Amsterdam, known for its charming canals and beautiful tulips, is taking steps to make its public spaces more welcoming for travellers and locals alike. The city is removing the middle armrests from park benches, making them easier for everyone to enjoy.

This traveller-friendly initiative in Amsterdam is part of a broader trend seen in cities like Utrecht and Leiden. Park benches are being redesigned to promote inclusivity and diversity. By creating more accessible seating options, Amsterdam is not only showing its commitment to equality but also creating a sense of community among those exploring its parks and public areas.

In the past, armrests were added to benches to stop homeless people from lying down. However many view this as unfair and excluding a vulnerable group from public spaces. Some cities have also added armrests to deter young people from gathering on benches.

By removing these barriers, Amsterdam is setting a positive example for other travel destinations to prioritize inclusivity in their urban planning efforts. Following Amsterdam’s lead in making simple yet impactful changes to public spaces can significantly improve the overall experience for travellers. 

Planning a trip to Paris ? Get ready !


These are Amazon’s best-selling travel products that you may need for coming to Paris.

Bookstore

  1. The best travel book : Rick Steves – Paris 2023 – Learn more here
  2. Fodor’s Paris 2024 – Learn more here

Travel Gear

  1. Venture Pal Lightweight Backpack – Learn more here
  2. Samsonite Winfield 2 28″ Luggage – Learn more here
  3. Swig Savvy’s Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle – Learn more here

Check Amazon’s best-seller list for the most popular travel accessories. We sometimes read this list just to find out what new travel products people are buying.