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Best Wheelchair Accessible Amsterdam Travel Tips

Amsterdam wheelchair accessible travel has obstacles like cobblestones and steep bridges, but is entirely possible.  Follow these tips and you’ll have an easier time during your trip.  Of course if you’d like assistance planning your trip and a reliable expert to call in case of an emergency, our Amsterdam accessible travel consultants are available to help.

1) Understand and use the tram system to get around – The tram systems connects many of the popular tourist sites: the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, Dam Square, Leidesplein, and more.  Using the Amsterdam wheelchair accessible trams and the easy-to-use transportation passes (shown in the photo on the right) will save you time, money, and energy getting around town.

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2) Avoid Dam Square if possible…the worst cobblestones are there – Several streets that are helpful for tourists converge in Dam Square.  Unfortunately, this important crossroads is also covered in cobblestones (shown on the right).  If you can find a way to bypass Dam Square, you may want to.  

3) Manual wheelchair users and slow walkers should choose a hotel near a tram line – Because Amsterdam wheelchair travel is so easy on the trams, choosing an Amsterdam hotel near an accessible tram line is the best option for manual wheelchair users and slow walkers.

4) Electric wheelchair users and mobility scooter users should choose a hotel in the center of town – Because the trams can often have a step to get on them (as explained on our Amsterdam wheelchair access page), electric wheelchair users and mobility scooter users should stay in the heart of the city, between the train station and the Rijksmuseum.  From a central location, disabled visitors can walk/roll to all tourist attractions.

5) Select a hotel near the train station if you want to take the €4.40 train from the airport – Wheelchair travel to Amsterdam airport is possible using the train if you have given advanced notice.  Choosing a hotel near the Amsterdam train station will save you money on a private transfer or taxi from the airport.

6) Examine neighborhood accessibility before deciding on your hotel – Be careful when choosing your hotel.  If you stay in an accessible neighborhood, you’ll have sidewalk ramps making it easy to get around (shown in the photo on the left).  If you stay in the wrong neighborhood, you’ll have uneven sidewalks, cobblestones, and stairs into restaurants (shown in the photo on the right).

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amsterdamtips67) If you are really desperate for smooth sidewalks, you can use the bike path (but use with caution!) – The bike paths are smooth without curbs…making them awfully attractive to wheelchair users!  The bikes move quickly and quietly so you need to be very careful using the bike paths.  You should avoid them during the morning and evening work commute.

8) Book private transportation if starting or ending your cruise here – Traveling from your cruise ship to a tram line or hotel can be difficult if you’re carrying your bags.  Booking private wheelchair accessible Amsterdam transportation can save a lot of hassle.

9) Buy tickets in advance for Anne Frank House and the Rijskmuseum – If you don’t buy tickets in advance you can end up waiting in line for 1 to 2 hours!  Buy your tickets online in advance to skip the lines (we provide this service as part of our Amsterdam wheelchair accessible travel services).

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amsterdamtips910) Do your shopping at the outdoor shopping streets –  Like Copenhagen, some of the most wheelchair friendly streets are also the ones with the best shopping.  Smooth pavement (shown on the right) connects many popular stores in Amsterdam.

11) Divide and conquer – Map out the attractions that you want to visit and group them geographically. Attractions like the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and the Stedelijk Museum are all located close to each other south of the city center.  The Royal Palace, Dam Square, and the Red Light District are all located in the north part of the city center. Amsterdam wheelchair travel between the two parts of the city is possible by tram. Be sure to build in time for lunch and shopping.

12) Book an accessible canal tour in advance…it’s the easiest way to see the city – Cobblestones, bridges, and block after block of walking/rolling can get exhausting…and an accessible boat tour gets rid of all of them.  Short versions are available, or you can take have a dinner on the water!

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Read more:

Amsterdam Accessible Travel – main page
Pros and Cons of Amsterdam Disabled Access
12 Wheelchair Accessible Travel Tips for Amsterdam Holland
Amsterdam Accessible Travel Packages
Amsterdam Accessible Tours
Essential Amsterdam Full Day Accessible Cruise Excursion
Half Day Amsterdam Accessible Shore Excursion
Highlights of Amsterdam Accessible Walking Tour
Best of Amsterdam Accessible Canal Tour
Amsterdam Trip Planning by Sage Traveling – Travel with Ease!

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