The 5 Best Places to Visit on the Rhine River

"Written by Blue Water Holidays" - Thursday 7th November 2024

Europe’s network of rivers, canals, and tributaries weaves a tapestry that connects cities across the continent, linking not only countries but cultures too. From historic strongholds to charming settlements with bags of character, exploring Europe on its waters offers a fresh perspective to appreciate the breadth of beauty this continent has to offer.

But, there’s one river in Europe that stands out from the crowd because of its historic sites, cultural experiences, and natural beauty - the Rhine River. It is the second-longest river in Central and Western Europe, stretching through six countries, and if you’re hoping to indulge in a European getaway that offers variety, Rhine River cruises might be just the experience you’re looking for.

When it comes to where you’ll be visiting during cruises on the River Rhine, while this depends on the itinerary you choose, there are a wealth of places to visit along this magnificent waterway that are waiting to be explored. To offer you some inspiration, our team at Blue Water Holidays has divulged what they believe to be the very best places to visit on the Rhine River. From the canals and cobbled streets of Amsterdam to the historic architecture of Cologne, discover the wonders that await you on the Rhine River.

Where is the River Rhine?

While we’ve mentioned that the Rhine River is in Europe, you may be asking: where exactly in Europe does it stretch?

The Rhine River has carved a path through six European countries - France, Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, and the Netherlands. The river itself spans an impressive 765 miles, beginning in the beautiful Swiss Alps and eventually ending at the North Sea.

If you’ve been to Europe before, chances are you’ve already crossed paths with the Rhine River either in a town or city you’ve visited or when you’ve travelled between destinations. Since Roman times, the river served as an all-important trade route between both Southern and Northern Europe, and it is still one of the most important today.

For travellers, the Rhine River has opened up a world of possibilities for discovering Europe from a new perspective - its waterways - and Rhine River cruises are some of the most popular in the continent.

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Basel, Switzerland

Nestled near the borders of France and Germany, Basel is a gorgeous Swiss city that is often visited during Rhine River cruises. Basel’s location gives it a unique blend of Swiss, French, and German cultures and architecture, with a distinct charm and elegance like no other place in Switzerland.

One of the most loveable characteristics of Basel is its historic charm. With a timeline dating back over 2,000 years, its architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic landmarks - like Basel Minster - are a testament to this. You have to visit Basel’s Old Town during your visit to this destination on the Rhine, which is home to vibrant buildings and impressive Romanesque architecture.

Not to mention that art lovers will be in heaven during their visit to Basel. The city is known for its many museums and galleries, home to exceptional masterpieces by artists like Pablo Picasso and Claude Monet. From Basel’s long-standing patronage of the arts, its lively art scene has flourished and is evident in not only its museums but also in its streets with modern street art and events like the world-renowned Art Basel fair. Basel is a must-visit spot on the Rhine and one that you’ll love for its magical blend of art, history, and culture.

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Strasbourg, France

A popular destination on Rhine River cruises, and travellers in general, Strasbourg is a charming city in Eastern France beside the German border, in the historic heart of the Alsace Region.

To begin describing Strasbourg would be to liken it to a children’s fairytale story. The half-timber historic architecture of its colourful buildings evokes a sense of nostalgia, with characteristics that resemble many favourite childhood stories and films.

But, beyond the beauty in this city on the Rhine’s streets, there’s much more to Strasbourg than may initially appear. This multifaceted French city is oozing with character beyond its architecture, in its winding canals and its Little French Quarter, which is like stepping back into mediaeval France. Beauty can also be found in some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Cathedrale Notre-Dame - a gorgeous Gothic cathedral overlooking the town with an intricate astronomical clock. To have one of the most impressive views, you can climb its tower too!

Strasbourg has also developed a reputation for its delectable cuisine that blends the best of both French and German culinary delights. Tarte Flambée, also known as Flammekueche, is an Alsatian speciality, and Choucroute is a hearty vegetable dish with pickled cabbage that is stewed and enhanced with smoked meats. Delicious!

If you’re looking to experience another side of Strasbourg, you simply have to visit around Christmas. This city on the Rhine erupts with festive cheer at this most wonderful time of the year, as it is home to France’s oldest Christmas market. Its squares are filled with wooden huts selling gifts and Christmas treats, and the city’s streets are lined with twinkling Christmas lights that create a fairytale ambience that can’t be missed.

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Amsterdam, The Netherlands

The thriving capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is another of the best places to visit on the Rhine River, largely because of its charm and unique culture that is unlike anywhere else in Europe.

Amsterdam has been put on the map for its impressive network of canals, which separate the city into segments, connected by charming bridges. Its nightlife has also gained worldwide attention, with clubs, rooftop bars, and even a Red Light District, it’s a location that never sleeps.

Much like Basel in Switzerland, one of the most beautiful aspects of Amsterdam which makes it one of the best cultural places to visit in Europe is its artistic heritage. Amsterdam has long been a hub for artists from around the world, including - most notably - Rembrandt, who lived in the city, where many of his most exceptional pieces are now on display. The Van Gogh Museum is also in Amsterdam, home to beautiful works from the Dutch artist.

And when it comes to history, Amsterdam offers a poignant glimpse into the past of many of the most significant events in European history. For example, the Anne Frank House can be found in Amsterdam’s streets, where visitors can step back in time into the rooms where Anne Frank lived during WWII.

When you’re not discovering the city’s rich artistic and historical heritage, just exploring its many streets is enough to keep you entertained, with gorgeous 17th-century buildings, independent coffee houses and eateries, and boutique shops. This city on the Rhine’s relaxed atmosphere and fascinating heritage is enough to leave you in awe if you visit during cruises on the River Rhine.

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Cologne, Germany

A city whose skyline is a mix of historic landmarks and modern skyscrapers, Cologne is a bustling cultural hub in Germany. Nestled in the country’s Rhineland, it is regularly regarded as one of the best German places to visit and one that is a lovely addition to Rhine River cruises.

The city’s unique skyline is a result of much of Cologne having been ruined during WWII. Nevertheless, the now mixed cityscape is a reminder of the progress and advancements made by Cologne since it was founded all the way back in 38 B.C.

When it comes to Cologne’s stunning architecture, its mighty Gothic cathedral is one of the best examples of this. As one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe, this UNESCO World Heritage Site dominates the city’s skyline with its two spires. It is home to the shrine of three kings, which is a triple sarcophagus thought to contain relics of the Three Wise Men from the Bible. Cologne even has twelve Romanesque churches visitors can explore too, for those who really love history and architecture.

Other than a rich history, this German destination on the Rhine is known for its culture, art, and other attractions. Its impressive Hohenzollern Bridge, for example, straddles the River Rhine, and is an important route connecting the city to other settlements in Germany. The Museum Ludwig is one for art lovers, with works from famed painters like Picasso.

This trendy and cosmopolitan locatoin is also home to a fantastic shopping and independent eatery scene, meaning any day here - whether you’re sightseeing or not - is a day well spent.

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Mannheim, Germany

Compared to other places on the Rhine, Mannheim could be overlooked, but mistakenly so. In our opinion, the city is hugely underrated, and it is an interesting amalgamation of industrial heritage, baroque architecture, and some of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in all of Europe.

Nestled on the River Rhine in Germany, Mannheim has long been a city that has sparked creative inspiration and innovation. The place on the Rhine is where the car and bicycle were both invented, and the first rocket-powered aircraft in the world was developed there too. As such, the city’s popularity and name have long been known for its ties to transportation and innovation.

It’s Mannheim University where all three modes of transport were created, with visitors being able to explore parts of the establishment in the city’s Palace (Schloss Mannheim), which is one of the first baroque palaces in Europe. Here, there are many decadent rooms and gorgeous gardens to discover too.

To learn more about the fascinating history of innovation in Mannheim, the Technoseum is a must-visit. It not only sheds light on the technological and industrial innovations made in Mannheim, but in wider Germany too, and its ties to wider Europe and the world.

Another of this destination’s best attractions has to be its Luisenpark, which is known as one of the most beautiful green spaces in Germany, and even Europe. Home to peaceful lawns, cute cafes, lakes, and even a botanical garden, for a moment of quiet contemplation during a visit to Mannheim, Luisenpark is just the place.