10 Cities That Are Commited To Its Wheelchair Visitors

One thing that’s beyond doubt about travel is that it is for ALL! No matter where the destination is, traveling continues to be a privileged endeavor. While it isn’t easy to pack up and tour parts of the world, traveling with a disability can be a bit more strenuous which demands a great deal of planning. Accessibility is all that matters! Learning accessible travel options in different destinations can ease the whole process. Here’s a list of top countries that are wheelchair accessible.

1) Barcelona, Spain

Talking about accessibility, hands down, Barcelona stands miles ahead of many of the other European countries. Since some of the towns and the national museum authority have enhanced their accessible travel, it’s no surprise that wheelchair users have been swarming to Barcelona. The city has got plenty for wheelchair visitors to explore. If you are someone who’s visiting multiple destinations, Barcelona would definitely be the easiest stop on your trip. 80% of the metro stations and all buses are wheelchair accessible here. With relatively flat and cobblestone-free city centers, getting around Barca is bliss!

Most of the visitors would want to start off the trip strolling along the Barcelona beach promenade. The promenade is wheelchair accessible, and some of the beaches even have wheelchair-accessible boardwalks extending to the ocean. This would be a great sunset stroll, savoring the local cuisines from the restaurants on the way. La Boqueria market is another favorite spot for wheelchair travelers. With local vegetables, seafood, meat, and more around, the market visit is definitely worth the visit.

 

For commuting across the city, we would recommend the bus system rather than the metro, for the simple reason that most important Metro stations for tourists do not have elevators. 

 

2) Las Vegas, USA

Did you know that the High Roller or the Ferris wheel, the tallest observation wheel in the world, is wheelchair accessible? It is! Not just the Roller, Fountains of Bellagio and Fremont Street are all free and completely accessible. Now you know why Las Vegas is one the most wheelchair-accessible cities in the world! What about the world-class shows and events that take place in Vegas? Yes, they are all wheelchair accessible. We are not finished yet. Las Vegas is one place that has got a lot of adventure options, like the SlotZilla Zipline in Downtown. If that doesn’t excite you, a hot-air balloon ride over the city definitely does. There is a wide range of accessible accommodations you can choose from, and avail the public bus service that serves all parts of the city, and a lot of wheelchair-accessible taxis. 

 

3) Manchester, UK

Manchester should always top your list for a dead good accessible city break. The bumbling street art galore, bits of its industrial heritage, and football stories etched in every corner of the city make it a city that surprises the visitors. Much of the city was rebuilt in the late 90s with smooth, wide, step-free pavements. The step-less entry into buildings makes it ideal for wheelchair commuters. The public transport well and truly covers almost all parts of the city and is highly accessible for wheelchair users. It lets you pay a visit to the legendary Old Trafford, the Museum of Science and Industry, or shop from the independent stalls, small shops, and boutiques operating in the Afflecks. 

4) Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne is one of Australia’s oldest cities, but there is no shortage in accessibility for people with special mobility needs. The highly accessible public transport system and the close-packed city center make it one of the most easy-going destinations.  Explore the best wheelchair-friendly restaurants, and enjoy the scenery along Ocean Road. Do not miss visiting the public parks and zoos. They provide all-terrain wheelchairs and TrailRiders, along with other accessible facilities like boating aids, and stair climbers. 

5) Dubai, UAE

We know Dubai in itself can seem like a world away from everything! But, it’s also one of the most accessible travel destinations. As a relatively new city, most of the constructions are made keeping wheelchair users in mind. Getting around Dubai isn’t a big task now, with the highly accessible and rapid metro system. There are dedicated wheelchair spaces inside, and the cars are level with the platform. There are wheelchair taxis available, almost everywhere in the city. And, it’s Dubai! There are a lot of exciting things to see and do. Let’s start from Burj Khalifa, where the high-speed elevator takes you to the open-air observation deck on the 124th floor! Or, you have umpteen options to shop at The Dubai Mall, which also has a really cool aquarium with a shark tunnel and great restaurant options, which are all wheelchair accessible. Maybe you aren’t an indoor shopping person. Don’t worry! Check out the open-air souks for more locally-themed items, and local cuisines. There are many fine restaurants that have separate wheelchair-accessible restrooms for visitors. If you’re seeking adventure, bash some sand dunes, ride a camel, or hold a hunting falcon here in Dubai. The Bedouin camps are not to be missed and have tents with wheelchair-accessible restrooms.

 

Want to know more about the glitz of Dubai?

 

6) Vienna, Austria

A city that has profound history and culture with all its major transport systems and public places wheelchair accessible! That’s where Vienna is unique. The city is flat and has level paving, which makes it very easier for visitors to enter outdoor cafes and parks. 

The pedestrian-only area, Stephansplatz, has extensively accessible pathways, and the visitors get to past ancient cathedrals, monuments, souvenir shops, and many restaurants with level entry accesses. To watch the elegance of the horses, pay a visit to the Spanish Riding School too. There are several other accessible attractions like Belvedere Palace, Albertina art museum, and the Schönbrunn Palace.

7) Amsterdam, Netherlands

Observe Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings while sauntering through the Van Gogh Museum! The amazing Amsterdam has a plethora of options available to wheelchair travelers. In the ‘city of canals,’ you can find some boat companies offering cruises with onboard lifts and ramps designed specifically for wheelchairs. The buildings are constructed in such a way that they accommodate wheelchair users comfortably, and special wheelchair taxis transport visitors in wheelchairs comfortably around the city. 

8) Capetown, SA

Cape Town boasts a large number of both natural and historic attractions. The city’s public transportation system is epic and it is one of the most wheelchair-accessible cities in Africa. The bus rapid transit system ‘MyCiti’ in Cape Town is designed to be accessible to wheelchair users and a few private transportation providers also offer wheelchair-friendly rides around. Visitors to Cape Town will enjoy exploring Table Mountain, where they can reach the top on the ‘Table Mountain Aerial Cableway’, from where you can literally touch the clouds at the top. You should never miss driving around the Western Cape, where you get to explore beautiful scenery and coastline, taking either a private car or a wheelchair-accessible Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing bus. 

9) San Francisco, USA 

The visitors to San Francisco can ride in public transports and most street cars without leaving their chairs. Popular destinations in the city like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island can be accessed in wheelchairs. Most public places and the accommodations here are highly inclusive. The city often gets top-ranked for its walkability which includes Chinatown and the Financial District, the city’s top tourist areas. Most of San Francisco’s sidewalks are very well maintained, with smooth pavements. In some areas where wheelchair travel seems difficult, it is recommended for users to rely on public transportation. 

 

10) Cairo, Egypt

A city deep-rooted in history with the Great Pyramids of Giza! Cairo, the capital city of Egypt welcomes its visitors not only with their cultural wonders but also with the accessible travel opportunities they have created in recent years.  Although the Cairo airport is one of the busiest, its three terminals are wheelchair accessible. 

Coming to its attractions, even though the chambers and interior excavations in Giza Pyramids aren’t wheelchair accessible, the pathways through the complex are large with no traffic that making it easier for the visitors to roll the wheelchairs from place to place. If you’re ready for some adventure, you’ll get to ride on the back of a camel from the same complex. Other attractions that you shouldn’t miss are the Al-Azhar park, Egyptian Museum, and the Cairo Tower. There are wheelchair taxis available at fairly affordable prices, which can help you travel around. 

 

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