It’s no secret that I fell in love with Barcelona during a family trip last year. It exceeded my expectations in so many ways from the fantastic beach wheelchairs, stunning architecture, the culture, accessible public transport and the countless attractions with wheelchair access. Not to forget the food. There was so much we wanted to see and do, but unfortunately, we ran out of time and didn’t quite manage to squeeze everything in. Perfect reason to head back to Barcelona and visit all the places we missed. Here are some of my favourite accessible things to do in Barcelona and a few accessible things I hope to do when I visit again.
We stayed at the fully accessible MICs Sant Jordi apartments for four nights. I highly recommend a stay here for a home from home experience or maybe you are looking for something a bit more special like Barcelona luxury apartments. Either way, you are sure to fall in love with beautiful Barcelona.
Gothic Quarter
The very first thing we did was take an accessible walking tour of the Gothic Quarter. This area was my first proper glimpse of Barcelona and my initial reason for falling in love with the city. I loved the buildings and the culture as well as the look and feel of the area while wandering around listening to Maria Jose, our amazing tour guide. We couldn’t have asked for a better tour guide as she was incredibly friendly, warm and full of knowledge. It’s always good to have a local show you around and give you the inside scoop. No matter where you look, everywhere is Instagram-worthy. Despite being the oldest part of the city, the Gothic Quarter has fantastic wheelchair accessibility.
Sagrada Familia
You can’t visit Barcelona without stopping by Sagrada Familia to admire the Gaudi masterpiece in all its glory. Construction began in 1882 and is still on-going to this day. Don’t let that stop you though. I highly recommend you take a look around inside and visit the museum as well. However, if time is limited, then make sure you at least stop off to admire this incredible and iconic work of art from outside.
Nova Icaria Beach
I loved the beach in Barcelona so much so that I dedicated an entire post to it where I shared my 8 amazing reasons to visit Nova Icaria Beach in a wheelchair. I can’t recommend it enough. I was able to fully enjoy time with my family on the beach and in the water by using the beach wheelchair. The assistive bathing service was fantastic and really helpful too. Apart from beach wheelchairs, there was also accessible paths, toilets, showers and more.
Barcelona Aquarium
Our nephew loved the L’Aquarium de Barcelona and is sure to be a favourite for all kids as well as adults. It’s easy to spend a few hours here wandering around the different displays and shark tunnel. The penguin feeding time was very popular so make sure you catch that. There was also a large cafeteria and restaurant as well as a gift shop and accessible toilets. A visit to Barcelona Aquarium could also be a welcome relief on a warm sunny day for a few hours before hitting the streets again for some dinner.
The Delicious Food
Speaking of food, some of the best bits about travelling is the amazing food you try throughout the trip. Barcelona was no different. We had a lovely meal at The Green Spot, which has vegetarian/vegan dishes and all delicious. For the vegan best burger we headed to Bacoa and for a dessert, we headed straight for Gelaaati Di Marco for the best vegan ice cream. There were lots of flavours to choose from, so it was a tough decision, but I finally settled for watermelon and fig and it was amazing.
Barcelona is a diverse city with so many things to see and do. As I mentioned earlier, there were things we didn’t manage to do the first time around. The following are just a few of the things we definitely want to tick off our to-do list the next time we visit Barcelona. There will definitely be more added.
Montjuïc
Montjuïc is not just any hill in Barcelona. It’s a stunning hill and one I want to visit in my powered wheelchair. Montjuïc Castle and the views are supposed to be spectacular so I’m keen to check it out for myself. We’ll get the wheelchair accessible cable car up to the top and enjoy the views of the city and sea from above. I’d imagine we will spend a few hours there enjoying the gardens, visit the museum and hopefully catch the sunset.
Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
Once we’ve watched the sunset from the top of Montjuïc, we will probably make our way to the Magic Fountain. The Magic Fountain is something we wanted to take our nephew to but didn’t quite manage due to time constraints. The fountain puts on a display of music, lights and water acrobatics.
Park Güell
Another of Gaudi’s creations, Park Güell is a super popular public park with beautiful mosaic designs, sculptures, fountains and pathways. This is definitely an Instagram-worthy spot.
Parc de la Ciutadella
No matter what city I visit I am always drawn to the green areas on the map. I find parks so relaxing and Parc de la Ciutadella looks perfect. I definitely want to escape to this park for a few hours and relax with a picnic, hopefully in the sunshine.
Have you visited Barcelona before? Is there anything else you think should be on the list of favourite accessible things to do in Barcelona? What are your favourite accessible things to do in Barcelona?
For more on accessible Barcelona check out:
An Accessible City Guide to Barcelona
8 amazing reasons to visit Nova Icaria Beach in a wheelchair
MICs Sant Jordi: Accessible and stylish apartment in Barcelona
4 Days in Barcelona Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide to Wheelchair Accessible Barcelona
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*Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post, but all content and opinions are my own.
Main image by TTstudio via depositphotos.com
7 Responses
The Picasso museum in Barcelona is great! I was there before I started using my scooter, but I imagine it is accessible.
Oh thank you Jane. I will have to check it out for the next time 🙂
Yes, there’s an elevator. I managed quite well with my rollator.
Yes, accessible thanks to helpful staff and an elevator. Imanaged with my rollator.
Hi Emma,
a very big ‘well done’ for all the inspiring information. I came across your blog after I booked my 6 day break in Barcelona and am so pleased to have found it before leaving – we fly on 6/4.
I’ve wanted to visit Parc Guell for years but I’ve noticed on the map there seems to be no sign for or of disabled toilets! Wondered if you knew if they exist and hopefully with horizontal grab rails on each side (I was delighted to see your various photos of loo interiors in restaurants etc. – sooo helpful).
Thanks Emma,
best wishes
Nicky
Hi Nicky
Thank you for your comment and I’m so pleased you’re visiting Barcelona. You will have a brilliant time. Please let me know how you get on once you are home?
Where are you staying in Barcelona?
I had to contact Parc Guell before I visited to ask where the accessible toilets were as I couldn’t see them on the map. They got back to me with the following:
You will find accessible toilets located in Carretera del Carmel next to the ticket office (before your entry) and inside the Monumental Core in front of the bookshop.
I hope that helps and I’m glad the photos of the restaurant toilets were helpful too 🙂
Let me know if you have any more questions. Have a fantastic time and let me know how you get on.
Thanks
Emma
Hi Emma,
thanks for the loo info – invaluable!
We’re staying at Hotel SB Icaria, which quite by coincidence is very close to the accessible beach you wrote about! My 13 yr old son will love it.
I’ll certainly let you know how things go.
I also wondered where you go to book on the accessible Gothic Quarter walking tour. Like yourself I have a powered wheelchair so I was pleased to hear that it’s not carpeted with cobbles as I love medieval architecture.
Best wishes
Nicky