The Best NYC Attractions for Wheelchair Users

In recent years, New York City has made major improvements to its wheelchair accessibility making now the best time for wheelchair users to visit. Finding the best attractions in NYC for wheelchair users doesn’t have to be difficult.

Most of these attractions are located within a mile of a subway stop, making them easy to access for all. There are also a range of options for all budgets and styles of travelers. This article will share some of the best sights and attractions for wheelchair users looking for the ideal place for a perfect Instagram shot! And if you need the perfect caption for that Instagram shot, check out this list of the best NYC quotes.

Sightseeing Bus Tours

While you might not think most bus tours are wheelchair friendly, they can actually be a great way to get around the Big Apple with ease. For the best tour of New York experience, arrange a bus tour that has frequent stops around the city so you can get a closer look at your favorite attractions. Bus tours also give you the chance to learn more about the city’s history and culture from a local guide. Confirm with the tour company in advance to ensure they have safety features for wheelchair users.

The Empire State Building

At almost 1500 feet tall, the Empire State Building is a NYC skyline staple. Up until 1970, the Empire State Building was the world’s tallest building. Today, guests from around the world are drawn to its unbelievable views from its two observation decks. Both decks are wheelchair accessible, and the 86th floor deck even has lowered walls and sightseeing binoculars designed especially for wheelchair viewers.

World Trade Center Memorial and Museum

Many visitors wish to take to the time to remember the tragedy of 9/11 and experience the World Trade Center memorial. Now located on the sight of the fallen Twin Towers, the memorial and museum features two waterfalls and pools lined with the names of all of the victims of the attacks from that day.

The museum is located beneath Ground Zero and the exhibit has over 10 thousand artifacts including emergency calls, histories, and first-hand accounts from survivors. Both the museum and memorial grounds are wheelchair accessible.

Central Park

Like the Empire State Building, New York City’s Central Park is a symbol of the Big Apple. Occupying over 800 acres of central Manhattan, Central Park is always bustling with locals and tourists alike. There are many wheelchair friendly paved walkways and streets which allow wheelchair users the chance to experience the ponds, gardens, statues, and sculptures along the park grounds. Enjoy the birds and wildlife with a relaxing day spent in one of the most unique parks in the world!

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Located in Midtown, the MoMA is one of the most well-known museums in the world featuring a diverse array of modern art from architecture to photography. The Moma brings in over 3 million visitors each year, and it is fully accessible to wheelchairs. Come face to face with your favorite works from Salvador Dali, Frida Kahlo, and Pablo Picasso at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met is the largest art museum in the country with over 2 million square feet of gallery space. With artwork from six continents spanning across the history of civilization, there is something for every level of art aficionado. The Met is completely wheelchair accessible, and it’s a great place to escape the crowds found in other parts of the city. Whether you wish to see the European masters or Ancient Greek sculpture, you’ll find it here.

NYC Attractions for Wheelchair Users

NYC is a surprisingly wheelchair friendly city. Most, if not all, of the top attractions are perfectly accessible for wheelchair users. From group city tours to famous museums, there is something for everyone in the city that never sleeps, but check out these tips on what not to do in NYC before your visit as well.