Barcelona is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Millions of people visit it every year to admire architectural marvels like la Sagrada Familia and la Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar. Now, if you have any type of disability, you might be wondering if you can fully enjoy it from a wheelchair. The answer is – heck yes!
All public buses here have wheelchair ramps, and many areas are generally flat, which means you can roll around to your heart’s content. Below you can read about a few of the must-visit spots which are especially wheelchair friendly.
Plaça Reial
If you’ve ever been on a visit to Spain, you will know that Spaniards absolutely love passing the time in squares, which are places where you can spend quality time people watching and sipping on an expertly prepared café latte. Plaça Reial is arguably the most majestic of all squares in Barcelona, and you can access it comfortably in a wheelchair.
The square is just off the famous Rambla avenue where you will find fancy stores and hordes of tourists. Because of its prestigious location, the plaza attracts thousands of people every day, including musicians, dancers, and partygoers who occupy the square long into the night.
Casino Barcelona
Located in an area filled with high-end clubs and restaurants, Casino Barcelona is one of the prime spots for nightlife entertainment. It’s home to all sorts of accessible events, including the annual European Poker Tournament and the venue’s own Vive la Champions, which makes an event out of live streaming all of FC Barcelona’s big games. You might give this spot a try because of its lively atmosphere and proximity to famous clubs like Pacha and Opium.
You can enter the building from the street level, and there are parking spots for disabled clients just around the corner. Once you’re inside, you’ll be able to explore the whole venue. Just don’t forget to grab your favorite cocktail at the bar, which stays open till 4am every night. Moreover, whilst you’re in the area, make sure you soak up the glorious weather and explore the easily accessible beachfront restaurants too.
Barceloneta
Speaking of which, if you want to explore the area close to the beach then there’s no better way to start than with the neighborhood of Barceloneta. It’s the main access point to the Barcelona beach, but don’t be in too much of a hurry to improve your tan because this tiny area has a lot to offer, and it’s easily accessible.
When you’re there, make sure to check out the Barceloneta Market, which offers traditional Catalan snacks and drinks. You can also roll in the with ease to a time-honored bar like Jai-Ca that serves some of the best seafood around. However, if you’re more into healthy foods, you would be wise to visit the recently opened Fit Bar, which serves some of the most delicious açai bowls in town.
Once you’ve fully satisfied your culinary desires, you can turn to the long avenue, Passeig de Joan de Borbó, that leads directly to the beach and the famous W Barcelona Hotel.
Platja de la Nova Icària
Barcelona has nine beaches in total, which stretch over 5 km (3.11 miles), offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Most tourists end up in Barceloneta Beach, which is closest to the city center, but at the same time occupied by crowds of people from around the world.
If you’re looking for a slightly more relaxed experience, with a long avenue and an area surrounded by parks, you can’t do better than the Nova Icària beach. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be able to watch beach volleyball tournaments, visit fancy bars, sink your feet into golden sands, and feel the breeze coming from the sea. And if you hang around long enough, you’ll be sure to experience one of the most stunning sunsets of your life.
As you can see, Barcelona definitely is a wheelchair friendly tourist destination. Now all you need to do is to buy your plane tickets and check out some of the best wheelchair accessible hotels in town.
