The Most Walkable Cities in the World

The best way to explore the architectural details of any city is to walk through it. There is nothing like abandoning the planes, buses, trains, and your smartphone to explore a city or town on foot. This will help you slow down and savor the sites around you. The following 12 cities are considered the most beautiful, walkable ones to inspire you for your future travel plans.

12. Florence, Italy

Florence is one of the beautiful, and walkable cities in the world that you can explore by walking through its narrow cobblestone streets. Cars don’t fit here and that allows you to explore the town’s biggest landmarks, including; Piazza Della Signoria, Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore, and Ponte Vecchio. All these landmarks are located within 10 minutes of time between each.

11. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Another European destination on the list, the city of Dubrovnik is a beauty to behold. Its Adriatic coastline and cobblestone streets can be easily explored by foot. The architecture of this old town radiates some ambiance you will love, and it is a UNESCO Heritage site. The city’s most scenic exploration is a mile-long route along the middle of the town where you can view the medieval walls that were built in the 8th century. The medieval wall starts with Pile Gate and stretches along the way with its magnificent architecture.

10. Paris, France

Paris is arguably the most popular city in the world but not many know that it is one city that can be explored on foot. You will notice the pastries in each shop you see on your way here and do not forget to walk to the Notre Dame, Luxembourg Gardens, and the numerous Cobblestone streets around Saint-German. The Eiffel Tower, Seine River, and Tuileries Gardens, and the Louvre, are also within reach. There are lots of shops and cafes along the way to get refreshed as you explore the city.

9. Boston, Massachusetts, USA

The first American city on the list, Boston is blessed with rich history, cleanliness, and charm. It has lots of green spaces that are easy to navigate on foot. Check out the famous Freedom Trail, and the Cobblestone streets of the Beacon Hill neighborhood renowned for its brownstones.

8. Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburg is arguably the most walkable city in the United Kingdom and offers lots of green spaces too. The city has its medieval side, and there is the Georgian New Town that gives you access to lots of cafes, bistros, and pubs. The National Museum of Scotland and the Edinburg Castle are located within a few minutes apart. If you want some extra scenic view, walk straight to Arthur’s Seat sitting at a dormant volcanic site.

7. Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich is surrounded by snow-capped Alps and amazing lake views. You can walk through the cobblestone streets in Altstadt which is an amazing old town. Check out the Lindenhof Hill and do some shopping at the Bahnhofstrasse. All these areas can be explored on foot. Do not forget to have a stroll along Lake Promenade.

6. Washington DC, USA

The United States of America’s capital city has many neo-classical monuments and buildings that can best be checked out on foot. Take a walk to the National Mall which will lead you to the Lincoln Monument, another key landmark in the city. Don’t forget to check out the city’s quaint neighborhood from Georgetown to DuPont Circle and Capitol Hill. Each of these popular places offers numerous cafes, parks, and shops to make your adventure more fun.

5. Porto, Portugal

Porto is a city known for its colorful buildings. It is situated on River Douro and offers numerous narrow Cobblestone streets that can be explored on foot. Climb the hills of the city to have a better view of the sprawling rivers and houses and don’t forget to check out the Port Wine which is quite popular all around the city.

Check out the Ribeira district's narrow streets where you will find notable landmarks that will remind you of the medieval era. If you want to have a feel of a different side of the city, take a walk along the Matosinhos coast and you will have a scenic view of the city.

4. San Francisco, CA, USA

This city is hilly but offers a compact scenic city, making it quite easy to explore. The iconic Golden Gate Bridge perhaps is one of the best places to start your exploration. Take a trip to the Mission District where you can have a view of the beautiful churches alongside the Victorian and Edwardian homes. A little walk from here will lead you to places like Chinatown and Little Italy.

3. Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn has a compact layout despite its medieval feel. You should begin your exploration at the winding streets of its historic Old Town where you will notice the Russian and Nordic influences. Don’t forget to visit popular destinations like Freedom Square, Viru Gate, and Tallinn Town Hall. All these key landmarks are located within a few walking minutes apart. To view a more trendy part of the city, take a walk to the Kalamaja neighborhood.

2. Sydney, Australia

Sydney is most popular for its stunning beaches and great weather, but there are lots of places you can explore on foot too. You can explore Sydney’s inner regions by walking and the biggest attractions you will see include; The Opera House, Hyde Park, Royal Botanical Garden, and Sydney Harbor Bridge. All these landmarks are within close proximity to each other. Take a walk along Bondi Beach to have a feel of the Pacific Ocean.

1. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Arguably the most walkable city in the world according to tourists and locals. The color and different mix of flavors in this city make it alluring. You can enjoy hundreds of beautiful canals and even sail in small boats to explore key places like museums, parks, and cafes.

While tourists will prefer exploring the city on bicycles, you should rather explore the city’s architecture on foot. Take a stroll along the popular Vondelpark and through the Jordaan neighborhood where you can find popular places like the Brouwersgracht Canal which is quite popular for tourism.