12 Walkable Cities So Great, You’ll Forget Cars Even Exist

Whether you enjoy walking or hiking or don’t want to be stuck in a car for most of your vacation, many cities worldwide are best explored by two feet. These cities feature pedestrian-only districts, easy-to-access attractions, and boulevards jam-packed with attractions.

However, knowing which cities are most walkable is challenging, as there are many cities to explore. Luckily, we’re here to help. To learn more, here’s a list of 12 walkable cities worldwide. If you want to avoid spending most of your vacation on public transport, riding a bicycle, or driving a car, you’ll want to visit one of these destinations.

Table of Contents

Paris, France

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We’ll kick things off with Paris, the French capital. Famed for its iconic landmarks, historic architecture, and high-end fashion retailers, Paris is easily one of the most walkable cities in the world because there’s so much to see and do. It doesn’t matter where you are in the city; you’ll find beauty and authentic experiences everywhere.

Furthermore, you’ll be so overwhelmed by the impressive sights that you’ll forget about your aching feet. Slide on your best pair of sneakers and explore the central districts. Stroll through the Latin Quarter and cross over Petit Pont to the Notre Dame before going to the Louvre Museum. Other attractions you don’t want to miss include the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and the Arc de Triomphe.

Florence, Italy

Another walkable city bursting with historic architecture and world-famous landmarks is Florence. The capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, Florence, is home to many beautiful examples of Renaissance art and architecture, including the breathtaking Duomo Cathedral, with its beautiful terracotta-tiled dome and bell tower.

Florence is so walkable because the historic center is closed to all traffic except for residents, buses, and taxis in a few streets. This is excellent news for walkers, who can enjoy the city’s cobblestone streets in peace and tranquility. You can easily take in most of Florence’s main attractions on foot by using the city’s six bridges to help. Notable attractions include Boboli Gardens, Piazzale Michelangelo, and Uffizi Galleries.

Munich, Germany

Munich, the capital of Germany, is one of the most walkable cities in the world for many reasons. First, many of the city’s best attractions are close to each other. Second, parts of the city are designated pedestrian-only, so car or other transport access isn’t permitted.

One of the most walkable parts of the city is the Fussgängerzone (Pedestrian Zone). Opened in 1972 for the Olympic Games, this zone is one of Germany’s first car-free shopping districts. Tucked away in the heart of Aldstadt (Old Town), tourists will find many boutique shops and high-end retailers along Kaufingerstrasse and Neuhauser Strasse. You’ll also see famous attractions like Karlstor, Marienplatz Plaza, and Kräutlmarktbrunnen.

Helsinki, Finland

Finland’s capital, Helsinki, is a beautiful city loved for its rich cultural heritage, architecture, and innovative art. Known for its outdoorsy way of life, the city is also often called ‘one of Europe’s most walkable cities.’ Thanks to its compact size, lush parks, and spacious pathways, Helsinki is easy to explore on foot.

You can cover a lot of ground in one day while passing most of the city’s most iconic attractions. Discover the city’s picturesque coastline and lively markets when you’re not walking through a park or along a busy high street. Points of interest in the city include Kaivopuisto, Helsinki Market Square, and Helsinki Cathedral.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is arguably the most walkable city on this list. Famous worldwide for its historic Old Town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can explore almost the entire city in one day. Better yet, the whole Old Town is pedestrian-only. So, what are you waiting for? Get your trainers on, and get ready to explore.

In the Old Town, you’ll find many beautiful places to walk. The city’s medieval ramparts encompass the city, offering visitors approximately 6,360 feet (1,940 meters) of undisturbed walking trail to follow. You’ll be treated to epic coast views and the city’s beautiful medieval architecture from the walls. Afterward, walk along Stradun (Main Street) and get lost down the narrow cobblestone streets.

Warsaw, Poland

According to Compare the Market, Warsaw, the capital of Poland, is the third most walkable city in the world. The city’s compact size makes it incredibly easy to explore on foot, while Compare the Market’s study also found that 74% of the population live within 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) of car-free space.

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Start your walk in Warsaw Old Town, where you’ll find the beautiful Rynek Starego Miasta, Warsaw’s Old Town Market Place. You’ll also find notable landmarks, such as the Museum of Warsaw, Arkady Kubickiego, and the Tin-Roofed Palace nearby. From the Old Town, it’s a 20-minute walk to the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews or a 30-minute walk to the Palace of Culture and Science.

New York City, New York

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New York City might be one of the largest cities in the world, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the most walkable. The beauty of New York City is that all its neighborhoods are packed with exciting things to see and do. Choose a neighborhood and explore rather than setting a route from A to B.

Take Manhattan, for example. You could start at Battery Park, walk through the financial district, along the Hudson River to the West Village, and end up at the Upper West Side and Central Park. Better still, the streets are numbered, so you won’t get lost as easily, and walking is often the fastest way to get around.

Edinburgh, Scotland

The next walkable city on our list is Edinburgh in Scotland. This city is one of the best walkable cities in the world because it offers excellent variety. From the city center, you can easily explore a historic Old Town, a vibrant New Town, lush parks, and a picturesque hill on foot.

We recommend starting in the Old Town, where you’ll find medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and an impressive castle towering above the city. Next, cross over the North Bridge to the Georgian New Town and admire the views from Calton Hill. Finally, head to Arthur’s Seat and hike to the top of the picturesque peak ahead of a breathtaking sunset. What’s not to like?

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, Australia, has been dubbed one of the best cities in the world for car-free living. Melbourne is a lively city located in Victoria in the southeast of Australia. With a population of more than five million, it’s the second-largest country in the nation.

Thanks to the city’s compact grid street layout and central business district, Melbourne’s most popular attractions can be reached by walking. These include the Royal Botanic Gardens, the National Gallery of Victoria, and the Melbourne Sky Deck. The central business district is an excellent place to start your Melbourne adventure. Many major attractions, parks, landmarks, and museums are here.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

According to Preply, Amsterdam is the sixth most walkable city in Europe. Offering one of the world’s most unique and fascinating urban landscapes, this is mainly because the city features an easily navigated Canal Ring and pedestrian-only streets. Built in the 1600s to extend the medieval center, the Canal Ring spans 60 miles (100 kilometers), has more than 1,500 bridges, and links over 90 islands.

As you would expect, this makes it incredibly easy to reach most of the city on foot. Admittedly, you’d have to do extreme walking to see it all, but you’ll almost always be able to walk from one major attraction to another. Attractions you don’t want to miss include Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the National Monument.

Bangkok, Thailand

With hot summers, an extreme rainy season, and a vast cityscape to explore, Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, isn’t a city many people associate with being walkable. However, you’d be foolish to disregard the city, as it’s taken considerable strides in recent years to become more walkable.

Besides, the traffic can be so awful that you’ll often reach your destination quicker by foot. In recent years, the city has opened new parks, cross-town walkways, and bridges to make it easier for visitors to travel on foot. Now, exploring the city’s most iconic attractions and crossing busy roads is much easier. Places you should visit in Bangkok include the Grand Palace, Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Valletta, Malta

The final walkable city on our list is Valletta, Malta. This mindblowing city is the capital of the Mediterranean nation. It’s best known for its historic architecture, impressive coastline, and pedestrian-only streets with luxurious boutique shops selling antiques and designer clothes.

Some must-visit attractions in the walled city include St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Upper Barrakka, the National Museum of Archaeology, and the Valletta Waterfront. Due to the city’s compact size, history, culture, art, and best dining spots can be reached by foot. The fact that large parts of the city are car-free also makes things easier and more enjoyable. Start in the Old Town of Valletta and work your way out.