September 2024: My Trip to Prague – A Personal Experience of Accessibility
I recently traveled to Prague, and in these few lines, I’d like to share my personal experience from an accessibility perspective. I’m happy to share this story because I was accompanied by my friend, Rossella. This allows me to offer the point of view of someone who is not directly part of my family and, therefore, is not automatically considered a caregiver.
I want to emphasize how fundamental Ross has been—and still is—as a very insightful and supportive person for those with a disability similar to mine, which primarily affects mobility.
Our Experience with Public Transport
Our journey began with the help of people who deal with disability issues daily and, therefore, know what aspects to consider. Personally, I struggle to get into vehicles like vans, so I was advised to use the metro as my primary mode of transportation around the city.
This suggestion came while I was still in Italy, and to be honest, my first reaction was: “Oh my, how will I manage?” I didn’t know the person we would rely on once we arrived. On the other hand, I tried to reassure myself by thinking: “We’ll figure it out somehow.” I had full confidence in my friend Rossella, who has been accompanying me on my adventures for years.
Once we arrived in Prague, I immediately felt comfortable: I had just successfully completed my first flight in 12 years, a milestone that reassured me a lot.
Valuable Support and Efficient Transport
The person in charge of the event that brought us to the Czech Republic was very helpful from the start, accompanying us during every journey. We mainly used the yellow metro line and found that most of its stations were suitable for people with disabilities. In the metro tunnels, we found working and well-maintained lifts!
As for buses, not all of them are equipped for accessibility, but compared to Italy, I noticed a pleasant surprise: it’s possible to plan trips quite spontaneously.
Practical Tips: Currency and Exchange
The official currency in the Czech Republic is the Czech koruna. A piece of advice from the locals was to avoid exchanging money before departure, as credit cards are accepted everywhere. If exchanging currency is absolutely necessary, it's best to do so at the hotel, where the rates are better than at "KANTOR" exchange booths, which might take advantage of tourists.
Sidewalks and Streets: Another Positive Surprise
Even when it comes to sidewalks and streets, the experience was surprisingly positive: getting around the city was easy. Additionally, a remarkable aspect is that transportation for people with disabilities and their companions is free.
We stayed at the Praha Mala Strana hotel, part of the Ibis chain, which turned out to be very comfortable and accessible, with spacious and easily navigable areas.
The Downsides: The Castle and the Airport
The only downside was the visit to the castle. The castle square was easy to reach, but the rest of the site was not as accessible. My companion faced several difficulties trying to get me around the different areas.
Another frustrating experience was the treatment of passengers with disabilities at the airport. The security checks were extremely thorough, and although I understand the need for specific protocols, the staff showed no sensitivity whatsoever. I strongly recommend arriving at least two hours early to get through the long series of required checks.
A small anecdote: during our layover on the return trip from Prague to Frankfurt, the assistance staff broke a part of my wheelchair. The airline told us to file an online complaint instead of handling the issue directly at the airport.
Conclusion: A City Worth Visiting!
Despite some challenges, Prague remains a beautiful city that I highly recommend to everyone. You can’t miss the chance to visit historic pubs like U Fleku—not the most wheelchair-friendly place, but with some small adjustments, it can be accessible even for us "wheelers." The choice is yours!
Šťastnou cestu! (Have a good trip! in Czech)
I recently traveled to Prague, and in these few lines, I’d like to share my personal experience from an accessibility perspective. I’m happy to share this story because I was accompanied by my friend, Rossella. This allows me to offer the point of view of someone who is not directly part of my family and, therefore, is not automatically considered a caregiver.
I want to emphasize how fundamental Ross has been—and still is—as a very insightful and supportive person for those with a disability similar to mine, which primarily affects mobility.
Our Experience with Public Transport
Our journey began with the help of people who deal with disability issues daily and, therefore, know what aspects to consider. Personally, I struggle to get into vehicles like vans, so I was advised to use the metro as my primary mode of transportation around the city.
This suggestion came while I was still in Italy, and to be honest, my first reaction was: “Oh my, how will I manage?” I didn’t know the person we would rely on once we arrived. On the other hand, I tried to reassure myself by thinking: “We’ll figure it out somehow.” I had full confidence in my friend Rossella, who has been accompanying me on my adventures for years.
Once we arrived in Prague, I immediately felt comfortable: I had just successfully completed my first flight in 12 years, a milestone that reassured me a lot.
Valuable Support and Efficient Transport
The person in charge of the event that brought us to the Czech Republic was very helpful from the start, accompanying us during every journey. We mainly used the yellow metro line and found that most of its stations were suitable for people with disabilities. In the metro tunnels, we found working and well-maintained lifts!
As for buses, not all of them are equipped for accessibility, but compared to Italy, I noticed a pleasant surprise: it’s possible to plan trips quite spontaneously.
Practical Tips: Currency and Exchange
The official currency in the Czech Republic is the Czech koruna. A piece of advice from the locals was to avoid exchanging money before departure, as credit cards are accepted everywhere. If exchanging currency is absolutely necessary, it's best to do so at the hotel, where the rates are better than at "KANTOR" exchange booths, which might take advantage of tourists.
Sidewalks and Streets: Another Positive Surprise
Even when it comes to sidewalks and streets, the experience was surprisingly positive: getting around the city was easy. Additionally, a remarkable aspect is that transportation for people with disabilities and their companions is free.
We stayed at the Praha Mala Strana hotel, part of the Ibis chain, which turned out to be very comfortable and accessible, with spacious and easily navigable areas.
The Downsides: The Castle and the Airport
The only downside was the visit to the castle. The castle square was easy to reach, but the rest of the site was not as accessible. My companion faced several difficulties trying to get me around the different areas.
Another frustrating experience was the treatment of passengers with disabilities at the airport. The security checks were extremely thorough, and although I understand the need for specific protocols, the staff showed no sensitivity whatsoever. I strongly recommend arriving at least two hours early to get through the long series of required checks.
A small anecdote: during our layover on the return trip from Prague to Frankfurt, the assistance staff broke a part of my wheelchair. The airline told us to file an online complaint instead of handling the issue directly at the airport.
Conclusion: A City Worth Visiting!
Despite some challenges, Prague remains a beautiful city that I highly recommend to everyone. You can’t miss the chance to visit historic pubs like U Fleku—not the most wheelchair-friendly place, but with some small adjustments, it can be accessible even for us "wheelers." The choice is yours!
Šťastnou cestu! (Have a good trip! in Czech)