There is a common misconception that motorhomes and major European cities don’t mix. People imagine narrow cobblestone streets, height-restricted tunnels, and angry locals in tiny Fiats honking at your long wheelbase.
That is a little bit true 🙂 But the good news is that even some of the biggest, busiest and most famous cities in Europe are absolutely doable by motorhome.
After two years of traveling by campervan in Europe, we’ve decided that some of the continent’s most vibrant cities are actually best explored with your home on wheels—provided you know where to park and how the locals drive.
So from those fjord-side streets of smaller-city Norway to the hidden gems of the Balkans, here are 10 European cities you shouldn’t miss.
- Motorhome Travel in Europe
- Augsburg, Germany
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Stavanger, Norway
- Rome, Italy
- Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Pristina, Kosovo
- Riga, Latvia
- Chisinau, Moldova
- Tallinn, Estonia
- Paris, France
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European Cities by Motorhome: At a Glance
Europe is amazing for motorhome travel. Here are 10 European cities that we recommend you add to your motorhome itinerary and get planning.
1. Augsburg, Germany
Germany is the spiritual home of the “Stellplatz” (motorhome stopover), making Augsburg a dream for van-lifers. As one of Germany’s oldest cities, it offers a quieter, more authentic alternative to nearby Munich.
Plus, if you are lucky enough to be there in December check out the incredible Augsburg Christmas Market. As New Zealanders from way Down Under we’d never seen anything like it!
- The Fuggerei: Visit the world’s oldest social housing complex still in use. The rent hasn’t changed since 1521 (about 1 Euro a year!).
- Augsburg Cathedral: Famous for its Romanesque and Gothic architecture and stunning 11th-century stained glass.
- Maximilianstraße: Walk this historic street to see beautiful fountains and Renaissance facades.
Motorhome Logistics:
- Parking: Use the Stellplatz am Wertachufer. It’s a short walk to the tram line.
- Driving: Very easy. German roads are wide, and drivers are disciplined.
- Transport: Excellent tram network; bikes are highly recommended.
2. Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich is often skipped by motorhomers due to high costs, but the lakeside setting and Alpine proximity make it worth the Swiss Francs. We had a beautiful (albeit cold) day out on the lake and looooved the drive to get there through the beautiful Alps.
Plus, again we were there during December and enjoyed the Christmas Market vibes right on the lakeside!
- Lake Zurich: Take a dip in the “Badis” (lake pools) or enjoy a picnic on the shore.
- Altstadt (Old Town): Wander the narrow streets and visit Fraumünster Church to see the Chagall windows.
- Uetliberg Mountain: Take the train up for a panoramic view of the city and the Alps.
Motorhome Logistics:
- Parking: Fischers Fritz is the only campsite in the city. It’s expensive but right on the lake. Otherwise try your luck out of town and make your way in to park in the city during the day.
- Driving: Moderate. Be wary of tram lines and strict speed enforcement.
- Transport: The Zurich Card gives you unlimited travel on trams, buses, and boats.
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3. Stavanger, Norway
Located on the edge of the dramatic Lysefjord, Stavanger is a colourful, wooden-housed city that serves as the gateway to Norway’s most famous hikes. There is lots to see all within a wander from the waterfront.
- Gamle Stavanger: The old town features over 170 white wooden houses from the 18th century.
- Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen): A short drive/ferry away, this is a “must-do” 4-hour hike to a 604m vertical drop.
- Norwegian Petroleum Museum: Surprisingly interactive and explains how oil transformed this country.
Motorhome Logistics:
- Parking: There are several campervan spots near the ferry terminals. Otherwise we opted to stay out of town but found a motorhome park near the seaside.
- Driving: Easy, but be prepared for many tunnels and expensive tolls (autopass is a must).
- Transport: The city is compact and very walkable.
4. Rome, Italy
Driving a motorhome into central Rome is a recipe for a headache, but the “Eternal City” has excellent dedicated motorhome areas on its outskirts. Or try your luck and book a spot right in the centre of the city and park in the urban motorhome carparking. It’s not glam – but we recommend it for location!
- The Colosseum & Forum: The heart of the Roman Empire. Book tickets in advance!
- The Vatican Museums: Home to the Sistine Chapel.
- Trastevere: Head here in the evening for the best pasta and a lively, local atmosphere.
Motorhome Logistics:
- Parking: Stay at LGP Roma or Roma Camper Park. These are “Sostas” (guarded areas) with easy train/bus links to the centre.
- Driving: Hard. Italian city driving is chaotic. Park on the edge and commute in.
- Transport: Use the Metro or the efficient (though crowded) bus system.
5. Ljubljana, Slovenia
We often heard people say Slovenia is the most ‘campervan-friendly’ country in Europe. Likely because the capital, Ljubljana, is small, green, and completely car-free in the centre. So you can get a bus into the city and walk right around. It is a beautiful city to explore.
- Ljubljana Castle: Take the funicular up for views over the Julian Alps.
- Tivoli Park: A massive green space perfect for a morning run or coffee.
- Metelkova Mesto: An autonomous social center in former military barracks, filled with street art and alternative bars.
Motorhome Logistics:
- Parking: The P+R (Park and Ride) Dolgi Most is cheap and has dedicated motorhome bays with water/waste disposal.
- Driving: Very easy. Roads are pristine.
- Transport: Buy an “Urbana” card for the bus, or use the “Bicikelj” bike-share system.
6. Pristina, Kosovo
For the adventurous motorhomer, Pristina is a revelation. It’s young, energetic, and incredibly welcoming to foreigners. We found it fascinating and again, it made us realise how little we knew about this part of Europe. We really enjoyed Kosovo.
- National Library of Kosovo: Often voted the “ugliest” building in the world, its brutalist design is actually fascinating.
- Newborn Monument: This monument is repainted every year to reflect the country’s current struggles and triumphs.
- Bear Sanctuary: Located just outside the city, it rescues bears formerly kept in cages at restaurants.
Motorhome Logistics:
- Parking: Formal campsites are rare. You can often find parking at larger hotels or 24-hour guarded lots. We found one right in the centre of town.
- Driving: Moderate. Traffic is heavy, but drivers are generally patient with tourists.
- Transport: Cheap yellow taxis are everywhere.
7. Riga, Latvia
The “Paris of the North,” Riga is famous for its incredible Art Nouveau architecture and a surprisingly cool “creative quarters” scene. We loved the huge Central Market and found lots of food to try in Riga. It is a great one of the Northern European cities to explore on foot.
- Art Nouveau District: Walk down Alberta Iela to see the world’s most concentrated collection of Art Nouveau buildings.
- Central Market: Housed in old Zeppelin hangars, it’s one of the largest markets in Europe.
- The House of the Blackheads: A stunning 14th-century building in the Old Town.
Motorhome Logistics:
- Parking: Riga City Camping on Kipsala Island is within walking distance of the center.
- Driving: Moderate. Watch out for potholes on side streets.
- Transport: Trams and trolleybuses are frequent and cheap.
8. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn’s Old Town looks like it was plucked straight from a fairytale, with its medieval walls and watchtowers still intact. We really enjoyed exploring Tallinn and stayed for more than three nights at a great park-up on the harbourfront. (Not to mention we also took a daytrip by ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki – highly recommend that!).
- Toompea Hill: For the best views over the red-tiled roofs and the Baltic Sea.
- Telliskivi Creative City: An old industrial complex turned into a hub for shops, restaurants, and galleries.
- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: A stunning Russian Orthodox cathedral.
Motorhome Logistics:
- Parking: The Tallinn City Harbour has a motorhome area that is incredibly central.
- Driving: Easy. Estonia is very digitally advanced—parking apps work everywhere.
- Transport: Public transport is free for residents, and for tourists, the QR ticket system is easy to use.
9. Chisinau, Moldova
Moldova is one of the least visited countries in Europe, making Chisinau a true “off-the-beaten-path” destination as far as European cities for van-lifers. We loved it! It is a fascinating country and definitely feels like you are excitingly far from the west…
- Milestii Mici: A 20-minute drive from the city, this is the world’s largest wine cellar (you can drive your car through the tunnels!).
- Stefan cel Mare Park: The heart of the city, perfect for people-watching.
- Nativity Cathedral: The main Orthodox cathedral located in a beautiful park.
Motorhome Logistics:
- Parking: There are no formal campsites in the city. Most travelers use secure 24-hour parking lots (Parcare) near the center.
- Driving: Challenging. Road quality can be poor with significant potholes.
- Transport: Trolleybuses are extremely cheap (about 10 cents per ride).
10. Paris, France
Yes, you can do Paris in a motorhome! France is incredibly van-friendly, and while you shouldn’t drive into the 1st Arrondissement and head directly in to the cities, the outskirts are well-equipped.
- Eiffel Tower Picnic: Skip the elevator and have a picnic on the Champ de Mars with some local brie and baguettes.
- The Louvre: Go in the evening on Fridays when it’s less crowded.
- Montmartre: Walk up to the Sacré-Cœur for a sunset view over the city skyline – and get a Crepe – it’s a must!
Motorhome Logistics:
- Parking: Camping de Paris in the Bois de Boulogne is the only choice. It has a shuttle bus to the Metro.
- Driving: Hard. The Périphérique (ring road) is legendary for its congestion. Stay on the outside.
- Transport: The Metro is king. Download the “Citymapper” app.
Final Tips for Your European Cities Road Trip
European travel requires flexibility. Be prepared to switch seamlessly between paid campsites, legal Stellplätze, and discreet parking to get to all these European cities by motorhome. Don’t forget to download the Apps you need and get your head around Vignettes before you set off:
- Vignettes: Countries like Switzerland, Slovenia, and Austria require a sticker (vignette) for highway use. Buy them at the border!
- Park4Night: This app is your bible. It lists everything from farm stays to secure city parking.
- Low Emission Zones (LEZ): Many European cities (like Paris and Augsburg) require an environmental sticker (Crit’Air or Umweltplakette). Check these before you enter city limits.
- Security: When parking in cities, never leave valuables in sight. We always use a steering wheel lock in cities like Rome or Paris for extra peace of mind.
Happy travels, enjoy all of these European cities in your motorhome – and we’ll see you on the road!
Arriving to Amsterdam to buy your motorhome? Check Ibis Schiphol, Hyatt Place Amsterdam Airport and Radisson Blu Hotel Schiphol to start your trip.
Read More About Travel in Europe by Motorhome
- The Brutal, Beautiful Truth: What One Year of Motorhoming in Europe Taught Us.
- Buying a Motorhome in Europe: The Kiwi & Aussie Checklist.
- Border Crossing: Kosovo to North Macedonia.
- Things To Do In Podgorica, Montenegro.
- Things To Do In Belgrade, Serbia.
- Border Crossing: Serbia to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Border Crossing: Bosnia to Montenegro.
- Things To Do In Chisinau, Moldova.
More Useful Links for Your Travels in Europe and Beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. It is easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere online.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Make sure you have insurance before buying a motorhome and planning van life in Europe!