When planning to travel somewhere, the first thing that most people think about is the accessibility of sightseeing.
Fortunately many tourist attractions, both in Brazil and in London, are already equipped with all the necessary infrastructure to cater for visitors who have limitations, since nobody in this day and age needs to (nor should they) deprive themselves of enjoying any sort of experience, including getting to know new countries.
With this in mind we have selected the main tourist attractions around Brazil and London that are already considered part of this list of “fully accessible attractions “.
Brazil
Pão de Açúcar – Rio de Janeiro
For those visiting Rio de Janeiro it is almost obligatory, the cable car ride from the Pão de Açúcar (Sugar Loaf Mountain) is not be missed. The hills of Urca and the Pão de Açúcar are the main features and are connected by a cable car. The entire complex has been fully adapted and now has platform-lifts giving access to the box office, the viewing stations and the bar, in addition to the priority given to those with deficiencies at the time of boarding the cable car. Both stations of the cable car have bathrooms that cater for wheelchair users.
For more information access the official site: http://www.bondinho.com.br/
Museu de Arte Sacra – Salvador
If you like art and want to know a little more about the Arte Sacra Luso-brasileira, the Museu de Arte Sacra (Museum of Sacred Art) in Salvador is the destination for you. Named as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1985, the Museum enchants visitors with its history and unique architecture. Following some renovations, the hallways were enlarged and lifts were installed, giving access to all three floors and helping the mobility of both wheelchair users and the elderly.
For more information visit the official site: http://www.mas.ufba.br/#/home
Instituto Tomie Ohtake – São Paulo
Or perhaps you prefer something more contemporary, like modern art, design, architecture and national and international sculpture? Then the Tomie Ohtake Institute will surprise you. In honour of the artist that ‘lent’ her name to the institution, the space is always creating exhibitions from both modern day and older art scenes and has hosted unprecedented displays. Since its opening in 2001, the building has provided lifts and good facilities for disabled visitors.
Visit the official site and find out more: http://www.institutotomieohtake.org.br/visite
Praia do Futuro – Fortaleza
If beach is your thing, do not worry. In Fortaleza, Praia do Futuro (Beach of the Future), as well as being spectacular, has various stalls and beach huts that are fully accessible and equipped to make life easier for those with deficiencies. The beach is 8km long, with lifeguards every 500 metres and several stations that offer bathrooms for disabled people, ramps giving sea access and even some massage services. All so you can enjoy the beach, the sun and the Brazilian summer with peace of mind.
London
London Eye
One of the most famous tourist attractions in the world, the London Eye needs no introduction. If you’re in London, rest assured that the giant Ferris wheel has full accessibility, space for two wheelchairs at a time in each cabin. If you prefer, you can buy the “Fast Track” ticket, which allows you to jump to the front of the queue when it’s time to board. For those with visual impairments, guide dogs are also welcome aboard.
Find more information on the official site: www.londoneye.com/
Museu Madame Tussauds
One of the most popular wax museums in the world, Madame Tussauds is a key destination for most tourists visiting Central London. And thankfully it is accessible for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility. But it is worth noting that, for security reasons, the museum only permits the entry of three wheelchair users at any one time, so for this reason it is worth buying your ticket in advance.
For more information, visit the site: www.madametussauds.co.uk
National Gallery
For a more cultural tourist experience, the National Gallery is the answer. With exhibitions, shows and several famous paintings on display, it is a great day out and an enriching experience in art. The building is fully accessible for wheelchair users and offers services for those with visual or hearing impairments, like interactive tours that allow you to touch the pieces of art, or interpreters that guide you around the gallery, depending on the event.
To find out more, visit: http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/
