Visiting cities is one of the great pleasures of travelling, but with a motorhome it's also one of the biggest challenges: narrow streets, impossible parking, height restrictions and, increasingly, low-emission zones. With the right strategy, though, you can enjoy any city without stress or fines. Here are the tricks.
The golden rule: don't take the camper van into the centre
The big mistake is trying to drive and park in the old town. What actually works is exactly the opposite: leave the camper van on the outskirts and go into the centre by public transport or on foot. It's more comfortable, cheaper, and saves you a lot of hassle.
Where to leave the camper van
- Park & Ride car parks: many cities have them on the outskirts, connected to public transport. The ideal option.
- Motorhome sites on the outskirts, where available (see overnight stopover spots).
- Nearby campsites with a connection into the city.
- Coach/large-vehicle car parks, which sometimes work too.
Watch out for low-emission zones
More and more cities have Low Emission Zones (LEZs) that restrict access based on a vehicle's emissions rating, with fines for entering without one. Before heading towards a city, check whether it has an LEZ and whether your vehicle can enter; in many cases, you shouldn't even consider taking the camper van in (see low-emission zones).
Getting around the city
- Public transport: metro, bus, tram; fast and with no parking worries.
- Bikes: if you're carrying bicycles, many cities are ideal for exploring on two wheels (see bike racks).
- On foot: the best way to discover a historic centre.
In summary
To enjoy cities with a motorhome, the key is not taking it into the centre: leave it on the outskirts (Park & Ride, sites, campsites) and go in by public transport, always keeping an eye on low-emission zones. The step you can take today: before visiting a city, find a Park & Ride car park on the outskirts and check whether there's a low-emission zone; that alone will make the visit comfortable and fine-free. Combine it with low-emission zones.