Visiting Colmar in one day is definitely a must in Alsace! Colmar is also my favorite city in my home region. So if you’re wondering what to do in Colmar, here are 6 places to visit in Colmar in one day.
Colmar is more intimate than the majestic Strasbourg, but large enough to discover Alsatian culture. Dotted with old half-timbered houses and surrounded by beautiful vineyards, it’s a city on a human scale, which is (rightly so!) invaded by tourists during the Christmas markets, and remains faithful to its traditions.
I am delighted to share a little piece of my native Alsace with you this week…
See also:
Discover the 6 Best Christmas Markets in Colmar and the surrounding area
PLACES TO VISIT IN COLMAR – PRACTICAL TIPS
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How to get to Colmar?
Colmar is located in the center of Alsace, 50 minutes from Strasbourg and 35 minutes from Mulhouse if you are coming by car. If you take the train, allow 20 minutes from Mulhouse, 35 minutes from Strasbourg, and 2 hours and 20 minutes from Paris (direct).
Compare car rentals to find the best price!
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Where to stay to visit Colmar for a day?
Here are several suggestions for accommodation, all well located in the city center, so you can make the most of your visit to Colmar!
3 recommended accommodation to visit Colmar
HÔTEL LE MARÉCHAL
- Magnificent setting
- In the city center
- From €100
LES BATELIERS
- 6 people flat
- In the city center
- From €140
VILLA ELYANE
- Read 9,5/10 on booking.com
- Charming B&B
- From €180
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Organizing your time to visit Colmar
The city center is not large, so you can visit the city and enjoy its activities in half a day. Take advantage of the rest of the day to explore the vineyards and small Alsatian villages!
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What to bring back from Colmar?
The Spécialités d’Alsace shop (quai des poissonniers) sells pottery, Alsatian decorations, souvenirs, kelsch household linen (Alsatian fabric), and more, all made by local artisans. For gifts and decorations, Picaflor (6 rue des tanneurs) is another lovely place to visit. As you’ll see, in Alsace, we love red!
If you prefer to take home some tasty treats, head to Maison Hansi (28 rue des Têtes) and Boutique Fortwenger (32 rue des Marchands). On the menu: canned sauerkraut and cooked Alsatian dishes, biscuits, kougelhopfs, gingerbread, and more.
And of course, Alsatian wine! You’ll find it in Colmar, but also directly from winegrowers in the small villages in the vineyards.
1. LITTLE VENICE, ONE OF THE TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN COLMAR
Boat trip on the Lauch: meet at the bottom of the St Pierre bridge – €9 per person for 25 minutes
Little Venice is certainly the most touristy part of Colmar, but you’ll quickly understand why it is one of the top places to visit in Colmar. The Lauch River runs through the center of Colmar, surrounded by tall half-timbered houses with their feet in the water. A bit like Venice!
You can also discover Little Venice by boat on a peaceful trip along the river. On one side of the route, you will be immersed in complete calm, with leafy trees lining the river. Then, little by little, you will gently return to civilization and the heart of Colmar’s historic center. The end of the walk is the Quai des Poissonniers, the prettiest and most photogenic quay in Colmar.
It was here that fish caught in the city’s rivers were sold for a long time (since the Middle Ages)! Today, all that remains are the pretty half-timbered houses with their flamboyant colors.
2. TASTE ALSACIAN CUISINE
You can’t visit Colmar without discovering Alsatian cuisine! While it may not be the lightest, it is rich in flavor and surprises!
Beyond the famous sauerkraut, the Baeckeoffe is a traditional dish made with potatoes, vegetables, and an assortment of meats simmered in terrines.
If you want to try these dishes in a typical setting that is popular with locals (and not enough with tourists), I recommend the Brasserie L’Auberge on the station square. Located away from the crowds, the Auberge showcases the flavors of Alsatian cuisine. Choucroute garnie, Alsatian-style bouchées à la reine and salmon on a bed of sauerkraut (delicious) are just some of the dishes on offer (tried and tested!). And for dessert, treat yourself to a vacherin or a fruit tart, two of the region’s iconic desserts!
What would Alsace be without its wine? To discover the secrets of Alsatian wines, there’s nothing like stepping inside a wine cellar! I particularly recommend the tasting workshop at the Domaine Jund, right in the center of Colmar. A 1.5-hour tour awaits you, with tastings of eight wines accompanied by delicious local Alsatian products!
Another traditional delicacy is Kougelhopf, a type of brioche with raisins topped with toasted almonds. You’ll recognize it immediately by its unusual shape, which comes from a twisted mold with a hole in the middle, like a baba cake. For a delicious taste, head to the Maison Alsacienne de Biscuiterie. And if you’re feeling peckish during the day, treat yourself to a tasty pretzel from a bakery!
3. TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN COLMAR : ITS HALF-TIMBERED ALLEYWAYS
The historical center of Colmar is definitely one of my favorite places to visit in Colmar ! Here’s a short itinerary for strolling through the pretty streets of Colmar while passing by the city’s main attractions! The itinerary starts at the fish market in Little Venice (see 1.).
From the quay, take Rue des Tanneurs to the Ancienne Douane. This iconic building in Colmar dates back to 1480 and was once the economic center of the city, where goods were traded. Its glazed tile roof is typical of Alsace. It’s a tradition that is reminiscent of the Hospices de Beaune.
Continue along the magnificent Rue des Marchands, one of the most beautiful streets in the city. It is sometimes narrow, sandwiched between two rows of colorful houses with windows decorated with red and pink geraniums. Feel free to explore its little nooks and crannies, such as the courtyard of the Weinhof or that of the Bartholdi Museum.
You will also pass the Maison Pfister, one of the oldest houses in Colmar (see 4.), before arriving at the Place de l’Ecole. Continue on your left along Rue des Boulangers, aptly named as it is home to the Maison Alsacienne de Biscuiterie (delicious biscuits and kougelhopfs).
I then invite you to turn right onto Rue des Têtes, named after the house of the same name (see 4.), before returning to the Dominican Church. Right next door, Rue des Serruriers has some very pretty shop signs.
This will take you to the cathedral square, where you will find the Collégiale Saint Martin. Its Gothic style is very common in Alsace, with the addition of a magnificent glazed tile roof. Finish your walk in front of the old Corps de Garde, with its pink hue and remarkable loggia.
A small point to note: the town is beautiful but some people find it a little “fake” or “too clean.” However, this keen eye for detail and cleanliness undoubtedly comes from the Germanic side of the Alsatians, who take great care in maintaining their homes and their town. It’s a bit like living in a museum in Alsace!
4. ADMIRE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HOUSES IN COLMAR
The architecture of Old Colmar mainly features the famous colorful half-timbered houses typical of the region. But there are also a large number of more sober, German-inspired buildings. During your visit to Colmar, you will also discover two houses that are a must-see if you come to visit Colmar because they are unique in the world: the Maison des Têtes and the Pfister House.
Located at 19 Rue des Têtes, the Maison des Têtes dates back to 1609 and is now a luxury hotel. It is a beautiful German Renaissance residence that has retained its original style. But its unique feature lies elsewhere: it is known for its three-story oriel window decorated with 106 small sculpted heads! Some are simple, while others make horrible faces!
And if you look right at the top, you will see a statue sculpted by Auguste Bartholdi, who is none other than the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty in New York. For the record, you will find a replica of the Statue of Liberty at the entrance to Colmar!
In the maze of half-timbered streets, you’re sure to come across the Pfister House, another architectural gem in Colmar, at 11 Rue des Marchands.
The Pfister House is even older than the House of Heads, dating back to 1537. It’s the first example of Renaissance architecture in Colmar, although it still retains some medieval features. It also has a corner oriel window on several floors and an octagonal tower, which makes the façade very unusual. It is covered with dark frescoes that were restored a few years ago. A must-see in old Colmar!
5. THE UNTERLINDEN MUSEUM, ONE OF THE PLACES TO VISIT IN COLMAR
Practical info : Unterlinden Museum: every day except Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. – €14
Book your ticket for the musée Unterlinden
The Museum of Fine Arts in Colmar is one of the most visited museums in the province and one of the places to visit in Colmar! This former convent houses a rare and diverse collection of works ranging from antiquity to the modern period.
The museum’s masterpiece is undoubtedly the Issenheim Altarpiece, a medieval polyptych depicting episodes from the lives of Christ and Saint Anthony. Famous among art lovers, it is one of the museum’s treasures, which has a large collection of works of medieval Rhine art. A fascinating cultural detour if you come to Colmar!
Other museums worth visiting in Colmar include the Bartholdi Museum, which pays tribute to this famous Colmar native, creator of the Statue of Liberty and the Lion of Belfort, and the Toy Museum for children of all ages!
6. PLACES TO VISIT IN COLMAR AND THE SURROUNDING AREA : THE VINEYARDS AND TYPICAL VILLAGES
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The vineyards in the Colmar area
No visit to Colmar would be complete without exploring the surrounding vineyards! Just a few kilometers from Colmar lies the Alsace Wine Route, dotted with charming Alsatian villages. Between each village, the road winds its way through the vineyards…
Discover these typical little villages along 170 km of winding roads that criss-cross Alsace from north to south… You will find a detailed map of the entire wine route on this website.
The best time to discover the vineyards? Autumn! The vine leaves turn yellow then red, the scenery is magnificent and the days are still sunny and mild…
The wine route also allows you to discover an important aspect of Alsatian culture, as its wines are an integral part of its rich gastronomy. White wine takes center stage, with the well-known Riesling, Gewurtztraminer, and Sylvaner varieties.
The wine route is, of course, an opportunity to discover the expertise of Alsatian winegrowers and taste their wines! You can even book a fun electric bike ride through the vineyards, complete with a picnic!
And to take a break between tastings, you can also stroll through the colorful little villages. Around Colmar, there are Kaysersberg, Ammerschwihr, Niedermorschwihr, Turckheim, Eguisheim, and more (if you need help with pronunciation, don’t hesitate to ask 😉).
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The beautiful villages in the Colmar area
The beautiful typical villages are definitely of the places to visit in Colmar and the surrounding area ! Here are some of my favorite villages :
Eguisheim (15 min): a wonderful little village typical of Alsace, built on a circular plan. It is one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Kaysersberg (20 min): Kaysersberg is undoubtedly my favorite village in Alsace (and the favorite village of the French). It was also the very first article published on my blog! A little gem that is definitely worth discovering!
Riquewihr (20 min): another typical Alsatian village that is well worth a visit, especially for its Christmas market!
Sélestat (30 min): Sélestat is a bit of a hidden gem in Alsace, which I mentioned in a previous article. At Christmas, the town pulls out all the stops as it is also the birthplace of the Christmas tree. A Christmas market not to be missed, 15 minutes by train from Strasbourg.
Haut Koenigsbourg (35 minutes away): this 12th-century fortified castle, restored by the German emperor at the beginning of the last century, is a must-see in Alsace! Its striking style and strategic location are sure to surprise you! Read my article on Haut-Koenigsbourg and the superb Route des Crêtes in the Vosges mountains here.
Mulhouse (40 minutes away): a little-known city that is very different from the rest of Alsace, Mulhouse is a real gem: magnificent museums, street art, and painted walls have made it famous… Read my article dedicated to Mulhouse with 6 Ideas to Visit Mulhouse, France!
I hope you enjoyed this tour of Colmar and the surrounding area! And don’t forget to come back for the Christmas markets in Colmar! With five Christmas markets scattered throughout the city, Colmar is a real museum, even more so in December! There are beautiful places to visit in Colmar in the winter. The whole city is decorated and celebrates this special time of year in Alsace. For me, it’s one of the most enjoyable Christmas markets in the region.
If you’re coming to visit Colmar in December, check out my two articles on Christmas markets:
– 6 Ideas to Visit Mulhouse, France
– Visit Strasbourg at Christmas: My Local Tips for 2025
– the medieval Christmas market in Ribeauvillé
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