The essential guide if you want to travel to Lisbon in a wheelchair
- Europe
- Portugal
- Culture and art
Information and advice for travelling to Lisbon in a wheelchair or with a disability: accessibility in the city, services and frequently asked questions.
Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, is known for its history, its culture and its unique landscapes. At first glance, this city, famous for its hills and cobbled streets, may seem challenging for those who get around in a wheelchair.
However, travelling to Lisbon in a wheelchair is entirely feasible thanks to the accessibility improvements the city has made in recent years.
In fact, from public transport to the main monuments, Lisbon offers accessible options to anyone who travels in a wheelchair.
Information on accessibility in Lisbon
How to get around Lisbon in a wheelchair
Transport in Lisbon has come a long way in terms of accessibility. For example, although some of the traditional trams aren't accessible, tram 15, which connects the centre with the Belém district, is. In addition, most buses are fitted with ramps and have space for wheelchairs, which makes access easier.
The Lisbon Metro, on the other hand, is also an excellent option. Although not all the stations are accessible, the red and blue lines, which cover the main tourist areas, have stations with lifts. With these facilities, you can make a trip to Lisbon in a wheelchair around those areas.
Accessible accommodation in Lisbon
When planning a trip to Lisbon in a wheelchair, it's essential to choose accommodation that meets your accessibility needs. Fortunately, districts such as Baixa and Parque das Nações have modern hotels offering accessible rooms with accessible bathrooms.
These areas, as well as being flatter, are well connected with the rest of the city. So if you're looking for comfort and ease of getting around, these districts are ideal for your stay.
Accessible tourism in Lisbon: places not to be missed
Despite its geography, many of Lisbon's most important monuments are accessible. For example, the Jerónimos Monastery, a World Heritage Site, has ramps that make access easier. Likewise, Belém Tower offers accessible walks with views over the River Tagus, so you can enjoy the scenery.
In addition, Praça do Comércio is an excellent place to start a tour of the historic centre. Finally, if you want a panoramic view, the Santa Justa Lift is a good option. Although the upper terrace isn't accessible, the lower platform still offers spectacular views of the city.
Where to eat in Lisbon
Enjoying the local food is a fundamental part of any trip, and Lisbon is no exception. Fortunately, many of the city's restaurants have improved their facilities to make them more accessible. For example, the famous Pastéis de Belém, known for its delicious pastéis de nata, has an accessible entrance.
Likewise, in more modern areas such as Parque das Nações, you'll find a wide variety of spacious restaurants that are easily accessible for wheelchair users.
Many places also have terraces with spectacular views, so you can enjoy the food and the scenery without any kind of barrier. So you'll have no trouble finding accessible options where you can enjoy delicious Portuguese food during your trip to Lisbon in a wheelchair.
Services and tips for travelling to Lisbon in a wheelchair
Useful tips for an accessible trip to Lisbon
Before setting off on your trip to Lisbon in a wheelchair, it's worth bearing in mind a few practical tips that can make your experience much more comfortable:
- Avoid peak times: Lisbon can get quite busy, especially in high season. That's why we recommend visiting the monuments and tourist attractions early in the morning or at the end of the day. That way you'll avoid the crowds and have a more relaxed experience.
- Use accessibility apps: Tools such as Google Maps can be very useful for planning accessible routes. There are also specialised apps for people with reduced mobility that will help you find accessible toilets or the most comfortable routes.
- Bear the geography in mind: Lisbon is famous for its hills, so some areas can be a challenge. However, many of the tourist districts, such as Baixa and Belém, are relatively flat and accessible, which makes getting around easier. In short, planning ahead will let you get around the city more easily.
Travel with peace of mind with Travel Xperience
At Travel Xperience we prepare your trip to Lisbon in a wheelchair with services designed for those who travel.
For example, we can arrange flights with special assistance for you and your mobility equipment. In addition, we organise accessible transfers or non-accessible ones, depending on your specific needs.
We take care that your accommodation is in a hotel with accessible rooms, so that you enjoy a comfortable stay.
Likewise, we can coordinate tours and guided visits of the city, making sure the routes are accessible. And if you need additional mobility equipment, such as hoists or commode chairs, we can take care of hiring it for you.
For greater peace of mind, we offer you travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions, as well as detailed information on the accessibility of the places you'll visit. Finally, our 24/7 phone support is always available throughout your trip, to resolve any incident or answer your questions.
Conclusion
In short, Portugal has several cities that deserve a visit and, among them, Lisbon is a city that, despite its hills and cobbled streets, has adapted to offer an accessible and comfortable experience for people who travel in a wheelchair.
From its accessible public transport to its historic monuments, the Portuguese capital invites you to discover its charm.
You can also read personal experiences on the blog of our friends at Silleros Viajeros (opens in a new tab) and confirm just how good a time you can have on a trip to this destination. So if you're planning your next trip to Lisbon in a wheelchair, make sure you take advantage of everything the city has to offer.
Pack your bags and let yourself be carried away by the magic of Lisbon!
Frequently asked questions about travelling to Lisbon in a wheelchair
Is Lisbon an accessible city for people who use a wheelchair?
Indeed, although Lisbon is known for its hills and cobbled streets, it has made great strides in accessibility. Many tourist attractions, hotels and transport options have been adapted for people with reduced mobility and for wheelchair users.
What is public transport in Lisbon like for people with disabilities?
Lisbon has accessible trams, buses and metro stations. For example, tram 15 and several bus routes have ramps and spaces reserved for wheelchairs. You can also find metro stations with lifts in the main tourist areas.
Do hotels in Lisbon have accessible rooms?
Yes, many hotels in Lisbon, especially in districts such as Baixa and Parque das Nações, offer accessible rooms with accessible bathrooms. At Travel Xperience we send you photos of the room and the bathroom so you can see whether it suits what you need.
Can I hire mobility equipment in Lisbon?
Whenever you need it, at Travel Xperience we can hire mobility equipment for you, such as mobility scooters or a wheelchair, as well as assistive equipment such as commode chairs or hoists. That way you make sure you have everything you need during your stay.
What accessible tour options are there in Lisbon?
On the face of it, Lisbon isn't a fully accessible city, although it does offer various accessible tour options. At Travel Xperience we have designed some itineraries and can coordinate guided tours that follow accessible routes and adapt to your needs.
How can I make sure my transfers in Lisbon will be accessible?
It's clear that the supply of wheelchair-accessible taxis in Lisbon is insufficient. That's why you can choose to book a private accessible transfer service so that you can get into and out of the city without any trouble.
Among other things, you can ask for vehicles with ramps or adequate space for the mobility equipment and the luggage of you and your companions. If you prefer, we can take care of arranging these services for you, so that everything is ready before you arrive.
What safety measures are there for boarding flights with mobility equipment?
At Travel Xperience, we arrange flights with special assistance, which we request at each airport for you and your mobility equipment. We also coordinate with the airlines. If you want more information, you can read our article on how to fly with a wheelchair and clear up any questions you may have.
Are Lisbon's most famous monuments accessible?
By the way, some of the main monuments, such as the Jerónimos Monastery and Praça do Comércio, are accessible for wheelchair users. Although some areas, such as the upper terrace of the Santa Justa Lift, may not be accessible, the views from the lower platform are still impressive.
Finally, being able to wander the streets, the esplanade of Belém Tower or the Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) is a great experience.
What do I do if I have an emergency during the trip?
If you have an emergency, you should always bear in mind the assistance phone numbers provided by your travel insurance. On the other hand, if the problem is due to an incident with your mobility equipment, it's advisable to have looked into the mobility equipment shops or repair workshops at the destination beforehand.
Bear in mind that, at Travel Xperience, we offer 24/7 phone support throughout the trip. So if any problem, question or emergency arises, you can contact us and we'll be available to help you straight away.
Is it possible to take out travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions?
Generally, insurance companies don't cover the pre-existing conditions of a person with a disability, such as paraplegia or degenerative illnesses, to give an example.
In our case, we offer travel insurance that covers those pre-existing conditions, so that you can travel with complete peace of mind, knowing that you're fully covered against any unforeseen event.
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