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Amsterdam is making strides where accessible tourism is concerned. The city has made a lot of effort to introduce accessible facilities in major sectors like transport and popular attractions.

Having said that, I should also point out that Amsterdam is still in developmental stages and so, sadly, parts of the city is still striving to improve or build on such facilities. Stated below are a few accessible friendly options offered in various parts of the city. If you would like to find out more information, please check out Toegankelijk Amsterdam (Accessible Amsterdam).

Accessible options: airport and public transport

Amsterdam Airport Schipol offers a number of accessible friendly options. The Schipol branch of the Dutch Railway Station is one of the easiest ways to reach the airport. Services offered at this station include mobile ramps, lifts that ensure ease-of-access as well as the option of Journey Assistants. The latter are station employers who help visitors with special needs. There are a few features catering to hearing-impaired visitors where at certain points (transfer desks as well as information desks), users can hook up their hearing aid to the loop provided at these spots. The airport also boasts services of staff members called Axxicom Airport Caddy (AAC) who will help travelers.

Dutch public transport is also geared towards helping those with functional disabilities. Like the Schipol branch of the Dutch Railways Station, almost all other stations also offer ramps and escalators. The trains themselves are also designed for easy of access which means wider doors on certain compartments and mobile ramps to help enter and exit the train easily. There are also journey assistants who will help travelers get on or off the train. Do note, that you might have to arrange for one beforehand and thus, it is a good idea to contact the relevant NS (Dutch Railway) branch. The variety of services offered to travelers with special needs differ from station to station and it is recommended that you inquire with NS about this as well.

Traveling via trams might be a bit more restrictive but there are a few options open to those with limited mobility. A few tram stops (tram haltes) along certain lines are built a bit higher so as to more accessible. When looking for wheelchair accessible trams, there are two types of trams to watch out for – the Combino with their lower floors and older trams with a lowers mid-section. The tram company has provided the timetable for tram lines via the internet where they have indicated the lines with raised platforms which are accessible. Look out for the words rolstoeltoegankelijk (meaning wheelchair accessible) which is marked as a black-out tram stop. In addition to this, they have also noted which of the trams themselves are not wheelchair friendly (thus, pointing out what to avoid) by assigning an ‘A’ next to the tram number. Find out more at their website, GVB.

Accessible Attractions & Restaurants in Amsterdam

Quite a few attractions in Amsterdam include accessible-friendly features. Unfortunately most of these sites may not cater for the needs of all travelers. The popular Rijksmuseum, with its accessible-friendly rooms, is a good choice for visitors with limited mobility. The same goes for Van Gogh Museum which has easy access to each floor via the elevator. Their services include free wheelchairs for visitors. Amsterdam Historical Museum is another noteworthy attraction. This charming museum also boasts easy navigation to all parts of the building. Then there is Keukenhof, Amsterdam’s most popular destination, which is specially designed with wheelchair accessible sidewalks.

The city lists a few restaurants that offer accessible features although all of them cater to travelers with limited mobility. Located at Leidsekruisstraat 13, restaurant Granada is a charming tapas bar that also specializes in other Spanish cuisine. For a more extensive range of Mediterranean food, try the Restaurant November at Spuistraat 266-268. If you are up for something idyllic and cozy, try Restaurant Il Boccalino, the Italian eatery at Utrechtsestraat 133. Those who want to find out more eateries and perhaps narrow down various features, try the DinnerSite website.

Top 5 Wheelchair accessible hotels in Amsterdam

• Tulip Inn Amsterdam City West – 3-star Hotel – Double Room from €79
• Eden Hotel Amsterdam – 3-star Hotel – Double Room from €100
• NH Barbizon Palace – 5-star Hotel – Double Room from €168
• Amstel Intercontinental – 5-star Hotel – Double Room from €415
• Hotel Okura – 5-star Hotel – Double Room from e175

Photo of wheelchair sign by John Carleton