In the second quarter of 2024, there were 780.1 million overnight stays in tourist accommodations across the EU. With delicious cuisines, rich histories and stunning areas of natural beauty, it’s easy to understand why Europe is such a popular destination.
While Europe is home to numerous stunning beaches, it also offers some of the best city breaks around. However, there are almost too many to choose from! In this article, we’ll provide you with more insight into the best cities in Europe for those in their 50s!
The best cities to visit in Europe for over 50s are:
• Prague
• Rome
• Funchal/Madeira
• Athens
• Florence
Read on to find out a little more about what makes each destination a must-visit spot, bringing you one step closer to your dream getaway!
Prague
Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, is one of the most popular city break destinations in Europe. Known as the “City of a Hundred Spires,” it's an architectural wonder, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by beauty at every bend in the road. It's a great choice of destination for history buffs, who can spend hours exploring landmarks such as Prague Castle (one of the largest in Europe) and Old Town Square.
In addition to this, a trip to Prague is a treat for your taste buds, too! Here, you can sample some traditional Czech cuisine, such as goulash, knedlíky dumplings, and schnitzel. If you’re in the mood for fine dining, you’re in luck. There are 25 Michelin-star restaurants in Prague, though you should also make sure you visit smaller, locally-owned restaurants if you’re looking for some truly authentic dishes.
Another major benefit associated with adding Prague to your list of must-see destinations is that it is one of the cheapest capital cities in Europe! As such, it's incredibly affordable, no matter what kind of activities you’d like to complete during your trip.
While Prague is often described as a walkable city, it also has one of the most reliable public transport systems in Europe, making it easier for those who may deal with mobility issues to travel through the winding streets. Not only that, but the city is just nine miles away from Václav Havel Airport Prague.
Rome
Rome is another great destination for those over 50, due to its rich history, walkability, abundance of culture and amazing food. Home to iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon, this hotspot has no shortage of ancient history to experience.
If you’re an art and architecture enthusiast, the Vatican City offers several beautiful cultural locations like St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican museums and the Sistene Chapel. What’s more, Rome is one of the world’s most famous cities when it comes to art, with hundreds of sculptures and paintings to see. There are even several works by the likes of Michelangelo, Bernini and Sangallo!
When in Rome, you can’t go without immersing yourself in the delicious dishes that are offered. From rich pastas to wholesome stews, fresh pizzas and more, you certainly won’t leave without a full belly!
There are two airports that can be used to travel to Rome. The first one is Rome Fiumicino Airport, which is the most popular and is located around 34 kilometres from the city centre. There is also another airport that is closer to the city centre, only 16 kilometres away, Airport Ciampino.
Funchal
Funchal, the largest city in Madeira, is a top European destination for travellers over 50, whether you’re travelling as part of a group or solo! For example, this is an area known for its astounding natural beauty, whether you’re looking out to the coast or the Madeira Peaks. Visiting Funchal means that you can appreciate the beauty of nature without having to hike up the mountains yourselves!
One of the must-visit spots within the city itself is Funchal’s old town, where you’ll easily be charmed by the colourful historic buildings and cobbled streets. Here, you can browse a wide range of locally owned shops and eateries. While there is no shortage of great dining opportunities in Funchal (especially if you love seafood), it is also home to two delicious and unique drinks: Madeira Wine and Poncha, a traditional rum-based cocktail. As such, it's a great city for those who like to enjoy a tipple or two while travelling.
Funchal has excellent public transport and is known for being relatively accessible. As such, it's easy to travel around the city, no matter what activities you have in mind or where you’d like to go. Funchal is located just 8.2 miles away from Madeira Airport.
Athens
The Greek capital of Athens welcomes millions of tourists each year, with many flocking to this stunning location to dive deeper into the history of Ancient Greece. After all, Athens is home to a wide range of historical landmarks and ruins, including the Acropolis, Parthenon, Panathenaic Stadium, and the Panathenaic Stadium (to name just a few). In short, it's a must-visit destination for those who want to learn more about Greece’s rich history and culture in a place where it is easy to feel as though you have stepped back in time! If you still can’t get enough, you can also visit one of the city's many museums and galleries to get your history fix.
Another major selling point of the city of Athens is its food. Here, you enjoy a wide range of traditional Greek dishes, such as Gyros, Moussaka, Fasolada and stuffed vine leaves, though the options are truly endless. If you’re looking for the best place to eat in Athens, try to visit locally-owned Tavernas, as this is the best way to ensure you’re trying out traditional cuisine!
Athens is also home to a wide range of markets that you should leave plenty of time in your visit for, including the Monastiraki Flea Market, where you’ll find the perfect souvenirs to commemorate your travels.
While Greek cities are known for cobbled streets and winding hilly roads, Athens is known for being a relatively accessible city, which means it is easy to navigate for those with mobility issues. Again, it has great and affordable public transport links. The city is located 20 miles from Athens International Airport.
Florence
If Italy is more your style, but you don't want to deal with the businesses of Rome or Milan, then you should instead add the city of Florence to your bucket list. This is a truly beautiful city that is once again renowned across the world for its architectural brilliance. Much of the historic architecture you’ll see was constructed during the Renaissance, and there are plenty of landmarks to explore here, too. For example, you could spend some time taking in the beauty of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore or the Piazza della Signoria, many of which are free to enter.
Florence is also a top destination for art lovers! Here, you can see the famous Michelangelo's David in person by stopping by the Accademia Gallery, among many other stunning statues, paintings and tapestries from throughout history.
However, if you’re a foodie, then Italy is a hot spot for some of the best food and drink in Europe. From pizza or pasta to wine or aperitifs, you’re bound to have a good time when dining out in Florence. Not only that, but Florence is home to close to 50 Michelin-star restaurants, many of which serve up traditional Italian dishes that you’ll be dreaming of for years to come.
Florence is an accessible city with reliable public transport routes. In addition to this, the city is located just 7.8 miles away from Florence Airport.
What Are You Waiting For? Book your European City Break Today
Whether you’re looking to soak up some sunshine during a coastal stroll in Funchal or to taste some of the finest wine in the world in Florence, you’re sure to have a great time venturing out on a European City Break. Not only that, but many of these destinations are perfect for travellers over 50 because they are accessible, and there are plenty of things to see and do.
If you aren’t sure where to even start when it comes to planning your European city getaway, why not leave the hard work to us? We plan a wide range of group trips each year, visiting all of the destinations listed above and more! The only thing you need to do is sign up, and we’ll take care of the rest - making sure that your itinerary is as fun and adventure-filled as possible.
If you’re interested in travelling to Funchal, our Highlights of Madeira guided holiday includes 7 nights in Funchal, so you can experience the city without the stress of planning. To visit Florence, we offer a break to Tuscany that includes both Florence and Pisa, allowing you to discover more of Italy. If Athens is on your list, our fully guided tour includes this, as well as Delphi and beachside Tolo!
If you’d like to find out more, please do not hesitate to get in touch today. We take the stress out of holiday planning so that you can focus on having fun and making memories that last a lifetime.
