Barcelona

Attitudes

 

The people of Barcelona were very helpful and accommodating.  There has been a large amount of progress in accessibility and in activism.  Spain is by far the most accessible place that we visited on the trip. 

 

Roads/Walkways

 

Roads are paved with crosswalks and crossing signals.  All sidewalks have ramps that are well constructed.  Streets are very clean.

 

Food

 

Several restaurants in Barcelona are wheelchair accessible.  Some restaurants have one or two steps at the front, but often staff members are willing to assist with maneuvering the steps. 

 

Shopping

 

We did not visit any stores during our stay.

 

Transportation

 

Barcelona Buses:  Barcelona buses are similar to London and Paris buses.  The best practice is to place yourself close to the curb and when your bus comes to wave at the driver.  The driver will pull in close and activate a ramp at the rear side door from under the bus.  Ramps have approximately quarter inch drop between top of the ramp and bus floor.  A WU with limited strength may not be able to push up the ramp.  There is a section of the bus for wheelchairs/strollers to park.  Often people stand in them, so you may need to ask them to move.  For a traveler, it is often difficult to know where your stop is located.  Be sure to ask those around you to tell you where your stop is or have a companion/stranger tell the bus driver where you need to get off.  There is a button that you can press which alerts the driver of your desire to exit.  If the button does not work, be sure to nicely ask the driver to let the ramp down (be loud as the bus is often full and the driver is unable to see you).  The majority of buses are accessible; however, some are not.  Locate a bus directory book before your trip and have your hotel assist with finding a bus. 

 

Barcelona Metro:  Our hotel informed us that the metro in Barcelona had many accessible stops on each line and plans to revamp all stops in the next few years.  During our stay, we did not attempt the metro.

 

Attractions

 

Port Olympic:  Port Olympic is a beautiful port with a marina and beach to swim and sunbath.  A concrete pier with some packed sand leads directly to the beach and enables a WU to access the beach with no barriers.  There may be a small drop off between the pier and the sand depending on where one chooses to travel onto the sand.  The marina is accessible to a WU on the upper level.