Photo: Thomas Gravanis

From bucket list antiquities and blue-flag beaches to accessible public transport and rooftop bars with Acropolis views, Athens has much to offer visitors with limited mobility.

By Omaira Gill

At first glance, Athens can appear more like an obstacle course than a treasure hunt for those with limited mobility. But thanks to recent changes and a more inclusive mindset, both the old city and the new now have much to offer wheelchair users in terms of attractions, accommodation or finding a nice place for a drink.

For a start, Athens’ entire public transport network is wheelchair accessible. (Any problems with the metro’s elevators are announced at all stations.) While navigating the streets themselves can sometimes be tricky, you can use the city’s relatively cheap taxis to get from metro station to final destination if you have a manual wheelchair, or specialised taxi services for motorised wheelchair users. Here are some of the best accessible sites in and around Athens to put on your hit list.

Culture

The Acropolis

It'll take some planning, but wheelchair users can make their way to the top of the Parthenon.

Photo: Thomas Gravanis

The National Archaeological Museum is a great choice for wheelchair users.

Photo: Orestis Seferoglou

National Archaeological Museum

Eat & Drink

Athens Central Market

Head to the Varvakios Agora early to beat the crowds.

Photo: Thomas Gravanis

The Air Lounge Bar at the Fresh Hotel.

Courtesy: Air Lounge Bar

Air Lounge Bar at Fresh Hotel

360 bar

For wheelchair users wishing to access this funky rooftop bar, step-free access is available via the hotel next door, where disabled toilets are also available. Once you get to the top, you’ll have a knockout view of the Acropolis. Popular for its outstanding cocktails, 360 bar also serves up great Mediterranean cuisine. For a Greek twist, the vodka-based Med Fresh cocktail is accentuated with a dash of aromatic mastiha liqueur and goes perfectly with a platter of Greek cheeses. Reservations are recommended for dinner.

This creative dining hotspot is also wheelchair-friendly.

Courtesy: Cookoovaya

Cookoovaya

Baba au Rum

A rum cocktail at Baba Au Rum.

Photo: Orestis Seferoglou

See & Do

Everything at the expansive Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre is wheelchair-accessible.

Courtesy: SNFCC

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre

Flisvos Marina

This entire marina is wheelchair accessible.

Photo: Thomas Gravanis

The sandy beach at Vouliagmeni.

Photo: Manos Chatzikonstantis

Vouliagmeni Beach

Top Tips for Wheelchair Users in Athens

Photo: Amalia Kovaiou