Colmar looks like a fairytale at first glance, but figuring out which places are actually worth your time is a little harder once you arrive.
I moved to the region in 2019, and I visit Colmar about five times a year.
Over the years, I’ve learned that this town is at its best when you go beyond the obvious postcard stops.
Yes, Petite Venise is lovely. Yes, the half-timbered houses are as pretty as everyone says.
But there’s also a big difference between the most famous attractions and experiences that make a visit memorable.
This guide covers the top things to do in Colmar from a local’s perspective.
I’ve included photogenic streets like Quai de la Poissonnerie, a wine tasting at Domaine Martin Jund, and a few other places I think tourists either rush through or miss entirely.
If you’re planning a day trip or building a longer itinerary, these are the things I’d prioritize. There are even a few honest tips on what I avoid during peak season.
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Visit Colmar Like a Local
Turn your visit from a typical tourist trip into an insider’s experience with my free travel guide.
1. Walk around La Petite Venise in the Morning
Colmar can get very crowded with tourists, especially in the Petite Venise neighborhood. It’s one of the few downsides of visiting.
Before 9 am, it’s quiet and almost cinematic. By late morning, however, especially in December and summer, it can feel packed with tour groups.
So, when I can, I try to visit early in the morning.
My first stop is always Quai de la Poissonnerie.
It’s a long, winding, cobbled lane, but there are three intersecting streets that you won’t want to miss:
- Rue Turenne
- Rue des Écoles
- Boulevard Saint-Pierre
Of these, Boulevard Saint-Pierre is the least visited, and it shows a calmer side of Petite Venise that most tourists miss.
Helpful Tip: Along Quai de la Poissonnerie, there’s a small shop called Maison Alsacienne de Biscuiterie that often puts out free samples. I never seem to walk past without stopping.
If you have time, you can also see Petite Venise by boat. I booked a ride with Sweet Narcisse, which is run by local guides.
2. Visit The Hansi Village and Its Museum
Colmar has several museums, but if you only have time for one, I’d choose The Hansi Village and Its Museum.
It’s dedicated to local artist Jean-Jacques Waltz, better known as Hansi, and it gives you a much more layered understanding of Alsace than you’d get from simply walking around town taking photos.
Through his illustrations, postcards, and political caricatures, you get a glimpse into how the region saw itself during and after German occupation.
What I like most about this museum is that it feels specific to Colmar and Alsace rather than interchangeable.
A lot of travelers skip museums entirely on a short visit, but this is one of the few places where you can connect the town’s postcard beauty to its cultural identity.
3. Eat a Tarte Flambée at La Soï
If you’re wondering what to do beyond sightseeing, eating a tarte flambée should be near the top of your list.
It’s one of the classic Alsatian dishes and is often compared to pizza, but that comparison only gets you so far.
The crust is thinner, the topping is usually crème fraîche, onions, and lardons, and when it’s done well, it disappears embarrassingly fast.
My favorite place to eat tarte flambée in Colmar is La Soï. They specialize in traditional tartes flambées, but they also do more creative versions and dessert options.
I went with my mom, who is honestly the pickiest eater alive, and even she loved it. We ordered the Munster and traditional version as well as an apple strudel one for dessert.
We both ate far too much, but I regret nothing.
Helpful Tip: I managed to get in without a reservation on a Wednesday in September, but I would book ahead in December, on weekends, or during the high season.
4. Go Wine Tasting at Domaine Martin Jund
Even though Colmar is considered the capital of Alsatian wine, there aren’t that many wineries directly in town.
My go-to is Domaine Martin Jund, a small family-run winery that feels far more personal than a big commercial tasting experience.
The first time I visited, I felt like I was welcomed into someone’s home. Caroline, who often hosts visitors, suggested I try their natural wines since I was already familiar with traditional Alsatian wines.
And I ended up loving them. They were fresher and less sweet.
During the tasting, Caroline explained the production process from start to finish, including how the labels are made.
As it turns out, each one represents a special part of Alsatian culture and wine, and they are designed by the art school next to the winery, L’Atelier Artistique.
Visit Colmar Like a Local
Turn your visit from a typical tourist trip into an insider’s experience with my free travel guide.
5. Wander through the Old Town
The Old Town is where I’d slow down and wander without too much of a plan.
You’ve got Grand Rue, Rue des Marchands, and some of the most photogenic buildings in town, but there are also plenty of small architectural details that are easy to miss if you rush from one landmark to the next.
A few highlights worth seeking out are the Maison au Pèlerin, the Pfister House, and the Old Customs House.
Around Place de l’Ancienne Douane, the colorful buildings and the Schwendi Fountain make one of the most recognizable city-center views in Colmar.
I especially like the view from the little stairway near the intersection of Grand Rue and Rue des Marchands.
Helpful Tip: The stairway is on the side of the Old Customs House.
It gives you a surprisingly lovely panorama over the square and surrounding buildings, and a lot of people walk straight past it.
You should also stop by St. Martin’s Church, one of the most important Gothic landmarks in town.
6. Shop at the Covered Market
I love local markets, so Colmar’s Covered Market is one of my favorite stops in town.
It sits right by the canal in Petite Venise and is a good place to take a break from sightseeing without feeling like you’ve stepped away from the city.
Inside, you’ll find local cheeses, meats, pastries, fruit, vegetables, and a few prepared food options.
There are also cafés here, including La Terrasse du Marché, where you can sit down for a bite overlooking the canal.
Personally, I always end up at the fruit and vegetable stalls. Everything looks ridiculously fresh, and I usually grab an apple or something small to snack on while walking around.
7. Spend a Day on the Alsace Wine Route
If you’re in town for more than one day, I recommend spending a day exploring the Alsace Wine Route.
This is one of the reasons I keep recommending Colmar to first-time visitors. It’s not just a pretty town; it’s also practical.
From here, you can reach several of the region’s most beautiful villages by public bus, seasonal shuttles, organized tours, or even by bike if you’re confident cycling.
Anytime I want to visit the wine route towns without driving, Colmar is usually where I start.
It has some of the best transport connections in the area, including access to the Kutzig hop-on hop-off bus and seasonal Christmas shuttles.
If you only have time for a few stops, my top picks are:
- Eguisheim for postcard-perfect streets and color
- Riquewihr for a classic fairytale village feel
- Ribeauvillé for castle views
- Turckheim for a quieter, more local feel
- Bergheim for somewhere beautiful without the same level of crowds
Helpful Tip: If you want to visit Alsace without a car, this is one of the easiest parts of Alsace to explore strategically from one base.
8. Visit the Easter and Spring Market
I’m going to say something mildly controversial: I think Colmar’s Easter and Spring Market is better than its Christmas market.
The decorations are still beautiful, the wooden chalets are still there, and the whole town feels festive, but without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds that can make winter visits exhausting.
This is one of the few times of year when I can actually browse the stalls, take photos, and enjoy the atmosphere without feeling like I’m being pushed along by a giant tour group.
The pace is slower, the vendors seem more relaxed, and the whole experience feels less performative.
If you like seasonal events but don’t love chaos, this is one of the best times to visit.
9. Explore Colmar’s Christmas Market
Colmar’s Christmas market is beautiful, festive, and absolutely worth seeing at least once.
It is also, in my opinion, increasingly a tourist trap.
I still go every year because the decorations are gorgeous and the atmosphere can be magical, especially after dark.
But I no longer pretend it’s a relaxed experience.
In December, Petite Venise and the main market areas can become extremely crowded by late morning, and by the afternoon, it can feel overwhelming.
These days, I prefer to visit for a few hours, enjoy the lights, grab something warm to eat, and then leave before the crowds peak.
If I want a more authentic and less frantic experience, I head to Turckheim, which has a smaller Christmas market and a more relaxed feel.
So yes, I think the Colmar Christmas market is worth seeing, just with realistic expectations and a strategy.
Where to Eat
There is no shortage of amazing restaurants in Colmar.
Below is a list of the best restaurants in town:
- Aux Armes de Colmar: Set in a half-timbered house, this charming restaurant serves excellent traditional Alsatian food.
- La Cocotte de Grand-Mère: A cute bistro with outdoor seating. The service is excellent, and the food is delicious. It’s also a great place to try some local wine.
- Les Bateliers: Located in La Petite Venise, this restaurant serves delicious Alsatian food with a view. Get there early to grab a table overlooking the Lauch River.
Where to Stay
Colmar is a small town, so the demand for hotels is high. That means you won’t find a ton of budget-friendly hotels. I have a complete guide on where to stay in Colmar.
But here are my top three picks:
- Coquet Studio Colmar Centre: A studio apartment with all the amenities you could want. Not only that, but it’s also centrally located.
- Au Grenier à Sel Colmar: A spacious, immaculate apartment right in the center of town. The host is friendly, and the apartment is well-equipped.
- Hotel Saint-Martin: Located on Grand Rue, this lovely hotel is set in a traditional half-timbered house. The rooms are cozy, and the staff is terrific. Their breakfast is also really good.
Visit Colmar Like a Local
Turn your visit from a typical tourist trip into an insider’s experience with my free travel guide.
Conclusion
Colmar may be small, but it packs a lot into a short visit.
Between the canals of Petite Venise, the cobbled streets of the Old Town, and seasonal markets, it’s one of the easiest places in Alsace to fall for quickly.
If you only have one day in Colmar, I’d focus on Petite Venise, the Old Town, the Covered Market, and a wine tasting.
If you have two days, that’s when it really gets better; you can slow down and use Colmar as a base for villages along the Alsace Wine Route.
Personally, my favorite things to do are walking through Petite Venise early in the morning, tasting wine at Domaine Martin Jund, and shopping at the covered market.
If you want to explore more of the region, I also recommend my other guides to Alsace.
Read More Articles from Alsace
Hope you enjoyed my post and found it helpful. Here are some of my other articles that I think you might find interesting.
- 25 Amazing Things to Do in Alsace (Local’s Guide)
- What is Alsace Famous For? 17 Things You Won’t Want to Miss
- 13 Amazing Things to Do in Eguisheim, France
- 7 Incredible Things to Do in Ribeauvillé, France
- 15 Amazing Things to Do in Riquewihr
- A Local’s Guide to the Best Day Trips from Colmar
