15 International Cities You Should Visit as Soon as You Retire

Retirement is a long-awaited chapter in life that allows you to explore the world leisurely, whether you dream of seeing natural or manmade wonders. To make the most of your adventures, use the best travel credit cards to unlock benefits and rewards.

There are several popular foreign cities that should be at the top of every retiree's travel bucket list. These destinations have a blend of rich history, vibrant cultures, picturesque landscapes, and retiree-friendly amenities.

One thing you’ll find at the top of everyone’s bucket list is a chance to see the Northern Lights with their own eyes. Reykjavik, Iceland, is an excellent place to do that — just be prepared to go during the cold season.

Beyond that spectacle, Iceland has several natural attractions like volcanoes and geothermal springs. It’s also known for its Scandinavian hospitality and senior-friendly accommodations.

Few places in the world vibrate with spiritual energy, like Jerusalem, the home of the Wailing Wall, the Dome of the Rock, the Temple of the Holy Sepulchre, and more. Even non-religious people will likely feel awe and wonder in this ancient place.

While there is plenty for seniors to enjoy inside the walled city, including excellent cuisine, we recommend day trips to the Dead Sea and Petra for a true bucket-list adventure.

Once a camping destination for backpackers, Tulum, Mexico, has become an eco-paradise for travelers of all ages. Spend your days basking on the Gulf of Mexico beaches at resorts that line the flat, navigable beach zone.

If you’re in especially good shape, take an excursion and swim in one of the many cenotes in the region. Don’t miss out on world-class food, yoga classes, sound baths, and other wellness activities.

Who doesn’t want the chance to see Michelangelo’s “David” in person? That’s just one reason to visit Florence, the beating heart of Tuscany. The other art destinations here are not to be missed either, including the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo.

Naturally, you’ll want to spend time outside art galleries to sample this region's famous food and wine. Fortunately, there are ample senior-friendly accommodations where you can hang your hat at night.

If you’ve saved up miles on a top credit card, cash them in for a flight to Costa Rica, one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet. 

Then drive to La Fortuna, the home of the famous Arenal volcano. Active folks will enjoy any number of hiking activities in this lush jungle region.

If you prefer to stay back at the hotel, that’s fine; there, you can soak in geothermal pools with volcano views, which does wonders for tired bones.

As long as you’re able to walk on cobblestone streets safely, Lisbon is an excellent tourist destination for seniors. It’s fairly affordable for a Western European city and offers the perfect blend of city delights and countryside sights.

When you tire of walking tours, seeing architectural sites, and visiting museums, you can spend your time lazing on the beach. Or enjoy dining at one of Lisbon’s many cafes and restaurants.

Does a day of touring castles and museums sound idyllic to you? How about getting half off the price of admission? Head over to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. This safe, walkable city (again, mind the cobblestones) is a true gem of Eastern Europe.

If all of that hoofing around is a bit too much for you, there are river cruises and golf packages that you can do instead. There are also gardens that are accessible to all travelers.

Machu Picchu may be an ancient city that’s no longer inhabited as it was during the Inca empire, but it’s still a bucket list destination not to be missed. 

If walking in sounds too strenuous, the train from Cusco will get you there just fine. Just plan ahead if you’re sensitive to altitude because the elevation of Machu Picchu is nearly 8,000 feet.

Seniors will especially benefit from traveling with a guided tour, which allows for socializing and making new friends.

Tokyo has it all if you’re interested in skyscrapers, endless shopping, and some of the world’s best cuisine. 

And what better time to visit than during the stunning cherry blossom season, when the trees explode in clouds of pink all over the city? There are plenty of parks for enjoying this annual event, too.

Japan is also navigable for seniors, thanks to its highly efficient train system. And if you get to a point where you need a break, you can decompress by soaking in an onsen.

If you fell in love with Egyptology as a child, like many of us, a trip to Cairo is a once-in-your-life destination. There you can see its many archeological and architectural sites, as well as the pyramids of Giza (about 20 minutes away). A side trip to Luxor is also a must.

Cairo is a teeming metropolis that attracts travelers of all ages, but some seniors may feel the most comfortable on a guided tour, which takes the guesswork out of the equation.

The City of Light has a lure all its own, thanks to the promise of elegant cuisine, sidewalk cafes, world-class art museums, the Eiffel Tower, and so much more. It’s also relatively easy for seniors to navigate with a little bit of planning.

While buses and taxis are more expensive than the Metro, those options will be easier for anyone with mobility issues. That also leaves more time for sipping wine and people-watching.

Safe, easy to navigate, and welcoming to tourists, Sydney is a great destination for seniors. Architecture fans will love the famous Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. 

Nature fans will no doubt want to visit the Blue Mountains, the outback, or enjoy a day at the beach.

On top of all that, there is a dynamic culinary scene to explore and plenty of hip neighborhoods. If you can swing it, a trip up the coast to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef is an essential stop.

Johannesburg's temperate climate and excellent infrastructure make it an accessible destination for seniors. The city has several notable museums and landmarks, such as the Apartheid Museum and the Nelson Mandela National Museum.

For nature enthusiasts, the nearby Cradle of Humankind and Johannesburg Botanical Gardens are serene spaces to explore. If you can add a safari to the trip, do it.

Home to the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world, Agra is a worthy bucket list destination. An essential stop on India’s famed Golden Triangle — all of which you should explore if you can — seniors will do best with a guided tour handling the logistics.

Note that India will likely put you out of your comfort zone, just like Cairo and Tokyo, but having a private tour will mitigate travel stress.

While Puerto Rico is a part of the United States, the jewel of the Caribbean feels like its own island paradise. 

Old San Juan is ideal for exploring on foot, as is the trendy Condado neighborhood with many shops and restaurants. You won’t need to bring your passport, either.

Must-do side trips include a trek to some of the brightest bioluminescent bays in the world for a kayak adventure. Take your pick of beautiful beaches, too.

There's no shortage of amazing cities that retirees can visit, whether you’re checking items off of your bucket list or simply seeking affordable, walkable destinations. If you can retire early, you can see them sooner than later, too.

Just remember that you don’t always have to go international to have an incredible travel experience, thanks to all the fantastic places you can visit in the U.S. From national parks to thriving metropolises, there’s something for everyone.