Colmar in 2 Days for Friends - Strolls & photos in La Petite Venise
A lively, social 48-hour plan for friends: canal-side explorations, buzzing markets, culture, a castle daytrip, Alsace wine tasting, and live music — all paced for groups who want food, photo ops and playful moments.
Highlights
- Strolls & photos in La Petite Venise
- Local flavours at the covered market
- Musée Unterlinden for iconic art
- Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg panoramic castle
- Alsace wine tasting at Domaine Weinbach
- Live music at Le Grillen
Itinerary
Day 1
Orientation, town highlights, relaxed culture and a lively night out — perfect for a high-energy friend group settling into Colmar.
Meet & drop bags — Gare de Colmar
Gather at Colmar train station to meet, drop luggage in lockers or at your hotel (many nearby hotels offer early check drop). Good group rendezvous before the walking tour.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the station lockers or ask your hotel for an early bag drop to keep the group light — share locker fees among the group.
- If you arrive by train, pick a meeting point under the main clock to avoid splitting up in the concourse.
- If anyone arrives late, quick local taxis and city buses are available outside the station — have one contact person coordinate arrivals.
Guided orientation walk from the Tourist Office
A friendly walking orientation from Office de Tourisme de Colmar that covers Old Town highlights, best photo spots and quick history — ideal for groups who want context and local tips.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the guide to point out group-friendly cafés and toilettes — they’ll know the quickest stops.
- Tell the guide you’re a boisterous group so they can suggest less-crowded photo angles for vibrant shots.
- If the group wants a private start time, the Tourist Office often organizes small-group departures — split the booking to save per-person costs.
Lunch & tasting at the Covered Market (Marché couvert)
Wander stalls at Colmar's covered market, sample Alsace cheeses, charcuterie, tarte flambée slices and grab picnic-friendly bites to share.
Tips from local experts:
- Form tasting packs: pick 3–4 stalls, buy small shares at each and spread out on a bench — cheaper and more social.
- Markets get busiest around noon; arrive a bit earlier to secure a communal table or a sunny bench outside.
- Look for house-made pretzels and a local charcuterie stall — ask vendors for a small plate so everyone can try a bite.
Petit Train Touristique — fun short city ride
A playful, easy 30–40 minute hop-on/hop-off tourist train that gives quick orientation and laughs — great for group photos and sketching future stops.
Tips from local experts:
- Sit on the right side for the best Little Venice photo ops; pick consecutive seats so the whole group can take synchronized shots.
- Use the ride to decide which spots you want to revisit on foot — it’s an easy way to scope the old town for the afternoon.
- Buy group tickets together at the kiosk to save time; some operators offer small group discounts if you ask.
Musée Unterlinden — focused art visit
Visit the Unterlinden Museum to see the Isenheim Altarpiece and medieval-to-modern collections. Plan 60–90 minutes for highlights with a lively group.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask at reception for a short route hitting the Isenheim Altarpiece and Renaissance rooms — perfect for groups with limited time.
- Carry small portable speakers? Instead, have one person read short exhibit blurbs aloud — keeps the group engaged without disturbing others.
- Buy combined tickets or check for group rates; book ahead in high season (June) to avoid lines.
Coffee break at Place des Dominicains
Recharge with terrace coffee/ice cream by the lively Place des Dominicains — a great spot for people-watching and swapping photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Pick a terrace that can take a table for 4–6; ask for one slightly off the main square if you want a chatter-friendly spot.
- Try a local kougelhopf slice or Alsatian pastry with coffee — easy to share around a small table.
- Use this time to regroup and set the plan for the evening (dinner reservation, live music timing).
Winstub dinner at Le Fer Rouge
Classic Alsatian dishes in a bustling winstub — ideal for shared platters, local wines and hearty conversation around long tables.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a large table in advance and request split bills or tap-pay options to keep the evening social and low fuss.
- Order shared starters and a tasting bottle of Alsace wine to split among the group — the staff will happily pour flights.
- Ask for recommendations for group dishes (tarte flambée to share is a must) and request quick service if you have a show later.
Live music at Le Grillen — lively local venue
Cap the night with live music at Le Grillen, Colmar’s local live-music spot. Check the event calendar for rock, jazz or indie nights — groups welcome.
Tips from local experts:
- Check the venue’s schedule and buy tickets in advance for popular gigs; they often have table areas for groups.
- Arrive early to snag seats near the stage or a standing spot for the most energetic experience.
- Public transport or short taxis back to hotels are easy after late shows — coordinate a single pickup point for the group.
Day 2
A daytrip into Alsace: climb a castle for epic views, enjoy a vineyard tasting, then return to Colmar for relaxed canalside time and a final group dinner.
Transfer to Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg
Shared transfer (van or regional bus/car) out to the dramatic hilltop Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg — scenic 30–40 minute trip from central Colmar.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrange a shared taxi/van or check the regional bus schedule — splitting a private transfer is often easiest for groups.
- Bring a light jacket; even in June the castle winds can be cool at the top.
- Sit on the left side of the vehicle for early-morning valley views as you climb toward the castle.
Explore Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg
Walk the ramparts, see restored rooms and enjoy panoramic views across the Alsace plain — great for group photos and playful exploring.
Tips from local experts:
- Climb the towers in small buddy groups — some stairs are narrow, so rotate so everyone can reach the best viewpoints.
- Bring a camera with a wide lens for group shots on the battlements; sunrise/sunset are magical but busy.
- Check if the castle offers group guided tours in English or French — a tour brings the restoration history to life.
Transfer to Domaine Weinbach (Kaysersberg)
Short transfer down into the Kaysersberg area for a celebrated Alsace winery visit — easy shared ride from the castle.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm tasting appointment in advance; Domaine Weinbach is popular, especially in summer.
- Share transport costs among the group — wineries often prefer appointments and will sometimes offer small-group rates.
- If anyone prefers non-alcoholic options, ask the winery ahead — many provide grape juices or vintage soft options.
Wine tasting & relaxed lunch at Domaine Weinbach
Reserve a tasting flight and enjoy a leisurely lunch—classic Alsace whites and shared plates make this a social highlight.
Tips from local experts:
- Pre-book a tasting and tell them you’re a group so they can prepare shareable tasting pours and pairings.
- Order small plates to share: local cheeses and charcuterie pair perfectly with Gewürztraminer or Riesling.
- Plan transport back before you taste heavily — designate a non-drinking coordinator or arrange a driver to keep the group safe.
Return to Colmar — short transfer
Head back to Colmar mid-afternoon to enjoy more canalside moments and a relaxed final few hours.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this transfer time to nap, swap photos, or collect souvenir ideas from the winery (many ship internationally).
- If you rented a car, stop at a scenic pull-off for one more vineyard photo — Alsace rows are postcard-perfect in June.
- Confirm the drop-off spot in Colmar with the whole group so you don’t split up on return.
Barque ride in La Petite Venise
A chilled barque (small boat) ride along the Lauch canals in 'Little Venice' — playful, picturesque and perfect for group selfies.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a sun-time slot in advance; the light along the canals is especially flattering for group photos in early evening.
- Sit on the same side of the boat for coordinated shots, and hand a phone to someone else for group photos to get everyone in.
- Bring a lightweight waterproof layer — spray from the canal can be fun but cool in early summer breezes.
Final group dinner at La Maison des Têtes
Finish with a lively final dinner inside the atmospheric Maison des Têtes — a great spot for sharing dishes, local wine and a proper goodbye toast.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a larger table and ask for a corner or round table so your group can hear each other and split the bill straightforwardly.
- Order a shared bottle of Alsace wine or two to taste across the table; ask the sommelier for food-pairing suggestions.
- Leave room for a final shared dessert (kougelhopf or tarte flambée sucrée) — it’s a memorable way to close the trip.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 2 |
| Highlights | 6 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 4 |
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Total Activities | 11 |
| Total Places | 11 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Meal, Experience, Culture, Break, Restaurant, Nightlife, Outdoor |
