasbourg? Do you have any advice to give?

I don't think it's difficult to find accommodation on the internet or in the papers. I live in a lovely studio of 20m², a 15 minute bike journey away from the city centre, for 425 euros a month. However luckily, I got housing benefits to pay for it. For foreigners, I don't know how it happens but my parents had to sign the papers too, in case something were to happen.

How is the food in the city? What are your favourite dishes?

The Alsatian gastronomy is delicious in my opinion. Between the choucroute, the tarte flambée, the spaetzles and the kouglopf... You have to try it all!

Which places do you recommend seeing in Strasbourg?

First of all the most recommended place has to be the cathedral, which has fulfilled 1, 000 years of existence and is magnificent. You can go up onto the platform right at the time and admire the view of Strasbourg.

Next, the Petite France area and the Ponts Couverts are worth the trip. There are several places which are also to be seen: Place Kleber and its animations, Place de la République, Place Gutenberg and Place Broglie and its market... The museums are to be discovered too, such as the museum of modern art or the Alsatian museum.

You can take the 'bateau mouche' (tourist river boat) for an all round visit. Although it may be a tourist trap, you can see the whole city, along with its history on the l'Ill.

And to eat in Strasbourg? Can you tell us your favourite places?

Strasbourg offers a large selection of restaurants.

To eat Alsatian cuisine, as well as being my favourite, there is the Meislocker next to la Place St. Etienne. To eat a burger, there is the 231 next to it.