City breaks in a motorhome: 8 surprisingly easy cities where you can park, sleep and explore without stress

Let’s be honest : taking a motorhome into a big city sounds like a bad idea. Traffic, tight streets, expensive parking… the whole thing can feel like a trap. And yet, after several trips (and a couple of moments where I thought “ok, maybe this time I pushed it too far”), I realised something : some cities are actually way easier to visit by motorhome than you’d expect.

If you’re planning your next getaway and you’re browsing ideas here and there – perso I often check https://www.week-end-camping.fr when I need quick inspo – you might be surprised how accessible some urban stops can be.

1. Bruges (Belgium)

Bruges is one of those places where you think “this is going to be chaos”. And then… it isn’t. The city has a big, clean and properly organised motorhome area at Kanaaleiland, about 20 minutes’ walk from the centre. Flat, quiet, easy service points, and a stroll along the canals to reach the Markt. Honestly, it almost feels too easy.

2. Strasbourg (France)

Strasbourg is a gem for motorhomes. The dedicated area at Rue de l’Aubépine sits right next to a tram stop – you hop on, and 10 minutes later you’re in the middle of the Cathedral square. I still remember the first time I used it : I hesitated, thinking “are we really allowed to stay here ?”. Yes, absolutely. And it’s one of the smoothest urban stops I’ve had.

3. York (England)

York Park & Ride is a life-saver. The site at Rawcliffe Bar welcomes motorhomes and gives you fast shuttle access to the historic centre. No tight medieval lanes to navigate. No guessing whether you’re allowed to park. Just easy access to York Minster, the Shambles, and that cosy city vibe that makes you want to stay longer than planned.

4. Girona (Spain)

Girona surprised me – in the good way. The motorhome area on Carrer del Riu Güell is flat, calm and about 15 minutes on foot from the old town. And if you’ve never climbed those stone steps to the cathedral early in the morning, with barely a soul around… wow. The city is small but packed with flavour.

5. Lübeck (Germany)

Germany knows how to treat motorhome travellers, and Lübeck is a perfect example. There’s a solid stellplatz at Parkplatz Wohnmobil near the canal. Everything works, everything is tidy – classic Germany – and the Holstentor is just a short walk away. I still remember the smell of fresh marzipan from a little shop near the square. Totally random detail, but unforgettable.

6. Ghent (Belgium)

Ghent is vibrant, young, beautifully messy… but surprisingly simple for motorhomes. The official motorhome parking at Driebeekstraat is well laid out, and a quick tram ride drops you in the old centre. I love the contrast : you sleep in a calm, safe area, and suddenly you’re in the middle of buzzing bars and medieval streets.

7. Norwich (England)

Norwich is often overlooked, and I don’t really understand why. It’s calm, super walkable, and the motorhome-friendly spots around the County Hall zone make overnighting pretty relaxed. The city has that “small but full of secrets” vibe. And if you enjoy browsing second-hand shops or tiny cafés, Norwich is gold.

8. Luxembourg City (Luxembourg)

Luxembourg might sound intimidating – international institutions, glass towers, fancy cars everywhere – but there’s a great motorhome area at Rue de l’Abattoir, not far from the centre. What I love here is how fast you can switch moods : one minute you’re walking through ultra-modern architecture, the next you’re in a quiet park or on the edge of a dramatic valley.

Final tips for stress-free urban motorhoming

A few quick things I’ve learned the hard way (so you don’t have to):

  • Always check height limits before entering any underground or city-centre car park. Some signs appear at the very last moment…
  • Prefer Park & Ride systems whenever they exist. Honestly, they remove 80% of the stress.
  • Arrive before 5 pm. Not later. Spaces tend to fill up right after work hours.
  • Keep a plan B within a 15-minute drive. City traffic can be unpredictable.

City breaks in a motorhome don’t have to be complicated. Sometimes they’re even easier than rural stops – and a lot more fun.
So… which city are you tempted to try first ?