Today we have a guest post from Josephine Rees who is a Dutch-British accessibility blogger and the founder of Able Amsterdam. Josephine is sharing 10 wheelchair-friendly things to do in Amsterdam, The Netherlands that will give you inspiration and tips for your wheelchair accessible trip to Amsterdam.
Amsterdam is an exciting European city with a lot to offer. As an Amsterdam-based mobility aid user myself, I’ve spent a lot of time exploring accessible activities in and around the city centre. Although the (beautiful) historic buildings and cobblestoned streets are definitely a challenge on wheels, the long list of positive wheelchair-friendly experiences far outweighs any struggles I’ve encountered.
These 10 wheelchair-friendly things to do in Amsterdam should provide the perfect starting point for your next trip to the Dutch capital:
1. Visit the Rijksmuseum
Home to some of the most famous artworks of the Dutch Golden Age, the Rijksmuseum is one of Amsterdam’s top attractions. Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and Vermeer’s The Milkmaid are just some of the many famous pieces showcased in this impressive historic museum.
2. Explore the Royal Palace of Amsterdam
The Royal Palace of Amsterdam is a beautiful Dutch national treasure along Dam Square. It’s a key location for official state visits and celebrations and is open to visitors for most of the year. Inside you’ll find hallways with beautiful marble floors, exquisite chandeliers, and luxurious historic living quarters.
3. Cruise along Amsterdam’s picturesque canals
Canal cruises are a unique way to take in the sights, history and architecture of Amsterdam. Blue Boat Company offers year-round wheelchair-friendly canal cruises. The 75-minute city cruise passes Amsterdam’s main highlights and includes an audio guide and a children’s activity pack for the little ones. Important: Make a reservation beforehand to ensure you get an accessible boat.
4. Stroll through the Vondel Park
The Vondel Park is the largest, and perhaps most popular, park in Amsterdam. Its 47 hectares of grass, trees, and flowers provide the perfect getaway from Amsterdam’s bustling city streets. The wide, smooth paths also make for a lovely care-free stroll with mobility aids.
5. Go bargain hunting at Waterlooplein Flea Market
Open from Monday to Saturday from 9:30 to 18:30, Waterlooplein Flea Market is the oldest flea market in Amsterdam. It has a variety of unique stalls offering antiques, vintage clothing, books, art, vinyl records, and more.
6. Take a virtual reality tour of the Anne Frank House
While the original Anne Frank House can only be accessed via a staircase, the museum also offers a virtual reality tour of the Secret Annex. Using a special headset and remote control, visitors can ‘stroll’ through various rooms in which Anne and her family hid during the German Occupation. This unique and thought-provoking tour is offered in seven languages and takes approximately half an hour.
7. Rent an accessible bicycle
When in Amsterdam, do as the Amsterdammers do. Given the Dutch love of bicycles, this includes swapping your mobility aids for another set of wheels. If you’re up for the adventure, Star Bikes Rental offers a number of adapted adult bicycles, tricycles, tandems and Firefly wheelchair attachments.
8. Enjoy a concert at Paradiso
Paradiso is a popular music venue that hosts a range of well-known and upcoming artists from around the globe. Genres played here include Motown, hip hop, R&B, reggae, electronica, dancehall, and everything in between.
9. Read in Amsterdam’s OBA Public Library
Located near Amsterdam Central Station, the OBA Public Library at Oosterdokskade houses thousands of books in multiple languages. Come here to relax, study, or catch up on the latest novel. The upstairs café is also accessible, with a nice city view over the water.
10. Eat out at one of Amsterdam’s wheelchair-friendly restaurants
Last but not least, make sure to grab a coffee or a bite to eat in one of Amsterdam’s wheelchair-friendly restaurants. Some of my personal favourites include MOJO Japanese Kitchen, Frank’s Smoke House, and Vondelpark 3.
For more blog posts and accessibility reviews, check out the Able Amsterdam website.
Josephine Rees (1993) is a Dutch-British accessibility blogger and the founder of Able Amsterdam. For more recommendations about wheelchair-friendly things to do in Amsterdam, visit the Able Amsterdam website or Instagram page.
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