Barcelona in a Wheelchair

Many posts have been written by disabled travelers praising Barcelona’s accessibility; this one will be no different.

It’s genuinely one of the most wheelchair-accessible cities I’ve visited since becoming a wheelchair user eight years ago.

It was my third visit to Barcelona, but my first in a wheelchair, and honestly, I didn’t feel much different from when I was walking. The only two things that may require research and preparation are finding affordable and accessible accommodation and ensuring that the restaurants you want to visit are accessible.

As always, I traveled in my electric, collapsible wheelchair, Whill C2, with a non-disabled companion.

Getting there

We flew into El Prat Barcelona Airport, were helped off the airplane by the assistance team with an Ambulift, and were on our way within 30 minutes.

Since our flight landed late at night, I pre-arranged for a wheelchair-accessible van to pick us up. We used the Taxi Sobre Ruedas company, which provided excellent communication and service. The driver waited for us at the arrivals terminal, and everything went smoothly and fast. The price is higher than that of a regular taxi, but not by much, and having peace of mind was worth it.

The most affordable and accessible way to reach Barcelona from the airport during the daytime is by taking the Aerobus. All buses are equipped with ramps and stop at several central locations in the city. This option can save you a lot of money if your hotel is nearby.

Public Transportation

I was speechless. This was my first trip as a wheelchair user, and I could leave the hotel in the morning, open Google Maps, enter my destination, and choose from a variety of accessible options to get there—and all without pre-planning or pre-arranging anything!

We used buses, trams, and the metro – all of which were easy and very accessible.

All buses have an electric ramp at the second door and a space (sometimes two) designated for wheelchair users.

Trams are platform-level and also have designed spaces for wheelchair users.

Metro is a bit trickier. Make sure to always board through the first or second door. At the main stations, the trains are platform-level, and it does not make a difference where you board. However, at the smaller stations, the platforms are elevated only at the first and second doors, so you won’t be able to exit the train if you are not there. This is from a personal, unpleasant experience: we had to ride to a different station where I could exit, then take the train back, this time boarding at the front. The vast majority of Metro stations are wheelchair-accessible. You can find a list of accessible stations here.

Getting Around

There is not much to say here. The main streets have wide and smooth sidewalks, lowered curbs everywhere, 90% of the stores have ramps or stairlifts, and the tourist attractions are mostly accessible—it’s just a smooth ride overall.

In the older areas such as the Gothic Quarter or El Raval, the sidewalks are narrow and not consistently smooth, but still very doable in any wheelchair.

You can find accessible restrooms at most tourist attractions, malls, department stores, and some restaurants.

Sagrada Familia de Barcelona

The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is a masterpiece of modernist architecture designed by Antoni Gaudí, who blended Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. After more than a century of construction, this iconic basilica is still under construction. It is renowned for its towering spires, intricate facades, and symbolism that reflects nature, faith, and Catalan culture. It’s very unique and a must-visit.

Disabled visitors and one companion are eligible for free admission. On the official website, you’ll find a recommendation to pre-book your time slot for your visit, even if your ticket is free. It’s best practice to do so, but don’t worry if you didn’t. We arrived at the ticket office without prior reservation, and after I presented my disability ID, we were issued two free tickets on the spot.

The basilica, the museum, the gift shop, and the grounds are wheelchair accessible, with an accessible restroom on the bottom level. However, the museum has a very steep slope, so be careful when entering. The basilica towers are not wheelchair accessible.

For a nice picture, head to the nearby Plaça De Gaudi. There, you can take a somewhat accessible path to the elevated platform, which offers a great view of the Sagrada Familia over the pond.

Casa Battló and Passeig de Gràcia

Casa Batlló is another stunning architectural gem in Barcelona designed by Antoni Gaudí. Known for its colorful facade, flowing shapes, and marine-inspired details, this UNESCO World Heritage Site stands out as a symbol of creativity, blending nature and fantasy in every element of its design.

Disabled visitors with a disability ID will get a 6€ discount on their ticket and a free companion ticket.

Most levels, including the rooftop, are accessible via elevator. A staff member operates the elevator, so you’ll need to locate one whenever you want to go up or down.

It’s a beautiful house, and I highly recommend it!

Combine your visit to Casa Battló with some shopping along the iconic Passeig de Gràcia, famous for its upscale shops and elegant architecture.

Barcelona Cathedral and Gothic Quarter

The Barcelona Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, is a beautiful Gothic landmark in the heart of the city’s Gothic Quarter.

The Gothic Quarter is Barcelona’s historic heart. It is a maze of narrow, medieval streets filled with charming squares, ancient churches, and remnants of Roman walls. Despite its age, the area is surprisingly accessible and smooth. I recommend using Google Maps to find accessible routes to avoid stairs.

Visiting the Cathedral is free for disabled visitors and one companion. However, you must get your free admission ticket from a ticket office with high stairs at the entrance. My companion got our tickets with my disability ID, but this would be impossible for someone traveling alone in a wheelchair.

To enter the cathedral, we rolled to the exit (the entrance has many steps). At first, the guards wouldn’t let us in and insisted we go to the front. What? But it was quickly sorted out, and we were in.

It’s a gorgeous cathedral, and it’s very accessible except for the gift shop. The accessible restroom is free, but you’ll need to find a staff member to unlock it for you.

Port Vell and Time Out Food Market

Port Vell is Barcelona’s vibrant waterfront, transformed from an old harbor into a bustling leisure area with restaurants, shops, and attractions like the Maremagnum Mall and the aquarium. It’s a popular spot for a scenic stroll, offering beautiful views of the marina and the Mediterranean Sea. The entire area is smooth and wheelchair-accessible, with adapted restrooms at the Mall. On Maremagnum Mall’s top floor is a lively and delicious Time Out Market with many food options, live music, and gorgeous views.

Barceloneta beach

If you visit during the sunny months, plan to spend a day in Barceloneta. This vibrant seaside neighborhood is known for its laid-back atmosphere, golden beaches, and many seafood restaurants and cafés along the boardwalk. The best part is the fully wheelchair-accessible Barceloneta beach, with wooden paths to the water, accessible restrooms, showers, changing rooms, amphibious chairs, and trained assistance staff. We weren’t lucky with the weather this time, but next time!

For more information about accessibility at Barcelona’s beaches, visit this link.

Basilica Santa Maria Del Mar and MOCO Barcelona

Santa Maria del Mar is a magnificent 14th-century Gothic basilica in Barcelona’s El Born district, known for its towering columns, stunning stained glass, and serene, spacious interior. It’s easily accessible via ramp and free to visit. It’s a short distance from the famous Picasso Museum (we didn’t go this time) and the MOCO museum we discovered by accident, trying to hide from the rain. What a lovely surprise it was! It’s a small contemporary art museum with a dynamic collection of modern works, street art, and digital media. The museum is wheelchair-accessible, with an elevator to the second floor. Disability card holders and their companions get discounted admission (details here).

La Boqueria Market

La Boqueria Market is Barcelona’s most famous food market, bursting with fresh produce, local delicacies, and vibrant energy. It’s very touristy and crowded but smooth and accessible to roll around. There are many delicious food options, but most have high counters and bar stools, which makes them less accessible. If this is your first time in Barcelona, definitely pay a visit, but there are many other, more authentic, cheap markets throughout the city.

Accessible restaurants we loved

Accessible Hotel Suggestion

When we visited Barcelona, the city was hosting a major international conference, and most centrally located hotels were fully booked. We decided to stay at the 4-star Novotel Barcelona, which is conveniently located next to the Glories Mall and offers easy access to various transportation options, including Glories Metro Station, bus stops, and tram lines. It took us about 10-20 minutes to reach the city’s central areas.

The hotel is fully accessible, though the room itself was quite basic. The bathroom features a roll-in shower with a shower chair, a roll-under sink, grab bars, and is very spacious. The bed is elevated, and there’s the option to use a hoist lift if needed. While the room was comfortable, I didn’t feel that the price was entirely justified. However, it’s possible that the rates were inflated due to the ongoing conference.

One highlight of our stay was the stunning view of the Sagrada Familia from the rooftop pool and bar. It was a perfect spot to relax while enjoying one of Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks.