A new decade has arrived, and the world is full of amazing destinations that are waiting to be explored.
This article suggests 10 wheelchair accessible cities that are worth visiting this year. The list is not a ranking. Some cities are more accessible than others, but each one meets the following conditions:
- The destination is welcoming to people of all age groups, and can be enjoyed by families with children, younger solo travelers and retirees.
- Accessible transportation (public or private) is available.
- The majority of tourist attractions are wheelchair accessible.
These are the cities I want to visit again this year, and I hope you’ll find some inspiration for your next trip!
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain (behind Madrid) and is widely considered to be once of the most wheelchair accessible cities in Europe.
Favorable weather and the city’s location on the Mediterranean Sea attract tourists from all over the world. Wheelchair users benefit from a wide variety of things to do, including accessible beaches, eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the La Sagrada Familia church, art and cultural museums, amusement parks, shopping and more.
With accessible taxis and a wheelchair-friendly public transportation system, Barcelona is an easy city to get around in.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is one of the most picturesque cities in Africa, set against the iconic Table Mountain, which is part of a natural UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The list of wheelchair accessible things to do in Cape Town is vast and includes a 1,300 acre national botanical garden, museums, a world-class aquarium, accessible beaches, stunning viewpoints along the coastline, winery tours, public parks and more.
Visitors can also take a boat ride to Robben Island, the former prison where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his life, prior to becoming the President of South Africa.
Accessible city buses, companies that provide private wheelchair transport and a wheelchair accessible sightseeing bus make exploring Cape Town hassle-free.
To learn more, check-out the free Wheelchair Travel Guide to Cape Town, South Africa.
Chicago, Illinois
The “Windy City” is one of America’s most popular cities. Located along Lake Michigan, Chicago offers a wide-range of opportunities with its waterfront beaches, canal boat tours and dinner cruises.
Other accessible tourist attractions include world-class museums, the sky-scraping Willis Tower, shopping on the iconic Michigan Avenue, sporting events including Chicago Cubs baseball at Wrigley Field, public art installations, Michelin-starred culinary experiences and deep-dish pizza.
With the information contained in the free Chicago Wheelchair Travel Guide, you’ll be prepared to experience all the city has to offer from the seat of your wheelchair.
Las Vegas, Nevada
The “Entertainment Capital of the World” is a playground for adults and families alike, offering incredible experiences, performances, food and activities suitable for everyone.
Las Vegas is an accessible destination as well, attracting more wheelchair users than any other city in the United States. The city caters to every need, and can even push you out of your comfort zone — including on a wheelchair accessible zip line!
The Las Vegas Wheelchair Access Guide is free and will help you plan the perfect trip, with information on accessible hotels, transportation, tourist attractions and more.
London, England
Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Tower Bridge and Westminster Abbey await on your wheelchair accessible trip to London, England.
London isn’t my favorite city in the world, but it’s a place where I have grown to feel incredibly comfortable and free. The ability to visit many of the city’s top museums free of charge, to ride on the famous double-decker buses and to hail a wheelchair accessible black cab just by raising a hand adds to the enjoyment of this amazing city.
For more information about accessibility in London, take a look at the Wheelchair Travel Guide to London, England. It’s free!
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Luxembourg City
In comparison to popular European destinations like London and Paris, Luxembourg is a country that few people visit. That is a tragedy, because Luxembourg City has enormous historic value, natural beauty and old-world charm.
With accessible buses, trams, a funicular and elevators along the hillside, the city is surprisingly easy to get around. Tourists can see the architectural treasures of the city’s historic quarter (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), tour the Grand Duchal Palace, explore Fort Thüngen, and visit the impressive museums of art, history and science.
To learn how you can be the first of your friends to visit Luxembourg, see the Luxembourg Accessible Travel Guide.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is one of the oldest cities in the United States, but the city’s wheelchair accessibility in tourist areas is quite good.
Visitors to Philadelphia can tour Independence Hall (where the U.S. Constitution was drafted), see the Liberty Bell, visit more than 10 incredible museums of history, art and science, attend a Philadelphia Phillies baseball game and eat a local cheesesteak.
If you’re looking for a family vacation destination that has plenty to do and is easy to get around, Philly is the place. To learn more, check out the Philadelphia Wheelchair Accessibility Guide.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro is the most challenging destination to appear on this list, but I promise that the trip will be worthwhile.
As one of the most accessible cities in South America and as a former host of the Olympic Games, Rio de Janeiro has a lot to offer tourists of all abilities. With many wheelchair accessible things to do, including the stunning cable car ride to Sugarloaf Mountain, the largest aquarium in Latin America, the Museum of Tomorrow and street food to die for — you won’t be left wanting.
Affordable wheelchair taxis and a partially accessible public transit system make it possible to get around Rio in a wheelchair, albeit with some difficulty. To learn more and to decide if Rio is the right destination for you, see the Rio de Janeiro Wheelchair Travel Guide.
Singapore
Singapore is, by far, the most accessible city in Asia.
With a modern metro system, accessible buses with ramps and wheelchair taxis, your mobility won’t be restricted in this highly developed city.
Wheelchair accessible attractions include national museums of art, culture, history and science, the iconic Flower Dome and Supertree Grove, a cable car, Ferris wheel, world-class cuisine, a zoo, aquarium and more.
A detailed wheelchair travel guide to Singapore will be published later this year.
Sydney, Australia
You haven’t truly traveled the world until you’ve gone Down Under, and Sydney is the perfect place to begin exploring Australia.
Wheelchair users can tour the iconic Sydney Opera House, visit national museums, tour public parks including the Olympic Park, see koalas at the zoo, visit the beautiful beaches and more.
A detailed wheelchair travel guide to Sydney will be published later this year.
