best walking cities in the world? You might think walking is an act of stressing one’s self. No!
The following 15 cities are among the most walkable in the world, making them wonderful destinations to discover. Traveling puts you in contact with local culture and the natural pace of life.
As you meander through capital cities, vibrant neighborhoods, and historic districts, take in the allure of sidewalk cafes, the splendor of boutique stores, and the grace of grand architecture.
These walkable cities in the world offer a lot of things to see and do, from the historic ruins of Rome to the marble monuments of Athens, the bustling souks of Marrakech, and the gilded temples of Kyoto.
This article lists the most walkable cities in the world to experience the sights, sounds and smells that are present all across the world.
What Makes a City Walkable?
We can pinpoint the essential components that contribute to American cities with the greatest walk scores, such as Boston and Philadelphia.
For instance, the infrastructure in both of those cities provides pedestrians with more comfortable or safer sidewalks as well as reduced wait times at traffic signals.
In addition, they exceed the following benchmarks, which distinguish them from other neighborhoods as being more walkable:
- Having a strong enough community to support businesses
- Safe Pedestrian Infrastructure: Providing convenient transit options, comprehensive streets, and secure foot- and bicycle-paths
- Affordable Providing affordable accommodation for people of different economic levels.
- Centered on retail areas, parks, and other public areas for recreation
- proximity to workplaces and schools, enabling commutes to be made on foot
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Most walkable cities in the world
1. Hanoi, Vietnam
The Old Quarter of Hanoi is one of the best places in the world to explore. As one of the oldest sections of the capital city, it embodies the heritage of Vietnam, with French colonial architecture lining the streets and elements of historical Chinese occupation on display.
Culture comes to life with cyclists peddling fresh flowers on the roadside or inside the Water Puppet Theater, where the country’s traditional folktales are shared. With more than a millennium of vibrant life coursing through the Old Quarter, the best time to wander through the streets is early in the morning, before the heat of the day sets in.
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2. Sydney, Australia
Sydney is renowned for its beauty, with buildings like the Harbour Bridge and Opera House soaring over the Pacific Ocean. It is home to Bondi Beach’s golden sands, the Central Business District’s 19th-century buildings, and a charming waterfront pedestrian street. In the seaside city, warm, bright days are frequent, and outdoor activities are a regular part of life.
Excellent views are offered while strolling through the Royal Botanic Gardens amidst ferns and flying foxes, along with a hint of the city’s British colonial past. The Rocks, the earliest European settlement in Australia. Which looks out over Sydney Harbour’s crashing waves, and is easily accessible via the pathways.
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3. Buenos Aires, Argentina
The city’s elegant architecture gave rise to a number of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own culture that is reflected in gorgeous theaters and opera houses, fantastic art galleries, and a special fusion of French, Italian, and Spanish influences that all work together to create the unique personalities of each barrio.
As you stroll through the neighborhoods, you’ll discover Recoleta’s opulent tree-lined streets and the cemetery where Eva Peron is interred. While Palermo’s cafes and restaurants are great places to watch. The vibrant houses that rise above the busy sidewalks in La Boca are filled with artists and dancers. And San Telmo’s antique markets are thronged with enthusiastic shoppers.
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4. Windhoek, Namibia
Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, is a haven from the larger desert that sculpts the vast countryside. The Neo-Baroque church spires, German castles, and glass and steel high rises provide a hint of the classic “Western” atmosphere.
The city’s unique pedestrian-friendly attitude, with walkways leading past buildings with pastel-colored facades and picturesque houses with traditional German aesthetics, stands out among the city’s distinctive atmosphere.
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5. Marrakech, Morocco
With an immersive encounter for all of your senses in the vibrant old medina and down the twisting streets of the modern French colonial suburb of Ville Nouvelle, fascinating Marrakech enchants, dazzles, and embraces you.
Visitors are impressed by the walkable city’s sounds of prayer and storytellers telling folktales in the busy center of Djemaa el Fna Square. The aroma of roasting meats is released into the air by vendors, and rooftop cafes are tempted with sweet mint tea.
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6. Dubrovnik, Croatia
When tourists first see the Old Town’s orange rooftop tiles and the Adriatic Sea’s blue seas, they are in awe of Dubrovnik. Walking around the city, you are immediately transported into a fairytale with little alleyways, an azure sea, and the splendor of bygone empires thanks to the limestone avenues and Baroque buildings.
You can stroll along the dramatic city walls, whose foundations date back to the 9th century, for breathtaking views of the skyline and surrounding waters, as well as in the shade cast by homes in the maze of ancient streets, which evokes the medieval society depicted in Game of Thrones’ capital, Kings Landing (which was filmed in Dubrovnik).
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7. Cusco, Peru
High in the Andes Mountains, Cusco, the former capital of the Incan Empire, is still a fascinating city that honors the past glories of the Incas and Spanish. After you’ve gotten used to the altitude, the city’s architectural treasures include ancient temples, palaces, forts, and churches that are all surrounded by the massive Sacsayhuaman ruins on a hilltop overlooking the valley.
The city’s various tiers are connected by cobblestone streets and tiny staircases that radiate cosmopolitan charm. The culture of boutique stores selling alpaca-knit sweaters and the dramatic façade of the Cusco Cathedral looming over the Plaza de Armas are enhanced by art galleries, the central market, and the occasional Andean woman feeding pet llamas.
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8. Rome, Italy
In historical areas that protect the ruins and artifacts of the ancient civilization, the Roman Empire returns to life. You can start a journey through time to famous Roman sites by congregating around the Trevi Fountain’s crystal-clear waters.
The Santissima Trinità dei Monti church is reached via the Spanish Steps, which also lead to the Pantheon’s soaring columns. Tree-lined walkways take visitors to the Colosseum, which was once the arena where gladiators fought.
You can also go to Vatican City, the tiniest nation in the world, where the spiritual history of Italy and the ruins of ancient Rome collide. It is a dream to wander around the vast churches and museums in the Vatican.
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9. Paris, France
Paris is one of the most walkable cities in the world. A stroll through Paris displays the numerous facets of the “City of Light,” which is home to royal palaces, historic neighborhoods with timeless restaurants, gorgeous gardens, and modern museums. You are free to explore the Seine River’s banks and its quaint, off-the-beaten-path streets in search of the city’s hidden gems.
You can also cross the Pont Neuf, Paris’s oldest bridge, by traveling up the river to the small island of le de la Cité, where you can explore the Gothic architecture of Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle.
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10. Athens, Greece
The best walks in Athens highlight the past of the city that served as Ancient Greece’s capital, reveal the splendor of the Athenian Coast and encourage visitors to discover the wilderness that envelops this hilly Mediterranean gem.
From central Athens, scenic strolls take you up the slopes of the rocky outcrop where the Acropolis is located and along pedestrian-only streets. You can enjoy expansive views of the cityscape that reach all the way to the sea by strolling from the Sacred Rock to deteriorating ruins that reveal details of ancient Greek architecture and mythology.
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11. Medellín, Colombia
Visitors are urged to walk in the “City of Eternal Spring,” which is located high in the Antioquian mountains, to fully experience Colombian culture. Medellin is a gateway to the area’s flourishing wilderness, charming rural towns, and historic Colombian coffee plantations. The city itself is a superb place to walk.
In the city, you may stroll along Carabobo Avenue to the vibrant marketplaces of El Hueco, explore the administrative lanes of La Alpujarra, and look around the Parque Berro plaza’s historic sites. There is a lot to learn about as you stroll Medellin, from the antiquated Antioquia Museum to the cutting-edge Biblioteca Espaa, the vibrant Botanical Gardens, and the posh boulevards of El Poblado.
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12. London, England
It is one of the most walkable cities in the world. Walking is one of the best ways to discover London. Although the tube offers the advantage of speedy travel, the majority of London’s top attractions are reachable as you make your way through the narrow streets between stations.
Between Marble Arch and Tottenham Court Road, Oxford Street offers summer strolls where you may peruse shops, shopping centers, and Michelin-starred eateries. The Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, the Tower of London, the Tower Bridge, and many other attractions may be reached via strolls along the famous Thames River, which is lined with leafy trees.
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13. Seville, Spain
The historic city of Seville is a fascinating Andalusian location to see on walking tours since it is distinct, vibrant, and brimming with Spanish culture. Flamenco dancers spin outside exquisite restaurants as tourists pass by, and the city’s streets are lined with remarkable architecture. The lively neighborhoods are also surrounded by a vibrant atmosphere.
From the architecturally varied Plaza de Espaa, were Baroque, Renaissance and Moorish styles harmoniously blend behind the sparkling canal, you can take a stroll. The walk can lead you to Seville’s gilded Royal Alcázar, where Muslim and Christian architecture converge.
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14. Kyoto, Japan
The city of Kyoto blends traditional Japanese culture with contemporary art, enticing visitors to explore the region’s intriguing history on excursions that include stops at temples, museums, and gardens.
When you arrive at the golden Kinkaku-ji Temple and the silver Ginkaku-ji Temple at the correct time of year, you’ll be able to stroll through the vivid pink cherry blossoms. Tours to other significant religious destinations, like the Nanzen-ji Temple, showcase Kyoto’s verdant gardens and soaring bamboo forests.
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15. Istanbul, Turkey
Walking through and around Istanbul’s historic districts and contemporary neighborhoods will reveal a wealth of history and culture. Istanbul is a major city in Turkey that overlooks the Bosphorus Strait.
Many of Istanbul’s well-known landmarks, such as the ancient Walls of Theodosius, which guard local treasures in sleepy towns, and the treasures of Balat and Fener, two fascinating neighborhoods inside the ancient fortress town, can be found in the Old City.
It is imperative to meander to the unforgettable Blue Mosque, stroll among the golden empirical carvings, and meander through the exquisitely decorated rooms of Topkapi Palace.
FAQS
Dutch city of Amsterdam. The Netherlands’ capital, Amsterdam, is rated as the best walkable city in the world.
Unsurprisingly, New York City is the best US city for people who enjoy bicycling, walking, and taking trains. That’s according to Walk Score, a Seattle-based company that examined the largest 3,000 American cities to identify those that made it the easiest to commute without a car.
It is possible for American cities to become much more walkable, but it will take time and a persistent will for it to happen. In many places, I’m not sure if people really want it bad enough to go beyond simple adjustments. Since every city is unique, dealing with this in a general way is difficult.
CONCLUSION
There are countless opportunities to discover various cultures, unique sites, and magnificent cityscapes in the top 15 most walkable cities in the world.
It is possible to learn about local history and find several filmic opportunities on foot tours that wind through the cities’ historic areas and contemporary neighborhoods.
Let our Travelers’ Top Destinations further inspire your trip as you think about strolls through the historic citadel overlooking Athens or through the heart of Medellin’s culture.
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