Shanghai cityscape reflection at night on the Bund
The Global Accessibility Index selects the highest-rated cities from the 2025 IMD Smart City Index to reveal the most accessible smart cities.
As summer travel ramps up, the importance of accessible cities takes centre stage. With millions of people planning vacations, festivals, and outdoor events, ensuring that urban spaces are accessible for individuals with disabilities is essential.
With this in mind, the organisation behind the Smart City Expo World Congress event has revealed the 25 most accessible smart cities to demonstrate if smart cities are, in fact, accessible. Experts selected the highest-rated cities from the 2025 IMD Smart City Index and then analysed if residents receive support to adapt their homes, the number of adapted tube stations, the number of accessible tourist attractions and the number of adapted hotels and properties.
In addition, the analysis also shares the apps available for those with disabilities so they can move around the city as freely as possible.
The top 5 most accessible smart cities
- Shanghai, China
In first position and with an overall score of 84.86 out of 100 is Shanghai. All tube stations of Shanghai are adapted, with a further 733 adapted tourist attractions; that’s 73% of all attractions in the city. On top of that, the city counts 14 adapted hotels and properties out of 57, making Shanghai one of the best cities to visit freely and without any obstacles this summer.
- Singapore, Singapore
Singapore is in second position with an overall accessibility score of 81.50 out of 100. Singapore offers its citizens economic support so they can adapt their homes to their needs. Also, if you are looking to discover this new city this summer season, 100% of the city’s tube stations are adapted (185), Singapore offers 217 adapted attractions out of a total of 796 and 97 adapted hotels and properties out of 321 available to enjoy. Last but not least, those visiting Singapore can download the app Citymapper to move around the city with all the information and support they might need.
- Wellington, New Zealand
Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, secures a spot in the top three with an overall accessibility score of 79.12 out of 100. This stunning city is the perfect spot for those who want to enjoy nice weather and scenic views of the most amazing beaches. Wellington has a total of 49 stations, all of them adapted. Moreover, 35 out of its 132 hotels and apartments are adapted. Last but not least, the city offers 38 adapted tourist attractions, making this city one of the perfect places to visit this summer.
- Munich, Germany
In fourth position, with an overall score of 78.92 out of 100, is the German city of Munich. For those who love to experience the Gothic architecture, this is your perfect destination; Munich has all 100 tube stations adapted, allowing visitors to move freely around the city. 75 out of its 359 hotels and apartments are also adapted, providing several options to choose from. And with almost 42% of its tourist attractions being adapted (317 out of 747), this European city becomes a great option looking to escape over the summer.
- Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Rounding out the top five with an overall accessibility score of 76.51 is Amsterdam, the second European city to appear in the Global Accessibility Index. Amsterdam offers a perfect combination for those who want to enjoy the cafes and restaurants of the city, while also appreciating the culture and art the city has to offer. Amsterdam has 86 tube stations, all of them adapted, and 53% of its tourist attractions are adapted (533 out of 1,000), making Amsterdam a great choice for this summer. Those visiting the city are recommended to download the app Ongehinderd to move more easily and freely around the city.
The 25 most accessible smart cities
The 25 top smart cities, according to the IMD Index, show solid sustainability scores, ranging from Shanghai with 84.86 points to London with 42.59 points.
Most of the cities feature accessible subway networks, equipped with ramps and elevators to eliminate architectural barriers, along with visual and tactile aids to support individuals with visual or cognitive disabilities. They are also actively working to improve the accessibility of their main tourist attractions and accommodation options. Providing subsidies for home adaptation is also a widespread practice across these cities.
