Tourists to Barcelona with Disabilities Share Their Experiences of Visiting The City.

Name: N. Robinson
Country: England
Email: Confidential
Date: 20 July 2010

Feedback

We've just returned from a week in Barcelona with a wheelchair and thought I would share what we found.

Public transport

We only used public transport for the whole week and never took a taxi at any point. The heat also made walking all day tough so being able to get around the city was helpful.

Bus access for the disabled traveller

All buses, metro trains and aerobuses (from the airport) are air conditioned and so welcoming. ALL buses are easy to use as they have access ramps as well as special places on board for wheelchairs. All drivers are helpful and make the effort (although don't speak English). Basically they will happily hold the bus up until you are sorted on board. Buses are easy for both motorised and pushed wheelchairs and can basically get you everywhere around town.

Metro for the disabled

Metro trains are also easy to use but you do need a metro map which tells you which stations are accessible (via lifts). All of the trains are accessible so it is really about the stations. Again there are designated spaces for chairs and people do respect this. I would recommend this way of travel if you have manual wheelchair with support as some stations have a bit of a step on or off trains of a few inches. Make sure that if you are changing lines that the station is accessible for both lines. We used the metro all week and had little trouble.

Montjuic funicular access

Montjuic funicular and cable car are both accessible but make sure you stand at the designated end of the funicular train as there are steps for everyone else at the top end.

Toilets and general access around town

General access around town is very easy in all areas with low kerbs etc. Bars, restaurants and shops also easy to access, toilets less so but some places do have disabled loos.

In general areas we tended to nip into one of the many museums who have disabled loos before entering the main part of the museum. Nobody minds (or notices!). Most attractions have access (Sagrada Familia is accessible but a bit of a steep push to get in) and the Nou Camp is only accessible in the museum and to view the ground but not changing rooms etc.

Without doubt this is the most accessible and easy to manage city we have ever been to. The people are also friendly and helpful. It is also a fantastic place.

Editor's Note - Thank you for sharing your experience. It will go a long way to helping others on their trips to Barcelona.