Madrid

 

Attitudes

 

The people of Madrid 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.  We were informed by many people that public areas and attractions were accessible due to high enforcement of access laws. 

 

Roads/Walkways

 

Roads are paved with crosswalks and crossing signals.  All sidewalks have ramps that are mostly well constructed.  In some areas, make-shift concrete ramps had been placed, but these were typically helpful.  Streets are very clean.

 

Food

 

Several restaurants in Madrid 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

 

Department stores are wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators.  Small stores often have one step or narrow make-shift ramps. 

 

Transportation

 

Madrid Bus:  Madrid 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. 

 

Attractions

Plaza Mayor:  The plaza is accessible to WU as the outer rim is smooth and interior area is cobblestone.  Most stores have one step at their entrance.  The tourism center is accessible except for a heavy front door.  There is free internet here for 15 minutes, but no accessible computers.

 

Palacio Real:  Palacio Real is accessible by elevator and ramps.  The royal armory (armerie real) is accessible by a ramp to the right of the main entrance.  You have to ask employees to unlock the doors at the top of the ramp.  The royal pharmacy (farmacia real) is accessible by makeshift ramps and you must exit through the accessible entrance.

http://www.patrimonionacional.es/

 

Catedral de Ntra. Sra. De la Almudena:  The cathedral is accessible by ramps.

 

Museo del Prado:  The museum is accessible by ramps, elevators, and stair lifts.  A map is provided and is very easy to follow.

http://museoprado.mcu.es/

 

Museo de Cera:  Museum is accessible by elevator from main entrance with small drop offs at the elevators.  Galleries one and two and the multivision exhibit are accessible.  The “tren de terror” is without barriers; however, you must be able to transfer to the ride.  Attendants will bring your wheelchair to the end of the ride waiting for you.  The virtual reality ride is accessible by ramp; however, you must be able to transfer to the ride. 

http://www.museoceramadrid.com/

 

Plaza de Toros (Bullfight Arena):  When purchasing tickets, a WU can only sit in the “Tendido Alto” section and it is recommended that you purchase tickets in the shaded section.  To get to the “Tendido Alto” section, take the elevator in the “Tendido Baja” at section 4.  Ask an attendant where to sit as there is no space specifically for a WU.  You will be placed in the walkway and allowed to slide up to the rail during each fight.

http://plaza3l.no-ip.com/

 

Convento de las Descalzas Reales:  The convent was inaccessible at time of our visit.  There are two or three huge steps that are very dangerous and difficult to get over.

http://www.patrimonionacional.es/en/descreal/descreal.htm

 

Iglesia de los Jeronimos:  This chapel was closed for renovation at time of our visit.  There appears to be an accessible entrance.

 

Parque del Retiro:  The entrance at “Museo de Arte Siglo XIX” is accessible; however, be prepared for dirt paths, a few random steps, and occasional rocks.  The “Palacio de Cristal” is closed, but the outside is accessible.  Be sure to avoid the steps that lead into the lagoon.  The “Monumento a Alfonso XII” has about five steps.

 

Plaza de la Villa:  The plaza is free of steps, but built with cobblestone.

 

Campo del Moro:  We could not locate an accessible or even safe path for wheelchair entrance.

 

Jardines de Sabatini:  The easiest access is by the bridge on Bailen Road, where you will find six large steps.  There are many random steps throughout the gardens.

 

Puerta de Sol:  There is some cobblestone, but paved walkways and ramps are plentiful.