In this article, I explain how to enjoy Amsterdam if you're disabled, with practical tips and tricks.
Here you'll find
- What you can do in Amsterdam with a disability
- Visits to focus on
- Information on possible reductions
- Practical tips for enjoying the capital
- And much more!
If you're looking for information on Amsterdam for people with disabilities, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Amsterdam for people with disabilities: article summary
Is Amsterdam suitable for people with disabilities?
Amsterdam is a model city for accessibility. The capital of the Netherlands has transformed itself over the last decade, and has made a point of structuring itself with the needs of as many people as possible in mind.
Its central districts are relatively flat, making it easy to get around. in a wheelchair or with a cane; the public transport network is designed to make journeys easier and more convenient for everyone the majority of public buildings, gardens and main museums offer all the services you'd expect.
So it's easy to say that Amsterdam is an excellent travel option for people with disabilities. Let's take a closer look at the resources deployed in the capital, before moving on to the activities to choose from and the discounts/benefits available.
What services are available in Amsterdam for people with disabilities?
The municipality's efforts to welcome tourists with disabilities (mobility impaired, visually impaired/blind, deaf or hard of hearing) are palpable on many levels.
Here's what to expect during your stay:
- A personal assistance service (free) at the airport
- Tramway lines equipped with access ramps and low floors
- Sound tools - stop announcements, entry/exit beeps, etc. - on public transport
- Elevators in all subway stations
- Wide sidewalks (from 2.5 meters to 4 meters) to make moving around easier
- From podotactile strips on station floors and ferry platforms
- Access ramps on trains, subways and most public/tourist buildings
- The rental of tricycles adapted for people with reduced mobility, to explore the (very) many bike paths in the capital
- Adapted museum signage: information panels in Braille, audio devices, display of works/information at reading height, etc.
Please note Please note: vigilance is still required around canals, which are not necessarily protected by barriers. As for guide dogs, you need to check with each establishment to make sure they are accepted. This is not the case, for example, at the Maison d'Anne Franck.
What to do in Amsterdam with a disability
As we've seen, the city is relatively easy to get around, even for people with disabilities. Here is a selection of places to see, activities not to be missed and itineraries to follow, to make the most of Amsterdam.
Adapted itineraries
Amsterdam's city center is easy to explore. You will discover the red-light district (De Wallen), the Amsterdam Royal Palace on Dam Square and the colorful flower market.
As a priority, I also invite you to discover the Museumplein (home to the city's main museums), and the Jordaan districtlively and pleasant, in which the Anne Franck House.
The latter can be visited. One entrance is dedicated to PRMswho will be able to access the modern part of the exhibition. Those unable to reach the annex will be able to discover it via a virtual tour, while the deaf/hard-of-hearing will have access to a paper version of the audioguide, and the blind/visually impaired will receive an audio-guide.
Monuments and museums
Some museums have genuine attention to accessibility. This is the case of Van Gogh Museumwhich accepts guide dogs and provides tactile maps for disabled visitors. There's also an interactive, tactile program for the blind and partially-sighted, with 3D reproductions of the main works.
Another museum is well worth a visit: the Rijksmuseum ! Guided tours in sign language, for PRM and for people suffering from dementia are also available. sensory tours, to listen and touch, for those who can't see properly; informative signs in Braille are placed along the route for the visually impaired / blind.
Other museums provide special facilities (easy access, adapted toilets, etc.) including: the Stedelijk Museumthe Straatthe Fabrique des lumièresthe Rembrandt Museum or the NEMOA visit to this site is suitable for a wide range of people, depending on the nature of their disability.
And of course, don't miss the Amsterdam Zoo or the the city's most beautiful parks. They're great fun to visit!
A cruise!
It is quite possible to take part in a a lovely cruise on the Amsterdam canals. Some boats are equipped for wheelchair access and audio guides to listen to the explanations.
Check with your chosen company to make sure all the elements are in place for a great time.
Tips and tricks for enjoying the city
Here's some additional information, to help you plan your trip in the best possible conditions. Whether you're disabled or accompanying a disabled person to Amsterdam, we've got you covered.
Can disabled people in Amsterdam benefit from reduced fares?
Yes ! Numerous discounts are available for people with disabilities. To begin with, a preferential fare (-50 %) is applied for the disabled person and their companion on the journey in Thalys.
In some museums, the accompanying person is entitled to to a free ticket. These include the Van Gogh Museum, the Amsterdam Museum, the Stedeljik Museum and the Rijksmuseum.
I invite you to check the rates adopted by each establishment before your visit, as they vary.
Where to stay?
Clearly, downtown Amsterdam remains the best option for finding a hotel adapted. You'll be close to most central points of interest, and you're more likely to find a hotel with all the services you need.
In the capital, buildings can be narrow, reducing the possibility of making the expected accommodations. Be sure to ask the hotel you're interested in what amenities are available, depending on your needs.
Which transport to choose?
All public transport is accessible (even the ferry) in Amsterdam. People with disabilities will be able to choose which one(s) they prefer, according to their needs and abilities. You can consult all our travel arrangements at the official GVB website.
Also note that the main cab companies local authorities provide adapted vehicles. All you have to do is book them.
What to do in Amsterdam in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Amsterdam guide.
It's free and in PDF format.
All you have to do is tell me below which e-mail address you'd like to receive it at.
EDIT: you can't enter your email?
Take the quiz at the top of this article and you'll be able to register your email address to receive the special Amsterdam guide!
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