Top 10 Western European Cities to Visit on a Cruise Ship
It is also a region that many ships starting elsewhere visit, so basically if you looking to cruise in Europe, the chances are that you will be able to find an itinerary you like visiting Western Europe.
There are quite a few definitions as to what is Western Europe and what isn’t with some taking in much of central Europe and some taking in many parts of the north and the south of the continent but in terms of cruise holidays, it comes down to the British Isles and Ireland, the northern and western coasts of France as well as Iberia.
That takes in a great mix of incredible ports of call along the Atlantic coast of Europe but just which are the best ones to visit on a cruise holiday.
That is just what I look at in this list where I take you through the top 10 Western European cities to visit on a cruise of the region based on a number of different things including the range of ships and lines that visit the port, what is on offer in the port and the ease of access into the city itself.
Our Top 10 Western European Cities to Visit on a Cruise Ship
Lisbon
There can only be one number one for a list such as this one for me and that is the Portuguese capital city of Lisbon.
Lisbon is one of my favourite cities in the world and arguably my favourite in Europe as well as that it is somewhere I have visited a few times by flying thee, on a coach trip and onboard a cruise.
You get a great welcome as you cruise down the Tagus, past Belem and under the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge before docking in the heart of the city and with great views of the old town.
From there it is a short stroll to many of the cities main sites or interest, or you can jump on the vast Lisbon metro system to explore places such as Belem, Parque Eduardo VII and even head along the coast to Cascais or to the magical castles of Sintra.
If you have never visited Lisbon before, there is more than enough to keep you entertained for a day ashore, so it’s great to see so many lines now offering overnights in the city.
Lisbon is also a growing turnaround port which just adds to its merit as my number 1 pick.
Barcelona
If you have cruised in the Western Mediterranean, you will likely have either visited Barcelona or visited day as a port of call as it is not just one of the region’s leading cruise ports, it is one of the leading cruise ports in the world.
That means it has one of the widest ranges of lines and ships sailing in Western Europe and also one of the greatest varieties of itineraries.
That sets up the port to be a good choice for a list such as this one, but Barcelona is also a great place to spend time before or after your cruise or to explore on a day ashore.
It is somewhere that I have visited on both a cruise holiday and a non-cruise holiday and it is somewhere I would love to visit again as with so much on offer, there is always something new awaiting you.
Tourist hotspots such as the Camp Nou, Parc Guell and the iconic Sagrada Familia await you, as does the chance to try some scrumptious Catalan food and drink- although one downside to the cruise port and the reasons it doesn’t grab number 1 for this list is that you dock quite some distance to the city centre, especially if you are in one of the farthest terminals.
London
London is one of the greatest cities in the world and has an almost never-ending list of must-see sights, great attractions and memorable experiences and if it is somewhere you have never visited, it really should be on your list of places to go.
Something that often gets over-looked when it comes to London is the amount of free things to do with many world class museums and galleries been free to all and its many large parks well worth exploring.
From its thriving theatre scene to incredible shopping opportunities and from modern marvels such as the Shard to some of the most famous historic building in the world and so much more- no matter what you like to do in a city, you will be able to do it in London.
Its biggest issue is that aside from a small number of luxury ships that dock relatively centrally, most will arrive down the river Thames at Tilbury.
Bilbao
Cruise ships will dock on the outskirts of the Spanish city of Bilbao in the Getxo suburb but it’s just a short stroll from the terminal itself to the cities metro system, which makes it straightforward to explore Bilboa on your own.
The city is the defacto-capital of the Basque region and visitors can really get a flavour of the history and culture of the local people via its incredible food and drink.
Bilbao is a modern city, full of high-rise towers but there is also lots of its history just waiting to be explored as you walk around the older parts of town.
Amongst the highlights of any visit to Bilboa include a visit to the world famous Guggenheim Museum, its Zubizuri footbridge and its modern San Mames football stadium.
Dublin
Although you dock quite some distance to the city centre of Dublin, it is well worth heading into town as the Irish capital city has lots to offer visitors.
Its many historic buildings, including its castle, cathedral and university are well worth visiting as they are all very photogenic and if the almost always present poor weather hits on your visit to Dublin, there are plenty of museums and galleries to get out of the worst of it.
If you arrive on a dry day, the St Stephens Green and massive Phoenix Park are where the locals and tourists will all head but for many, a trip to the Guinness factory is a must do.
Gibraltar
You may be wondering why Gibraltar is on a list such as this one but the small bit of ‘Britain in the Sun’ is actually a city and has been since 1842, but everybody seems to have forgotten that.
It wasn’t until 2022, when it applied to become a city as part of the Queens Platinum Jubilee Civic Honours awards that researcher discovered it was already a city and in August 2022, its status as a city was once again confirmed.
So that makes it eligible for this list as does the facts that it is a popular port of call for many lines sailing the Western Mediterranean, it has a cruise terminal close to its main attractions, and it offers many great attractions including the chance to head up the iconic Rock of Gibraltar.
Gibraltar is somewhere I have visited a few times, and it is always a fascinating experience, especially as a Brit, but it is somewhere that is well worth visiting no matter where you are from.
Valencia
Valencia is an incredible city that is a mix of the new and the old and of Spanish and Catalan cultures that makes for an incredible day ashore.
It is a port with a vast array of ships and lines calling in there and some even turnaround in Valencia but its port is actually one of the biggest issues I have with visits there as it is just so far from the city centre and especially from the Old Town that is the best part of Valencia for exploring.
There is lots on offer in the city and whilst it is one of the warmest in Spain, there are plenty of things to inside including a huge aquarium but for me, it is walking around the old town of Valencia and trying local produce in its market that makes for the ideal day ashore.
Cadiz
Cadiz, in southern Spain, is often somewhere that people pass through on their way from the ship to Sevilla and that was actually the case for my first visit there.
Sadly, some line even bill it as Sevilla on itineraries but it is somewhere that shouldn’t get overlooked and a port of call that you really look forward to.
Cadiz is an historic city with along military past, with its old town remaining a quintessential Spanish city.
A trip to its thriving market, its beautiful cathedral and stunning parks are all on offer for those walking around its streets whilst on shore but there are many larger attractions awaiting those visiting there including art galleries, an archaeological museum and of course- the beach.
Edinburgh
The Scottish capital city is perhaps overlooked as a cruise destination by far too many cruisers but that is something that is seemingly changing as more and more ships are calling in there.
One of the biggest issues for those visiting is that aside from some smaller ships that can dock in Leith, most ship have to drop anchor and tender cruisers ashore and that is the main reason it features so lowly on this list.
Edinburgh has a fascinating history and there are plenty of places around the city to explore its past with the iconic Edinburgh Castle a must visit for those who are new to the city.
To get there, most will walk up the historic Royal Mile, which is a great place to see the mix of architecture in Edinburgh and do some shopping whilst another highlight for many is a trip up Carlton Hill- where you will likely see your cruise ship on a clear day.
Porto (Leixoes)
If you want to visit the northern Portuguese city of Porto, you will dock in Leixoes which is easy to reach the historic city via a nearby tramway.
Porto is fame for been the location where Port is associated with and there are numerous places around the city to try a tipple, see how it is made and buy some to take home with you.
There is much more to Porto than that though with must see sights including the infamous Luis I Bridge, its cathedral and the stunning Palacio da Bolsa.
