How to Plan a Wheelchair Accessible Trip to Italy

Italy—land of pasta, ancient wonders, and streets that seem older than time itself. Sounds dreamy, right? But if you’re rolling through the cobbled alleys instead of walking them, the adventure gets a bit more… interesting. No worries, though! A wheelchair-accessible trip to Italy is absolutely doable. Just needs the right mix of planning, insider knowledge, and a bit of that Italian spontaneity.

Picking the Right Cities—Not Every Place is a Friend to Wheels

Some cities in Italy? A dream. Others? Let’s just say they were built before accessibility was a thing. Rome, Milan, and Florence? Solid choices. Venice? Oof, unless you want to be lifting your chair over bridges every few minutes.

Rome—The Eternal City actually gets some things right. The Metro? Meh, not great. But buses? Much better for wheelchair users. The Colosseum, Vatican, and even the Pantheon have accessible routes.

Milan—Italy’s most modern city. Trams are a mix, but the Metro is decent. Duomo? Elevator access. Shopping? Easy.

Florence—Cobbles everywhere, but smooth enough for a good ride. Museums? Most are prepped for visitors on wheels.

Venice—Stunning but a nightmare if you’re not prepared. There are some wheelchair-friendly water taxis, though.

The Airport Game – Getting in Without a Hitch

Flying in? Italy’s big airports are pretty smooth when it comes to accessibility. Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Milan Malpensa (MXP)? They have solid assistance programs. Just make sure you call ahead. Let them know what’s up. Some airlines forget, and suddenly, you're left waiting.

Pro tip: Grab a taxi from the airport. Yeah, it’s pricier than a train, but Italian train stations? Not all are your best friends. Some have ramps, others? A good luck situation.

Hotels That Won't Give You a Headache

You don’t want to book a "wheelchair accessible" hotel only to find out their definition means "We have an elevator, but the bathroom door is too narrow." Happens more than you’d think.

Bigger chains? Usually safer bets.
Boutique hotels? Hit or miss—always email and ask for pics.
Airbnb? Possible, but triple-check reviews.

What you need to confirm:

✔️ Step-free entrance

✔️ Elevator that fits your chair (trust me, some are TINY)

✔️ Roll-in shower

✔️ Flat pathways around the hotel

Rolling Through the Streets—Transport That Won’t Let You Down

Italy’s public transport is...a mixed bag. Some cities are doing great; others are still catching up.

🚌 Buses—Rome and Milan have accessible buses, and Florence does too. Just look for the wheelchair symbol.

🚇 Metro—Milan wins this one. Rome? Half-accessible. Florence? Doesn’t even have one.

🚕 Taxis— Adapted cabs exist, but there aren’t tons. Book ahead.

🚄 Trains—Trenitalia has options, but call and book assistance way in advance.

If you’re planning to move around a lot, are you renting a car with hand controls? Best choice. But driving in Italy is an adventure in itself.

Tourist Spots That Actually Care About Accessibility

Italy’s full of ancient wonders, but not all of them are wheelchair-friendly. Some places get it right, though.

🔹 Colosseum (Rome) – Accessible routes, elevators, and even a dedicated entrance.

🔹 Vatican Museums—Long, but they have lifts and ramps.

🔹 Uffizi Gallery (Florence) – Some areas are tricky, but mostly good.

🔹 Leaning Tower of Pisa—Can’t climb it, but the area around it? No problem.

🔹 Duomo di Milano—There’s an elevator to the rooftop. Win.

Museums? Most have accessibility sorted. The older the place, the trickier it gets.

Eating Like a Local—Wheelchair-Friendly Restaurants

Some trattorias are so tiny, you’d have to park your chair outside and just yell your order in. But many spots are surprisingly easy to navigate.

🍝 Outdoor seating helps—many places have terraces, no door drama.

🍷 Bigger restaurants = more space—smaller, family-run spots? Call ahead.

🥖 Markets? Roll through and eat as you go—less hassle, more fun.

Most places are happy to accommodate, but do yourself a favor—avoid peak hours. Italians eat late, and restaurants pack up fast.

Extra Tips to Keep Your Trip Stress-Free

Google Maps' Street View? Your best friend. Check out sidewalks, entrances, and slopes before you go anywhere.

A small portable ramp? Could save the day. Not every place is step-free.

Watch out for cobblestones. Some are smooth; others feel like they were designed to shake your soul.

Local Facebook groups—Yes, they exist! Tons of travelers share real-time accessibility info.

Learn a bit of Italian—just the basics: "È accessibile?" (Is it accessible?) will be your go-to phrase.

Final Thoughts—Is Italy Worth It? Absolutely.

Yeah, it takes some planning, but a wheelchair-accessible trip to Italy is more than possible—it’s worth it. The food? Unreal. The history? Everywhere. The people? Some of the friendliest you’ll meet. Sure, you’ll run into a few bumps (literally, if you hit the wrong cobblestone), but that’s just part of the adventure.

So pack up, plan ahead, and get ready to roll through some of the most beautiful cities on earth. Italy’s waiting.