Have you ever landed in a new city, unpacked your bags, and just set out to walk with no real destination in mind? It’s likely those were some of your best days – just waiting for the city to open its gates to you and delight you with surprise after surprise.
In such a magnificent world with so much to explore, it’s tough to narrow the whole planet down to only 12 walkable cities. But, we did our best, with a focus on those coming to these cities for the first time. We hope the suggestions below will serve as an anchor to kickstart one of the best adventures of your lifetime.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam practically beckons visitors who prefer their feet or a pair of pedals. With its network of canals and historic architecture, it’s hard to imagine taking in the delights of this city any other way.
If you plan your trip around springtime, of course, you’ll enjoy the majesty of the tulips that seem to spring up from every corner.
If you need to get further faster, you can cheat the walking system and hop on a bike, as the city is renowned for its network of bike lanes, as well. In addition to all this, it will also be easy enough to find a houseboat for rent to rock you to sleep at night as you rest your weary feet.
Florence, Italy
There are many Italian cities that belong on this list, including Rome. But, if we had to make a tough call, we’d go with Florence for its walkability and ability to transport you through time.
Truthfully, you wouldn’t want to take in the sights of Florence any other way because you need to be able to linger over the rich Renaissance history and spectacular architecture. Of course, many people flock here for the Piazza del Duomo. You also have Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery.
Before you go, be sure to watch the first few episodes of the Netflix series From Scratch. It’ll have you falling in love with the city even before you set foot on its storied streets.
Paris, France
Like Italy, France has plenty of walkable cities. But, without question, Paris deserves to be on this list. While their Metro system is incredibly intuitive (perhaps more so than the New York City subway system), you can easily walk as far and as long as you’d like in this historic city.
It would probably be easier to highlight where not to walk than where to walk. With cultural delights in Le Marais, the Latin Quarter, and Montmartre, the entire city is your oyster. But, for something a little smaller, more manageable, and slightly quieter, we’ll take aim at Île Saint-Louis. Before we start our walking tour, this guide might help you figure out where you’d like to base yourself.
As for Île Saint-Louis, you can start at one of the major highlights of the city – Notre-Dame. Check-in on this majestic lady to see how the reconstruction of her spire is going.
Then, you can walk across Pont Saint-Louis to the sweetest little island, Île Saint-Louis. Stop for a vin chaud at The Saint Régis café before strolling down l´Île Street to admire the homegrown boutiques, florists, ice creameries, and pretty little wine bars.
As you exit the island at the other end of l´Île Street, you’ll be within walking distance of Sainte-Chapelle, a 13th-century stunner of a cathedral with stained glass windows that will transport you straight into the clouds of heaven.
Munich, Germany
Time and time again, Munich is ranked as one of the most walkable (and safest) cities in the world. As Bavaria’s capital, you know you’re in for a treat. With centuries-old buildings and over 60 museums, you could spend an entire day aimlessly wandering.
For something more definitive, you can start your journey in Altstadt (Old Town). One of the focal points here is Viktualienmarkt, a former farmers’ market. Now, it’s a gorgeous display of stalls with local, gourmet, and exotic produce.
When you’re ready to try an authentic German beer, your next stop will have to be Hofbräuhaus, an ancient and expansive beer hall dating back to the 16th century.
To cap things off, you can tour the former royal palace of the Wittelsback monarchs, the Munich Residence. That will be the cherry on top of this delightful feeling that you’ve most assuredly stepped back in time.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is a walkable city for many reasons. You’ll want to begin your journey on Victoria Street, the famous colored street suspected to be the inspiration for J.K. Rowling’s Diagon Alley.
Then, you can purchase a ticket to explore Edinburgh Castle and step even further back in time than Hofbräuhaus. Once you depart the castle, the game plan is to walk along the Royal Mile until you hit the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
This is the same mile that monarchs have traversed for centuries. Today, you can dip into a shop or two and also enjoy a whisky tasting or two. If you’d like to build out your walking tour a little further, here’s an in-depth guide to the top 20 things to do in Edinburgh.
Galway, Ireland
If you’ve enjoyed your time with the Celts, then you might want to hop across the Irish Sea to Ireland. Over on the West Coast, the pretty-as-a-picture city known as Galway is just waiting to give you a proper welcome. One of the main streets, Quay Street, is pedestrian-only, making this a completely walkable city.
Therein, you’ll find countless boutiques, restaurants, cafes, jewelers (to purchase a Claddagh ring), and easy access to some of the finest pubs with the best live Irish music.
Given its close proximity to the water, you can also enjoy a stroll along the Corrib River as it whispers its secrets to you. When Ireland captivates your heart, which it will, here are 25 additional destinations that are just waiting to welcome you home.
Barcelona, Spain
Like Galway, Barcelona is a delight for the senses because you’ll enjoy easy access to downtown delights as well as waterfront views. The Gothic Quarter is a great place to start, as it’s packed to the gills with history, thanks to its many medieval alleys and secret passageways.
The Cathedral of Barcelona will steal your breath, thanks to its 13th-century roots. Then, you might want to stroll over to Plaça de Sant Josep Oriol, home to another architectural marvel, the Basilica de Santa María del Pi. While there, be sure to stop at Bar del Pi, a watering hole that’s been frequented by residents since the 1920s.
Of course, you’ll eventually want to make your way to the sea at some point throughout your rambles. In which case, be sure to put Bodega La Palma in your GPS on your walk to the Mediterranean. As a former bohemian haunt for the likes of Picasso, you’ll enjoy the ambiance as much as the menu.
Sydney, Australia
Heading down under, it has to be said that, for such a metropolis, Sydney has a pristine reputation for being one of the cleanest cities in the world. That, alone, makes you want to take to its streets.
Of course, you’ll want to snap a picture of the world-famous Opera House. The Royal Botanic Garden is also within walking distance. With a maze of avenues that’ll help you shop ‘til you drop and easy beach access, what more could you ask for in such a delightfully walkable city?
Boston, Massachusetts
With its cobblestone streets and harborside breezes, Boston is also remarkably clean-feeling for such a heavily populated area. Stroll through Beacon Hill to drink in that famous colonial architecture.
Then, when you’re ready for some retail therapy, head over to Newbury Street for some trinkets and charms. Of course, you’ll also have to dip in and out of Faneuil Hall Marketplace – a market so grand that it takes up three historic buildings downtown.
New York, New York
It’s interesting that some of the most walkable cities are also the most famous. Like Paris, it’s probably easier to suggest where not to walk than where to walk. But, for a first-timer to the city, Midtown is your safest bet.
Once you get off the train at Grand Central, you can take the 49th Street exit and make your way over to 5th Avenue. There, you can stroll past many of the flagship stores for our famous brands.
You also have Bryant Park behind the New York Public Library, as well as Central Park, just beyond the Plaza Hotel. When you’re more comfortable, you can study the subway system to make your way down to the Lower East Side for some delectable wine bars and boutiques. But, a straight stroll up and down 5th Avenue is the perfect foray into this marvelous metropolis.
Savannah, Georgia
If you’ve ever wondered what a Southern Belle looks like, allow us to introduce you to Savannah. She’s pretty as a picture with her ancient oak trees that form arches over the streets, dappled in Spanish moss.
To get a taste of the city’s history, you’ll want to stroll down Jones Street to marvel at the Antebellum architecture. If you don’t have time for it during the day, you can surely find a ghost tour at night that will be happy to tell you scary tales of the mansions’ histories.
Then you have Broughton Street for a dose of retail excitement – everything from quaint boutiques to big-name brands. Then, you can cap your day down on River Street. Here, you’ll walk along its cobbled lanes until you find a nice rooftop bar to toast the day as you watch the sunset over the Savannah River.
San Francisco, California
Over on the West Coast, San Francisco often earns the title for the most walkable city. It does have more than a few steep inclines, so it’s not for the faint of heart. But, once you get going, you won’t want to stop.
Chinatown is a fan favorite for folks who like to stroll. The authenticity here is palpable, and it’s also where you’ll find the lovely Portsmouth Square. Then, of course, you have Golden Gate Park, which could take you a week to walk through if you wanted to stop and see every last sight.
While there, however, as you make your way to the money shot – the bridge itself – be sure to take a moment’s pause in the Japanese Tea Garden for some soul-cleansing peace and a spot of healing tea.
Put On Your Walking Shoes
We hope you’ve been breaking in your walking shoes in the run-up to your arrival in any of these walkable cities. Nothing can ruin the trip of a lifetime the way one teeny, tiny blister can.
With a sturdy pair of shoes and a heart full of dreams, we hope your arrival in any one of these cities brings you fulfillment, joy, and peace. Whether you’re heading for Europe or the West Coast of America, we have a destination guide prepared to help you spring your wildest dreams to life.