In my opinion, photos of Colmar don’t do it justice. If you’ve ever wanted to step into a fairy tale, Colmar is the place. I visited on my last road trip through the Alsace region, and honestly, I felt like I’d stumbled into the village from Beauty and the Beast.
Pastel painted houses, flower boxes spilling over with colour, canals winding through cobblestone streets, it’s one of the most magical small towns I’ve been to in France!
Whether you’re coming for a day trip or staying overnight (which is what we recommend), here are 20 things to do in Colmar that totally made my visit unforgettable. I’ve also included travel tips on what to book in advance and how to make the most of your time!
⏰ Short on time?
Where to stay in Colmar
($) Ibis Colmar Centre
($$) Hotel Le Colombier
($$$) La Maison des Têtes – Relais & Châteaux
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. This means that, at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click on or make a purchase through these links.
Travel Tip: Follow the Golden Arrows Through Colmar
The easiest way to see Colmar is to follow the golden arrows on the ground! You’ll spot these small gold plaques embedded in the cobblestones throughout the Old Town.
They’re part of a walking route that guides you past the town’s main sights. Including St. Martin’s Church, La Petite Venise, the Pfister House, and more.
I followed them on my visit and honestly, it’s such a relaxing way to see the town without constantly checking your phone or a map. Just look down, follow the arrows, and let Colmar charm you around every corner.
Tip: Pick up a free walking map at the tourist office near the Place des Unterlinden to go along with the arrows.
If you’re visiting in July, this is one to plan for. It’s a fun mix of concerts, wine tastings, and food stalls.
Colmar’s main cathedral is gorgeous inside and out. The stained glass is stunning, and you can pop in for free to take a look.
👉 Tip: Save on entry to castles, museums, and cultural sites with the Alsace Pass.
A fun stop especially if you’re traveling with kids or just love a bit of nostalgia. They’ve got toys from the 1800s to now.
Only 10 minutes from Colmar, Eguisheim is one of the prettiest villages in France. Circular streets, colourful houses, and so many flower pots.
👉 Check out this day tour to Eguisheim and nearby villages here.
Start your day in the postcard-perfect part of town. This is the most photographed area in Colmar for good reason. Think colourful houses, canals, and tiny bridges everywhere.
A Renaissance gem right in the Old Town. This 16th-century merchant’s house is known for its wraparound wooden gallery and painted façade, super Instagrammable!
Grab a snack or sit down for lunch inside this buzzing market. You’ll find everything from cheese and pastries to Alsace wine and tarte flambée.
This museum blew me away. It’s set in a 13th-century convent and home to the famous Isenheim Altarpiece plus modern works and archaeology collections. It’s much bigger than it looks from the outside.
One of the best things to do in Colmar is just walk. No plan. Just explore. You’ll find medieval buildings, hidden courtyards, and cute little shops selling gingerbread and Alsatian wine.
Did you know the guy who designed the Statue of Liberty was from Colmar? This museum is inside his old house and has models, sketches, and personal items from Auguste Bartholdi.
👉 Want to save money in Colmar?
Get the Alsace Pass! It includes access to 60+ attractions across the region. Perfect for exploring Colmar and nearby villages
Grab a snack or sit down for lunch inside this buzzing market. You’ll find everything from cheese and pastries to Alsace wine and tarte flambée.
This medieval castle has amazing views across the Alsace plain and the Vosges mountains. I went for sunset and it was magical.
👉 Tickets available here. Great spot for history lovers.
This is a Colmar must-do! The flat-bottomed boats take you through the heart of Petite Venise. It’s peaceful, charming, and the guides are full of fun facts.
Quieter than St. Martin’s but really lovely. It’s home to an incredible painting by Martin Schongauer and has a peaceful garden outside.
If you’re visiting in November or December, this market is next level. Lights everywhere, hot mulled wine, and cute stalls tucked into every corner of the Old Town.
Try tarte flambée, choucroute, and a glass of Gewürztraminer. The local winstubs (wine taverns) are warm, cozy, and so welcoming.
Less touristy than Petite Venise, this area still has that same medieval vibe. The timber-framed buildings here were once used for leather tanning and are beautifully restored now.
You’re in wine country, so don’t leave without trying some local drops. You can visit a few wineries on your own or join a tour that stops at multiple tasting rooms.
Look closely as this building has 100+ carved heads across the façade. It’s wild! It’s also home to a hotel and restaurant if you’re after a unique place to stay.
If you love food like I do, this is such a fun way to experience the culture. Learn to make Alsatian classics and enjoy what you cook!
Need a break? Grab a pastry from a nearby bakery and chill in this leafy park. Locals come here to walk dogs, jog, or read a book on the grass.
How to Get to Colmar
The easiest way is by train from Strasbourg (about 30 minutes), or you can drive if you’re exploring more of Alsace. Trains also connect from Basel, Zurich, and Paris via regional lines.
Where to Stay in Colmar
($) Colmar Hotel – Budget-friendly and just a short walk from the city centre.
($$) Hotel Le Colombier – (where we stayed) In Petite Venise, super charming and close to everything.
($$$) La Maison des Têtes – A splurge but stunning—perfect for couples.
Where I stayed in Colmar
👉 Watch our hotel review staying at Hotel Le Colombier
FAQ on Things to Know Before Visiting Colmar
Absolutely. It’s one of the most charming towns in France and feels straight out of a storybook.
One to two days is perfect to see the highlights, but longer if you’re doing day trips.
Spring and autumn are ideal. December is magical for the Christmas markets.
Yes, the Old Town is very compact and best explored on foot.
Yes! It’s only 30 minutes by train or car, super easy and totally doable in a day.
Colmar is very family-friendly. Kids will love the Toy Museum, boat rides through Little Venice, and the interactive exhibits at the Unterlinden Museum. The Christmas markets also have rides and activities tailored for children.
Visiting Colmar during the festive season is a must. The town transforms with six themed Christmas markets, dazzling lights, and festive decorations. Don’t miss the Place des Dominicains market and the children’s market in Petite Venise.
Read More ✈️
Where to Stay in Colmar? Best Areas & Hotels in the Old Town
Driving in France as a Tourist and How to Rent a Car
How to see Colmar in One Day – Itinerary, Photos Things to Do!
Top Things to Do in One Day in Rouen France!
Best Castle Hotels Loire Valley to Stay In (aka Château)
How to Spend 2 days in Loire Valley? The Perfect Itinerary with Map!
The Perfect Strasbourg in One Day Itinerary (With Map)
One Day in Reims France (Day trip Itinerary, What to See, Champagne Houses and more)
Top 10 Fairytale Towns in Alsace, France to Visit (with Map)
PIN THIS PAGE FOR LATER
Add comment