Strasbourg or Colmar: Which Is Better to Visit?

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Strasbourg	Colmar
Larger city, regional capital	Smaller, fairy-tale town
More cultural attractions	More picture-perfect charm
Great for a city break	Great for a romantic getaway
Train access to Colmar	Buses to Alsace villages

In short, if you want to step into a storybook version of eastern France with canals, colorful houses, and cozy cafés, go to Colmar. Once you’re in Colmar, you can take a bus or a short drive to Alsace villages.

If you prefer a more lively town, but still want to wander charming cobbled streets and admire stunning architecture, Strasbourg is the one for you. You can also go on a day trip from Strasbourg to Alsace villages by public transport, but you’ll have to transfer in Colmar.

Tourist Attractions

• Winner: Strasbourg (slightly)

Both cities have incredible architecture, but Strasbourg wins for its variety of things to do and its lively atmosphere.

Strasbourg is home to one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Europe, and the view from the top is worth the climb. My favorite spot is the charming district of La Petite France, full of canals and half-timbered houses. It’s the kind of place where you could happily wander for hours.

Colmar, on the other hand, is smaller and feels more intimate. It’s all about ambiance with the pastel houses, flower-lined canals, and cobblestone lanes. Its Old Town looks like it hasn’t changed in centuries, and every corner is photogenic.

Colmar also sits right on the Alsace Wine Route, which makes it an ideal base for exploring nearby villages like Eguisheim and Riquewihr.

Things to Do in Strasbourg

• Visit Strasbourg Cathedral: The city’s landmark, with stunning Gothic details and panoramic views from the tower.
• Stroll around La Petite France: The most scenic district in Strasbourg, with canals, timbered houses, and cozy restaurants.
• Explore the European Quarter: See the European Parliament and learn more about the city’s international role.
• Take a boat tour on the Ill River: A relaxing way to see the best of Strasbourg from the water.
  

Things to Do in Colmar

• Walk around Little Venice: The prettiest area of Colmar, where colorful houses reflect in the canal.
• Try Alsatian wine: Colmar is surrounded by vineyards! You can join a wine-tasting tour or visit a local wine cellar.
• Explore nearby villages: Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, and Riquewihr are all easy to reach from Colmar by public transport or car.
  

🍷 TOP TIP: You don’t need a car to discover wineries along the Alsace Wine Route. Join this organized day tour from Strasbourg and relax!

Getting There

• Winner: Strasbourg

Both Colmar and Strasbourg are easy to reach, especially if you’re traveling by train. Strasbourg has an airport, but you can also fly into Basel in Switzerland and take a train to Colmar or Strasbourg.

• From Paris to Strasbourg: Around 1 hour and 45 minutes by TGV.
• From Paris to Colmar: Around 2 hours 20 minutes by train, usually with a change in Strasbourg.
• From Strasbourg to Colmar: 30 minutes by direct train.

If you’re arriving from Germany or Switzerland, both cities are also well-connected by regional trains.

Accommodation

• Winner: Strasbourg (as a base)

Deciding should you stay in Strasbourg or Colmar depends on your Alsace itinerary, and what you actually want to do in the region. Both cities offer great accommodation options, from boutique hotels to charming flats in historic houses.

Strasbourg offers a greater variety of accommodations, ranging from large hotel chains to family-run studios. It is easier to find accommodation in Strasbourg during the high season because there are more options.

At the same time, Colmar might be a better choice if you want to explore Alsace villages without a car. Colmar is the departure point for buses to Eguisheim, Ribeuville, and Riquewihr.

Where to stay in Strasbourg

• TOP Pick:  Hôtel LÉONOR
• Luxury Option: Maison Rouge Strasbourg
• Budget Option: Hôtel Tandem
  

Where to stay in Colmar

• TOP Pick: Hotel Le Colombier
• Luxury Option: L’esquisse Hotel & Spa
• Budget Option: PAUL & PIA
  

Getting Around

• Winner: Both

Both Strasbourg and Colmar are incredibly walkable.

In Strasbourg, you can walk everywhere in the city center, and trams are great if you’re staying a bit farther out. Cycling is also popular, and the city has plenty of bike lanes. If you’re staying in Strasbourg for 3 days, the best option is to get a 72H SOLO transport pass.

I never took public transport in Colmar, as the city is quite small and you can explore the whole old town on foot in a few hours. If you’re planning to visit nearby villages, renting a car or joining a small group wine route tour is the best option.

🚲 Want to explore Strasbourg like a local? Take a guided bike tour in Strasbourg to discover hidden corners and local cafés! I loved having a bike in Strasbourg.

Christmas Markets

• Winner: Both

Both cities go all out for Christmas, after all, Alsace is where you’ll find the best Christmas markets in France.

Strasbourg hosts one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Europe. The entire city transforms into a winter wonderland, with countless market stalls, festive decorations, and a magical atmosphere.

Colmar’s Christmas market, however, feels more intimate. The whole old town glows with fairy lights, and you’ll find several smaller markets spread across the city. Colmar is where you’ll see some of the most iconic Christmas Market photo spots, like the big Christmas tree in front of the pink house.

If you’re spending a weekend in Strasbourg, it’s totally worth taking a quick train over to Colmar to see their Christmas market too!

Nightlife

• Winner: Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a student town, and it has a lively nightlife scene, especially around the cathedral and Krutenau districts. You’ll find everything from chic wine bars to casual pubs.

Colmar is quieter, most places close early, and evenings are better spent in cozy restaurants, enjoying local wine and tarte flambée.

If nightlife is a priority, go for Strasbourg. 

TOP TIP: Many students actually take a tram over to Kehl, Germany, to party on the weekends. My friends who studied in Strasbourg say it’s where the real Strasbourg nightlife is!

Cost of Travel

• Winner: Both

Prices are quite similar in both cities, so your budget shouldn’t matter much when deciding should you visit Strasbourg or Colmar.

Expect to pay around €5–6 for a coffee, €15–20 for a meal at a sit-down restaurant, and around €100 per night for a mid-range hotel. Hotel prices increase a lot during the Christmas Market season, so book in advance if that’s something you’re interested in.

Compared to prices in Bordeaux, I’d say Alsace is slightly cheaper. 

Colmar is better for you if…

• You love fairytale towns and cozy atmospheres. You want to stroll the cobblestone streets, admire the architecture, and take photos.
• You want easy access to the Alsace Wine Route and public transport to Alsace villages.
• You prefer smaller, walkable towns with a relaxed pace, ideal for a romantic getaway in France.

Strasbourg is better for you if…

• You love history, culture, and architecture. Your idea of a perfect city break is wandering cobblestone streets and finding hidden gems.
• You’re visiting Alsace for a weekend or a longer trip, and you’d like to take a day trip to Nancy, Metz, or even Colmar.
• You enjoy lively cities with great restaurants and nightlife.

Planning your trip to Alsace

If you’re visiting Alsace for a few days, I recommend staying in Strasbourg and taking a day trip to Colmar and the nearby wine villages. You can easily do this by train or with a guided wine route tour.

If you prefer a slower pace, spend a night or two in Colmar to really soak up its charm, especially if you’re visiting in winter, when the town looks like a Christmas postcard.

Should You Visit Both Colmar and Strasbourg?

Yes, 100%! If you have the time, visit both.

They’re only 30 minutes apart by train, and each offers something the other doesn’t.

Summary: Visit Colmar or Strasbourg?

If you can only pick one city, here’s my take:

Colmar is perfect for a relaxing weekend surrounded by colorful half-timbered houses, canals, and vineyards. It’s ideal for slow travelers and wine lovers.

Strasbourg is better for those looking for culture, architecture, and a lively city atmosphere, without losing that Alsatian charm. Everything you can do in Colmar, you’ll also get it in Strasbourg, plus some more.

Honestly, it’s so hard to decide should you visit Strasbourg or Colmar as both are magical, full of history, and easy to fall in love with. Whichever you choose, you’re in for a beautiful trip to Alsace!

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