City breaks without too much walking

[digitalgirl]

13yo DS has ASD and Hypermobility so walking for more than 10-15 minutes is always a big challenge. He loves trying new foods, and despite physical challenges loves to travel to new places. Can anyone recommend any European cities to visit for a short family break?

I don't have location advice but is it worth researching places that have decent bus tours?

Berlin is a large city, but does have excellent public transport, so I suspect that would be doable with some advance planning to use public transport for getting from one place to the next. Lots to see if your DS is interested in history.

Tallinn city centre is very compact and looks like something out of a fairytale. However, with it being a very old city centre it may be that the streets are cobbled (can't remember) which I'm guessing might be an issue for your DS with his mobility issues.

Krakow is small. They do wonderful tour groups which you can take on large golf buggy type things, and have in English. And it will drive you around the old streets with history.
The main centre is basically a large town square to potter around the cafes or along the river.

Florence is pretty compact and obviously great food!

I'd aim for a hotel right in the middle of the centre, ideally with a nice view, and focus on bus/water tourist trips.
Amsterdam is easily accessible by Eurostar, small, has good canal cruises and trams, which are much more accessible than underground systems

Or what about Sam Sebastian? Amazing place for trying different foods - city centre is compact and has a beach.

Sorry San Sebastián obviously.

These are great, thanks!

Seville?

Venice

@BattledoreAndShuttlecock

I'd aim for a hotel right in the middle of the centre, ideally with a nice view, and focus on bus/water tourist trips. Amsterdam is easily accessible by Eurostar, small, has good canal cruises and trams, which are much more accessible than underground systems

The one warning I'd give to the OP re Amsterdam is that a lot of the old buildings have particularly steep staircases, so when booking accommodation I'd book a modern hotel building with lifts.

Booked Venice for Easter, think he’ll get a kick out of the water taxis.
Now am excited to plan other trips too! Maybe Amsterdam in the summer half term…and Seville when it’s a bit cooler.

I'd recommend Stockholm for a future trip. The buses and trams are really good, and you can easily spend hours on a boat trip.

I know you've booked it now... but is he OK with steps? There are a lot of steps in Venice because there are bridges everywhere

Krakow, Bruges, Amsterdam, Leiden

I have I would really recommend Florence. If you stay right in the centre most things are within a short walk.

Helsinki is tiny and v pretty for a short break

Lyon is also pretty compact

Ghent is small too - it has a festival in July which could be fun for your DCs

Bologna. Very small and compact

One of the Scandi capitals would be good for the future - Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki and Reykjavik are all fairly compact. Or a Baltic capital - Tallinn like PP mentioned is lovely and a very small Old Town. Great food in all the above IME.

I have hypermobility and love food, exploring new places and a bit of heat!

Favourite small cities are
Malaga - everything in walking distance and plenty for a long weekend - don’t miss the food market.
Bruges - it’s stunning and Sanservia bagels are a must.
Milan - worth the extra to stay centrally.