Looking to travel this year, but unsure of which popular European destinations can accommodate to your needs? Below is a guide to Europe’s most sought after holiday destinations for wheelchair users.
Milan, Italy
This popular tourist destination won the Access City Award back in 2016, after the city’s efforts to make its city centre more accessible for those in wheelchairs. Since its win, the city has created a beautiful space for those who need accessibility in their restaurants, bars and cafes. The airports, both Linate and Malpensa, are both entirely accessible, and help can be given/wheelchairs can be hired if requested.
If you’re looking to take in the scenery, we highly suggest visiting the Piazza Del Duomo. However, not everything is accessible by wheelchair. Things to avoid: La Scala Opera House, as this isn’t wheelchair accessible due to the age of the building itself.
Boras, Sweden
As the second largest city in Sweden, many tourists tend to overlook this beautiful town in order to visit its sister, Stockholm. However, Boras is home to historical sites and a host of self-proclaimed “accessible hotels”, as well as a number of wheelchair friendly museums. The new innovation in terms of wheelchair accessibility comes from a reform back in 2015, which made a lack of accessibility a form of discriminations in the eyes of the law.
Berlin, Germany
Unknown to some, Berlin is pegged as one of the most accessible cities in Europe. Everything from the transport system, pavements and road crossing are all accessible to wheelchair users, and nearly all of the museums in Berlin are accessible to all. Berlin has also gone one step further and created a fleet of accessible taxies for those who would rather travel privately around the city.
Barcelona, Spain
Known for its hills, bars and shopping experiences, Barcelona is one of the most understated cities for wheelchair users. Unbeknownst to some, 80% of all metro stations and 100% of buses are wheelchair accessible, and getting around can be easy, with accessible pavements, access to the beach and public lifts to hilly destinations such as Park Guell.
One of the most popular tourist destinations in the area is Las Ramblas, which is completely flat and easily navigated. Wheelchair users can also queue jump at attractions such as the Sagrada Familia.
Munich, Germany
In Munich, most of the hotels and museums are wheelchair accessible, and many of the public transport systems come with ramps that are generally flat. Heading to Munich for Oktoberfest? You’ll find designated disability seating in all of the beer tents and surrounding facilities.
Rome, Italy
To many, Rome may feel like a city to avoid, especially with its hilly landscapes. However, with accessible bus tours and access to the main attractions costing you a discounted rate of around £25, it might be worth taking a chance on this enchanted old city.
As well as this, The Vatican is a great place for accessibility and caters to all of those with limited mobility. The city also hosts to around 700 hotels with wheelchair accessible hotel rooms.
Paris, France
Alongside Milan, Paris has also been awarded the “Tourism and Handicap” status. This ensures that those who need accessibility will find it throughout the city itself. For those in wheelchairs, you can also claim discounts on attraction tickets, and find information about disabled access to museums online.
Paris is also home to around 700 accessible hotels, which can be found on sites such as Trivago.
