Top 10 most wheelchair-friendly cities in Europe
According to rough estimates, up to two percent of people in the world require a wheelchair. We here believe that neither age nor mobility limitations should prevent a tourist from enjoying a well-deserved holiday in one of the historic European cities. And while it's hard to imagine a totally disability-friendly city, many fascinating destinations have made a great effort to become accessible to a large extent. So here's our list of the most wheelchair-accessible cities in Europe.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Why should you go?
Although Amsterdam's streets have some obstacles like bridges and cobblestone streets, this charming city still has plenty of accessibility options for wheelchair users. It mostly has flat, pedestrian-friendly streets, and if you find a way to avoid Dam Square with its cobblestones, getting around is relatively easy.
Public transportation is very convenient, with most trams, buses, and metro stations being wheelchair-accessible. Many of the local canal boats have wheelchair lifts, and we think exploring the city with a boat tour is a great way to get acquainted with Amsterdam's architecture and history. Plus, many museums, such as the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace, are equipped with lifts, ramps, and adapted toilets.
Specialization
History, canals, and nightlife
Perfect for
Cosmopolitan tourists interested in history and culture
Although Amsterdam's streets have some obstacles like bridges and cobblestone streets, this charming city still has plenty of accessibility options for wheelchair users. It mostly has flat, pedestrian-friendly streets, and if you find a way to avoid Dam Square with its cobblestones, getting around is relatively easy.
Public transportation is very convenient, with most trams, buses, and metro stations being wheelchair-accessible. Many of the local canal boats have wheelchair lifts, and we think exploring the city with a boat tour is a great way to get acquainted with Amsterdam's architecture and history. Plus, many museums, such as the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace, are equipped with lifts, ramps, and adapted toilets.
Specialization
History, canals, and nightlife
Perfect for
Cosmopolitan tourists interested in history and culture
Related tours:
London, UK
Why should you go?
There is something for everyone in London: the historic Tower of London and Oxford Street shopping, contemporary art galleries, and magnificent parks. London also has one of the largest and best-developed public transport networks in the world, with most buses equipped with ramps and tube stations offering step-free access. Many of the streets have ramps and lowered curbs for easy navigation.
Most of the city's top attractions, from the British Museum to Tate Modern, offer accessible entrances, lifts, and adapted toilets, as well as special facilities for visitors with visual and hearing impairments. Notably, many of the iconic pubs are also equipped for serving visitors with mobility limitations! Overall, this makes London one of the most wheelchair-friendly cities in Europe.
Specialization
Culture, art, and pubs
Perfect for
History buffs and art lovers
There is something for everyone in London: the historic Tower of London and Oxford Street shopping, contemporary art galleries, and magnificent parks. London also has one of the largest and best-developed public transport networks in the world, with most buses equipped with ramps and tube stations offering step-free access. Many of the streets have ramps and lowered curbs for easy navigation.
Most of the city's top attractions, from the British Museum to Tate Modern, offer accessible entrances, lifts, and adapted toilets, as well as special facilities for visitors with visual and hearing impairments. Notably, many of the iconic pubs are also equipped for serving visitors with mobility limitations! Overall, this makes London one of the most wheelchair-friendly cities in Europe.
Specialization
Culture, art, and pubs
Perfect for
History buffs and art lovers
Related tours:
Barcelona, Spain
Why should you go?
The capital of Catalonia is famous for its striking mix of Gothic and modern architecture, lively atmosphere, and great food. A trip to the vibrant Boqueria Market is one of the most mouthwatering experiences, as well as a wheelchair-friendly one: the area around it is mainly flat, plus there is an accessible toilet. You can find disabled access and outdoor seating in many of the local restaurants, too.
The public transport system is well-equipped with ramp access on buses and most metro stations. The city's most famous attraction, Gaudí's masterpiece, the Sagrada Família, has accessible entrances and adapted toilets (in fact, the only area you can't visit is the towers). Although it's located on a hill, Park Güell is mostly accessible, too, especially if you've got an electric wheelchair. And the Gothic Quarter is probably one of the most wheelchair-friendly medieval city centers in the world!
Specialization
Seaside, architecture, and seafood
Perfect for
Fans of Gaudí and Mediterranean cuisine
The capital of Catalonia is famous for its striking mix of Gothic and modern architecture, lively atmosphere, and great food. A trip to the vibrant Boqueria Market is one of the most mouthwatering experiences, as well as a wheelchair-friendly one: the area around it is mainly flat, plus there is an accessible toilet. You can find disabled access and outdoor seating in many of the local restaurants, too.
The public transport system is well-equipped with ramp access on buses and most metro stations. The city's most famous attraction, Gaudí's masterpiece, the Sagrada Família, has accessible entrances and adapted toilets (in fact, the only area you can't visit is the towers). Although it's located on a hill, Park Güell is mostly accessible, too, especially if you've got an electric wheelchair. And the Gothic Quarter is probably one of the most wheelchair-friendly medieval city centers in the world!
Specialization
Seaside, architecture, and seafood
Perfect for
Fans of Gaudí and Mediterranean cuisine
Related tours:
Berlin, Germany
Why should you go?
Berlin is a vibrant city with a dramatic history, chock full of art and culture. It is known for its iconic landmarks, such as the Berlin Wall and Brandenburg Gate, as well as its diverse nightlife scene. Its extensive public transportation network includes buses, trains, and underground systems, and it is fairly easy for wheelchair users to navigate. The majority of U-Bahn stations, the entire S-Bahn network, as well as the BVG buses and ferries are accessible to travelers with mobility limitations. Berlin has dozens of accessible hotels, so finding accommodation will not be a huge challenge.
Most of Berlin's historical attractions are also wheelchair-accessible: the Reichstag Building, Museum Island, Charlottenburg, and the iconic sites of Unter den Linden and Potsdamer Platz. Our favorite part of town is, of course, Kreuzberg: check out the bohemian part of Berlin, and don't forget to get the signature currywurst at Curry 36!
Specialization
History, creativity, and diversity
Perfect for
History buffs and hip urban culture enthusiasts
Berlin is a vibrant city with a dramatic history, chock full of art and culture. It is known for its iconic landmarks, such as the Berlin Wall and Brandenburg Gate, as well as its diverse nightlife scene. Its extensive public transportation network includes buses, trains, and underground systems, and it is fairly easy for wheelchair users to navigate. The majority of U-Bahn stations, the entire S-Bahn network, as well as the BVG buses and ferries are accessible to travelers with mobility limitations. Berlin has dozens of accessible hotels, so finding accommodation will not be a huge challenge.
Most of Berlin's historical attractions are also wheelchair-accessible: the Reichstag Building, Museum Island, Charlottenburg, and the iconic sites of Unter den Linden and Potsdamer Platz. Our favorite part of town is, of course, Kreuzberg: check out the bohemian part of Berlin, and don't forget to get the signature currywurst at Curry 36!
Specialization
History, creativity, and diversity
Perfect for
History buffs and hip urban culture enthusiasts
Related tours:
Edinburgh, Scotland
Why should you go?
Steeped in history and full of gorgeous architecture, Edinburgh's naturally hilly terrain and narrow cobbled streets do not compare favorably to the most wheelchair-friendly European cities. Yet the Scottish capital has worked hard to make itself accessible to less mobile visitors. With its numerous landmarks and museums, vibrant arts scene, and world-famous festivals, such as the Edinburgh Fringe, the city is definitely worth a visit.
Many of the local attractions, such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Botanic Garden, have accessible entrances and offer adapted facilities. If you wish to explore the Royal Mile, it would be much easier if you start from the castle and then go downhill. The city's public transportation system is generally wheelchair-friendly, with most buses and some railway stations offering step-free access.
Specialization
History, architecture, and nature
Perfect for
Culture vultures and whisky lovers
Steeped in history and full of gorgeous architecture, Edinburgh's naturally hilly terrain and narrow cobbled streets do not compare favorably to the most wheelchair-friendly European cities. Yet the Scottish capital has worked hard to make itself accessible to less mobile visitors. With its numerous landmarks and museums, vibrant arts scene, and world-famous festivals, such as the Edinburgh Fringe, the city is definitely worth a visit.
Many of the local attractions, such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Botanic Garden, have accessible entrances and offer adapted facilities. If you wish to explore the Royal Mile, it would be much easier if you start from the castle and then go downhill. The city's public transportation system is generally wheelchair-friendly, with most buses and some railway stations offering step-free access.
Specialization
History, architecture, and nature
Perfect for
Culture vultures and whisky lovers
Related tours:
Paris, France
Why should you go?
Known as the City of Lights, the beautiful Paris has worked to improve accessibility for all visitors in recent years. The local public transport system is generally accessible, with most buses and metro stations offering wheelchair access. Many of the city's main points of interest, such as the Louvre Museum and the Orsay Museum, offer wheelchair access and adapted facilities.
Unfortunately, the very top of the Eiffel Tower cannot be visited by wheelchair users for safety reasons - however, people with disabilities can go up to the second floor via large lifts (trust us: the views are still great!), use disabled toilets, and get special access to the panoramic views from the balustrade.
Specialization
Art, gastronomy, and romance
Perfect for
Foodies and art enthusiasts
Known as the City of Lights, the beautiful Paris has worked to improve accessibility for all visitors in recent years. The local public transport system is generally accessible, with most buses and metro stations offering wheelchair access. Many of the city's main points of interest, such as the Louvre Museum and the Orsay Museum, offer wheelchair access and adapted facilities.
Unfortunately, the very top of the Eiffel Tower cannot be visited by wheelchair users for safety reasons - however, people with disabilities can go up to the second floor via large lifts (trust us: the views are still great!), use disabled toilets, and get special access to the panoramic views from the balustrade.
Specialization
Art, gastronomy, and romance
Perfect for
Foodies and art enthusiasts
Stockholm, Sweden
Why should you go?
The capital of Sweden is a gorgeous city that is spread across 14 islands and more than 50 bridges on an extensive Baltic Sea archipelago. Stockholm is known for its centuries-old history, striking landscapes, innovative design, and urban chic.
Sweden takes accessibility seriously: most of the local buses, metro stations, and ferries are wheelchair-friendly, and the staff is happy to assist when required. The majority of Stockholm's attractions, such as the Vasa Museum, ABBA The Museum, and Skansen Open-Air Museum, are wheelchair-friendly. In addition, local parks often have trails accessible to wheelchair users.
Specialization
History, waterfront, and Scandi-chic
Perfect for
Fans of harbors and clean, sustainable design
The capital of Sweden is a gorgeous city that is spread across 14 islands and more than 50 bridges on an extensive Baltic Sea archipelago. Stockholm is known for its centuries-old history, striking landscapes, innovative design, and urban chic.
Sweden takes accessibility seriously: most of the local buses, metro stations, and ferries are wheelchair-friendly, and the staff is happy to assist when required. The majority of Stockholm's attractions, such as the Vasa Museum, ABBA The Museum, and Skansen Open-Air Museum, are wheelchair-friendly. In addition, local parks often have trails accessible to wheelchair users.
Specialization
History, waterfront, and Scandi-chic
Perfect for
Fans of harbors and clean, sustainable design
Related tours:
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Why should you go?
Ljubljana, Central Europe's little gem, is quaint and picturesque with its medieval architecture and stunning riverfront. Famous for its arts scene, world-class cafes, and lush green spaces, Slovenia's capital is a great destination for a quiet vacation. The city is mostly quite flat, and public transportation is largely accessible, with most buses and some railway stations offering step-free access. The city is well equipped with public toilets for disabled persons, too. Moreover, the local app Ljubljana by Wheelchair includes all the necessary information on accessibility for those who need it.
Ljubljana's top attractions, such as the Ljubljana Castle, the National Museum of Slovenia, and Tivoli Park, offer wheelchair access and adapted facilities - you can even reach the castle using a disabled-friendly funicular! Parks and public spaces also have wheelchair-friendly paths. Many of Jože Plečnik's famous bridges have recently been made accessible, too, and they are an absolute must-see!
Specialization
Architecture, parks, and bridges
Perfect for
Tourists looking for a laid-back atmosphere and lots of greenery
Ljubljana, Central Europe's little gem, is quaint and picturesque with its medieval architecture and stunning riverfront. Famous for its arts scene, world-class cafes, and lush green spaces, Slovenia's capital is a great destination for a quiet vacation. The city is mostly quite flat, and public transportation is largely accessible, with most buses and some railway stations offering step-free access. The city is well equipped with public toilets for disabled persons, too. Moreover, the local app Ljubljana by Wheelchair includes all the necessary information on accessibility for those who need it.
Ljubljana's top attractions, such as the Ljubljana Castle, the National Museum of Slovenia, and Tivoli Park, offer wheelchair access and adapted facilities - you can even reach the castle using a disabled-friendly funicular! Parks and public spaces also have wheelchair-friendly paths. Many of Jože Plečnik's famous bridges have recently been made accessible, too, and they are an absolute must-see!
Specialization
Architecture, parks, and bridges
Perfect for
Tourists looking for a laid-back atmosphere and lots of greenery
Related tours:
Zurich, Switzerland
Why should you go?
Clean and safe, with rich cultural life, Switzerland's banking capital prides itself on its beautiful lakefront, impressive museums, and world-class restaurants. The public transport system is well-equipped to handle wheelchair users, with low-floor buses and newer trams featuring ramp access.
Wheelchair access and accessible paths are available at many of Zurich's top sites, including the Swiss National Museum and the Zurich Zoo. Old Town can be explored in a wheelchair, too. There are also many accessible walking trails around Lake Zurich: the views of the waterfront are simply fascinating!
Specialization
Luxury, lake, and chocolate
Perfect for
Fans of luxury shopping and stunning views
Clean and safe, with rich cultural life, Switzerland's banking capital prides itself on its beautiful lakefront, impressive museums, and world-class restaurants. The public transport system is well-equipped to handle wheelchair users, with low-floor buses and newer trams featuring ramp access.
Wheelchair access and accessible paths are available at many of Zurich's top sites, including the Swiss National Museum and the Zurich Zoo. Old Town can be explored in a wheelchair, too. There are also many accessible walking trails around Lake Zurich: the views of the waterfront are simply fascinating!
Specialization
Luxury, lake, and chocolate
Perfect for
Fans of luxury shopping and stunning views
Related tours:
Oslo, Norway
Why should you go?
Oslo is certainly one of the most wheelchair-friendly cities in Europe: you can experience practically all of the local attractions and travel within the city (and the country) with very little trouble.
The absolute majority of the city's public transport is wheelchair-friendly: the Oslo Metro system is accessible to wheelchairs at all, but one station, and most buses, trains, and ferries offer step-free access. Wheelchair-friendly attractions in Oslo include the Vigeland Sculpture Park, with its accessible pathways and sculptures, and the Akershus Fortress, which provides ramp access and adapted toilets. The city also has many parks, some of which have smooth paths suitable for wheelchair users. You can even marvel at the stunning fjords and scenery using wheelchair-accessible boat tours.
Specialization
Culture, design, and outdoor activities
Perfect for
Fans of natural beauty and modern design (and definitely visitors with some cash to spare)
Oslo is certainly one of the most wheelchair-friendly cities in Europe: you can experience practically all of the local attractions and travel within the city (and the country) with very little trouble.
The absolute majority of the city's public transport is wheelchair-friendly: the Oslo Metro system is accessible to wheelchairs at all, but one station, and most buses, trains, and ferries offer step-free access. Wheelchair-friendly attractions in Oslo include the Vigeland Sculpture Park, with its accessible pathways and sculptures, and the Akershus Fortress, which provides ramp access and adapted toilets. The city also has many parks, some of which have smooth paths suitable for wheelchair users. You can even marvel at the stunning fjords and scenery using wheelchair-accessible boat tours.
Specialization
Culture, design, and outdoor activities
Perfect for
Fans of natural beauty and modern design (and definitely visitors with some cash to spare)
Related tours:
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