Madrid hit me with its energy the moment I arrived—a city that moves fast but never loses its Spanish soul. It’s got that big-city hustle, like New York, but with a little more room to breathe. The streets buzz with urgency, yet there’s a laid-back rhythm beneath it all if you take the time to notice. Unlike Barcelona, Madrid isn’t polished or postcard-perfect—it’s rough around the edges and unapologetically itself.
As a first-time visitor, it took me a moment to find my footing. But once I did, I absolutely loved it.
Getting there
We arrived by Renfe high-speed train from Barcelona—just under three hours, and best of all, I didn’t have to part with my wheelchair. It was a comfortable and easy journey once we figured out the process.
Getting around and Public Transportation
Madrid is fairly wheelchair-friendly, but like many European cities, older neighborhoods can be tricky. Expect narrow sidewalks, the occasional cobblestone street, and plenty of stores and restaurants with steps at the entrance. That said, curb cuts are everywhere, which makes getting around much easier. In the newer areas and main shopping streets like Gran Vía or Salamanca, accessibility is much better overall.
We relied mostly on buses and accessible taxis, and honestly, it worked out great. Madrid’s buses are well-equipped for wheelchair users, with ramps at the second door and designated spaces on board. The drivers were generally patient and helpful, and two central lines—001 and 002—are completely free, which was a nice bonus.
We didn’t use the metro, since many stations still aren’t fully accessible, and I didn’t want to take the risk.
Accessible taxis were surprisingly easy to get. Our hotel arranged them for us without any problem, and we spotted quite a few on the streets as well. If you have a local number, you can also order one through the Cabify app—super convenient. The best part? Prices are the same as regular taxis, which is rare. In many places, accessible taxis cost significantly more.
Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is one of Madrid’s most iconic landmarks, dating back to the 17th century. Once a stage for royal events and markets, it remains a vibrant symbol of the city’s history and charm.
It’s a bit bumpy under the wheels, but it’s definitely worth a visit. Not all entrances are step-free, so I recommend using Google Maps’ wheelchair-accessible route option when navigating there.
Royal Palace (Palacio Real)
The Royal Palace of Madrid is the largest royal palace in Western Europe, with over 3,000 rooms. Though it’s no longer the royal family’s residence, it’s still used for state ceremonies and official events. The palace showcases stunning architecture, lavish interiors, and an impressive collection of art, armor, and historic artifacts.
Skip the long lines by heading to the side group entrance, where you can collect your free ticket (for you and one companion, with proof of disability). The palace is spacious and mostly accessible, with accessible restrooms on-site.
Catedral de Santa Maria la Real de la Almudena
The Cathedral of Santa María la Real de la Almudena stands right across from the Royal Palace and is one of Madrid’s most important religious buildings. Unlike many European cathedrals, it’s relatively modern—completed in 1993 after over a century of construction. This beautiful cathedral is also accessible and free to visit. There’s a ramped entrance on the side, and the space inside is open and easy to explore.
Museo del Prado
El Prado Museum is an absolute must. Disabled visitors can get a free ticket for themselves and one companion at the ticket office (with proof of disability) and skip the long lines. The museum is fully accessible, with elevators and wide, navigable galleries. The art is incredible—don’t rush it!
Retiro Park and Real Jardín Botánico
Madrid’s most famous park is mostly flat and very wheelchair-friendly. You’ll find smooth paths, shaded benches, and even a few accessible restrooms near the main areas.
Located just beside the Prado and Retiro Park, the botanical garden is also a lovely spot for a break—free entry for disabled visitors and one companion, with partially smooth and accessible paths.
Chueca & Malasaña Neighborhoods
These lively neighborhoods are full of personality—bohemian, trendy, and buzzing with local life. The vibe is fantastic, especially if you’re into boutique shopping, street art, or just people-watching from a café terrace. Accessibility-wise, the sidewalks are narrow in parts, and some shops and restaurants have steps, but we still really enjoyed exploring the area.
Mercado San Antón
A modern, fully accessible market in the Chueca neighborhood. Elevators connect all floors, and there’s a wheelchair-accessible restroom. A great place for a casual bite or snack stop.
Wheelchair-accessible hotel suggestion
We stayed at Hotel Liabeny, and it was a fantastic choice for accessibility and location. Situated just steps from Puerta del Sol, it placed us right in the heart of Madrid. The hotel offers wheelchair-accessible rooms featuring amenities like roll-in showers, grab bars, and lowered sinks. The staff were incredibly helpful, even arranging accessible taxis for us with ease. Overall, it was a comfortable and convenient stay.
