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Five wheelchair-friendly destinations you have to explore

Here at DisabledHolidays.com we believe that planning your next holiday with us can be just as fun as exploring the destination itself!

Knowing you have access to many attractions with the chance to tick off those famous spots as you experience new things is an empowering feeling – and one we love to help you with.

Accessibility around the world is on the up, and there are many cities moving mountains to make disabled travellers’ adventures all the more enjoyable. Yet while some destinations have amazing facilities, others can be a challenge. It’s always hard to know where to go and what to do, which is why we pride ourselves on offering you the best advice on holiday accessibility worldwide.

To help inspire your next accessible holiday, here are five wheelchair-friendly destinations we think you have to explore.

1. Barcelona, Spain

A view over beautiful Barcelona, Spain, from a balcony in Park Güell

Barcelona is the largest city in Catalonia and the second-largest city in Spain. Don’t let that put you off, though! Barcelona has to be Spain’s most colourful destination – with an amazing collection of tourist attractions and famous spots to visit, all reachable at a leisurely pace with a good map. The best of Barcelona can be experienced in just a couple of days, and whether you choose to explore with or without public transport, the options are endless. 

This city is very popular for those visiting in a wheelchair, and great efforts have been made to make this fantastic city one everyone can explore. Getting around could not be easier, with access points around most of the city offering ramps, lifts, flat pavements and public transport. Most Metro stations offer lift access to the platform area. Taxis, city sightseeing, boat tours and the famous cable cars all offer disabled travellers easy accessibility.

There is so much to do in this city we could dedicate a whole blog to Barcelona alone.

From the famous works of Antonio Gaudi, such as the Sagrada Familia church and Park Güell, to the picturesque Medieval Quarter featuring the enchanting Gothic Cathedral. Although these areas may not be 100% accessible, Barcelona offers so much to do, you be will spoilt for choice.

Take some time away from the busy streets and head to Barceloneta, the beaches of the city, which offer walkways for wheelchair users, adapted changing facilities and much more.

One thing you must try in the city is the cuisine. Boqueria Market, in the centre of the famous Las Ramblas, is a must while you sample a tapas or two. Even better, it’s all flat.

Just a two-hour flight from the UK, we offer various options to this city. Speak to one of our travel agents for the best deals available.

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2. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Boats and colourful houses on a canal in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Known as the Venice of the North, or to its locals as ‘The Dam’, Amsterdam is a gem of a destination for exploring in a wheelchair. Like Barcelona, many of the public spaces have wheelchair access in mind. With pavements alongside historic cobbled streets, lined with everything from souvenir shops to tasty eateries – there really is something for everyone in Amsterdam.

Why not try one of the numerous museums this city has to offer, many of which provide easy access for wheelchair users? Discover the magic of Vincent van Gogh or dive into the collections at the Rijksmuseum, which can be enjoyed by wheelchair users and visitors with a rollator, with all floors served by lifts.

This city certainly has made great efforts to provide easy exploring for all, from accessible boat tours to bicycle tours designed especially to accommodate disabled visitors. Amsterdam definitely has its own cultural background, with something for everyone in this adventurous city.

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3. Sydney, Australia

A view of Sydney Opera House across the water, Sydney, Australia

Sydney offers a perfect blend of culture and history, mixed with a flavour of charm and excitement. During a stop in this city it’s hard to miss some of the most famous sights in the world, from the dominating Sydney Opera House to the sweeping sands of Bondi Beach. The great news is many areas of Sydney are easily accessible.

Many long-haul airlines offer the best flight experience possible, with options such as the Airbus A380 and its spacious interior and accessible toilets. We believe the flights are very much part of the holiday, and our agents will help in finding the perfect option for you.

Once you arrive in this popular destination, you can explore the areas around Darling Harbour, the Rocks and the famous Opera House, all offering flat access with various accessible services. Even though there are limited accessible taxis available in Sydney, there is a great choice of public transport and tour companies to help you see more of this amazing location.

Sydney offers a trip of a lifetime. Have a chat with one of our agents today to get planning your journey Down Under!

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4. New York City, USA

Close up of the Statue of Liberty against a blue sky, New York, USA

It’s no wonder New York is known as ‘The City that Never Sleeps’ – it literally offers something for everyone around the clock, from the fun of Broadway to the relaxing surroundings of Central Park.

The great news about New York is that you can explore many of the famous attractions at ease, with accessible transport throughout Manhattan and multiple hotels offering a concierge service to advise on wheelchair-friendly options. Upon arrival, grab yourself a City Pass and gain discounts when visiting the most popular attractions. Join an accessible boat tour to visit New York’s guardian, the Statue of Liberty, or pop on a city sightseeing tour and whiz around the bustling streets to get a taster.

There really is a wealth of options for you to explore, with flat pavements, walkways, ramps and most attractions providing lift access to get you to the heights of the Empire State Building and the Rockefeller Center.

New York is a dream destination and a must on anyone’s tick list. Around eight hours from the UK via a direct flight, get yourself comfy and jet off to the Big Apple!

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5. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Burj Khalifa amid tall buildings and fountains in Dubai, UAE

Dubai is a hidden gem. While some may regard it as a little conservative and daunting, this is a destination not to be missed. Combining a modern approach with an authentic Eastern flavour, there is no denying Dubai is somewhere that needs to be explored and experienced.

Before the 1990s the city’s location was mostly desert, with limited options for any visitor. Today it could not be more different. There are so many places of interest, gleaming with state-of-the-art character and a great taste of excitement.

Dubai is breaking records on a daily basis, with ‘Tallest’, ‘Biggest’ and ‘One of a Kind’ options for its visitors. A must do during your time here is taking to the heights of the Burj Khalifa, currently the tallest building in the world.

A shoppers’ paradise can be found at the biggest mall in the world, the Mall of Emirates, or the slightly smaller Dubai Mall with its Aquarium Wall, a floor-to-ceiling tank that entices passing shoppers.

Dubai is waiting to impress any new visitor. Don’t miss the beaches, famous fountains and a desert safari to round off your amazing trip – get in touch and let our team help plan your trip of discovery.

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Call 0161 804 9898 today to book your dream accessible city break with DisabledHolidays.com!

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