Our Experience of Accessible Madrid: Food, Culture & Inclusive Travel
We’ve always been avid travelers — taking 10 to 12 trips a year is just part of our rhythm. Whether it’s kayaking through spawning salmon in Alaska or celebrating our anniversary in Tahiti, travel is how we stay connected, how we grow as a couple. So when the opportunity came up to explore Madrid with Wheel the World, we knew we had to go for it. What we didn’t expect was just how smooth, beautiful, and freeing this trip would be.
What's Ahead?
Traveling Together, Without Limits
As a couple, traveling means more to us than just sightseeing. It normalizes our relationship. There are so many things that can feel off-limits or complicated when one of you has a disability, but travel — especially with the right planning and support — opens doors. Madrid gave us that in every way. It felt vibrant, inclusive, and full of life.
Getting Around Madrid
Getting around Madrid was easier than we imagined. The streets and sidewalks were very accessible, wide, well-paved, and thoughtfully designed with curb cuts just about everywhere. Even in some of the older areas, we didn’t feel out of place or stuck.
We didn’t end up using the metro or buses, but Wheel the World arranged private, wheelchair-accessible transportation throughout the entire trip. Every day, right on time, a van with a lift would pick us up and get us to our next stop — no stress, no wondering, no calling ahead. It made a huge difference, especially now that we’re using a power chair.
Where We Stayed
During our trip, we stayed at the Ilunion Atrium Madrid, a sleek and modern 4-star hotel located in a quieter part of the city near Arturo Soria. It was hands down one of the most accessible places we’ve ever stayed. The room had a roll-in shower, grab bars, and plenty of space to move around easily with a power chair. Even small things like the bed height, which was around 20 inches, made transfers so much easier. The bathroom was very spacious, has grab bars, and made a big difference in how relaxed and comfortable we felt each day.
Dining and Exploring the City
Madrid’s café and restaurant scene was incredible. We never had to look too far for a spot with great accessibility. Some smaller places had a single step, but many offered portable ramps that they could lay down, or had flat entries to begin with.
One of our favorite memories was visiting the Mercado de San Miguel. This historic food market was packed with energy, smells, and flavors. Even though it was crowded, it was absolutely worth it. It felt like a celebration — people laughing, trying new things, and soaking in the moment. That’s the kind of place we love sharing together.
Our Favorite Experiences
Madrid has so much to offer, but the Royal Palace really took our breath away. The scale of it — the history, the ornate rooms, the gardens — it was unforgettable. We’d heard about it before, but nothing prepares you for standing inside something so grand.
Another standout was our visit to a family-run winery outside the city. We got to do a private tasting straight from the barrels with the owner himself. He welcomed us like friends and made the whole experience accessible without it feeling like an afterthought. It’s moments like that that stay with you.
What Surprised Us Most
Madrid’s accessibility extended beyond the city center. Some of the surrounding towns, places you might not expect to be easy to navigate, had accessible maps, clear signage, and well-maintained streets. In one town, even a 16th-century monastery had been adapted for wheelchair access. That really stuck with us. It reminded us that “too old” doesn’t have to be an excuse — where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Traveling with Wheel the World
We’ve traveled on our own and with other companies, but this experience with Wheel the World was something different. As a partner, it meant I didn’t have to be the logistics person wondering if the hotel would be okay, if the van would arrive, or if there’d be an accessible restroom at the next stop. Everything was handled. I could just enjoy the trip and focus on being present.
The whole experience made us feel like a regular couple, not a couple with “special needs.” And that’s everything!
Want to Travel Madrid This Way?
We joined one of Wheel the World’s group trips, and we’d recommend it in a heartbeat. Over six days, we explored iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace and Puerta del Sol, took a day trip to San Lorenzo de El Escorial, rolled through neighborhoods like La Latina, and even ended the day with tapas and flamenco. All of it was designed with accessibility in mind, from accommodations and transportation to activities and attractions.
The group dynamic was warm and welcoming, and we never felt rushed or excluded. It was joyful, easy, and so well-orchestrated.
In fact, we’re already planning to go back to Madrid this August!
If you’re someone who uses a wheelchair or has mobility needs, don’t write off Madrid. The city is vibrant, accommodating, and ready for you. You don’t have to compromise!
If Madrid is on your list, make it happen. You won’t regret it.
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