There’s no better way to discover a city’s culture than by taking a stroll. Exploring a city on foot allows you to see many of the sights that you’d probably miss or just get a glimpse of when you’re driving.
What exactly makes a city one that’s walker-friendly? Sidewalks that are wide enough to accommodate pedestrian traffic, streets permitting the safe crossing of pedestrians, fewer vehicles, and interesting places to see along the way.
Some of the most interesting cities to visit are quite walkable, like the ones on this curated list.
1. Boston, Massachusetts
One of the most historical cities in the United States is also one of the most walkable places in the world. There are numerous sights to see for visitors to the city and residents alike.
You can walk in the footsteps of America’s revolutionary heroes and view the amazing row homes and cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill. Another plus is the city’s commitment to accessibility.
2. Carmel-By-The-Sea, California
In Carmel-by-the-Sea, you can walk along Ocean Avenue in the city’s downtown, stopping and shopping at any one of the many stores lining the street. You can even bring your four-legged friends along!
When you reach the end of Ocean Avenue, you’ll be rewarded with the white sand beaches of Carmel Beach. After shopping and sunning at the beach, you can take a walking tour of the city’s residential areas.
3. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Located in the southern region of the country, Dubrovnik is a hidden gem in Europe. Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to a number of churches from the Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance ages.
Other architectural marvels in Old City include fountains, monasteries, and incredible palaces. Its most famous site is the medieval period wall surrounding the entire city. Walking around is the best way to appreciate it.
4. Edinburgh, Scotland
The capital of Scotland was practically made for walking. It’s a European city that’s deeply steeped in history. Its gorgeous hills, including the Pentland Hills and Blackford Hill, are made for hiking.
If walking the hills isn’t to your liking, then take a walk in and around Edinburgh Castle. Aside from the breathtaking daytime views, you can see the castle colorfully lit up at night, called the Castle of Light.
5. Florence, Italy
Florence is rightfully known as one of the most beautiful cities on earth, in large part because of its place in the arts and in architecture. Visit the famous Duomo cathedral or the famed city hall, the Palazzo Vecchio.
For foodies, San Niccolò is an ideal neighborhood to find casual dining and unique cafès. The intersection of Via Maggio and the Ponte Santa Trinita bridge is the perfect place to stop for a genuine Italian gelato.
6. Melbourne, Australia
The city of Melbourne is strongly committed to making its streets pedestrian-friendly with an ever-widening network of footpaths. For walkable areas of Melbourne, the laneways embody the best the city has to offer.
Some of the laneways are busier than others, but all of them possess a unique artistry. Some of the laneways have boutiques that are not commonly found, and others are dedicated to vibrant street art.
7. Munich, Germany
In 2024, Munich, Germany was named the most walkable city in the world, an impressive distinction. With 86 percent of the city’s population living within .62 miles of an area without cars, it’s easy to see why it’s so walkable.
There are several guided tours and experiences that you can have while in Munich, like visiting the famous Hofbräuhaus beer hall or seeing the architectural wonder known as the New Town Hall Tower.
8. New York City, New York
It’s named as one of the most walkable cities in the country and one of the most walkable in the world. And that’s every neighborhood of New York City! With traffic at perpetual gridlock, it’s actually preferable to walk.
The numbered streets are easy to navigate and connect to contrasting neighborhoods like Harlem, Manhattan, SoHo, and Hell’s Kitchen. You can also navigate through Central Park, which is the ultimate walkable space.
9. Paris, France
Watching television videos of Paris would understandably give one the impression that the city is gridlocked with car traffic. The city’s mayor has embarked on a successful mission to make the city more pedestrian friendly.
Paris has become a greener city with the inclusion of walking paths and bike lanes, making it easier to walk to sites like the Berges de Seine, visit the vendors and markets of the Rue Montorgueil, and see the neighborhood gardens along the Petit Ceinture Park.
10. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Like New York City, Philadelphia is made up of walkable neighborhoods that are enjoyable for residents and visitors alike. In Old City, walk on cobblestone streets from the time of Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross.
Old City also has the National Constitution Center, National Museum of American Jewish History, the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. In Center City, you can visit the renowned Reading Terminal Market, which is only a couple of blocks from Chinatown.
11. Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm is rapidly becoming one of the more walkable cities in Europe and the world, and that’s not by accident. Since 2006, drivers have been charged a toll for entering the center parts of the city, which is part of the plan to make the city more pedestrian and biker friendly.
These efforts make it possible for visitors to embark on free walking tours, like the one to the Old City region of the capital city. You’ll see the Royal Palace and Storkyrkan Cathedral before enjoying a Swedish coffee at Gamla Stan’s Cozy Cafés.
12. Sydney, Australia
The varied settings found in Sydney make it a walkable city with many facets to it. For a real taste of the outdoors, you can take a hike through Sydney Harbour National Park or get a good workout in with a Fit City Tour.
To sample some authentic Australian cuisine, the Taste Cultural Food Tours gives you the opportunity to sample the diversity of the local foods. There’s also the I Ate My Way Through tour, which guides you to the unique foods from different neighborhoods.
13. Toronto, Ontario
It’s natural to think of Canada as mostly made of ice and snow, because some of its territories are just that, not to mention the cold winters in the others. There’s a different, pedestrian-friendly side of Canada you may not have heard of. It’s tucked into the city of Toronto.
The Beaches neighborhood consists of four boardwalks full of shops, each leading to a separate beach. Then there’s the artsy, hip district known as Queen West, which includes the open air art of Graffiti Alley, green spaces, and cool shops. If you’re lucky, a winter visit will get you a light, lovely snowfall to add some magic to your walk.
14. Vancouver, British Columbia
Another walkable city in Canada is Vancouver, with more than two dozen suggested pedestrian tours to meet all interests. Architecture buffs will love the Chinatown Architectural Walk and the Downtown Architectural Walk.
Nature lovers can embark on walks to any of the several parks in Vancouver, including McCleery to Deering Island Park, Granville Island to Kitsilano Pool, the Hastings Park Sanctuary, and gorgeous Queen Elizabeth garden.
15. Washington, D.C.
It’s easy to navigate the nation’s capital by car, but you’d only get a passing glance at all the landmarks. The best way to experience all D.C. has to offer, and that’s a lot, is to travel on foot. If you’re unfamiliar with the city, no worries!
The company DC by Foot offers free walking tours in neighborhoods such as Capitol Hill and Georgetown. Walking tours to monuments like the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and Arlington National Cemetery are readily available.
16. Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich may be known as one of the world’s financial capitals, but it’s also a pro-pedestrian city, especially in its colorful Old Town region. The local landmarks include St. Peter Church, the oldest church in Zurich.
Visitors can discover the secrets Zurich holds by taking a walking tour with a native of the city, with a chance to view the harbor and lake basin, as well as other fascinating landmarks along the way.
