Europe’s most accessible city

28-11-25

The renowned travel publication Travel + Leisure has just released its annual ranking of the most accessible cities in Europe for people with disabilities—a study that sheds light on which destinations truly offer an inclusive experience for all. After evaluating twenty European cities based on criteria such as public transport, healthcare, accessible restaurants and attractions, overall mobility, and adapted services, the clear winner for 2025 is Paris.

According to the authors of the study, Paris stands out for its “high score across all indicators.” It ranked in the top five in almost every metric—falling outside that group in only two categories: the number of different public transport options and the number of accessible attractions. In particular, the French capital impressed with its broad and diverse offer: from adapted transport and accessible accommodation to an extensive healthcare network and a wide range of leisure activities designed for visitors with reduced mobility.

Lisbon came in second place. Although at first glance its hills, steep streets, and cobblestones might suggest the opposite, Lisbon achieved an outstanding score thanks to the variety of transport options, the accessibility of its cultural sites, and a healthcare and services system ready to assist visitors with disabilities.

Rounding out the top five are cities such as Florence, Milan, and Venice, which, according to Travel + Leisure, have all made significant efforts to offer more inclusive tourism. Florence was particularly praised for the accessibility of its attractions and restaurants, making it easier for travelers with mobility limitations to enjoy its artistic and cultural heritage.

Beyond the podium, the list also includes cities like Amsterdam, Barcelona, Athens, Munich, and Berlin, all of which have shown real commitment to improving mobility and accessibility for visitors with functional diversity. In many cases, this effort is reflected in adapted public transport, step-free access to major attractions, and better information for planning trips in advance.

The analysis by Travel + Leisure is based on a comprehensive approach. It begins with a preliminary list of the 20 most visited European cities each year and then assesses key factors such as accessible public transport, availability of adapted accommodation, inclusive restaurants and attractions, and adequate healthcare provision. To avoid bias in favor of the largest cities, some indicators are calculated per 100,000 inhabitants, allowing fairer comparison between destinations of different sizes.

The results lead to an encouraging conclusion: European tourism is moving towards a more inclusive model, in which cities with enormous historical and cultural value are not afraid to adapt so that everyone can enjoy their charms. As one spokesperson for the specialized insurer involved in the study put it, many of Europe’s most iconic, heritage-rich cities are now “perfectly accessible destinations,” opening up the possibility of traveling with confidence, comfort, and independence for those living with mobility limitations or specific health conditions.

From adapted public transport to hotels with accessible rooms, and from museums and monuments to cultural venues and prepared tourism services, this ranking invites us to rethink how, even at the planning stage of a trip, accessibility should no longer be seen as something exceptional but as the standard. In that sense, Paris stands out as a model to follow, but it is far from the only city firmly committed to inclusion.

For people with disabilities, reduced mobility, or health conditions—or simply for travelers who value comfort and ease of movement—this report is a valuable guide. And for those responsible for public policy, urban planning, or tourism management, it points clearly in one direction: accessibility is not optional. It is an essential investment in more inclusive, diverse, and humane cities.

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