Is Europe handicapped accessible?

Question

My family and I are thinking about going to Europe in a few months. We are thinking about London, Paris, Rome, Berlin, and maybe Amsterdam if we have the time. The only problem is my dad is in a wheel chair. I was just wondering how handicapped accessible are the major European cities? Thanks.

Answer 1

The major cities are very old.  Some monuments it is impossible to make very wheelchair accessible, and some, they have done a good job of converting...these are all fairly flat cities, so you should have less trouble getting around, but the ancient buildings are going to be the difficult things.  You should check things online.  Like Notre Dame.  You should have no trouble getting in, but the towers, don't know if he'll be able to climb them.  I took stairs.  I don't know if they've been able to put elevators on such things.  

That said, for the most part, many European places are MILES  (or should I say KILOMETERS?) ahead of the US on accomodating people with challenges.  They had braille on the money in many countries thirty years ago, and traffic lights with beepers for the visually imparied.

Answer 2

yes there are major handicaps at Goodwood,Sandown Park,Kempton and Newmarket all summer long

Answer 3

While not as wheel-chair friendly as many big US towns, those cities are usually accessible.

For example, in Berlin:

http://www.gablinger.com/wheelchair.html

http://berlineating.blogspot.com/search/...

http://www.google.com/custom?hl=en&safe=...

http://www.google.com/custom?hl=en&safe=...

http://www.google.com/custom?hl=en&safe=...

http://www.google.com/custom?hl=en&safe=...

Answer 4

Hmmm... as far as I remember, I did see accessibility installments in Paris, Rome, Berlin & Amsterdam (never been to London - yet), but that's probably because those cities are more well-suited to people of all needs (tourism).  I mean, I can't guarantee that they'll always be available, but if you go to the major sites, it's possible that accomodations will be available.  You might have more problems if you're going to smaller cities/outskirts, etc. or even if you go to small cafes, as they're not really as "public", you know what I mean?

I'm sure there's more out there than what I saw, i wasn't really looking for them, that's just all I remember.  But never be afraid to ask for help &/or assistance - the people are so friendly, & many will do all they can to help your dad.

Good luck, and have FUN in Europe! ;-)

xoxo

Alessia

Answer 5

The only place I can see being a problem is Amsterdam, but even then the more modern hotels have lifts anyway.