Cars might be a modern convenience, but they can also be a pain. Renting a car, calling an Uber or Lyft, navigating unfamiliar public transportation, and hailing taxis are not any of the activities we look forward to on vacation. Plus, driving can be pricey, and we like to be frugal.
Skip all the driving hassle by choosing a getaway destination where walking is not only enjoyable, but it’s expected. These sensational cities are ideal for walking, so lace up your most supportive sneakers and grab your fanny pack!
1. Barcelona, Spain
It’s not just that you can walk around Barcelona, it’s that you’ll want to walk around. When driving, you whip past gorgeous buildings and mesmerizing architecture that will make you want to bang a U-turn and go back. So, you might as well walk.
The city is quite large, so you might not cover every inch on foot. But with so many walkable areas, it won’t matter where you start or where you end up. The Barcelona Shopping Line, Gothic Quarter, and La Boqueria areas are a few of the best places for walkers to check out.
2. Florence, Italy
It’s easy to walk almost everywhere in Florence, so there’s no need to rent a car or call a taxi for every outing. The city is small and most tourist destinations and activities are in the same region.
The historic center of Florence and the Oltrarno district are the most popular destinations and are easily accessible without a vehicle or transit. Some travel lists have ranked Florence as the most walkable city on earth, and while it is amazingly walkable, we’re not sure it’s number one.
3. Stockholm, Sweden
Sweden tends to design cities that cater to its people, so it’s not surprising that Stockholm is a wonderfully walkable location. Stockholm's Walkable City plan also encourages everyone to walk, cycle, or use public transit, so walking around Stockholm on foot is the norm.
Convenient signage, cute cobblestones, and lovely architecture make this a stellar walking city. Walking here is a way of life, and you can settle into this healthy lifestyle while on vacation!
4. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a beautiful city and one of the most walkable ones in the world. The city’s center has a plethora of things for tourists to do and is relatively compact and intuitive.
The historic architecture and landmarks in this area are conveniently close to one another. Many people report that you can see most of Prague in less than four hours while walking around, but you can also take your time and spend days getting to know the city.
5. Dublin, Ireland
People often say Edinburgh is extremely walkable, but with the large hills and spacious layout, we think Dublin caters better to on-foot tourists. The city is compact and the thoughtful design makes navigating the streets easy-peasy.
If you’re heading somewhere within city limits, odds are you can walk there no problem! And when you’re on foot here, you can spot the hole-in-the-wall pubs and tiny shops you might miss if you were driving. Be warned, Dublin isn’t the cleanest or the safest, but it’s no worse than most US cities.
6. Bath, United Kingdom
Bath is about an hour or so outside of London via train, but once you get out to this charming destination you won’t need a car. The city simultaneously feels large and small, with rolling hills all around it but a compact layout.
Stroll past the stunning Bath Abbey, along the historic canals, or through serene parks. Bath has all the charm one could want from a city in the English countryside, and you can’t walk more than 100 feet without passing a pub, store, or shop.
7. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam makes the list, but to be fair, most cities in the Netherlands are prime for walking around. With stunning street art, adorable houses, and unique architectural elements throughout the city, you’ll want to slow down and take it all in.
The city was designed with pedestrians in mind, unlike most US cities, and there are few hills to climb. The canals are lovely to walk along, as you can see a range of houseboats. But the best reason to walk is it allows you to find the hidden corners of Amsterdam that only locals know about.
8. Boston, MA, United States
Boston is one of the most underrated walking cities. While people often say New York is the most walkable, that’s only because you’re forced to walk everywhere or break the bank for a cab.
Walking from one end of NYC to the other would take a whole day, but you can walk across Boston in just a few hours! The traffic can be tough, but the spacious sidewalks in Back Bay and cobblestone streets in the North End are ideal for walking tourists. Even a stroll along the Charles River will show you the best parts of the city.
9. Montreal, Canada
Other cities in Canada, like Vancouver, are walkable, but Montreal is our top pick because it’s incredibly pedestrian-friendly. In fact, there are several streets closed to traffic and only accessible to pedestrians, encouraging everyone to walk more.
If you visit Montreal, you have to explore the Underground City, which is a network of pedestrian paths that can take you all around the region. The city was settled before cars, so it caters to walkers more than drivers.
10. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is another exciting destination for people who like to stay on their feet in a new location. You can get to almost anything with a brisk 30-minute walk, so no need to rent a car.
The downtown area is especially walkable, and it’s likely more inconvenient to have a car if you stay in this spot. People can even comfortably walk from the heart of the city to the airport! Furthermore, people say the city is more enjoyable on foot.
11. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Not every part of Dubai is very walkable, but the tourist areas, such as Downtown Dubai and the Dubai Marina, are. The city is almost completely flat, so no sweating up and down hills.
As with so many other cities on this list, walking allows you not to miss any of the amazing sights or local gems. You can follow footpaths to places such as the Business Bay and Dubai Water Canal, or just explore the many walkable neighborhoods.
12. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a fabulous place to visit if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of driving and parking. Some say the city is hilly, but most agree that the hills are mild and manageable and walking is the only way to truly immerse yourself in the atmosphere.
Similar to many other walkable cities, the downtown area is ideal for walking tourists, offering flat land and ample activities. You can traverse the rustic cobblestones and slowly admire the colorful buildings, which consist of homes and businesses. You might even walk past the famous pink McDonald’s in the city!
13. Seattle, WA, United States
Much like Boston, Seattle is one of the smaller major US cities. While some of the suburban areas are best suited to drivers, the heart of the city is supremely walkable. The Capitol Hill and Downtown Seattle areas are compact and splendid for meandering around on foot.
You can walk to most destinations, including Pike’s Place Market, Pier 62, and The Space Needle, with ease. We will warn you that some areas are hilly, but the city is designed for walkers to navigate the hills, offering stairs and even elevators in popular areas.
Put Your Best Foot Forward
While you may be tempted to squeeze as much as you can into your much-deserved vacation, we recommend slowing down and ditching the car for these destinations. You may miss some of the more subtle and small aspects of the city if you’re speeding around in a car.
Give yourself a chance to be out and about without relying on your car or an Uber. Make your next vacation a walkable one by visiting these locations where you can embrace the fresh air and sidewalks.
