Lisbon is a city dominated by slopes, cobblestones, stones, and many roads are lined with the so-called “Portuguese sidewalk,” which can be slippery and irregular. Still, a person with a disability or mobility difficulties can visit the most famous tourist spots that exist there.
Especially in the lower part of Lisbon, in the neighborhoods Belém, Parque das Nações, Rossio, and Baixada de Lisboa, it is possible to walk without much difficulty.
An excellent option for those who want to get to know the city in a complete and accessible way is through the city tour, which offers opportunities for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility.
On city tours, you will pass through the primary and most emblematic sights of Lisbon, and you can count on full support from the staff during the time.
Among the most sought after are the City Sightseeing Lisbon tour and the Yellow Bus by Carristur. Yellow Bus offers city tours in other cities in Portugal and Porto, Braga, Coimbra, Madeira, Guimarães, and Azores.
It is also possible to access different information about accessibility in the country on the website Portugal Acessível, which acts as a guide to indicate places with access standards for people with disabilities.
If you prefer, you can download this accessibility guide in Lisbon, free, by clicking here.
In the guide, you can check some points that are not so accessible, but due to the historical and cultural importance, they could not be left out. Therefore, there are appropriate signs and warnings, so you can prepare yourself before you go!
Also, in the Wheelmap app, it is possible to open a city map. It lists, according to your location, the level of accessibility of the places closest to you.
There are access ramps at Lisbon airport in several areas. There is also a help service for disabled people, called “My Way.” Be sure to look for it as soon as you arrive there, if necessary, or even notify the airline company to be prepared.
Sintra
Near Lisbon, there is the charming Sintra, a village known for its parks, castles, and palaces!
And how about the accessibility? Well! A project called “Parques de Sintra Acolhem Melhor” aims to improve the conditions of accessibility to the properties under its management and set them as an example of acceptable practices in accessible tourism and equality in the opportunity to access the Natural Heritage and built.
Among the adaptations provided, there are traction equipments that can be attached to the front of a wheelchair, making it practically a tricycle.
I have seen that Lisbon is more inclusive with disabled people. The structures are more prepared to receive and meet special needs!
Great to know how amazing Lisbon can be for everyone.