Mobility support

walkers (rollators) will likely not do well on cobbled streets. I live in a town with interlocking brick sidewalks and while they look quaint, they are not great for using a walker. Plus narrow streets and crowds…? I used walking poles in Athens and found them very helpful with my balance issues (why I use a walker). Did the long walk around the foot of the Acropolis, walked numerous times through Plaka (narrow, marble paved streets, plus hilly parts and steps) and visited archaeological sites. A cane also works well as an alternative.
If you have not used poles before it’s a good idea to take some lessons as there is a technique to using them, and make sure they are the correct height and have good robber tips. Happy walking!

I agree that a rollator or any kind of walker will be problematic in places with uneven sidewalks and streets. I've used a cane all over Europe with no issues. Walking sticks may be more helpful if you need more stability or support than a single cane can provide. Bear in mind that any walking stick with a metal point may not be packed in carryon luggage with most airlines, even if it is covered with a rubber tip.

I admire everyone with mobility challenges who refuses to allow them to prevent travel. Bravo!

The topic brings up a good topic for a lot of folks. The OP is new here, so I don’t know if the OP has much experience in Europe. Maybe? I will assume yes and instead speak to those who might not.

Everyone’s mobility impairments are unique and this isn’t the US where, for most intents and purposes, every place is required by law to meet certain accessibility standards that accommodate a significant percentage of those with mobility impairments.

In the US we have developed certain expectations of access and mobility, probably without even realizing it. The expectations are the result of US legislation that simply does not exist in most of Europe (if anywhere in Europe). What you can not count on in most of Europe is:

• Smooth horizontal paths.
• Sidewalks with ramps for rollators and wheelchairs at street crossings.
• Stairs with uniform, moderately high, risers for safety.
• Handrails on both sides of stairs for balance and safety.
• Doors into buildings that sit flush with the sidewalk so you don’t trip and so you can tet your rollator or wheel chair through.
• Doors that take a light force to open.
• Doors that are wide enough for you, your rollator or wheelchair.
• Toilet rooms that do not require stairs to reach. Here, half the time, the toilet will be down a winding stair with no handrails.
• Toilet rooms and toilet stalls that are large enough for you, your rollator or a wheelchair.
• And the list goes on.

It could spell an unpleasant end to an otherwise great trip if these issues aren’t identified and planned for in advance. I think 90% can be overcome, but that’s a whole new level of trip planning.

I have done a little of it for a tourist here in Budapest and as I started, the needs are specific to the individual. One may REQUIRE and elevator, one may do fine on an escalator but not with steps so a restaurant with a ground floor toilet room might be prefered ... or at least being prepared not to have access to a restroom might be enough.

There are always more than one way to get from A to B, so determining which route uses the level loading bus or the metro station with the elevator makes what otherwise would be heart breaking into a snap to accomplish.

I have seen a few services in a very few cities that do that sort of planning. If any of this is of any concern, try and get planning help in advance.

I’ve taken a rollator to Palermo twice. I have a Drive Nitro which has larger front wheels and it definitely was great to have, both for general balance and a seat for resting. I now take a rollator on all my overseas trips. It also helps in airports and while waiting in lines. Much of Palermo does not have cobblestones.

By the way, Japan is the best country I’ve visited with mobility issues- wide sidewalks, rare curbs and very polite residents.

of course, many places in Europe visited by tourists are pretty old compared with the US, which makes adaptations more complicated.
My husband travels with a folding mobility scooter, and I'm not good at stairs, so we do a bit of research in advance to avoid no-no situations whenever possible.
I'd like to point out, however, that the UK has comprehensive disability legislation and many of the issues listed above are quite rare.
Importantly, for example, there is a disabled toilet at ground floor level in nearly every bar/restaurant.
Viirtually every location/attraction website has an accessibility section, with full details of facilities.

Lin C I wasnt being critical and I left room in my words for exceptions. Sounds like the UK is somewhat ahead of a lot of countries. I will point out that the US legislation doesnt care how old the building is, and 100% compliance not most or many is mandatory 99.99% of the time. I am familiar with it because it was my job for 40 years. And I am not saying I support all of it. Its just that people get wired to what the are accustomed to and they might want to look into the local realities to ensure a good trip.

Forgot to mention that I got the cane holder attachment for my rollator, so I can switch to a cane as needed for going up some stairs. By the way, I’ve stayed in several places in Palermo with great elevators.