Walkable Cities in Europe Warsaw Poland
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12 European Cities So Walkable You’ll Forget What Traffic Jams Feel Like

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Europe is blessed with many walkable cities that can be easily explored on two legs and feet. We can explore beautiful pedestrian-only squares, walk along canals to world-famous tourist attractions, and get lost in fascinating neighborhoods jam-packed with rich history and vibrant architecture.

However, with over 800 cities to visit, knowing where to visit first is a challenge. Luckily, we’re here to help. We’ve compiled a list of 12 walkable cities in Europe that allow you to explore on foot. These destinations are perfect if you don’t want to spend your city break sitting on a bus or driving a car. 

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24 Must-Visit European Cities To Add to Your Bucket List  © neirfy / Adobe Stock
Athens, Greece 1/5
Walkable Cities in Europe Warsaw Poland © Andriy Blokhin / Adobe Stock
Warsaw, Poland 2/5
Walkable Cities in Europe Dubrovnik Croatia © ecstk22 / Adobe Stock
Dubrovnik, Croatia 3/5
Walkable Cities in Europe Venice Italy © tsezarina / Adobe Stock
Venice, Italy 4/5
Walkable Cities in Europe Riga Latvia © tichr / Shutterstock
Riga, Latvia 5/5

Results

24 Must-Visit European Cities To Add to Your Bucket List  1
Athens, Greece
1 0
Walkable Cities in Europe Warsaw Poland 2
Warsaw, Poland
0 1
Walkable Cities in Europe Dubrovnik Croatia 3
Dubrovnik, Croatia
0 1
Walkable Cities in Europe Venice Italy 4
Venice, Italy
1 0
Walkable Cities in Europe Riga Latvia 5
Riga, Latvia
0 1

Venice, Italy

Walkable Cities in Europe Venice Italy
© tsezarina / Adobe Stock

The first city on our list is Venice, the capital of Northern Italy’s Veneto region. Built on over 100 small islands in the Adriatic Sea, the city is most famous for its canals. It makes our list for several reasons. First, few roads are suitable for cars. Second, Venice’s main attractions are close together, so you don’t have to walk too far to get from A to B. 

Third, the city is a joy to explore. At every turn and across every bridge, you’ll find beautiful architecture, charming canal walkways, and vibrant houses sitting precariously above the water. Notable attractions in the city include the Grand Canal, Piazza San Marco, Rialto Bridge, and St. Mark’s Basilica.

  • Explore the Grand Canal: Take a vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal for stunning views of Venice’s historic buildings. Tickets start at USD 10 for a single journey.
  • Visit St. Mark’s Basilica: Discover the intricate mosaics and architecture of St. Mark’s Basilica. Access to the bell tower costs USD 11.

Read also: Must-Visit Cities in Europe

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Walkable Cities in Europe Dubrovnik Croatia
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Dubrovnik is a beautiful city in Southern Croatia, and it’s loved for its world-famous Old Town. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town dates back to the 13th century and is surrounded by tall 16th-century stone walls. The Old Town is small, so you can easily see it all in one day.

Better yet, it’s car-free, so you can enjoy the historic sights without dodging traffic and listening to loud engines. Start your walk at the city walls. These medieval ramparts circle the entire city, offering 6,360 feet (1,940 meters) of walking trails and incredible city and coast views. Then, get lost in the maze of cobblestone streets, admire the Stradun (Main Street), and discover Game of Thrones filming locations like Fort Lovrijenac. 

  • Walk the City Walls: Explore the Dubrovnik City Walls for panoramic views of the city and coast. Admission is USD 43.
  • Visit Fort Lovrijenac: Discover Fort Lovrijenac, a Game of Thrones filming location. It’s included with a city walls ticket.

Read also: Wonderful European Cities to Visit in Spring

Riga, Latvia

Walkable Cities in Europe Riga Latvia
© tichr / Shutterstock

Riga, the Latvian capital, is located at the mouth of the River Daugava on the Baltic Sea. It’s another fantastic walkable city with a stunning pedestrian-only Old Town. Most of the action centers around this Old Town, and many attractions outside of it are only a mile or so away. As a result, you can easily reach all the best attractions without taking public transport.

You could visit most of the city’s best sights by walking approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers). Three popular attractions close together include Riga Cathedral, the House of the Black Heads, and the Central Market. Don’t miss Riga Castle, either.

  • Explore Riga Cathedral: Visit the historic Riga Cathedral to admire its stunning architecture. Admission is USD 5.
  • Visit the House of the Black Heads: Discover the ornate House of the Black Heads, a symbol of Riga’s rich history. Entry costs USD 8.

Read also: Luxurious Cities in Europe

Warsaw, Poland

Walkable Cities in Europe Warsaw Poland
© Andriy Blokhin / Adobe Stock

A study by Compare the Market ranks Warsaw, Poland’s capital, as the third most walkable city in the world. This is mainly because of the city’s compact size, which makes it much easier to get around on foot. Compare the Market also discovered that 74% of the city’s population live within 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) of car-free space.

During your visit, you’ll likely spend most of your time around the Old Town, where famous attractions, such as Warsaw’s Old Town Market Place and the breathtaking Rynek Starego Miasta, can be seen. Famous tourist attractions, like the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews and the Palace of Culture and Science, are only a short walk from the Old Town.

  • Visit the POLIN Museum: Learn more about history at the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews. Admission is USD 12.
  • Admire Rynek Starego Miasta: Stroll through Rynek Starego Miasta, known for its colorful buildings and lively ambiance.

Read also: Stunning European Towns

Athens, Greece

Walkable Cities in Europe Athens
© neirfy / Adobe Stock

The next city on our list is arguably one of the most exciting cities on Earth. Bursting at the seams with mind-blowing architecture, historic sights, and gorgeous scenery, you don’t want to miss Athens. Athens is the capital and largest city in Greece and one of the largest urban areas in Europe, but that doesn’t stop it from being walkable.

Quite conveniently, many of the city’s most iconic landmarks and attractions are near one another. For example, you could visit the National Garden, the Agora, the Parthenon, and the Acropolis in less than two miles (3.2 kilometers) of walking. Furthermore, famous streets, like the shopping street Ermou Street, are pedestrian-only.

  • Stroll Through the National Garden: Enjoy a peaceful walk in the National Garden, a green oasis in the city center. Entry is free.
  • Discover the Ancient Agora: Visit the Ancient Agora to see ruins and learn about ancient Greek life. Admission is USD 5.

Read more: Athens, Greece

Hamburg, Germany

Walkable Cities in Europe Hamburg Germany
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Admittedly, public transport in Hamburg is efficient, so you won’t have trouble getting from A to B if you have to take it. However, Hamburg is also highly walkable, so you likely won’t need to. Most of Hamburg’s attractions, parks, shops, and restaurants, particularly in the city center, are within walking distance of each other. 

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You can easily navigate the street on foot, discovering vibrant streets, a charming waterfront, and historic buildings. Points of interest in the city include Hamburg Dungeon, the International Maritime Museum, Miniatur Wunderland, and Hamburg Town Hall. To show you how walkable the city is, you can visit the Hamburg Dungeon, the Maritime Museum, and Hamburg Town Hall in less than 40 minutes of walking.

  • Visit Hamburg Dungeon: Experience thrilling history at the Hamburg Dungeon. Admission is USD 30.
  • Explore the International Maritime Museum: Discover maritime history at the International Maritime Museum. Entry costs USD 19.

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Read also: Romantic European Destinations

Bruges, Belgium

Walkable Cities in Europe Bruges Belgium
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According to Motel One, Bruges is Europe’s most walkable city. The capital of West Flanders, this beautiful city in northwest Belgium is best known for its picturesque canals, cobblestone streets, and medieval architecture. You’ll spend most of your time exploring the Historic Centre of Brugge, where you’ll find famous sights such as Market Square, the Belfry of Bruges, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood.

Burg Square is a great place to start your walk. It features impressive landmarks and historic buildings, such as the 14th-century Stahuis (City Hall). You can also easily walk from the square to Markt Square, the Belfry of Bruges, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood.

  • Climb the Belfry of Bruges: Ascend the Belfry of Bruges for panoramic city views. Admission is USD 16.
  • Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood: Discover the Basilica of the Holy Blood, known for its sacred relic. Entry is free, but donations are appreciated.

Read also: Quick City Getaways in Europe

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Walkable Cities in Europe Amsterdam Netherlands
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Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is a vibrant city much loved for its unique narrow houses, fascinating cultures, artistic heritage, and vast canal systems. According to Preply, it’s also Europe’s sixth most walkable city. Amsterdam is deemed a walkable city because its Canal Ring is easily navigated on foot. 

The Canal Ring spans 60 miles (100 kilometers) and features more than 1,500 bridges, providing visitors with plenty of walking trails through the city. Better yet, many of the most famous streets in the city are pedestrian-only. Popular attractions you don’t want to miss include Anne Frank House, the National Monument, the Royal Palace, and the Rijksmuseum.

  • Visit Anne Frank House: Explore the poignant history at the Anne Frank House. Admission is USD 17.
  • Discover the Rijksmuseum: Admire Dutch masterpieces at the Rijksmuseum. Entry costs USD 24.

Read also: Hidden Islands in Europe

Edinburgh, Scotland

Walkable Cities in Europe Edinburgh Scotland
© Richie Chan / Shutterstock

Edinburgh is perfect if you’re looking for a walkable European city break that offers more variety. This wonderful city has everything, from a medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town to lush parks and scenic hills. Despite this wide range of offerings, you can see almost all of them on foot. 

This is because the city is so compact. From the Old Town, you can cross one bridge into the New Town, walk to lush parks, and climb a large hill that overlooks the city (Arthur’s Seat). For context, you could visit Edinburgh Castle, Calton Hill, the National Gallery, Holyrood House, and Holyrood Park on foot in approximately an hour. 

  • Visit Edinburgh Castle: Explore the historic Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock. Admission is USD 25.
  • Tour Holyrood House: Visit the official residence of the monarch in Scotland, Holyrood House. Entry costs USD 27.

Read also: Most Beautiful Cities in Europe

Florence, Italy

Walkable Cities in Europe Florence Italy
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Italy makes our list for a second time, this time with Florence. Florence is a breathtaking city jam-packed with historic architecture, iconic landmarks, and many pedestrian-only areas. The capital of the Tuscany region, the city is best explored by foot because the historic center is closed to most traffic, except for residents, taxis, and buses in a handful of streets.

The historic center will treat you to mind-blowing examples of Renaissance architecture and art, including the easily recognized Duomo Cathedral. Once you’ve explored the cobblestone streets around the cathedral, walk towards other popular attractions. Notable points of interest include Boboli Gardens, Uffizi Galleries, and Piazzale Michelangelo.

  • Visit the Duomo Cathedral: Marvel at the stunning architecture of the Duomo Cathedral in Florence’s historic center. Entry to the cathedral is free.
  • Explore the Uffizi Galleries: Discover Renaissance masterpieces at the Uffizi Galleries. Admission is USD 27.

Read also: Cool Destinations in Europe in August

Madrid, Spain

Walkable Cities in Europe Madrid Spain
© Alberto Giron / Adobe Stock

Madrid may be the largest city in Spain, but that doesn’t stop it from being highly walkable. The Spanish capital’s compact Centro District allows visitors to explore many of its best and most famous attractions on foot. You’ll find iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, and Puerta del Sol in the Centro District alone.

Many of the city’s other famous attractions are conveniently located within walking distance of the central Centro District hub, including El Retiro Park, Puerta de Alcalá, and Museo Nacional del Prado. Admittedly, if you decide to stay or venture further outside the city center, you’ll have much walking to do. Still, you’ll find many more attractions along the way, such as the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and the National Museum of Romanticism.

  • Visit the Royal Palace: Explore the Royal Palace of Madrid. Admission is USD 16.
  • Stroll Through Plaza Mayor: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Plaza Mayor, a historic square in the heart of Madrid.

Read also: European Cities With Great Cultural Heritage

Porto, Portugal

Walkable Cities in Europe Porto Portugal
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The final walkable city on our list is Porto, a vibrant coastal city in northwest Portugal famed for its beautiful architecture, impressive stately bridges, and thriving wine production. There are several ways to get around the city, but walking is the best way to explore because it allows you to take in all the sounds, sights, and smells at your own pace.

Luckily, Porto is a very easy city to explore on foot. Most of the city’s best attractions are located close together in the Historic Center, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meanwhile, popular attractions outside the Historic Center aren’t too far away. Noteworthy locations in Porto include Luís I Bridge, Porto Cathedral, and Bolsa Palace.

  • Visit Porto Cathedral: Explore the historic Porto Cathedral, a symbol of the city. Admission is USD 3.
  • Tour Bolsa Palace: Discover the grandeur of Bolsa Palace, known for its exquisite architecture. Entry costs USD 15.

Read more: Porto Travel Guide

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