France · 2026 itinerary
Colmar 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Colmar: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
The most picturesque quarter of Colmar, with half-timbered houses lining the Lauch River. Best seen from the Rue de Turenne bridge or a stroll along the quays.
🕐 Always open
Free entry💡 Go early morning (before 9am) to avoid crowds and catch the sunlight hitting the facades.
Hotels near Little Venice (La Petite Venise) →A 17th-century merchant's house with a facade covered in 106 carved heads and masks. Now a hotel and restaurant, but the exterior is free to view.
🕐 Exterior always visible
Free entry💡 Look for the small allegorical figure of a boy struggling to open an oyster—it’s on the keystone of the main door.
Hotels near Maison des Têtes (House of Heads) →Brasserie des Arcades · ££
Le Flamm's · ££
Deeper Into Colmar
Colmar's main gothic church, built from the 13th to 14th centuries. Notable for its 12th-century nave and 18th-century organ case.
🕐 Mon-Sat: 08:00-18:00; Sun: 09:00-18:00
💡 Check the choir stalls for 16th-century carved misericords—each has a different scene.
A large public park with walking paths, a pond, and plenty of benches. Popular for picnics and spotting swans and ducks.
🕐 Always open
💡 Bring bread for the birds, but buy a baguette from a boulangerie nearby—much cheaper than tourist spots in the old town.
Restaurant le Zinc
Crêperie CrêP'Stub
Final Favourites & Departure
Housed in the birthplace of Frédéric Bartholdi, sculptor of the Statue of Liberty. Displays models, sketches, and personal items. Entry costs €7 (free for under
💡 Head to the top-floor terrace for a view of the tiled roofs—it’s often overlooked by visitors.
Le café des marchands
La cochonaille
Getting Around Colmar
From the station, take Tram A to 'Théâtre' stop (5 mins), then walk 10 mins to hotel. Or catch Bus 4 to 'Rue de l'Est' stop, 2 mins walk. Buy ticket at tram station machine – coins only. On Sundays, only bus runs; check Trace Colmar app for real-time.
From the airport, take free shuttle B to Saint-Louis station (5 mins), then catch the TGV. Book tickets on SNCF Connect app for lowest fares; avoid buying at the counter.
Pre-book via Colmar Taxi or Uber for fixed price. Avoid hailing at airport – you'll pay €20 more. Takes you direct to hotel door, good if you have bulky luggage.
Direct and cheapest option. Buy ticket from driver (cash or card). Buses can fill up; arrive 10 mins early at peak times (Aug, Dec).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Colmar?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Little Venice (La Petite Venise) and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Colmar?
See our full best time to visit Colmar guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include B & B hotel, Romantic Studio Center, Le Colombier. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.