Colmar Old Town
Step into a fairytale in Colmar Old Town, a charming Alsatian gem with colorful half-timbered houses and picturesque canals.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Colmar Old Town
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a fairytale in Colmar Old Town, a charming Alsatian gem with colorful half-timbered houses and picturesque canals.
"This place is so beautiful it’s almost hard to believe people used to (and still do) live there."
🚶♀️ Walk, Don't Drive
The old town is best explored on foot. Wear comfy shoes for cobblestones!
✨ Christmas Magic
Visit during Christmas for enchanting markets and decorations. Book accommodation early!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Little Venice
Canal de la Petite Venise
Wander along the picturesque canals lined with flower-adorned, half-timbered houses. A true postcard-perfect scene.

Christmas Markets
Various squares throughout the Old Town
Experience a magical winter wonderland with festive decorations, local crafts, and delicious treats.

Half-Timbered Houses
Throughout the Old Town
Marvel at the vibrant, uniquely styled medieval architecture that gives Colmar its fairytale charm.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Fairytale Charm
Navigating the Cobblestones
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk, Don't Drive
The old town is best explored on foot. Wear comfy shoes for cobblestones!
✨ Christmas Magic
Visit during Christmas for enchanting markets and decorations. Book accommodation early!
📸 Capture the Colors
The vibrant buildings are a photographer's dream. Visit early to avoid crowds.
🍽️ Try Tarte Flambée
Don't miss this local Alsatian specialty, a crispy flatbread pizza.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk, Don't Drive
The old town is best explored on foot. Wear comfy shoes for cobblestones!
✨ Christmas Magic
Visit during Christmas for enchanting markets and decorations. Book accommodation early!
📸 Capture the Colors
The vibrant buildings are a photographer's dream. Visit early to avoid crowds.
🍽️ Try Tarte Flambée
Don't miss this local Alsatian specialty, a crispy flatbread pizza.
🏡 Unique Stays
Consider an Airbnb for an authentic experience in a historic building.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Colmar Old Town is overwhelmingly praised for its breathtaking beauty and fairytale-like atmosphere, with many calling it a must-visit gem. Visitors are enchanted by the colorful half-timbered houses and picturesque canals. The main drawback mentioned is the significant number of tourists, particularly on weekends, which can detract from the experience.
"This place is so beautiful it’s almost hard to believe people used to (and still do) live there. Every nook and cranny hides beautiful facades and picturesque displays of little shops and cafes. I’d recommend this gem over more popular European (and even French) destinations."
Ania R
"Cute little Barvarian-style village, lots of neat places to shop and eat. The dish of the Alsace area is Tarte flambée (a flat, crispy crusted pizza) and it's available at almost every restaurant here."
Jake Witteveen
"very pretty restaurant over the river and we stopped to have our lunch and feeding the goose at the same time."
Shalli Ang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to fly into Strasbourg (SXB) and take a train to Colmar, or fly into Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL) and take a bus or train. Driving is also an option, but parking in the old town is limited. Consider parking lots outside the pedestrian zone.
Absolutely! The entire old town is best explored on foot. The charming cobblestone streets are perfect for leisurely strolls.
The train is the most convenient and fastest option, taking about 30 minutes. You can also find cheaper family tickets on weekends from Strasbourg.
While the old town is compact and walkable, there are tourist trains and boat tours available for a different perspective.
Parking in the immediate old town is restricted. Several paid parking garages and lots are available on the outskirts, such as Parking des Maréchaux or Parking Rapp.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Colmar Old Town is a public area and does not require an entrance ticket. You can wander freely through its streets and admire the architecture.
The old town is always accessible. However, individual shops, restaurants, and attractions within the old town have their own operating hours, typically from morning to evening.
While the town itself is free to explore, specific attractions like museums or boat tours will have their own admission fees.
The Colmar Christmas Markets typically open in late November and run until late December. Check the official tourism website for exact dates each year.
On weekends, you might find cheaper family tickets from Strasbourg for Colmar and the region. Look out for special offers during off-peak seasons.
📸 📸 Photography
Little Venice, the Quai de la Poisonnerie, and any street with colorful half-timbered houses are prime photo locations. Early mornings offer the best light and fewest people.
Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon) provides beautiful light. Weekdays and early mornings are ideal to avoid crowds and get unobstructed shots.
Drone usage is generally restricted in populated areas and historical sites due to privacy and safety regulations. It's best to check local drone laws before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the charming streets and buildings. A versatile zoom lens is also useful. Don't forget a tripod for low-light shots, especially during Christmas markets.
Yes, the Christmas markets, illuminated streets, and festive decorations create a magical backdrop. Capturing the lights and atmosphere is a must.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You must try Tarte Flambée (a thin, crispy pizza-like dish), Choucroute Garnie (sauerkraut with various meats), and local Alsatian wines like Riesling or Gewürztraminer.
Numerous restaurants line the canals and charming streets. Look for traditional Alsatian cuisine. Many offer outdoor seating by the river.
While traditional Alsatian cuisine is meat-heavy, many restaurants are increasingly offering vegetarian options. Look for dishes featuring local vegetables and cheeses.
Restaurants generally serve lunch from around 12 PM to 2 PM and dinner from 7 PM to 10 PM. Some may close between lunch and dinner.
While some visitors enjoy feeding the geese, it's generally discouraged as it can disrupt the local ecosystem and hygiene.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers
❤️ Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Christmas Markets
Visitors often rave about the immersive atmosphere and the sheer scale of the decorations. It's a perfect destination for those seeking a quintessential European Christmas experience. However, due to its popularity, these markets can get extremely crowded, especially on weekends. Booking accommodation well in advance is highly recommended if you plan to visit during this peak season.
Exploring Little Venice
For a different perspective, consider a boat tour along the canals. These short excursions offer a unique vantage point of the buildings and bridges, providing a relaxing way to soak in the beauty of the area. Many reviewers highlight this as a must-do activity for experiencing the full charm of Colmar. The area is particularly beautiful in spring and summer when the flowers are in full bloom, but it retains its charm year-round.
Architectural Marvels
Walking through the narrow, winding streets, you'll discover intricate details on the buildings, from ornate window frames to carved wooden signs. Each corner turned reveals a new, postcard-worthy view. The preservation of this architectural heritage is remarkable, making Colmar a truly special place to explore. Many visitors are struck by how well-maintained and authentic the town feels, almost as if stepping back in time.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit