Deciding between Strasbourg and Colmar is a common conundrum when heading to the Alsace region. Two picturesque cities, perched on the border between France and Germany.
Both offer the perfect blend of French and German cultures, gorgeous architecture, access to the Alsace wine route and a fascinating local history.
In general, choose Colmar if you’re after a smaller village and proximity to Alsation wineries. On the other hand, choose Strasbourg if you’re after a larger city with lots of options.
Whether you’re drawn to Strasbourg’s cosmopolitan flair or Colmar’s more intimate, romantic vibe, both cities provide unforgettable experiences for travellers seeking history, culture, and the unique flavours of the Alsace region.
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Colmar
The smaller of the two cities, Colmar is home to mediaeval architecture, local Alsace wines and the world-famous annual Christmas markets.
Referred to as the ‘Capital of Alsatian Wine’ and ‘Little Venice’, Colmar makes the perfect romantic getaway – meandering down the cobbled streets, taking boat tours, visiting museums and ducking in and out of family-run restaurants.
Accessibility
Colmar is relatively accessible, especially if you are travelling from a nearby city such as Paris or Basel. The TGV high-speed train takes just 2.5 hours from Paris making Colmar an excellent choice for escaping the Parisian hustle and bustle for a few days. You can view schedules here.
If you are flying into Colmar, you will need to use Strasbourg airport or the EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg. Transport to and from the city from these airports is straightforward, with options to hire a car, take a train, bus or shuttle service into Colmar itself.
Being a slightly smaller city than Strasbourg, you can easily visit the highlights on foot. Strasbourg is not so much larger that you cannot walk around but it does take a little longer to get from one side of the city to the other so this is something to bear in mind if you have limited time.
Affordability
There is not much in it when it comes to affordability but if you break down the costs, you will notice a slight difference when deciding between Strasbourg or Colmar.
You often find that larger cities tend to be more expensive and that is once again the case in this comparison. Whilst budget options can be found in both cities, Colmar is, on average, the cheaper city to visit.
There are tourist traps in every city but head down the smaller side streets to stumble upon local eateries and artisan souvenir stores, and head out into the countryside to discover family-run wineries.
If you plan on hiring a car for the duration of your stay, there are plenty of options for accommodation in the surrounding villages where you will get more for your money when compared to the central apartments.
The must-see and do activities in Colmar are relatively affordable, with the boat trip on the canal being the most expensive, depending on which wine tours you would like to take part in.
Things to do in Colmar
Colmar is instantly recognisable by its half-timbered, colourful houses lining the cobblestone streets.
The first thing anyone should do in Colmar is take a stroll through the city, discovering local souvenir shops and quaint cafes, taking plenty of photos of the iconic buildings and visiting the Old Town and the Saint Martin’s Church to see the intricate stained glass windows. You can do this independently or by joining a walking tour.
After taking the morning to explore the city itself, it’s time to head out on the water. Colmar is often referred to as ‘Little Venice’ and it’s not hard to see why.
The Launch River, originating in the Vosges mountains, runs through the town, passing the historical merchants’ houses. There are several options for boat trips on the traditional flat-bottomed boats, traditionally used by fishermen, merchants and tanners.
Make sure you book a trip or head to the docking area early during the peak summer season, you will often find lengthy queues forming by lunchtime.
There are a handful of fascinating museums to visit during your stay in Colmar, including the Bartholdi Museum dedicated to the life and work of Frédéric Bartholdi, the creator of the Statue of Liberty.
Another museum worth visiting is the Unterlinden Museum, a fascinating collection of tapestries, sculptures, stained glass and the awe-inspiring Matthias Grünewald’s Isenheim Altarpiece.
There is nothing better than a good Christmas market and Colmar is home to one of the best in Europe.
Transforming the town into a winter wonderland, with festive lights, wooden stalls, and the scent of mulled wine. Here you will find an array of food stalls selling local dishes such as tarte flambee (thin, crispy flatbread topped with cheese, onions, and bacon), pretzels, and hearty choucroute (sauerkraut with sausages and meats).
Sweet treats include pain d’épices (spiced gingerbread), bredele (Christmas cookies), and warm crêpes. The fairytale atmosphere makes it a must-visit for any Christmas enthusiast.
If you are visiting Colmar with a few days to spare, the area surrounding the city is full of activities such as wine tours, quaint villages such as Eguisheim, the endless hiking trails of the Vosges Mountains and historical sites such as the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg.
You could easily spend several days exploring the city’s surrounding area, learning more about the blend of French and German culture in local towns and villages, each with their own unique charm.
Where to Stay in Colmar
Hotel Saint-Martin – A rustic 3-star hotel, this is a great place for mid-range visitors. Located in the centre of Colmar, they twin, double, family rooms and suites available along with a good breakfast.
Hotel Le Colombier – A high-end hotel in the Little Venice district, this place not only has several luxe rooms, but a wonderful outdoor terrace and amenities like a fitness centre, bar, breakfast and more.
Les Gites Du Retable – These apartments are a great self-catering option. They are fully equipped and furnished and have a lovely location in central Colmar perfect for exploring the city.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Colmar hotels!
Strasbourg
With French and German influences woven through the culture of Strasbourg, it is a city made for architecture and food enthusiasts. The larger of the two, Strasbourg is more metropolitan, with a vibrant atmosphere all year round.
Home to the iconic Strasbourg Cathedral, its historic centre, La Petite France, also features picturesque half-timbered houses and charming canals.
There is a great debate on which city is more scenic seeing as their architecture is fairly similar. As the seat of the European Parliament, Strasbourg is also a hub of international diplomacy.
Accessibility
If you plan on flying into France, Strasbourg is the more accessible option when deciding between it and Colmar, with an airport located just 10km outside of the city centre. From the airport, there are plenty of options to reach the city centre, the easiest being the direct shuttle service.
You could also hire a car if you plan to stay in the Alsace region for a few days and want to explore the wider area but it is not necessary for just a day or two in the city.
You could also fly into Paris or arrive at Basel or Frankfurt and cross the border but this will take a little longer by train or by car.
Affordability
If you are a budget traveller and want to save as many pennies as possible, Colmar may be the better option for you. That being said, there is not a huge difference between these two Alsace cities, especially if you plan in advance and shop around for the best deals.
The nicest place to stay in the city is Petite-France, situated in the picturesque centre overlooking the canals and half-timbered merchants’ houses. A hotel room in this area, however, will cost you.
You can stay in the suburbs for cheaper rates – check out the bus routes to make sure you can easily access the city centre.
Tarte Flambee is the regional speciality, and you will find this on most menus from the large restaurants to the back street family-run cafes. It is a thin, almost crepe-like bread, topped with cheese and onions and is perfect for sharing with a handful of other local dishes.
Eating out in Strasbourg doesn’t have to be expensive, just avoid the restaurants in Petite-France to make sure you are getting the most local-centric experience without the increase in price in the tourist hotspots.
The activities on offer in Strasbourg mostly reflect those in Colmar, canal tours, museums and wine tastings. You will find more on offer in this larger city, however, especially when it comes to nightlife so it can be easier to spend more on experiences.
Things to do in Strasbourg
Petite-France is the first stop on any trip to Strasbourg, the picturesque streets hug the banks of the Rhine River, complete with colourful, mediaeval timber-framed houses.
The best way to start your day is with pastries and coffee, and, for one of the best croissants in the city, head over to L’Atelier 116.
From Petite-France, you can’t miss the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Strasbourg. This gothic cathedral is a real focal point of the city, its towering spire can be seen from miles around.
Inside you will find a collection of stained glass works and an astronomical clock that goes off at 12:30 every day, putting on a show of wooden figurines. If you can, it’s worth visiting at this time to watch the parade.
One of the best ways to see the city is from the water. There are several options for boat trips along the canal throughout the day directly from the dock next to the cathedral. Depending on the weather, you can take an open-air boat or one with a glass top.
If you are a culture enthusiast, Strasbourg has a little more to offer than Colmar, depending on what you are personally interested in. You can join a walking tour to learn more about the city’s history!
Along with plenty of galleries and museums, Strasbourg is home to the European Parliament, one of the primary legislative bodies of the European Union.
It hosts plenary sessions where key decisions and laws are debated and passed. You can take guided tours to learn about EU operations and its democratic processes.
There is also a Christmas market held in Strasbourg which happens to be much larger than the one in Colmar but this does have an effect on the ‘authentic’ atmosphere and can feel slightly more like an amusement park.
Both are worth visiting, especially seeing as it’s easy to travel from one city to the other but for a more local, authentic experience, Colmar is definitely home to the market of choice.
Whilst there is plenty to do in the evenings in Colmar, if you are the type of traveller to seek out evening entertainment, trendy bars and nightclubs, Strasbourg is definitely the city for you. Beyond the restaurants, you will find speakeasies, riverfront bars and live music venues.
If you have more than one or two days, you could head out into the Alsace countryside to discover the vineyards and wineries either on a group tour or if you have a car.
This is a popular activity from both Strasbourg and Colmar, both offer access to excellent family-run and large, commercial wineries but Colmar is in the centre of the region so if you are short on time but still want to visit the vineyards, the smaller city may be the better option for you.
Where to Stay in Strasbourg
Hôtel ORIGAMI – This hip hotel is a great choice for those after a comfortable stay. Centrally located for exploring Strasbourg, they have countless rooms available – including suites and family rooms – an on-site bar and breakfast each morning.
Aparthotel Adagio – Boasting studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments, this aparthotel has a great location and offers all of the same amenities as a traditional hotel.
Ciarus – This hostel is a great budget option in Strasbourg. With traditional dorms and privates available, there are also great common areas and an on-site bar where you can socialise with other travellers.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Strasbourg hotels!
Colmar vs Strasbourg: The Verdict
The most obvious difference is the size, Strasbourg is larger and therefore feels busier. If you are hoping for a more quaint, laid-back experience, Colmar may be the better choice – especially if you are looking for a romantic getaway or want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life at home.
Having said that, there is more to see and do in Strasbourg. If you have longer than a day or two but don’t have the option to hire a car to explore the surrounding area, you may get bored in Colmar so visiting Strasbourg could be a better option.
The Alsace region is known for its wineries and if wine tours are your main priority, heading to Colmar, the capital of Alsatian wine makes the most sense. Whilst you can enjoy local wines in Strasbourg, for the best experience, Colmar is the best option.
For those who want to dip in and out of the city but favour nature and outdoor pursuits, Colmar is closer to the lush valleys and peaks of the Vosges Mountains. Strasbourg is also surrounded by beautiful rolling hills but the lovers of wilderness will prefer the nature parks around Colmar.
Both cities are easily accessible from one another, with just 30-40 minutes of train travel time between them. Luckily, this means you could easily select your city based on your personal preferences but visit both in one trip.
Whether you choose to visit Colmar or opt to spend your time in Strasbourg, there really isn’t a bad choice between the two lovely Alsace cities.
Are you heading to France’s Alsace region? Have any questions about which city to visit? Let us know in the comments!
