There are many factors that make a destination wheelchair accessible. Every wheelchair user is different, and our access needs may be different too. However, today we’re featuring 10 destinations that are widely viewed as some of the most wheelchair-accessible places in the world.
When planning your travels as a wheelchair user, it’s important to do your research. Wherever you are in the world, you’ll need a comfortable hotel where you can rest and recharge, restaurants and food outlets for your meals, and plenty of local venues and attractions to immerse yourself in.
For many people, choosing a destination that’s easy to explore as a wheelchair user is the key to a fulfilling travel experience. The fewer barriers you encounter, the more time you can spend enjoying yourself!
How were these 10 destinations chosen?
These destinations were chosen based on internal and external data compiled by KAYAK. The data shows how many hotels in the area have facilities for disabled guests, and also how many public places, such as local amenities and attractions, have step-free entry (source: OpenStreetMap).
Some destinations in this article were not included in the data list, but each has been reviewed positively by disabled travellers online. Lived experience is usually the best indicator of how accessible a place truly is!
Social attitudes play a big role too, as a warm and welcoming environment can make it much easier for you to get around.
Pippa Stacey – Photo by Eleanor Martin Photography
Accessible accommodation and step-free access are important, but wheelchair accessibility is made up of so much more than these things alone. It’s important to also consider dropped kerbs, how smooth or difficult the ground is, and where to find accessible toilets when you’re out and about.
What are the 10 most wheelchair-accessible destinations in 2025?
Based on my own travel experiences, the data compiled by KAYAK, and some additional wheelchair users’ reviews, here are the 10 destinations you should add to your bucket list.
Barcelona is one of the world’s best-known destinations for wheelchair users, and Spain is one of the most disability-friendly countries. It’s blissfully easy to get around Barcelona’s city centre and use public transport, there’s excellent access to tourist attractions and landmarks, and there are even beaches fully equipped for disabled visitors. One of my happiest travel memories is bobbing along in the sea in a beach wheelchair at Nova Icària Beach!
Christchurch is one of the top-scoring destinations for accessible hotels, with 60% of hotels in the area offering facilities for disabled guests (source: KAYAK data).
Previous visitors have described it as the most disability-friendly city in New Zealand, and their government offers a range of information and useful access maps online. If you don’t use a wheelchair but struggle to walk for long periods, there are several areas where you can hire a mobility scooter too.
The coastal city of Dundee is beautiful. As with many city centres, there are some access challenges in the urban areas, but the waterfront is wonderful. I highly recommend getting the train from Edinburgh (making sure you’ve booked the wheelchair space) to really enjoy the stunning views over the coast. Once you’ve exited the station, the free, must-see V&A Museum is only a short walk away!
Austria’s capital is the ideal destination for a city break. Although there are cobbled walkways and some landmarks without wheelchair accessibility, there are many alternative ways you can learn about the destination’s rich history.
Vienna has recently been awarded the 2025 Access City Award for its continued efforts to improve accessibility for all disabled visitors. According to KAYAK data, the hotels with facilities for disabled guests in Vienna had one of the highest review scores too.
Famous for the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel, this area of Singapore is full of fun things to see and do for wheelchair users. The Open Street Map data shows there are over 3000 wheelchair-accessible places to explore, and many of the most well-known attractions are equipped to welcome disabled guests. Wandering through the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark is one of the things on my bucket list!
Despite being one of Australia’s oldest cities, there are many accessible experiences for wheelchair users to enjoy in Melbourne. Known worldwide for its coffee, you’ll want to factor in many coffee shop visits during your plans! Melbourne is also one of the top destinations for people with non-visible disabilities, with many venues and teams recognising the Sunflower Lanyard scheme.
Spain is one of the most wheelchair-accessible countries in the world, and the port city of Malaga is perfect for wheelchair users who want a sunshine-soaked holiday.
Data shows that accessible accommodation can be hard to find here, but there are over 3700 wheelchair-friendly places to visit including museums and galleries, and a thriving nightlife scene for those who want it. There are also beaches with accessible facilities including adapted changing rooms, wooden walkways on the sand, and even seats in the sea where people can bathe without having to stand!
Brighton is known worldwide for its vibrant and welcoming culture, and is one of the most wheelchair-friendly places to visit in the UK. The seafront area is a lovely walk to do, with ramped access down to the promenade and maintenance staff who keep walkways clear of stones from the pebbled beach.
There are also smooth pathways all through The Lanes and level access to many independent shops and cafes, and I highly recommend a ‘flight’ on the British Airways i360 which gives you stunning views for miles.
The thriving city of Tokyo is one of the world’s most iconic wheelchair-accessible travel destinations, boasting over 9,000 wheelchair-accessible things to do. As well as excellent public transport options, you can explore shrines and temples that have smooth walkways throughout, wander through the interactive museums, and be awed by the country’s high-tech culture by booking food and drink experiences served by robots!
Home to the world’s most famous theme parks and attractions, there are so many fun places to go for disabled adults and children in Orlando. The data shows that over half of all hotels have facilities for disabled guests, and it’s easy to hire any other mobility aids you need during your stay.
As well as Walt Disney World, there’s also Gatorland, The Kennedy Space Center, and huge shopping malls where you can indulge in some of the world’s best retail therapy.
It’s important to remember that no travel destination is perfect and there is still much work to do to improve accessibility. However, we hope these suggestions help you to start planning your own trip!
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