No matter your age, travelling the world is a remarkable experience that everyone should experience not just once but many times in their lives! The thrill of seeing iconic attractions, hearing new languages and tasting foods from afar makes for an unforgettable experience. However, sometimes, getting around can be a bit challenging when a city isn’t geared for pedestrians. But you’re in luck! Some of the world’s top walkable cities are also must-see travel destinations!
In honour of World Public Transport Day on 10 November, promoting sustainable transport, Expat Explore breaks down the world’s most walkable cities. And, if you choose to visit them by coach, your travels will be even more sustainable. Read on for the top walkable cities in the world.
Take a look at 10 of the top walkable cities in the world:
Florence, Italy
It should come as no surprise to anyone who’s been to Italy that this country tops the list of walkable places. Florence, the capital of Italy’s breathtaking Tuscany region, is considered the most walkable city in the world. That’s probably because most of the Renaissance history and architecture can all be accessed within a short walk. And, best of all, the city is also considered incredibly clean. Fancy a stroll in Florence?
Related: Learn more about Florence through the eyes of a Tour Leader.
Riga, Latvia
If you’re looking for the perfect place to explore the Baltics by foot, especially the Baltic Sea, look no further than Latvia! This stunning medieval, coastal capital of Riga is filled with incredible sights to explore, including Riga Cathedral, Riga Central Market, the House of Black Heads, Bastejkalns Park and Vērmanes Garden. And the best part? They’re all within about 2.5km of each other.
Related: Enjoy a free day to explore Riga on our Ultimate Scandinavia & the Baltics tour.
Hamburg, Germany
Germany offers us not only a walkable city but one with great public transport too, which enhances the walkability of this stunning maritime town. Apart from its coastal charm, Hamburg also offers a variety of historic sights such as the Hamburg Dungeon and Miniatur Wunderland, only about 3km from one another.
Related: Visit Hamburg on our Northern Explorer tour.
Porto, Portugal
If you’re looking for a holiday consisting of ticking off stunning landmarks while wandering cobbled streets, Porto in Portugal should be on your bucket list! Visit Dom Luís I Bridge and Livraria Lello within walking distance of each other, and enjoy a glass of their most famous export, Port wine. This city truly is a pedestrian’s dream, with clean streets and parks as well as the fresh coastal air filling your lungs.
Related: Apart from walkable cities, there are many more reasons to visit Portugal.
Madrid, Spain
Another European gem worth a visit due to its walkability is the marvellous capital city of Spain – Madrid. Stroll along some of the elegant roads and marvel at the manicured parks. Plus, see iconic attractions such as the Royal Palace and Prado Museum without too much distance to cover in between. Enjoy some of the local tapas and sip on some delectable cocktails or local sparkling wines as you traverse this famous world city.
Related: Take a look at the top tapas and restaurants in Spain.
Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Scotland is well-known for its historical landmarks and natural beauty, and its capital, Edinburgh, is no exception! This must-see Scottish city has impeccably clean parks and roads. Marvel at a myriad of historic buildings and sights lining the roads as you walk. For example, top attractions such as the National Museum of Scotland and Edinburgh Castle are within walking distance of each other.
Related: Planning on visiting around August? Get the lowdown on the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Tallinn, Estonia
Estonia is a fairytale European country with many marvellous sights to explore, one of which is the country’s capital, Tallinn. This compact city is filled to the brim with exciting attractions, colourful buildings and medieval charm. And since it’s all packed so compactly into a city that’s not that big, this one is a walking traveller’s dream!
Related: Spend a free day in Tallinn on our Highlights of Helsinki & the Baltics tour.
Stockholm, Sweden
If you’re looking for pedestrian paradise, you’ll find it in Sweden’s capital city, Stockholm. Not only are some of the city’s most memorable sights all within walking distance, but the city is also known for some of the best air quality in the world. So, tighten your trainers, walk till you can’t anymore, and fill your lungs with some of the cleanest air you’ll ever breathe.
Related: Are you looking for even more reasons to visit Sweden?
Boston, Massachusetts, USA
For our next entry, we will head to the USA and to Massachusetts for a city with clean air, historic attractions, and a cool harbour breeze bracing your walk. What makes this city one of the top walkable cities in the world is that the top attractions like the Museum of Fine Arts and Boston Common are within a few short kilometres of each other. Plus, the walks in between will be filled with awe-inspiring architecture and clean ocean air.
Related: Enjoy a full day to explore Boston on our Eastern USA & Canada Escape tour.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Netherlands is known for its different approach to getting around, with bicycles having become synonymous with the country’s lifestyle. Amsterdam, the country’s must-see capital, is not only a walkable wonder due to captivating canals and streets lined with historic architecture but also for the aforementioned bikes. Tired of walking? Simply rent a bike and get around using dedicated cyclist lanes. There’s truly no need for a car in Amsterdam!
Related: While you roam, explore the best museums in Amsterdam.
Now that you’ve discovered the world’s most walkable cities, why not visit one or all of them? Fill your water bottle, pack a comfy pair of kicks, and discover some of the world’s top destinations on foot.
If you’d like to visit any or all of the cities on our list, you’re in luck. We visit each of these cities on one of our single or multi-country tours; so book now to traverse the world your way!