Morning
We arrived in Colmar just before noon, and our first steps took us to Place des Unterlinden, a super green square with benches and the bright, colorful ‘Colmar’ sign and of course, we couldn’t resist the classic cheesy photo. From there, we wandered past the Place des Martyrs de la Résistance and found ourselves suddenly in the middle of charming old houses bursting with color and flowers everywhere. It felt like stepping into a living fairytale.

Lunch
We grabbed lunch at one of the stalls inside the Marché Couvert de Colmar, the old covered market from the 1800s. It’s not fancy, but it’s full of fresh regional flavors. We found some seats on the tiny terrace overlooking the canal and shared a delicious tarte flambée with onion and bacon, followed by a slice of kougelhopf covered with sugar.

Afternoon
The rest of the afternoon was perfect for strolling around. We took our time along Rue des Marchands, pausing at the Maison Pfister to admire its frescoes and octagonal turret. From there, we passed the Koïfhus, the old customs house, and entered the Tanners’ Quarter, where the half-timbered houses lean in like they’re whispering stories to each other.
Eventually, we reached Quai de la Poissonnerie, the heart of Colmar’s “Little Venice.” The water moved slowly through the canal, mirroring the pink and yellow houses along its edge. It was almost impossible not to stop and take a hundred photos.

Evening
Dinner was booked in advance (thankfully!) at Le Quai 21, right along the canal. It ended up being one of our favorite meals of the whole weekend, refined, local dishes paired with Alsatian whites, and a view of the flower-decked bridges from our table.
After dinner, we walked back through Petite Venise as the light faded and the houses began to glow under the lamplight. The crowds had died down, and Colmar felt calm and quiet, like we’d found a little secret spot.

Rue des Vignerons – Wine tasting made easy
Not a single tourist in sight, just you, a winemaker, and a generous pour. Pre-booking through Rue des Vignerons lets you taste excellent local wines without the big crowds, or the guesswork.

Saturday market at Place Saint-Joseph – Where the locals actually go
Forget the picture-perfect markets, this is where Colmarians shop, chat, and grab coffee on Saturday mornings. Great for people-watching and picking up local produce like a true insider.

L’Essence du Thé – A secret tea retreat
Hidden behind a boutique storefront, this tea shop has an intimate little salon where you can sip quietly and recover from a wine-heavy afternoon. A rare find in this Riesling-loving town.

Hiéro Concerts at the Covered Market – Music + Market Vibes
Every first Friday of the month, the Marché Couvert turns into a tiny concert venue thanks to local collective Hiéro. Imagine sipping Alsatian wine while a jazz trio plays next to the cheese stand. Unexpected? Very. Awesome? Absolutely.

Cycle to Eguisheim – Wine country on two wheels
Rent a bike, ride along the Lauch River, and be in Eguisheim in no time. Vineyards on one side, fresh air on the other, and maybe a wine stop or two in between. Bonus: no parking stress.

Aqualia & Colmar’s Gravel Lakes – Locals-only leisure
If you're visiting in summer and craving a swim, skip the tourist spots and join the locals at Colmar Plage, yes, there’s a lakeside beach! Or hit Aqualia, a modern pool complex perfect for a rainy afternoon.

By car:
Just over 2 hours from Luxembourg, we left around 8:30 AM and arrived in Colmar feeling refreshed by 11:15. Having a car made exploring the surrounding Alsace villages and wine route incredibly easy, definitely worth renting if you can. Parking in Colmar is straightforward, with plenty of paid options close to the center.

By train:
From Luxembourg, it takes roughly 3 to 3.5 hours to reach Colmar with usually one or two changes (often in Metz or Strasbourg). The train ride is comfortable and scenic, perfect if you want to relax and enjoy the countryside. Once in Colmar, the city center is compact and walkable, and local buses can take you to nearby villages or wineries.

By bus:
Direct buses from Luxembourg to Colmar are less frequent and can take about 4 hours, so check schedules ahead. It’s a budget-friendly option if you’re flexible with timing.

Getting around in Alsace:
While Colmar itself is best explored on foot, having a car or renting a bike makes vineyard hopping and visiting the famous surrounding villages much simpler. Public transport options exist but are limited, so plan accordingly if you’re going the train or bus route.

One of the most magical parts of visiting Colmar is noticing how the locals live and love their city beyond the obvious tourist highlights. They don’t rush, they savor. Take a page from their book and start your weekend with a slow Saturday morning at Saturday market at Place Saint-Joseph, the real local market. It’s where Colmarians pick up fresh cheese, seasonal fruits, and that iconic Munster wrapped carefully to go. Grab a coffee, chat with the vendors, and maybe bring home some bredele cookies or a bottle of local Crémant as souvenirs.

Picnics aren’t just for tourists here, the locals often head out to the vineyards or along the Lauch River with baskets full of fresh bread, cheese, charcuterie, and a bottle or two of Alsace wine. We even spotted families, couples, and groups of friends sprawled out under the sun, basking in the slow pace of life and the stunning surroundings. On a sunny afternoon, it’s easy to join in or simply watch this authentic scene unfold like a living postcard.

For an evening out, locals tend to avoid the busy, tourist-packed winstubs and instead seek out cozy neighborhood spots like Café Rapp or Les Trois Singes, places where the crowd is more familiar, the conversations flow easily, and the beer or wine feels like home. And if you’re lucky, you might catch a live concert or local art show, especially at the Hiéro Concerts events on the first Friday of the month, where market stalls give way to music and community spirit.

Finally, skip the big-name wine cellars once in a while and book a tasting at smaller, family-run domaines through Rue des Vignerons . These intimate tastings are where you’ll meet passionate winemakers eager to share hidden gems and stories that don’t make the guidebooks. That’s where the real Alsace magic happens, personal, heartfelt, and unforgettable.