The Go-Getters Guide to Europe’s Accessibility Friendly Destinations

Accessibility across Europe continues to improve. With challenges for every individual in each location being present, we’ve collated a guide to some of Europe’s most accessibility friendly destinations. 
The ease of planning your trip can vary greatly, which is why we are here to help arrange everything on the ground for you to make your European holiday as smooth as possible.  

Contact us today to see how we can help! 

Barcelona, Spain 

Barcelona is well-known for being one of the most wheelchair friendly cities in Europe and has been a wheelchair paradise and is a great accessibility friendly destination. From its landscape and public transport, to hotels, and even accessible friendly beaches. You can also extend your cultural immersion to Madrid. The city has become more accessible over the years. We recommend Plaza Mayor & Mercado de San Miguel, or perhaps Buen Retiro Park if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle.  Our Barcelona City Break is a great place to start with your itinerary.

Things we love: 

• Great accessible public transport system 
• Most of the city centre, including the Gothic Quarter are mostly flat 
• Accessible beaches, some with volunteer assistance during the summer 
• Many hotels have flat access with roll-in showers 

Rome, Italy 

Rome offers and endless supply of culture and great food. It is also well equipped with accessible friendly features to do so. Whether you want to go it alone with accessible bus tours, or get some help organising a private itinerary, this city of 7 hills will surprise you with how easily you can get around. While you’re there we also recommend doing a private wine tour that can be organised to suit your needs and tastes.  Our Rome City Break itinerary is a great starting point.

Things we love: 

• A vast number of accommodations to choose from throughout the city centre 
• DIY accessible friendly bus tours 
• The Vatican City’s commitment to enabling wheelchair access 

Paris, France 

We love the City of Love, which has recognised many of its attractions that are accessibility friendly with the ‘Tourism & Handicap’ symbol. This symbol signifies a high level of accessibility being available and you can find a list of them here. You’ll also be able to nab a great deal with free or discount entry at some of the most popular tourist attractions including The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie, and the Palace of Versailles. Our Paris City Break is a fabulous itinerary to get you started.

Things we love: 

• Equipment hire including walking frames, wheelchairs, canes and more 
• Free admission and reductions for disabled people at many tourist sites across the city 
• Widely available adapted tourist offices and public toilets  

London, UK 

The British capital is continuously improving their accessibility, making it a fantastic destination for able and disabled people. Getting around is simple due to the minimal amount of cobblestoned areas, and the well-maintained sidewalks. Many of the taxis are also wheelchair friendly, and communication in English always helps to keep life simple. Our London City Break itinerary is a great starting place for things to do.

Things we love: 

• Plenty of accessible hotels to choose from 
• Easy day trips out of the capital that can also provide accessible friendly experiences (including Stonehenge, Cambridge, Oxford, Windsor Castle & Greenwich) 
• Flat sidewalks, even at some of the most popular tourist areas like Trafalgar Square, the theatre district and the area near the British Museum 
• The London Eye is completely wheelchair accessible, with enough oom to take in the view from all angles.  

Ljubljana, Slovenia 

Ljubljana is a must-see destination which is why it’s so great that they have made a large effort to be more accessible and set an example of good practice. Much of the city is flat and allows for ease of access. They even have an app ‘Ljubljana by Wheelchair’ that you can download to see hotels, activities and even toilets that are accessibility friendly.  

Things we love: 

• Rent a free 3x speed electric wheelchair to get around the city faster and easier (available at the Slovenian Tourist Information Centre) 
• Park anywhere for free in the city with a permit, use a taxi which can be organised to be wheelchair friendly, or hop on any bus with a wheelchair ramp 
• Explore points of interests, places to eat and drink and hotels on their accessibility app. 

Berlin, Germany 

Highly underrated, Berlin is a perfect destination for those in wheelchairs, as well as people who may find it difficult to walk up hills and steps. And that’s because it’s primarily flat! Due to the bombings during the war, there are also less cobblestones than other European cities. You can get around on the U-Bahn subway (make sure to check which stations have lifts), and buses are also generally accessible.  Discover Berlin with our itinerary as a starting point, and customise it your way!

Things we love: 

• Many of Berlin’s famous attractions are close to one another, making it easy to get around and perfect for an accessible walking tour 
• Hire an expert guide to take you to hidden sites like Hitler’s underground bunker 
• Because of its location you can take a train to other accessible destinations like Paris, no need to fly! 

 Vienna & Salzburg, Austria 

Austria has so much to offer tourists, and welcome visitors with accessibility needs with open arms. The people are also very friendly and inviting, making you feel right at home on your holiday. Visit the theatre, opera and restaurants with no qualms as you explore these two cities. Salzburg specifically offers ‘barrier-free vacations’ specifically tailored to be accessibility friendly. 

Things we love: 

• Grab a copy of the ‘Exploring Salzburg without barriers’ brochure from the Salzburg Tourism website here.  
• Public transport access with discounts for people with disabilities 

 

Even the most accessible destinations cannot guarantee that you won’t experience any challenges. Always be prepared for any emergencies that might arise during your trip. Our team of experts on the ground are always there to assist you to make sure your holiday is as smooth as possible.  

Contact us today for more information on how we can help plan your trip. 

 

 

 

Tags: family, accessability, disability, prams