If you’re traveling Europe by motorhome, there are a zillion blogs and travel guides with itineraries for the famously massive cities and sites. But often, for motorhome travel the greatest joy isn’t found in the gridlock of Paris or the crowded canals of Amsterdam. Rather, it’s found in the ‘second-tier’ and smaller cities and towns in Europe.
These are those towns and mid-sized cities that offer plenty of parking, local prices – wicked bakeries and delish food finds – and a vibe that hasn’t been polished away for mass tourism.
That is our kind of Europe travel.
We’re talking about beaches on the West Coast of France, the best Frites in the border town of Belgium and the Netherlands, and where to park to wake up overlooking a castle in Luxembourg.
Hey! We are AWAY WITH THE STEINERS. Want to know more about buying a motorhome in Europe?
10 Second Tier Cities & Towns in Europe
So now, from those Atlantic dunes of coastal France to the forgotten corners of Eastern Europe, here are 10 second-size cities and towns that are perfect for your Europe van-life adventure.
Read on for some unique Europe motorhome stops and where to eat and park in each.
1. Hoogeveen, Netherlands
First up: The real reason we were in Hoogeveen instead of lingering in Amsterdam? This is where we bought our motorhome in Europe!
We actually bought two motorhomes in Europe (campervans, van, camperbus – whatever you call it). But each time we bought and sold our motorhome from Hoogeveen in the Netherlands.
Then we drove to every country in mainland Europe by van over the next two years! 😀
Hoogeveen itself is a good start of a campervan trip in Europe as non-EU citizens. There is everything you need to get started. It’s a perfect base for exploring the Dutch countryside.
- De Wieker Meule: Visit this historic 19th-century windmill. It’s a classic piece of Dutch engineering and still stands as a proud symbol of the town’s heritage.
- Spaarbankbos: This nearby forest is perfect for motorhomers looking for a morning hike or cycle, featuring beautiful ponds and well-marked trails.
- Hema: The equivalent of a Kmart of Warehouse for NZ or Australian travellers! This is a fab option in Hoogeveen to buy bedding, towels, kitchenware etc. for starting out your Europe roadtrip after buying a campervan.
Contact EuropeRoadtrip.com and use our code: AWAYWITHTHESTEINERS to receive a €100 discount on the Essentials Package for buying a motorhome in Europe.
2. Maastricht, Netherlands
Tucked away in the far south, Maastricht is touted as more ‘European’ than Dutch. It’s hilly, medieval, and incredibly sophisticated, located at the crossroads of Belgium and Germany. It is one of the oldest towns in the region.
We headed south towards Denmark and Luxembourg when we first left the Netherlands after buying our motorhome and setting out for Europe. This was a cool stop as we found traditional Frites and loved exploring the town.
- Boekhandel Dominicanen: Often cited as the world’s most beautiful bookstore, it is located inside a 700-year-old Gothic church.
- Vrijthof Square: Grab some Frites at one of the many terraces in this grand square, flanked by St. Servatius Basilica and St. John’s Church.
3. Goražde, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Goražde is a small town of incredible resilience located on the banks of the Drina River.
We were passing through on our way from Serbia to Montenegro but ended up meeting locals, fixing the wheel bearing in our motorhome, and learning a heck of a lot.
This is one of the towns in Europe that is a place for travellers who want to understand the true heart of the Balkans.
- The Drina River: The river is the lifeblood of the city. It is incredibly beautiful though with a seriously dark history.
- Memorial Park Rorovi: High above the city, this park offers panoramic views and a memorial to the city’s defence.
- The Bridge Under the Bridge: Learn the story of the hidden bridge built during the war to allow citizens to cross the river safely under the cover of night.
4. Uzhhorod, Ukraine
Uzhhorod is a city in western Ukraine, located right on the border with Slovakia. It is the capital of the Transcarpathia Oblast (region) famous for its cherry blossoms and eclectic Austro-Hungarian architecture.
Albeit travel to Ukraine does not exactly roll off the tongue as a hot destination for 2026.
But Uzhhorod is one Ukrainian city that has never been invaded.
- Uzhhorod Castle: A massive citadel dating back to the 10th century, housing a museum of local history and legends of ‘The White Lady’ ghost.
- The Mini-Statues: Embark on a scavenger hunt through the city to find dozens of tiny bronze statues (from Harry Houdini to the Statue of Liberty) hidden on railings and walls.
- Uzzhorod Market: I always love the markets and bazaars in Eastern Europe. The main city market in Uzhhorod is off Mustard Seed Lane and Koryatovycha Square. It is filled with dried fruits and nuts, preserved meats and fresh cheeses.
Wondering About Buying a Motorhome in Europe as a Non-EU Traveller?
5. Orhei, Moldova
Orhei (and specifically Old Orhei) is one of the most famous sites of Moldova. Albeit this isn’t even a city. But it is a hugely historic site of a dramatic limestone gorge with handmade, monastery caves that date back 600+ years.
- Orhei Cave Monastery: Visit the 13th-century monastery carved directly into a limestone cliff. It is still inhabited by a lone monk and offers a view that hasn’t changed in centuries.
- Traditional Village Life: The nearby village of Butuceni is a living museum. Eat plăcintă (traditional flatbread) in a local guesthouse.
- Tatar Baths: Explore the archaeological remains of a 14th-century Golden Horde city, including the ruins of a mosque and public baths.
6. Brest, Belarus
Located on the border with Poland, Brest is a city of grand monuments and deep history, often serving as the first stop for those driving into the East.
Well, driving into Belarus that is. It isn’t an easy country to visit. But the good news for those that are keen is that Belarus has a Visa-Free Region of Brest-Grodno.
We found it fascinating.
- Brest Fortress: A massive, Soviet-style memorial complex dedicated to the soldiers who held out against the German invasion in 1941. The ‘Courage’ monument is one of the largest in the world.
- Minskiy Komarovskiy Market: Brest Central Market is a large indoor market with a variety of goods, including meat, fruits, vegetables, and other items.
- Sovetskaya Pedestrian Street: The main pedestrian wayin the heart of the city is a popular bustling street lined with retaurants and cafes. We found a nearby place to park and went for a wander.
7. Podgorica, Montenegro
Often overlooked for the coast, Podgorica is the surprisingly green capital of Montenegro. It’s a cool hub for motorhomers heading toward the mountains or the sea – and we totally rate the Burek and Palacinke (pancakes) in Montenegro!
- Millennium Bridge: This modern architectural marvel spans the Morača River and has become the visual symbol of the city.
- Green Bazaar: The Trznice I Pijace Market or Green Bazaar is the best place to start exploring things to do in Podgorica.
- Pekara AS Bakery: The Priganice here are tasty, friendly parcels of goodness.
- Buregdzinica Vukcevic: Hopefully you aren’t already full from Podgorica’s size-wise-impressive café scene. Because you need room to try the best Burek in Podgorica 🙂
8. Vianden, Luxembourg
Luxembourg is small, and Vianden is a great place to get away from any of the neighbouring much bigger Western European cities. It is something like the fairytale towns in Europe of cobblestones and castle walls that you see in cartoons!
- Vianden Castle: One of the most spectacular feudal residences of the Romanesque and Gothic periods in Europe. It looks like something out of a Disney movie.
- The Chairlift: Take the chairlift up to a height of 440 meters for the best aerial views of the town and the Our Valley.
- Victor Hugo House: The famous French author lived here in exile; the museum showcases his original letters and sketches from his time in the town.
Contis, France
Located in the Landes region of Southwest France, Contis is a laid-back surf town that feels worlds away from the glitz of Paris and famed French vineyards on the other side of the country. It is one of the cool, small towns in Europe that we found – and it’s right on the beach!
- The Contis Lighthouse: Climb the only lighthouse in the world decorated with a black and white barber pole spiral. The view of the Atlantic meeting the forest is peerless.
- Surf the Landes: The beach here is vast. Rent a board or just take a long walk along the wild, wind-swept coastline.
Contact EuropeRoadtrip.com and use our code: AWAYWITHTHESTEINERS to receive a €100 discount on the Essentials Package for buying a motorhome in Europe.
10. Tangier, Morocco
While technically in Africa, Tangier is just a short ferry ride from Spain and is a common add-on for adventurous European motorhome tours. We have spent more than eight months travelling in Morocco and can’t recommend it enough!
However, if you only want to visit for a day trip (yes; to Africa) or stay a couple of nights, Tangier is an awesome north Morocco city that has all the vibes.
- The Kasbah: Wander the high walls of the old fortress. The Kasbah Museum, located in the former Sultan’s palace, is a must-see for its mosaic floors and gardens.
- Tangier Medina and Grand Socco Market: The souks of Morocco are hard to describe on paper but in person they are the heart and soul of the medina.
- Grand Socco: Sit at a café in this bustling square where the old city meets the new. It’s the perfect place to watch the world go by with a glass of Moroccan mint tea: a must do!
Choosing Second-Tier Cities & Towns in Europe
When visiting these smaller gems, remember that many lack the giant Euro-Camping style resorts. Look for municipal parking lots or use apps like Park4Night to find local farm stays or quiet riverside spots.
Final Thoughts?
We love exploring away from the massive and mega cities of Europe. Of course, those are well worth the visit too. But these smaller cities and towns in Europe reward the curious—don’t be afraid to wander off the main road. We can recommend all of these!
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.
- 10 Cities To Visit In Europe By Motorhome.
- 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 Eastern Europe!