1. Cologne, Germany: <3 hours by car / 4 hours by train

As one of the five largest cities in Germany, Cologne is full of surprises. With its colourful old town, immense cathedral and museums--each more surprising than the last--Cologne is a city worth exploring.

With its colourful old town, immense cathedral and museums--each more surprising than the last--Cologne is a city worth exploring. Photo: Shutterstock

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Interior of Cologne cathedral. Photo: Shutterstock

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2. Metz, France: 50 min by car / 1 hour by train

Under an hour’s drive from the Luxembourg capital, Metz is a city steeped in history and monuments. Its train station is maybe the most beautiful in France, but the city also boasts other sites such as the Saint-Étienne Cathedral and the Centre Pompidou.

Metz is a city steeped in history and monuments. Photo: Romain Gamba/Archives

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The Saint-Étienne Cathedral in Metz. Photo: Romain Gamba/Archives

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Metz’s train station is among the most beautiful in France. Photo: Romain Gamba/Archives

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The Centre Pompidou-Metz is a museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Photo: Romain Gamba/Archives

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3. Saarbrücken, Germany: 75 min by car / 2 hours by train

With 180,000 inhabitants, Saarbrücken is a German city known for its cultural scene and baroque architecture, including the Ludwigskirche church. Its vast Franco-German Garden, the city’s “green lung,” is perfect for walking, jogging or having a picnic.

The Ludwigskirche in Saarbrücken, Germany. Photo: Shutterstock

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Saint Johann Church in Saarbrücken, Germany. Photo: Shutterstock

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4. Strasbourg, France: 2.5 hours by car / 3 hours by train

Often called the capital of Europe, Strasbourg has a rich culinary heritage, an architecture with German and French influences, and magnificent monuments such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Half-timbered houses in the Petite France district of Strasbourg. Photo: Shutterstock

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The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France. Photo: Shutterstock

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Notre-Dame Cathedral in Strasbourg. Photo: Shutterstock

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5. Brussels, Belgium: <3 hours by car / 3.5 hours by train

A European capital that boasts a large number of European institutions, Brussels is also a city renowned for its architecture and culture, as well as its food: it’s famous for chocolate, waffles and fries.

The Grand-Place (Grote Markt) with the town hall and Maison du Roi in Brussels, Belgium. Photo: Shutterstock

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The Berlaymont building, the headquarters of the European Commission, in Brussels. Photo: Shutterstock

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Besides its architecture and culture, Brussels is also famous for chocolate, waffles and fries. Photo: Shutterstock

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6. Trier, Germany: 45 min by car / 50 min by train

Founded in 16 BC, the city of Trier has a significant history. Considered the second Rome, it is home to monuments such as Saint Peter’s Cathedral, the Porta Nigra and the Church of Our Lady, all of them Unesco World Heritage Sites.

The Porta Nigra in Trier, Germany. Photo: Shutterstock

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Trier’s Hauptmarkt, or market square. Photo: Shutterstock

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7. Paris, France: 4 hours by car / 2.5 hours by train

In Paris, you won’t be bored. Historical monuments, cultural events, nightlife… it has everything. Visit the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe--the City of Lights never ceases to amaze.

Historical monuments, cultural events, nightlife… Paris has everything. Photo: Shutterstock

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From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre Museum (pictured) and the Arc de Triomphe--the City of Lights never ceases to amaze. Photo: Shutterstock

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This article was written for the August/September 2025 issue of Paperjam magazine (Expat Guide), published on 10 July. The content is produced exclusively for the magazine. It is published on the site to contribute to the full Paperjam archive. Click this link to subscribe to the magazine.

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