Posted on Thursday, 26 October 2023

Attraction entry fees can take a big chunk out of any holiday budget - but can be especially challenging if you’re living on a modest income as a senior citizen.

On the whole, discounts and free entry policies for older visitors have been on the decline in recent years - notably when Italy stopped its policy of allowing over-65s into hundreds of its museums and galleries in 2014.

Thankfully, there are still plenty of free things to do across Europe that are suited to more mature holidaymakers.

Some of these attractions only offer free entry on specific days of the month, while others permit free entry all the time.

Here’s our updated and expanded list of the best free European attractions that are ideal for seniors...

Madrid: The Prado and other amazing museums

If you visit them at the right time, you'll get into the Spanish capital's top museums for free.

Head to the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía Monday, Wednesday or Saturday between 7pm and 9pm or Sunday 12:30pm to 2:30 pm, and the Prado on Monday to Saturday, from 6pm to 8pm, and Sundays and holidays, from 5pm to 7pm.

The Prado is home to more than 7,000 works of art, including Velazquez’s Las Hilanderas, Goya’s The Black Paintings, and Bosch’s The Garden of Earthly Delights - among many others.

Barcelona: Sagrada Familia International Mass

Barcelona's awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia normally costs 21 euros for senior citizens, but every Sunday (and holy day) entry to the international mass is free for all. However, the events, which are held by the Archdiocese of Barcelona, only have limited capacity. Get there before 9am!

Musee D'Art Moderne, Paris

Over-60s enjoy free access to all permanent exhibitions in this fabulous art museum. In fact, free entry is extended to every age group.

The museum features works from Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Henri Matisse, Emile Othon Friesz, and Wilhelm Lehmbruck - among many others.

Credit: Alexandra Lande - stock.adobe.com

Paris: Pompidou Centre

The Pompidou's vast collection of modern and contemporary art normally cost at least 15 euros (with no discounts for seniors), but on the first Sunday of every month everyone can see the permanent collection and the Galerie des enfants for free.

Florence: Enjoy sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo

Not only can you see the sun dip behind the spectacular Florentine skyline, but you can peruse another of the city's 'fake Davids'. Just 20 minutes from the city centre - and - did we mention it's free?

You can also get up close to Florence’s many fabulous buildings, including the Piazza del Duomo (outside the historic church) and the Piazza della Signoria.

Berlin: Visit the German Bundestag

The German Reichstag is steeped in history, and while it's fascinating to view from the outside, it's even more absorbing on the inside (especially when it's cost-free!).

The roof terrace offers splendid views across Berlin, and is open to the public, too. However, as with so many free activities, you'll need to register beforehand.

Berlin: Visit the East Side Gallery

This unique attraction is centred on a well-preserved 1.3km stretch of the Berlin Wall, featuring work by 106 international artists. It's completely free.

Frankfurt - three free galleries

While Frankfurt covets London's financial crown, it's also looking to match the UK capital for free art galleries.

You can enjoy three without charge: Galerie Maurer (Fahrgasse 5), Galerie Schuster (Fahrgasse 8) and Galerie Raphael (Braubachstrasse 12).

Bruges: Explore the Church of Our Lady

Otherwise known as Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk, Bruges' Church of Our Lady features a 116m high brick tower and is home to numerous priceless artworks - including Michaelangelo's world-famous Madonna and Child.

The church itself is completely free, but entry to the museum is 6 euros.

Prague: Saunter through the grounds of Prague Castle

While visitors must pay to enter St Vitus' Cathedral and Golden Lane, entering the grounds of Prague Castle is cost-free.

Enjoy splendid views over the city and Vlatva River.

Aim for a noon visit and you'll be rewarded by the ostentatious changing of the guard!

Prague: Three free museums/attractions

The Czech capital has three interesting cost-free attractions: Wallenstein Palace Gardens (which despite its name is actually a museum); the Army Museum Zizkov; and the Prague Aviation Museum, which showcases Czechia's long history of flying. It even has an example of the famous French SPAD biplane from 1918, alongside numerous World War Two aircraft.

Seville: Enjoy the vast Plaza de España and Maria Luisa Park

Plaza de España is edged by a huge semi-circular building that doesn't cost a euro-cent to explore.

It's built on the pretty Maria Luisa Park, also free, which is home to delightful flowerbeds, ponds and pavilions - with plenty of benches to take a rest if needed.

Venice: String quartets in St Mark's Square

The incredible St Mark’s Square is free for all to enjoy. However, don’t be tempted to sit down with a picnic, because they don’t allow that anymore (and it could land you with a 200 euro fine!).

Enjoying a money-saving picnic by the Rialto Bridge has also been banned by city chiefs - so make sure you fill up before you head out!

Granada: Sunset Mirador di San Nicolas

The Spanish city of Granada is magical throughout the day, but it's especially wonderful as the sun goes down.

Perhaps the best spot to enjoy the sunset is from Mirador de San Nicolas, also affording great views of the mighty Alhambra.

It's worth enjoying the spectacle with a cold beer, although unlike the sunset, this isn't free!

Get a Quote