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Prague on Wheels: A Personal Accessibility Experience
- צבי וורובל
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
In June 2025, I set out for a week of exploration and experimentation in Prague, a city of rich history and breathtaking beauty, but also cobblestone sidewalks and changing public transportation. The goal was clear: to take a closer look at how accessible Prague really is for travelers with mobility limitations, not based on passwords but through my wheels.
Astoria Hotel – a successful base in the heart of the Old City
I stayed at the Astoria Hotel.
As a writer, traveler, and daily mobility challenger, I examine every tourist accommodation not only through the eyes of a visitor but also through the wheels of my scooter and motorized, foldable wheelchair. That's exactly how I discovered the Astoria Hotel in Prague, located in the historic heart of one of Europe's most beautiful cities and offering an accessible stay experience.
Strategic location with slight difficulty under the wheel
The hotel is located about a 5-minute walk from the Old Town Square and Prague's iconic Astronomical Clock. In terms of accessibility, the location is perfect for those who can handle the historic צשט cobblestone sidewalks. Yes, my wheels were wobbly, but careful maneuvering allows you to reach most of the tourist attractions in the area even with a motorized folding wheelchair.
Boutique-style rooms, with basic mobility adaptations
The room I was given was on an accessible floor, with a wide entrance door and spacious enough to maneuver even with a wheelchair. The room's design combined classic aesthetics with modern comfort, including comfortable beds, a minibar, a flat-screen TV, free internet, and air conditioning. However, the sizes of the rooms vary and should be inquired about in advance.
The bathroom – between design and functionality
The entrance to the bathroom was wide enough for a wheelchair to enter. The shower was wide and had no doors but a plastic curtain. Since there was no grab bar on the wall, I used a vacuum grab bar that accompanies me on every trip.
Additional services: accessible parking, available reception, and a fast elevator
The hotel offers accessible underground parking for an additional fee, a spacious lobby and a 24-hour reception. The breakfast is adequate, although fairly standard. For me, the most important point is that the staff is aware of the issue of accessibility and is willing to help.
The street in front of the hotel: a classic challenge in a historic city
The advantage of a central location in historic Europe also has its drawbacks: interlocking stone sidewalks, uneven slopes, and sometimes narrow passages. This is not a bonus, but it is not an insurmountable obstacle either; all that is required is a good orientation plan and patience.
Tourist sites and points of interest near the hotel
Jewish City (300 meters)
Charles Bridge (400 meters)
Old City Square (300 meters)
In conclusion – would I return to the hotel? Absolutely.
The Astoria Hotel in Prague is a suitable solution for travelers with mobility issues, mainly due to the accessible rooms, elevator access, and staff awareness. It provides a good balance between location, comfort, and accessibility, as long as you are prepared to deal with the cobblestone streets outside.
Before ordering, I recommend:
Check availability of specifically accessible rooms
Verify the bathroom structure
Arrange accessible parking or transportation in advance.
Use a folding scooter or wheelchair adapted for urban terrain - for those who can
From the perspective of an independent traveler in a wheelchair, this is one of the most accessible hotels in the heart of Old Prague. And, in my opinion, this is already the beginning of a successful accessible story.
Public transportation – extensive but uneven upgrades
Metro
The Prague metro system includes 61 stations, of which 47 are fully accessible (77 percent) – a figure verified by the official DPP website.
Most of the C line stations are extremely convenient, but central stations like Můstek and Anděl are still inaccessible, which is a point that requires attention.
I used
Trams
The new trams (mainly line 22) are equipped with a retractable ramp and wide doors, but only about 16 percent of all trams in the city are air-conditioned.
My recommendation – travel during quiet hours and prioritize new Škoda 15T models.
Major sites – accessibility varies, but most major destinations are accessible
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Prague Castle: Good access via Hradčanské Náměstí. The entrance to the main cathedral is accessible. The southern gardens are less adapted due to slopes.
Old Town Square: Areas with rough paving, but there are smoother side passages. The Astronomical Clock has an internal elevator.
Charles Bridge: Challenging paving. Access from Křižovnické náměstí is more recommended.
The National Museum: Includes elevators and wide passages. In practice, I encountered good accessibility and accessible restrooms.
Recommended restaurants – accessibility verified
Ginger & Fred Restaurant - great view, accessible balcony, spacious elevator
Hard Rock Cafe Prague - officially accessible, includes accessible bathrooms
Potrefená Husa Restaurant -accessible, good environment
Additional service: Accessible Prague
There are several options for getting help for a trip abroad, and in this case, in Prague.
One option is to use the accessible or partial trip organization service through the
*Disclosure - The article is not sponsored and is not in collaboration with this company.
A company active since 2007, offers:
Up-to-date accessibility information.
Personal escort services with qualified guides.
Mobility equipment rental – including scooters and wheelchairs.
Accessibility equipment awaits you in Prague: this is how you can easily rent mobility aids
Prices are correct for the day of my trip and may change. (I suggest using the help of Wheelerz) th
Electric scooter rental
Model Cityliner 410
Price: 700 kroons (about 119 NIS) per day
Shipping fee: 500 kronor (about 85 NIS)
Range: Up to 30 kilometers
Speed: Up to 10 km/h
Maximum load capacity: 130 kg
Invacare Leo model
Price: 700 kroons (about 119 NIS) per day
Maximum speed: 8 km/h
Length: 122 cm
Weight: 83 kg
Invacare Colibri model
Price: 700 kroons (about 119 NIS) per day
Range: Up to 15 kilometers
Weight: 49 kg
Manual wheelchairs
Daily price: 200 kronor (about 34 NIS)
Weight: about 15 kg
Seat width: 45 cm
Additional equipment for pre-order
Portable shower chair
Electric hoist
Medical bed
walker
Please note: Open from Sunday to Thursday
Important tips for travelers with disabilities
• Check that the hotel is accessible for a heavy scooter
• Keep in mind that the scooter's range varies depending on terrain conditions.
• Order equipment in advance
• Check the status of public transportation elevators in real time
• Start the day early to avoid congestion
• Manual wheelchair owners, bring gloves for cobblestone streets
In conclusion
Prague, despite its long history and cobblestone streets, offers many accessible solutions. The public transportation system is largely accessible, hotels and adapted services are available – and those who plan ahead can enjoy a powerful vacation even with a wheelchair.
As someone who has had a stroke and knows what a true rehabilitation experience is, I can say with confidence: Prague is suitable for us too. If we just insist, we will get there.
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