Wandering alongside canals lined with half-timbered houses, sampling a delicious rösti in a cozy winstub, and even catching sight of a replica Statue of Liberty: the many fun things to do in Colmar, France are as varied as they are interesting.
Add in the fact that charming Colmar makes for an excellent launching pad for exploring the many picturesque villages and sweeping vineyards of the Alsace region, and it’s no surprise that Colmar is one of the most popular getaways in northeastern France.
Colmar (and Alsace in general) is one of those places that we’ll never be done re-visiting: it’s simply too beautiful of a destination to stay away from.
We love visiting Colmar, from cozying up in its winstubs to wandering its canals to browsing the famous Christmas markets (though we can confirm that the decor for the less-crowded Easter markets is nearly as delightful, too).
Whether you want to sightsee or simply soak up the atmosphere, a trip to Colmar is worth the effort.
From the loveliest neighborhoods to explore to the best museums to check out, here’s exactly what to do in Colmar, France!
Planning your trip to Colmar at the last minute?
We will cover all the best things to do in Colmar (and a handful in the surrounding area) in much more detail below, but if you’re short on time, you can’t go wrong with these attractions and tours when visiting Colmar:
- Alsace 4 Wonders Small Group Day Trip (the most beautiful villages in Alsace, all without worrying about parking or navigation)
- Colmar Christmas Market Dates & Colmar Spring and Easter Market Dates (updated each year)
- Colmar Walking Tour With Boat Cruise (or solely boat cruise)
- Alsace Wine Route Day Trip (no need to worry about transportation!)
Wondering where to stay in Colmar? Our #1 tip is to book as early as you can if you’re going for the Christmas markets!
Here are our top recommendations, including the hotel we loved:
- Paul & Pia Welcome Home Hotel (quiet street + central location + great service = we loved using this hotel as our Colmar home base!)
- Hotel Le Colombier Suites (modern comfort in the heart of La Petite Venise)
- Ibis Budget Colmar Centre Gare (reliable budget option within walking distance of the best things to see in Colmar)
The Best Things to Do in Colmar, France
Stroll through La Petite Venise.
La Petite Venise is the neighborhood that gives Colmar much of its fame today, and if you’ve been browsing Colmar travel inspiration, you’ve no doubt already seen many pictures of it!
This section of the city is characterized by colorful, half-timbered houses lining beautiful canals, and the effect makes Colmar one of the most beautiful cities in France.
As idyllic as it may seem today, though, historically, La Petite Venise would have been anything but idyllic. On the contrary, it would have been downright pungent!
Exploring La Petite Venise means passing through what was historically the Tanners District, as well as what was historically the Fishmongers District.
Check out the Musée Bartholdi.
Colmar is the hometown of Auguste Bartholdi, a very famous sculptor whose best-known work lies far away from his native France… in the harbor of New York City!
The Musée Bartholdi is dedicated to the talented artist and celebrated son of Colmar that gave the world the Statue of Liberty, and is a very interesting place to visit.
Housed in the artist’s birthplace, the museum shows off much of Bartholdi’s work as well as personal effects and details about his long life.
Take a canal cruise.
When it comes to canal cities, there’s nothing like experiencing them from the water.
And, yes, a canal cruise in Colmar isn’t quite the same as a gondola ride in Venice, but it is a great way to relax and enjoy a new perspective on the gorgeous architecture in Colmar’s La Petite Venise!
Canal cruises here take place in small wooden boats and are just as picturesque as they sound.
You can book walking tours that include a boat ride, but to keep things simple, you can also just sign up for a boat ride directly through Sweet Narcisse.
(The fact that they allow dogs onboard isn’t too surprising given what we’ve experienced of traveling with Ranger in France, but it does delight me!)
… and Colmar’s Statue of Liberty.
Of course, a city that prides itself on being the hometown of Auguste Bartholdi wouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to show a replica of his most famous work!
In the center of a roundabout on the north end of town, you’ll find a 39-foot-high replica of the Statue of Liberty.
This isn’t the easiest statue to photograph–I snapped this photo as a passenger in a moving car–but be sure to keep an eye out if you leave Colmar by car to explore more of Alsace.
Stop by St. Martin’s Church.
This primarily Gothic church located in the heart of town is incredibly beautiful, and a must-see attraction in Colmar!
Like many historic churches in Europe, St. Martin’s Church owes its current architecture to a hodgepodge of time periods, including the main structure of the building that dates to the 13th century and its beautiful bell tower that dates to the 16th.
Visit the Covered Market.
It wouldn’t be a French city without a market selling everything from vegetables to prepared food!
Located right on a canal near La Petite Venise, this indoor market is fun to visit during your time in Colmar and very typical of the covered markets you’ll find in cities across the country (though the cuisine on offer, of course, has plenty of Alsatian twists).
If you happen to stop by on a Thursday, you can enjoy the nearby outdoor market as well.
Visit the Alsace Wine Route.
The Alsace region is known for its gorgeous wine country that lies right on the doorstep of its beautiful villages.
With sweeping views, plenty of tasting rooms, and lots of opportunities to the surrounding countryside by biking or hiking, the Alsace Wine Route is a must-see when visiting northeastern France.
While staying out in the countryside for a night or two is wonderful, if you’re short on time, you can also sample the best of the Alsace Wine Route as a day trip from Colmar!
(And an organized day trip does come with the bonus of not needing to worry about a designated driver, too.)
… or to delightfully small Alsatian villages.
As gorgeous as Colmar is, it is still technically a city.
If you want to enjoy some of the stunning, small villages that dot the Alsatian countryside, it’s worth leaving Colmar to visit at least a couple of them!
Alsace’s small towns, villages, and hamlets are absolutely enchanting, and each one boasts its own unique atmosphere, attractions, and views.
Some of our favorites include Eguisheim (which is conveniently located within bike-riding distance of Colmar), Riquewihr, and Ribeauvillé.
Renting a car and driving yourself can be a great option, though keep in mind that parking can get extremely competitive at popular times (see: any time the Christmas markets are open).
Want to see some of Alsace’s most beloved small towns the easy way? This popular day trip is a fantastic option!
Explore some hearty Alsatian food at a winstub.
Winstubs are traditional Alsatian restaurants, and like Alsace itself, they feel like a cross between German and French cultures, with a little something extra thrown in.
Think of a laid-back German pub (low ceilings, exposed timber beams, low lighting, beer, comfort food like sausages, and pretzels), paired with a French country kitchen.
That’s pretty much a winstub.
They’re cozy, they’re relaxed, and they tend to serve incredible food.
It’s hard to go wrong with ordering anything in winstub, but personally, we’re partial to the hearty roestis–bonus points if they’re made with Munster!
… and at a Michelin-recognized restaurant.
It’s a testament to Colmar’s status as a foodie destination that despite being home to a mere 70,000 people, as of 2026, 9 of Colmar’s restaurants are recognized in the Michelin Guide in some capacity.
Colmar’s foodie scene is packed with interesting options, and eating well at every turn is definitely among the best things to do in Colmar!
For a special treat, consider making reservations at a Michelin-recognized restaurant during your trip.
Visit the Unterlinden Museum.
The largest and most-visited museum in all of Alsace is located right in the heart of Colmar and is housed in what was once a 13th-century Dominican convent.
The Unterlinden Museum is home to a wide variety of art and artifacts, with a primary focus on art from the late Middle Ages and Renaissance.
If you’re going to make time for one museum in Colmar, this is the one to visit!
Book tickets for your visit to the Unterlinden Museum today!
Wander through Colmar’s Old Town.
One of the absolute best things to do in Colmar is simply to aimlessly wander it on foot.
You’re bound to find something wonderful around every corner, whether that’s a particularly unique piece of architecture, a great cheese shop, or a charming cafe.
Here are a few interesting places to visit in Colmar to keep an eye out for as you explore:
House of Heads
Built in 1609, the House of Heads is covered in downright eerie faces and masks.
It’s definitely not a facade you’ll forget anytime soon!
Pfister House
Clocking in at nearly 500 years old, the Pfister House is one of the best examples of Renaissance architecture in Colmar, and its painted facade is well worth seeing during your visit!
Check out the Toy Museum.
Covering children’s toys from the 19th century through the modern-day, Colmar’s Toy Museum is a whimsical museum in the city that is definitely worth checking out!
Old Customs House
The distinct tile roof of Colmar’s Old Customs House is stunning and easy to find during your time exploring Colmar.
Keep an eye out for it as you may your way through the historic center!
In (late) November and December, visit Colmar’s Christmas markets!
Colmar is well-known for its fairytale-esque Christmas markets that take over the town each November and December, and they absolutely live up to the hype!
Alsace is deservedly famous for its Christmas markets, and Colmar is no exception.
With six markets to visit, countless decorations that go up throughout the town, and plenty of vin chaud to go around, Christmas in Colmar is a delightful experience and one that we highly recommend!
We have a full guide to visiting Colmar at Christmas here.
… or skip the crowds and visit the Spring Markets instead!
Love the idea of visiting Colmar’s Christmas market, but just wish you had visited 20 years ago before seemingly everyone else had the same idea?
If so, the Colmar Spring and Easter Markets might be more your style!
They’re fairly similar in concept to the Christmas markets, though less crowded and (hopefully) less cold.
We were lucky enough to see quite a bit of the decor set up for these festivities during our first trip to Colmar, which was a complete happenstance but made for an incredible introduction to traveling in Alsace.
Where to Stay in Colmar, Alsace
Colmar is full of adorable places to stay, and we recommend picking one within walking distance of the city’s top attractions.
Staying within the historic center itself is a plus, but not entirely necessary. There are lots of convenient hotels and guesthouses located just outside of the center, too.
Here are a few popular, well-reviewed places to check out when planning your trip to Colmar!
Budget
Ibis Budget Colmar Centre Gare — Basic, clean, and within an easy walk of both Colmar’s train station and city center, Ibis is the perfect option for budget travelers visiting Colmar who want to prioritize a walkable location while not breaking the bank.
Check rates & book your stay at Ibis Budget Colmar!
Mid-range
Paul & Pia Welcome Home Hotel — We loved this hotel in Colmar!
The rooms were spacious and incredibly clean, the staff excellent, the building refurbished to feel brand new, and best of all, the location was perfect.
Located on a quiet street just a short walk from both the train station and Colmar’s city center, we couldn’t have asked for a better place to stay during our most recent visit to Colmar.
Check rates & book your stay at the Paul & Pia Welcome Home Hotel!
Luxury
Hotel Le Colombier Suites — Located in the heart of La Petite Venise, you can’t ask for a more picturesque place to stay in Colmar.
Boasting beautifully decorated rooms, excellent customer service, and a wonderful on-site breakfast, a stay at Hotel Le Colombier Suites will ensure your trip to Colmar is incredibly relaxing.
Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Le Colombier Suites!
A Sample One Day in Colmar Itinerary
Only have one day in Colmar? You’re not alone: many travelers visit Colmar for the first time on a day trip!
With only one day, we recommend heading initially to La Petite Venise for a quick wander before then exploring the Old Town on foot, meandering semi-aimlessly through the beautiful architecture.
From there, pick which Colmar museum appeals to you the most and enjoy a visit.
After that, indulge in a classic Alsatian meal, whether that is at a Michelin-rated restaurant or a cozy winstub.
On a day trip to Colmar, we recommend trying not to get too caught up in traditional sightseeing.
The best Colmar attraction is the city itself, and appreciating the atmosphere should be your biggest goal for the day (well, that and enjoying plenty of Alsatian food and wine).
How to Get to Colmar, France
Colmar is easily accessible by train, and for most visitors, it will be the easiest way to enter and exit the city.
Most trains to Colmar will pass through Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace and another fantastic place to visit. (Here’s what we recommend doing in Strasbourg.) From Strasbourg, it’s another 30 minutes by train to reach the best things to do in Colmar.
However, the plethora of beautiful villages and excellent wineries in Alsace mean that this corner of France is also an excellent road trip destination!
If you’re considering the idea of a road trip in France, Alsace is a wonderful option.
By renting a car, you’ll be able to explore the smaller towns surrounding Colmar at a much more leisurely pace… but you definitely don’t need one for exploring the city of Colmar itself.
Shop train tickets to Colmar today!
Want to explore the Alsatian countryside independently? Consider renting a car while visiting Colmar!
Can you take a day trip to Colmar from Paris?
In theory, maybe, but realistically, we don’t recommend it.
The shortest train rides between the two cities take about 2.5 hours, and most take much longer (and stop in Strasbourg).
Remember, when planning an effective day trip, you need to find a high-speed direct train both in the morning and the evening, and the direct routes between the two cities are very limited.
Driving takes a little over 5 hours each way.
While you can probably pull off a Paris to Colmar day trip if you’re absolutely determined to, with so many incredible day trip options closer to Paris that you’re better off sticking closer to the capital and saving Colmar for another trip.
If you really want to take a day trip to Alsace from Paris, spending a day in Strasbourg is a much more efficient option!
Read More About Visiting France & Beyond
If you found this roundup of the best things to do in Colmar helpful, we’d love to continue to be part of your travel planning here on Our Escape Clause!
You can read more about us here, or browse our 40+ blog posts about France here.
Planning a winter trip? Here are all of our blog posts about celebrating Christmas in Europe!
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- How to Celebrate Christmas in Europe: Itinerary Ideas, Tips + FAQ!
- Planning a Trip to Paris in 11 Easy Steps (+ First Time in Paris Tips!)
- A Spectacular South of France Itinerary: Provence + The French Riviera
Map of the Best Colmar Attractions
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About Kate Storm
Kate is the founder and primary author of Our Escape Clause. Since 2016, she has been following her curiosity across the globe and turning her experiences into detailed trip planning advice for you. Her travels have taken her to 50+ countries, most regions of Italy, and most US states. After 4+ years of full-time travel, she enjoyed chapters calling Lisbon, New York City, and Texas home before deciding to base herself in North Carolina (between trips). She lives with her husband and business partner, Jeremy, their son, and their fluffy sidekick, Ranger.