There’s nothing more frustrating than traveling long distances only to realize that you can’t actually partake in the fun. Bad knees, limited mobility, wheelchairs, and walkers can make traveling stress-free feel nearly impossible.
Those with mobility issues can feel excluded when traveling to areas that can’t accommodate their concerns. Regardless of ability, all tourists should feel empowered to visit places on their travel bucket list.
These destinations prioritize accessibility to welcome disabled visitors.
Sydney, Australia
In a 2022 study, Valuable 500 ranked Sydney among the world’s top 10 most accessible cities. Sydney is a waterfront destination famous for its contemporary architecture and outdoor recreation. Famous landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Tower Eye feature flat areas, ramps, and lifts for mobility-conscious visitors.
The Darling Harbour area has wheelchair-friendly attractions such as an aquarium, zoo, and public garden with paved walking trails. Many Sydney restaurants and museums attempt to accommodate disabled guests with entrance ramps and accessible bathrooms.
London, United Kingdom
London is continuously making efforts to improve accessibility citywide. WheelchairTravel.org considers London a top destination for disabled travelers. Locations throughout the city are designed without steps so all visitors can appreciate London’s charm.
Iconic London attractions such as Buckingham Palace and the National History Museum have inclusive features for guests in wheelchairs. Most public transportation options in London are also accessible.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin, the capital of Germany, is a popular destination for tourists of all ability levels. The city aims to provide visitors equal access to its most well-known monuments. Visit Berlin has an extensive guide to accessible tours, shops, museums, and outdoor parks throughout the city.
Most Berlin restaurants and rooftop bars accommodate disabled tourists. Those with limited mobility or who use a wheelchair can also download the accessBerlin app for updated information about sightseeing.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act maintains high accessibility standards. Toronto is a fantastic example of how the province emphasizes equality. This modern city strives to give disabled locals and tourists a positive experience.
While Toronto isn’t 100% accessible, it offers many things to do for those with mobility concerns. Destination Toronto highlights the CN Tower and Art Gallery of Ontario as popular activities with accommodations for various disabilities.
Tokyo, Japan
Travelers with disabilities will enjoy touring the Japanese city of Tokyo. According to Go Tokyo, most trains, bathrooms, and walking streets are designed to help disabled tourists navigate the city.
Accessibility has been at the forefront of Tokyo’s city planning, allowing everyone to enjoy its unique sights. Researching before your trip is helpful for a stress-free travel experience, but Tokyo welcomes visitors of all abilities.
Stockholm, Sweden
Sweden’s nationwide Discrimination Policy makes it a leading vacation spot for those requiring accommodations. The policy states that Swedish transportation, lodging, dining, entertainment, and recreation must be accessible. As a result, Stockholm is an excellent option for disabled travelers.
Visitors can partake in guided city tours, explore wheelchair-friendly museums, and ride the ferry to Gamla Stan, the Old Town. Stockholm’s inclusivity makes it ideal for art and history lovers with accessibility concerns.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona can be accessible for travelers with disabilities, though some planning can help. Many hotels and public transportation options try to accommodate individuals with disabilities. Buses and the metro provide options such as ramps and designated spaces for wheelchairs.
Barcelona’s main attractions, like the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló, have accessible entrances and facilities. Additionally, many museums and cultural sites offer facilities for those with mobility issues.
Orlando, Florida, US
Orlando, Florida, is a fantastic option for disabled travelers. Major theme parks offer accommodating services and facilities, including Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando.
Many hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers in Orlando have also made efforts to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Visit Orlando also has a comprehensive accessibility guide to make travel planning easy.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam has dramatically improved accessibility through its landmarks, hotels, and public transportation options. Several attractions, like the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, and Rijksmuseum, have accessible entrances and facilities. Many canal cruises also offer wheelchair-accessible boats.
Public transportation in Amsterdam, including trams, buses, and metro, provides accessible options. These features include low-floor vehicles, ramps, and designated spaces for wheelchairs.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai has made a conscious effort to ensure all visitors have an equally positive experience. Major tourist destinations like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Dubai Marina area have special entrances and facilities for those with mobility concerns.
Dubai’s public transportation system, including the Dubai Metro, buses, and taxis, offers options for individuals with disabilities. Moreover, several hotels in Dubai provide accessible rooms and facilities.
Seoul, South Korea
Seoul has emerged as a top destination for tourists with disabilities. Many Seoul landmarks, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and N Seoul Tower, have entrances and facilities for guests with mobility concerns.
However, some historical sites may be inaccessible due to their age and architectural features. Seoul’s public transportation system, including the subway and buses, features wheelchair ramps, elevators, and designated seating areas for disabled visitors.
Dublin, Ireland
While some things to do in Dublin are more accessible than others, planning a trip is worthwhile. Disabled tourists can explore places like Trinity College and Dublin Castle. Dublin’s cobblestone streets may be challenging for visitors with limited mobility, but most areas are wheelchair-friendly.
Many Dublin establishments provide mobility accommodations such as entrance and bathroom ramps. The city also has a straightforward public transportation system with accessibility features.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is easily accessible, regardless of mobility. Denmark’s capital features royal palaces, public gardens, and sprawling museums for tourists with disabilities. Attractions like the Tivoli Gardens and the National Museum of Denmark welcome all guests.
Copenhagen’s streets are relatively well-maintained, making them easy to navigate. Finding accessible lodging is also straightforward, as the city has numerous options.
Singapore
Many disabled tourists regard Singapore as a top destination for accessibility. Singapore’s buildings and public areas accommodate visitors of all abilities. Touring Singapore with mobility issues is a breeze thanks to its straightforward infrastructure.
Consider touring Sentosa Island or the Singapore Zoo. Visiting these attractions is easy, thanks to Singapore’s efficient and accessible transport system.
Oslo, Norway
Oslo, Norway’s capital, highly prioritizes accessibility. To help disabled travelers plan their trip, Visit Oslo has a database of recommended places to stay, eat, and sightsee. Visitors who use a wheelchair can also use local buses, ferries, and trains for free.
Most Oslo museums and tourist areas can accommodate tourists with disabilities. Every day, buildings in Oslo are being built or modified with accessibility features like lifts and wheelchair-friendly facilities.
Disabled tourists can make unforgettable memories at these 15 accessible destinations.
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Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
