Accessibility is a vital aspect of any city. Capitals like Madrid must welcome everyone in a real and equitable way. And that is achieved, among many other ways, by guaranteeing access to its streets, squares, monuments, parks and establishments to all people, regardless of their skills or abilities. There is still much to be done but, fortunately, in the Spanish capital and its surroundings there are many wheelchair accessible plans so that people with reduced mobility can enjoy museums, restaurants and activities without impediments.
From Madrid Secreto we wanted to compile the ten best wheelchair accessible plans to do in Madrid. A complete and varied list ranging from intimate candlelight concerts to world-class museums or adapted hiking trails. Take note!
1. Sail around the Retiro pond and enjoy the good weather.
Since 2019, the Retiro’s boats are accessible for wheelchair users. The Madrid City Council redesigned its boats for people with reduced mobility and, since, then anyone can ride them. The boats have lateral stabilizers, reinforcement on the rear gangway and the access and exit slides have rubber blocks for a better grip. It’s one of the city’s favorite attractions for a reason. A fun, romantic (or both) memory worth creating, and one that we can all finally enjoy.
📍Paseo de Colombia, 2.
2. Get to know the works housed in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.
Although unfortunately not all museums in Madrid are 100% accessible, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum complies with current regulations and has eliminated all those architectural barriers that hinder access to people with reduced mobility. In addition, since 1993 it has had an agreement with the IMSERSO to facilitate visits to the museum for the elderly and disabled. Enjoy masterpieces by Tintoretto, Rubens or Picasso without having to think about whether they are on a higher or lower floor and live art as it should be lived: without worries. Undoubtedly, one of the best wheelchair accessible plans in Madrid.
📍Paseo del Prado, 8.
3. Spend a great day at an amusement park.
Maybe not roller coasters, but amusement parks are fun for everyone. They are fun, eye-catching and offer a different plan to what we are used to. In the capital, both Parque Warner and Parque de Atracciones de Madrid guarantee safe access for wheelchair users. Both enclosures are comfortable and easy to navigate with a wheelchair as they do not have steep slopes, allow access to the attractions with a companion and have a special rate for people with disabilities. A great plan, if you ask us!
📍A-4, exit 22 (Parque Warner) and Casa de Campo, s/n (Parque de Atracciones de Madrid).
4. Experience music like never before at a candlelight concert.
The now famous Candlelight concert series offers amazing candlelight recitals in some of Madrid’s most historic venues. And also with better conditions for wheelchairs. To access most of these evenings, all you have to do is buy your ticket through Fever and send a message to Candlelight telling which concert you will be attending and on which date, and attaching a copy of your disability certificate. In addition, if you need it, you can request a free pass for your companion.
📍Different locations throughout Madrid.
5. Visit the interior of the Royal Palace of Madrid and be amazed.
It is one of the most spectacular monuments in Madrid and also, thankfully, one of the most accessible. The king’s official residence, currently used only for state ceremonies, has everything necessary to make it easy for wheelchair users to visit. There are two accessible entrances for wheelchair users and the ticket counter is at an optimal height for everyone to reach. In addition, there are elevators inside for easy access to the main floor.
📍Calle de Bailén, s/n.
6. Thrill to a play at the Centro Dramático Nacional.
The cultural offer in Madrid is practically countless and, when it comes to theater, almost more so. If we look, for example, at the always surprising billboard of the Centro Dramático Nacional, we will find plenty of plays difficult to forget, and they are accessible to all audiences! Both the María Guerrero and Valle-Inclán theaters are equipped with services for people with reduced mobility and have special discounts for people with a degree of disability equal to or greater than 33%. All you have to do is make a reservation by phone through the box office of each theater to ensure that the experience is the one you want.
📍Calle de Tamayo y Baus, 4 (María Guerrero Theater) and Plaza de Ana Diosdado, s/n (Valle-Inclán Theater).
7. See the most spectacular show in the world at WAH Madrid
WAH Madrid is a musical experience like never before you could have imagined. And, of course, also one of the best plans in Madrid for wheelchair users. Is it a concert? Is it a dinner? Is it a musical? WAH is all that and much more. It is a show full of dance, music, color and surprises that will keep your mouth open from beginning to end. In the stalls there are seats available for people with reduced mobility, you just have to remember that if you need a companion, he or she will also have to buy a ticket to gain access.
📍 A clandestine place in IFEMA, Madrid (Pavilion 5.1 WAH).
8. Discover the wonders of the Sierra Norte de Madrid.
Not all hiking trails are wheelchair accessible but there are places in the Sierra Norte de Madrid that make the visit not only beautiful, but also affordable for people with reduced mobility. We recommend visiting towns like Torremocha de Jarama and its Sistine Chapel of Madrid Romanesque art whose access is at zero level; Torrelaguna, where you can ask at the tourist office, which is accessible and has an adapted bathroom, for the best route according to your needs; or Buitrago de Lozoya, declared a national monument in 1931, where you can access the Picasso Museum or visit many of its monuments (almost all with access designed for people in wheelchairs).
📍 Sierra Norte de Madrid.
9. Take a dip in the pool
When the heat arrives, we can’t help but think about taking a nice dip. That is precisely why we could not miss the adapted pools in this compilation of accessible plans in Madrid. There are several, such as the Francisco Javier Castillejo sports center in Parla, which thanks to the installation of a hydraulic chair allows access to people who use wheelchairs. Finally the pools are spaces for everyone, without distinction!
📍 Different locations throughout Madrid.
10. Enjoy a good view at the Círculo de Bellas Artes.
It is one of the most famous viewpoints in the capital. And its fame is not in vain. The terrace of the Círculo de Bellas Artes has one of the most beautiful views in all of Madrid. Access to its imposing building is accessible to all publics and going up to any of its six floors is possible from the lobby thanks to three elevators of different characteristics. Undoubtedly, a safe space for everyone where you can enjoy a good panoramic view while having a cool drink, which feels so good from time to time.
📍 Calle de Alcalá, 42.