Travelling to Berlin in a wheelchair: must-see places to visit

Berlin accessibility guide

Berlin, Germany's vibrant capital, is a city rich in history, culture and diversity. It is also an ideal destination if you are planning a short break and use a wheelchair.

In fact, did you know that Berlin is one of the most accessible cities in the world? That makes it perfect if you have not yet ventured abroad with your wheelchair. After this trip, you won't want to stop travelling!

Here is an accessible guide with Berlin's main sights. If you are planning on travelling to Berlin in a wheelchair, this guide will be a great help.

The best places to visit in Berlin

Brandenburg Gate

You simply have to visit this historic monument on your trip. It is a symbol of Berlin. The paved paths make for easy access in a wheelchair and the wide open areas around the gate make it easy to get around.

Reichstag (German Parliament)

Impressive! It is the seat of the German parliament and thousands of people visit it every year. So make sure you book in advance to enjoy the glass dome, which offers panoramic views of the city.

Lifts and ramps are available to make access easier. A tip: do ask for the audio guides in Spanish so you don't miss any details. And, by the way, it's free!

Holocaust Memorial

This moving memorial is accessible and has paths between the concrete blocks that let you walk through it. In addition, the underground Information Centre is also accessible by lift.

Unter den Linden and Museum Island

Stroll along Unter den Linden, Berlin's historic avenue, and head towards Museum Island. Most of the museums here, including the Pergamon Museum and the Bode Museum, have wheelchair-accessible entrances, with lifts and ramps available.

Next, on the route from the Brandenburg Gate, we recommend visiting the Neue Wache (the New Guardhouse), a simple but moving monument.

East Side Gallery

A stretch of the Berlin Wall turned into an open-air art gallery. The ground is flat and ramps make it easy to reach the different sections of the wall, so it is a must-see if you decide to travel to Berlin in a wheelchair. It can also be reached by accessible public transport.

Alexanderplatz

You can get around the square. From there you will see the TV Tower (Fernsehturm), although it is not accessible. It is probably the most famous square in the city, where countless films have been shot. It is also a great spot if you want to see city life unfold.

German Historical Museum

This museum offers detailed exhibitions on the country's history. The museum is accessible and has lifts and accessible toilets. Bear in mind that in Berlin you can buy tickets at a discount for people with disabilities by showing your certificate.

Checkpoint Charlie

Certainly one of the most famous crossing points on the Berlin Wall. The open-air exhibition areas and the nearby museum are accessible for wheelchair users.

Opera House and Berlin Cathedral

The Berlin State Opera and Berlin Cathedral are accessible and offer a fascinating insight into the city's culture and architecture. Luckily, there are days when the Opera offers big discounts, so make the most of them!

On the other hand, getting into the Cathedral has a “catch”: you need to ask for assistance at the left-hand side of the building, and someone will come so that you can get in by ramp.

Accessible activities in Berlin

A walk in the Tiergarten

It is a vast park in the heart of the city, perfect for a relaxing stroll. All the paths are accessible and well kept. Either way, you will enjoy a moment of peace and fresh air in the middle of a big city.

Sailing on the River Spree

Some companies offer wheelchair-accessible boat trips, giving you a unique way to see the city from the water. As you know, the problem is not the boats but the landing stages, and Berlin has only one that is accessible. We'll let you in on the secret: it is right in front of the House of Culture building in the Tiergarten.

An evening visit to the Sony Center

The Sony Center is a modern complex with restaurants, cinemas and shops, all wheelchair accessible. A secret: at night, the lights create a magical atmosphere, and we are sure you will love it.

Exploring typical neighbourhoods such as the Jewish Quarter

On another note, if you have a few days, exploring Berlin's neighbourhoods is a different kind of experience. For example, in the evening visit the Kreuzberg district, known for its diversity and nightlife. During the day, visit the Jewish Quarter, its streets and its galleries: you will have an incredible cultural experience and, what's more, many of its venues are accessible.

What to visit around Berlin

Potsdam and Sanssouci Palace

Potsdam is a short trip from Berlin by accessible train. We recommend that you wander its streets and have a meal on one of the terraces of the local restaurants.

You should also visit Sanssouci Palace, which is accessible and has impressive gardens and architecture. That said, if you use a manual wheelchair, getting around the gardens can be difficult, as they have terraces at different heights and the ground, although flat, has quite a lot of slope.

Sachsenhausen concentration camp

If you are curious about the history of the Second World War, in Berlin you will find a place of great historical importance, accessible for wheelchair users. Bear in mind that you can reach the camp from Berlin by accessible public transport.

The lake district north of Brandenburg

Finally, if you want nature, it is barely an hour from Berlin by accessible train. The Rheinsberg area and its lakes are ideal for accessible outdoor activities, with accessible routes and options for boat trips on the lakes.

Where to eat typical food in Berlin

Berlin and Bavarian restaurants

Of course, many restaurants in Berlin are accessible and offer a variety of typical dishes. Whether you prefer typical Berlin food or a typical Bavarian dish, you will find what you want in this city.

You can also enjoy meals at the city's markets, which tend to be accessible for wheelchairs. Among others, we recommend Hackescher Markt, but there are more!

Travel Xperience services in Berlin

You already know that at Travel Xperience we work to make your trip to Berlin as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. So you can count on accessible transport, accommodation in accessible rooms, and mobility equipment hire such as wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

We also offer assistive equipment hire, such as hoists, commode chairs or profiling beds. We also make it easier to get tickets for sights and activities.

During your trip, you can make use of our 24-hour phone line, available to help you sort out any problem that might come up, so that your experience goes smoothly and is fully satisfying.

General tips for travelling to Berlin

Public transport: Berlin has a well-adapted public transport system. Most train and metro stations have lifts, and the buses are accessible with manual ramps.

A tip: on the metro, you need to position yourself at the stopping point for the first carriage, and the metro staff will put down a ramp so that you can board. Tell them which stop you will get off at and they will do the same thing there.

Accommodation: Choose accessible hotels that offer accessible rooms and extra services. Worth knowing: there is a wide variety of accessible accommodation in Berlin in every category.

Planning: Check in advance how accessible the places you plan to visit are, and make bookings when necessary. Bear in mind that, if you are interested in an accessible tour of Berlin, we will be delighted to put together with you the itinerary you like best and that suits your needs.

Best time to travel: Berlin is a city you can enjoy all year round, but the best times to visit are spring and autumn, when the weather is milder. On the other hand, avoid the high season: it is a city with a lot of tourism and it is usual for crowds to build up.

Good morning!! I want to thank the whole Travel Xperience team for the support you have given me during this trip. I started it with uncertainty and a little fear: travelling on my own with someone whose mobility is very limited caused me, to say the least, a lot of unease.

I have had your support from the first minute and you have been “accompanying” me at every step of this first trip that my husband and I have made in these circumstances. Without a doubt, if he is willing, I will travel with you again. Many thanks once more, you have been fantastic… Warmest regards!! Thank you!! María Magdalena and family.Read more testimonials from travellers…

Conclusion

To finish, we want to tell you that Berlin is an inclusive city that offers many accessible options for enjoying its rich history and culture. So get ready for an unforgettable trip to this fascinating European capital!

You can find out more about the destination on the German tourist office website (opens in a new tab)