Making Madrid accessible: Creating self-guided accessibility tours for visitors

Madrid is a city rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture, but navigating its streets and landmarks can be challenging for people with mobility limitations. Many traditional tours are not designed with accessibility in mind, making it difficult for everyone to fully experience the city. The solution? Digital, accessible tours on SmartGuide that offer seamless navigation, enriching content, and an equal experience for all visitors.

Why accessibility matters in city tourism

1. Providing inclusive cultural experiences

A truly accessible tour ensures that everyone, including people with mobility challenges, can explore a city’s landmarks without limitations. Digital tools like audio guides, with AR overlays and smart navigation, can transform the experience, making it barrier-free.

2. Addressing the challenges of mobility restrictions

While some areas of Madrid are well-equipped for step-free travel, others pose challenges due to cobblestone streets, uneven terrain, and historic structures. Digital accessibility solutions offer a way to guide visitors through the most accessible routes, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.

3. Encouraging equal participation in cultural heritage

Accessibility should not be an afterthought—it should be a core element of city planning. Smart digital guides provide audio descriptions, interactive maps, and content tailored for visitors with disabilities, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Case study: SmartGuide’s accessibility tours

SmartGuide, a digital platform serving over 1,500,000 users worldwide, helps destinations, tourism boards, museums, and tourist attractions promote accessibility in exploration. By including accessible digital tours in available tour types for content authors to create, SmartGuide helps give all travelers a chance to navigate destinations without mobility barriers.

Features of SmartGuide’s accessibility tours for travelers:

• Step-free routes and navigation assistance

• Audio guides in 30 languages for global accessibility

• Precise geolocation - audio plays automatically as you approach an interesting place

• Clear distinction of accessibility tours in the app and lists of tours via a tour type icon (content authors can set a tour type in SmartGuide CMS via tour settings)

Real-world application: El Paseo del Arte tour in Madrid

One of the best examples of SmartGuide’s accessibility-driven approach is the El Paseo del Arte tour in Madrid. This self-guided, fully accessible tour covers a distance of nearly 3.5 km in a 2 km area and offers a journey through cultural highlights of one of the most historically rich areas of the city.

Tour highlights:

• Fully step-free route

• 120-minute guided experience

• 3,456 meters of smooth navigation

• Key points of interest:

  1. Biblioteca Nacional de España

  2. Palacio de Linares - Casa de América

  3. Palacio de la Comunicación

  4. Museo Nacional del Prado

  5. Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza

  6. Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid

  7. Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

This tour is designed to allow visitors to explore Madrid’s cultural landmarks without worrying about accessibility challenges. Audio guides, historical insights, and immersive storytelling enhance the experience for all travelers.

The benefits of digital accessibility solutions

1. Removing barriers to urban exploration

With digital guides, travelers can avoid common obstacles such as stairs, uneven pavement, and inaccessible public transport stations. Visitors can plan their journeys in advance and receive reliable navigation and information.

2. Meeting the needs of diverse travelers

Not all visitors interact with a city in the same way. Some may rely on audio descriptions, while others prefer text-based content or visual storytelling. A digital guide personalizes the experience, ensuring everyone gets the most out of their visit.

3. Helping destinations earn accessibility grants

Providing accessible tours can help destinations qualify for grants and funding opportunities. Many cultural institutions and tourism boards receive extra points in grant applications for offering inclusive experiences.

The future of tourism is inclusive: include accessibility tours too

Digital accessibility is no longer optional—it is essential. By implementing step-free digital tours, Madrid can create a more inclusive, engaging, and enriching experience for all visitors. With SmartGuide’s innovative approach, cities can ensure that everyone, regardless of mobility, has equal access to cultural heritage.

Now is the time to take action. The future of accessible tourism is digital, and it starts today.