Traveling with mobility restrictions is challenging because not all tourist destinations are wheelchair-accessible and step-free. However, the wheelchair-accessible standards of most American cities are better because of the Americans With Disabilities Act. The act requires businesses, institutions, and cities to make their respected services available and accessible to everyone. That includes public transit, museums, hotels, movies, stores, etc., as well. Does that mean your traveling options are limited only to the tourist destinations in the USA? Absolutely not. Globally, many cities are taking measures to make them wheelchair-accessible and step-free by introducing ramps, smoother streets, sliced cobblestones, etc.
If you are someone who loves globetrotting in an electric wheelchair or with someone who does, here’s a list of seven stunning wheelchair- accessible tourist destinations around the world.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is one of the most accessible and get-at-able cities in entire Europe. The public transit facilities such as the buses, metro services, and the streets are all wheelchair-accessible. Even the renowned tourist destinations such as Casa Mila and Park Güell are all easy to access in a wheelchair. In fact, Sagrada Familia offers free entry to all wheelchair-users. The good news for beach bums, the city beach in Barcelona has wheelchair-accessible walkways and promenades up to the water. The beach stretches along several kilometers and also offers assistance in bathing services during summers.
London, England
It’s interesting to know that London is an accessible city, given its architectural heritage dating back to hundreds of years. Public transport is easily accessible for everyone, with all buses and the traditional black taxis having wheelchair access. You need not even worry about assistance while using the public transport services in London. Talking about tourist attractions, most of the popular ones already have ramps and wheelchair access. For instance, the London Eye offers a birds-eye view of the city in enclosed capsules. A single capsule can easily accommodate two wheelchairs at a time.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin, the capital of Germany, is another magnificent tourist attraction that is wheelchair-accessible. From well-paved and smooth pavements to wheelchair-accessible public transport, Berlin has it all. That makes it a convenient place for wheelchair users to cruise around. The city does not hold back when it comes to tourist attractions as well. All the renowned historic sights are easy to access from Museum Island, home to several cultural institutions and museums. That’s not all. Wheelchair users can visit the roof terrace and dome of the Reichstag building to get a panoramic view of the city from a spiraling ramp effortlessly.
Sydney, Australia
Here’s another splendid tourist attraction that is wheelchair-accessible. The famous Harbour bridge has installed elevators recently for wheelchair-users, and Bondi Beach also offers wheelchairs on rent. Moreover, a brand new ramp is yet to open that provides access to wheelchair users to the northern end of the beach. Wheelchair users can rely on public transport in Sydney. Most of the ferries and buses have ramps for wheelchair access, making traveling around the city hassle-free. Wheeleasy is a foundation that lists and reviews tourist attractions based on their accessibility. Most of the tourist attractions in Sydney are galleries and museums.
Seattle, USA
We’ve already established that American cities are highly wheelchair-accessible because of the Americans With Disabilities Act. However, Seattle is one of the most accessible cities of all in the United States of America. The city offers vibrant nightlife and has several tourist attractions that are easy to access. The most iconic tourist attractions, such as Space Needle, Puget Sound, Pike Place Market, etc., are wheelchair-accessible with ramps, viewing platforms, and boardwalks. Getting around the city is effortless, as buses, airport shuttles, taxis, and ferries have ramps, elevators and are exceptionally wheelchair friendly.
Versailles Palace, France
The Eiffel Tower is partly wheelchair-accessible as the first and second levels can accommodate wheelchairs. However, a ten-mile drive from Paris will take you to the Versailles Palace. It is a must-visit tourist attraction for history buffs, and it is one of the most enormous and grandeur palaces in Europe. There are a total of three wheelchair-accessible buildings. One can access the first floors via a ramp, and there are elevators to access the other floors. The palace gardens are so massive and marvelous that you can spend an entire day exploring them.
Singapore
Singapore is impeccable in terms of cleanliness and modern infrastructure. That makes it super accessible for wheelchair users to get around the city and visit the various tourist attractions. The efficient public transport system, especially the MRT (mass rail transit), is easy-to-use, reliable, and wheelchair-accessible. Even tourist attractions in Singapore, such as the cable car that takes travelers to Sentosa Island across the harbor and Garden by the bay, are highly wheelchair-accessible. You can also find wheelchair-accessible taxis on the streets. But you will probably stick to traveling in the efficient wheelchair-accessible public transport system of Singapore.
Final Thoughts
Those were the seven remarkable wheelchair-accessible tourist attractions you should check out. Hopefully, the list inspires you to make a travel itinerary that suits your needs and choices accordingly. Some other wheelchair-accessible cities and countries even offer free entry to wheelchair users and the person traveling with them. In countries like Australia, NDIS support coordination providers connect disabled persons with capable caregivers who assist them through their trip. The disability insurance pays the support worker, and this is a benefit that would help individuals with disabilities travel conveniently. Make sure to verify the details about wheelchair accessibility before visiting any tourist destination.
Featured Photo by Josh Appel on Unsplash
