Strasbourg · Itinerary
4 days in Strasbourg with a day trip to Colmar
Use four days to alternate city walks with a rail excursion, rather than filling every morning with another major sight. This plan pairs the cathedral with regional history, gives Petite France a slower circuit, and reserves a full day for Colmar. Finish among Neustadt's broad avenues and the park paths near the European quarter.
At a glance
- Where to stay
- Near the station is convenient for the Colmar excursion and airport train, while keeping the old center within walking distance. Choose Petite France if canal walks matter more to you than a shorter departure with luggage.
- Book ahead
- A canal boat, A table at a winstub, Hotels in the Christmas market season
- Other lengths
- 2 days 3 days
Day 1: The cathedral and the south bank
- Morning
- Start with the cathedral exterior on Place du Château, then go inside when access permits. Add the platform climb if the weather is clear, leaving a gap afterwards for a break around Place Gutenberg.
- Afternoon
- Visit the Alsatian Museum to put regional homes and crafts into context before your Colmar trip. Afterwards, follow Quai des Bateliers eastwards and wander into Krutenau rather than returning directly to the cathedral.
- Evening
- Stay in Krutenau for an early dinner, then cross back to the island at Pont du Corbeau. Keep this first evening short if you have traveled a long way.
- Dinner
- Choose a neighborhood Alsatian restaurant for dinner and order tarte flambée with onion and bacon.
Day 2: Western canals and a palace collection
- Morning
- Reach Petite France through Grand'Rue, then follow Rue du Bain-aux-Plantes and the bridges around Place Benjamin-Zix. Continue to the Barrage Vauban terrace before choosing a waterside spot for a pause.
- Afternoon
- Take a canal boat circuit, checking your boarding point in advance. After the cruise, choose one Palais Rohan museum according to your interests and its current opening hours.
- Evening
- Walk from Place Gutenberg along Rue des Grandes-Arcades to Place Kléber. Allow time for dinner near the cathedral, then return through the quieter side streets rather than repeating the afternoon's route.
- Dinner
- Book Maison Kammerzell for dinner and check the menu for its fish choucroute if you want a variation on the meat version.
Day 3: Colmar's lanes and canal quarter
- Morning
- Take a direct train to Colmar, then walk from the station toward the old town. Begin around Place de l'Ancienne Douane and the Koïfhus before following the smaller streets toward the canals.
- Afternoon
- Explore Quai de la Poissonnerie and the Petite Venise area on foot. If you want an indoor visit, choose the Unterlinden Museum and check its opening arrangements before committing the afternoon.
- Evening
- Return to Colmar station with time to spare for your chosen train. Back in Strasbourg, keep dinner close to your accommodation so the excursion does not become an unnecessarily long day.
- Dinner
- Have dinner at a winstub near your Strasbourg base and look for choucroute or a seasonal vegetable dish.
Day 4: Broad avenues and a park afternoon
- Morning
- Walk from Place Broglie to Place de la République, then along Avenue de la Liberté toward the university. This route gives you time to look at Neustadt's street layout and building fronts.
- Afternoon
- Use a tram to reach the European quarter, adding an interior visit only if arrangements are confirmed. Continue to Parc de l'Orangerie and leave a generous buffer if you have an evening departure.
- Evening
- If you are staying another night, finish with a short walk beside the Ill near Quai des Bateliers. Otherwise, collect your bags and head to the station without adding another sight.
- Dinner
- For a final dinner, choose Winstub Le Clou and look for an Alsatian casserole or another regional main course.
Tips
Tips for 4 days in Strasbourg
- Check Colmar train times before leaving Strasbourg and save a later return as a backup if your afternoon visit runs longer.
- Place the Colmar excursion on the day with the best forecast if you mainly want to walk its lanes and canals.
- Leave luggage at your accommodation on the final day so the Neustadt and park outing stays comfortable.
Questions
4 days in Strasbourg with a day trip to Colmar
Is Colmar worth including in four days?
Yes, if you want to compare two Alsatian towns. Direct trains make it a manageable excursion while still leaving three days for Strasbourg's main districts.
Can I replace Colmar with a village?
Obernai is an alternative for a smaller town near the vineyards. Check the rail timetable first and keep the outing focused instead of combining several villages.
Should I hire a car for this plan?
You do not need one. Strasbourg's central sights are walkable, the European quarter has tram connections, and Colmar is reached by direct train.
Can I fit this around an afternoon departure?
Yes, but shorten the final day to the Neustadt walk. Leave the European quarter and park for another visit if reaching the station would feel rushed.
Plan the rest