Warsaw, once also known as the “Paris of North” for its wide tree-lined avenues and its architecture in classical style, is the European capital of the moment, above all for young university students who often choose it as their Erasmus destination. Literally reborn from its own ashes after having been almost completely destroyed during the World War II, the capital city of Poland attracts tourists not only due to the fascination of its majestic buildings, but also thanks to skyscrapers and modern buildings which are redesigning its skyline.

Warsaw skyline

Warsaw, as many other cities of the Eastern Europe, pays increasingly attention to the needs of people with motoric and sensory disabilities and, to meet those needs, in these last years, has intensified its commitment towards accessibility.  The city structure, mostly flat, helps who has mobility issues. Furthermore, public transport, perfect to move and visit the city, has vehicles equipped with lowered platforms and ramps to ease the hop-on, but also with supports and indications in colour contrast for visually impaired people; an increasing number of vehicles uses special displays and registered voices to announce stops. Subway stations are also equipped with elevators and ramps to ease access to platforms. If you prefer moving by train, you can benefit from the assistance service provided by the transport company, PKP SA,  provided that you request it at least 48 hours before your departure, by phone (calling the PKP Intercity call center at 19 757 or +48 22 3919757 from abroad, or filling the appropriate online request form).

The Royal Castle

Unfortunately, sidewalks and crosswalks in Warsaw aren’t fully accessible yet (but works to adequate them are in progress), while there an increasing number of buildings, also those that are interesting under a touristic or cultural perspective, equipped with access ramps and other expedients to improve their accessibility. For instance, the Royal Castle, whose original nucleus dates back to the XV century and has been destroyed and built again many times, is equipped to allow access both to motoric disabled and sensory disabled people. The same is valid for several museums, churches and monuments. If you want to check the accessibility of those you’re interested in, you can visit this website  or Turystyka dla Wszystkich (“Tourism for all”, also available in English), which collects info about the accessibility of monuments, restaurants, hotels and public interest places all over Poland. Are you ready to leave?