Colmar truly looks like a storybook town. The colorful half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, pretty canals, and hills covered in vineyards make it one of the most beautiful towns in the Alsace region of France. If you only have one day in Colmar, you can still see the best parts: the charming neighborhoods, local food, the riverfront, and the famous museums.

I’ve visited many small towns in Europe, but Colmar is really special. It’s peaceful, cozy, easy to walk around, and full of unique details. In this guide, I’ll show you how to spend one day in Colmar: where to eat, the prettiest spots to see, where to take a boat ride, and how to enjoy the famous Alsatian wine route, even if you don’t have much time.

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Table of Contents

Where to Stay in Colmar for All Budgets

Unique Experiences to Book in Colmar

Why Colmar Is Worth Visiting — Even If You Only Have One Day

If you’re asking yourself if one day in Colmar is enough, my answer is yes. The city center is small and everything is close by, so you can see the best things without feeling rushed. Colmar is a great place for a day of wandering among colorful buildings, trying local white wine, and enjoying the relaxed vibe of a town that looks like it belongs in a fairytale.

Colmar is called the capital of Alsatian wine, and the vineyards around the town are some of the prettiest I’ve seen in France. You’ll find famous art, medieval buildings, and cute neighborhoods like La Petite Venise (Little Venice).

It’s a great place for a day trip, a good home base for exploring the region, or a nice stop if you’re traveling between Strasbourg and the German border.

One Day in Colmar: The Perfect Itinerary

Here’s the route I recommend if you have just one day in Colmar. Everything is easy to walk to, very scenic, and you’ll have lots of chances to stop for coffee or take photos.

1. Start Your Morning at Colmar’s Old Town

I recommend early mornings here so you can enjoy the quiet streets before the tour groups show up. The soft light makes the colorful houses look even more beautiful.

The Old Town has cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and lots of charming corners. Make sure to walk through rue des Tanneurs and the Tanner’s District. This area dates back to the Middle Ages and is a favorite spot for photographers. Just wandering around here is one of the best things you can do if you only have one day in Colmar.

2. Visit the Pfister House

The Pfister House is a 16th-century historic building and one of the most iconic sights in Colmar. I suggest walking up close to see the wooden gallery, murals, and all the small details. It doesn’t take long to visit, but it’s definitely worth a stop, especially if you like old architecture.

3. Take a Tea Break at L’Artémise Tea House

After you visit the Covered Market, I suggest taking a break at L’Artémise tea house. This place is really charming and it’s perfect if you want to slow down and enjoy a peaceful moment in Colmar before heading to the busy canals.

The inside is super cozy and has a lot of character, with patterned wallpaper and tea served in pretty ceramic teapots. They have a good selection of teas and homemade pastries. I recommend coming earlier in the day because it gets quite busy later.

4. Wander to Quai de la Poissonnerie & La Petite Venise

This is where Colmar really starts to feel magical. The colorful houses along Quai de la Poissonnerie reflect in the water and create a peaceful, charming vibe. I recommend walking from here toward La Petite Venise, which is one of the prettiest areas in town.

If you love taking photos, this is the best spot in Colmar. Even if you only have one day in Colmar, make sure to stop for a picture in this famous area.

5. Take a Boat Ride on the Lauch River

Seeing Colmar from the water is a must. The boat ride along the Lauch River is short but really beautiful, and you get a new perspective on the colorful houses. Most tours last about 30 minutes and run throughout the day, depending on the time of the year.

Prices are reasonable, and you can pay additional cost for a private ride if you want. If you only have one day in Colmar, I think this is a must. It’s relaxing and feels really special.

6. Visit the Unterlinden Museum

Colmar is a small town, but it has one of the best museums in France. The Unterlinden Museum is famous for the Isenheim Altarpiece, a 16th-century masterpiece that people come from all over the world to see.

Even if you’re not usually into museums, I recommend stopping here. It’s a big part of Colmar’s history and worth a quick visit.

7. Stop for lunch at the Covered Market (Marché Couvert)

The Covered Market is one of my favorite places in Colmar. It’s a small, local market with fresh produce, cheeses, pastries, and regional specialties. If you want to try something traditional, get a slice of tarte flambée. It’s a must when you visit this area.

From the back terrace of the market, you get a beautiful view of the Lauch River. It’s a great spot to take a break and enjoy the scenery.

8. Visit the St. Martin’s Church

This beautiful gothic style 13th-century church is right in the city center and is one of Colmar’s main landmarks. It’s surrounded by cafés, boutiques, and great photo spots, so it’s an easy and worthwhile stop during your walk.

9. Explore the Bartholdi Museum

Colmar is the birthplace of Auguste Bartholdi, the artist who created the Statue of Liberty. His former home is now a museum where you can see his sculptures, drawings, and models. The museum is small, but if you’re interested in art or history, it’s definitely worth a visit.

If you have some extra time, you can also check out the replica of the Statue of Liberty at one of the roundabouts in town. It’s a fun and unexpected sight.

10. Walk Through Parc du Champ de Mars

This is a great spot to take a break in the afternoon. The park is spacious and full of beautiful trees, so it feels really relaxing. If you visit in late November or during the Christmas market season, you’ll tons of decorations and small stalls here. It’s a nice place to wander around and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

11. Afternoon Wine Tasting on the Alsace Wine Route

Colmar sits right on the famous Alsace Wine Route, which is one of the best places in France to taste regional white wines. Even if you only have one day here, you can still have enough time to visit a winery. Many are close by, either within walking distance or just a short ride away.

If you’d rather stay in the city center, you’ll find lots of wine bars where you can do tastings at reasonable prices. This is the perfect place to try pinot gris or a crisp Riesling made from grapes grown in the beautiful vineyards near the Vosges Mountains.

12. Have Dinner in the Old Town (Try Tarte Flambée!)

Colmar is famous for its food, so make sure to try something local for lunch. I recommend picking a cozy restaurant in the Old Town and ordering tarte flambée or spaetzle. Pair your meal with a glass of Alsatian wine like pinot gris or pinot noir for the full experience.

If you only have one day in Colmar, I suggest choosing a spot near Place de l’Ancienne Douane. This area is right in the heart of the city and has a beautiful, lively vibe.

13. Explore Nearby Villages (Optional)

If you have some extra time at the end of your day in Colmar, or if you’re staying overnight, I recommend visiting the nearby villages. You can drive there yourself or join a guided tour. Some of the most charming ones include:

Eguisheim (often voted one of the most beautiful towns in France)
Riquewihr (inspired scenes in a Disney movie)
Kaysersberg (incredibly picturesque)
Ribeauvillé (one of the oldest Medieval Towns)

You can get to these villages easily by public transportation, by renting a car, or by booking a guided full day or half-day tour.

Where to Stay in Colmar

This guide is all about spending one day in Colmar, but I recommend staying overnight if you can, especially if you visit during peak season or around the end of November when the Colmar Christmas markets are happening.

Here are two great hotel options:

James Boutique Hotel

James Boutique Hotel is modern and warm, and it’s really close to the centre of Colmar. The rooms are cozy, the design is simple and clean, and it’s a great option if you want to be comfortable and able to walk everywhere.

Hotel Le Colombier Suites

Hotel Le Colombier Suites is right in La Petite Venise, so you get to stay in the most scenic part of Colmar, surrounded by canals. The rooms are spacious and nicely designed, and you’re close to all the main sights. It’s a perfect place to wake up and start your day in Colmar.

Final Thoughts: Is One Day in Colmar Enough?

Yes, one day in Colmar is enough to see the canals, the colorful houses, the cozy cafés, museums, and wine bars that make this town feel special. You can walk everywhere, try delicious local food, take a peaceful boat ride, and still have time to see more of the Alsace region of France.

Colmar is relaxing, charming, and feels timeless. It’s definitely worth visiting, especially if you love small towns with a lot of character.

If you’re planning a trip to Alsace, I really think spending one day in Colmar will be one of the highlights.

Travel Tips / Things to Know Before Visiting Colmar

Colmar is one of the most beautiful towns in France. If you’re planning to visit, there are a few things you should know to make the most of your trip. Whether you’re coming for a day or staying overnight, here are my tips for exploring this fairy-tale place in Alsace.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Colmar?

Colmar is beautiful all year round, but your experience will change a lot depending on the season. Here are the main times to visit, so you can choose what fits you best:

Spring (April – June): Colorful & Relaxed

Spring is one of the best times to visit Colmar. The streets are full of flowers, the weather is mild, and the whole town feels calm and peaceful. You can take a boat ride in Little Venice or walk around the historic center without the summer crowds. All the restaurants and shops are open, and prices are better than in the busy season.

Summer (July – August): Peak Season

Summer is the busiest season in Colmar. The weather is warm, the evenings are full of life, and the town is packed with people exploring the colorful houses and cobblestone streets. If you visit in July or August, I recommend starting your day early, especially if you want to visit museums or take photos without crowds. Hotels and restaurants fill up quickly, so it’s best to book in advance.

December: Magical Christmas Season

Colmar is famous for its Christmas markets, and December turns the old town into a real-life holiday postcard. There are lights, decorations, mulled wine, and cozy stalls everywhere. It’s magical, but also very crowded. If you visit in December, be ready for lots of people and higher prices.

If you love the holiday season, I definitely recommend spending it in one of the most charming villages.

How to Get to Colmar

By Train

The easiest way to get to Colmar is by train. There are direct trains from Strasbourg, Mulhouse, and Basel. Once you arrive, it’s just a 10 minute walk from the train station to the old town, so you can start exploring right away.

By Car

If you’re planning to visit other places in Alsace, driving is a good option. Just keep in mind that parking in the historic center is limited. I recommend using the public parking lots around the edge of town and walking in.

By Plane

The closest airports are in Basel and Strasbourg. From either one, it’s easy to catch a train straight to Colmar.

Colmar is really well connected to France, Germany, and Switzerland, so getting here is simple no matter where you’re coming from.

The Colmar train station is only about a 10-minute walk from the city center, which makes it super convenient if you’re arriving by train.
Strasbourg Airport: About 40 minutes away by train or car.
Basel Airport is also close by, which is perfect if you want to combine your trip to Colmar with a visit to Switzerland.
Public transportation here is reliable and easy to figure out, so you won’t have any trouble getting around if you need it.

If you’re planning a day trip, both Strasbourg and Basel have quick and frequent train tickets to Colmar, so it’s easy to pop over for a visit.

How to Get Around Colmar

Colmar is small and very walkable. Once you’re in the historic center, you won’t need any public transport. All the main sights like Little Venice, the covered market, the old town streets, and the museums are just a short walk from each other.

If you want to visit nearby villages like Eguisheim or Riquewihr, the easiest way is to rent a car or join a wine route tour. Both options let you see more of the beautiful Alsace countryside.

Is Colmar Safe to Visit?

Colmar feels very safe and welcoming. It’s quiet, clean, and easy to get around. I walked around both early in the morning and late in the evening and always felt comfortable. Just be careful with your belongings in crowded spots during the Christmas markets, since it can get really busy.

Overall, Colmar is the kind of place where you can just relax and enjoy your day. There’s no need to rush or stress about anything here.

Do You Need to Speak French?

You don’t need to speak French to visit Colmar. Most people in restaurants, cafés, hotels, and shops speak good English, and a lot of menus are bilingual. Still, locals really appreciate it if you try a few words in French:

Bonjour – Hello
Merci – Thank you
Au revoir – Goodbye

Colmar is also close to the German border, so you’ll probably hear some German spoken around town as well.

What to Eat in Colmar

Alsatian food is delicious and really comforting. Colmar has lots of great places where you can try local dishes. Here are a few you shouldn’t miss:

Tarte flambée
Choucroute garnie
Bretzels
Baeckeoffe
Kougelhopf

And of course, this area is famous for its wine: Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris are all local favorites. If you love wine, make sure to do a tasting while you’re here.

What to Wear in Colmar

What you should pack depends on the season, but here are a few simple tips:

Bring comfortable shoes because there are lots of cobblestone streets.
A light jacket or sweater in spring and fall
Layers in winter — it gets cold, especially in December
In summer, bring an umbrella or a rain jacket because afternoon showers are common.

If you’re visiting during the Christmas markets, dress warmly — most of your time will be outdoors.

Need inspiration for your next trip? Check out some of my other posts:

Travels with MR

Growing up between Europe and New York, I was always drawn to new places and how they made me feel. After visiting over 25 countries, that love has only grown. I enjoy finding great places to visit, stay, and eat—and I’m someone who really loves planning and staying organized. Through this blog and on Instagram, I share my travel tips, personal experiences, and ready-to-go itineraries to help you plan memorable trips.

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