Walkable cities are cities where people can quickly and safely walk from one place to another, and these cities often have many amenities for people who walk and live in the city. Walkability can be measured by the number of people using public transportation, the number of pedestrians, the number of accidents, and the number of kids walking to school.
From shops and restaurants to historical landmarks and parks, these cities have it all and offer residents and visitors a chance to explore everything they have to offer without relying on driving a car. Here we’ll discuss a few of the world’s top walkable cities.
Top 10 Walkable Cities in the World
1. Munich
Munich’s pedestrian-friendly city center is complete with charming Bavarian settings. Among the site that stands out because of the wonder one might cover is The English Garden. It is one of the largest parks in Europe and has picturesque lakes, old follies, beer gardens, and even a Japanese teahouse. Beyond this urban paradise, it’s simple to lose hours window shopping and admiring the Frauenkirche church and beautiful public buildings.
Munich is also considered a very walkable city for locals because its city center is relatively small and easy to navigate on foot. Additionally, the streets are pedestrian-friendly, with many areas reserved for foot traffic only. The city also has an excellent public transportation system, making it easy for locals to get around quickly and efficiently. Munich is also known for its extensive biking infrastructure, which includes bike lanes and paths throughout the city.
2. Kyoto
Kyoto is a beautiful combination of old history and the contemporary hustle and bustle—a city you might get lost in for days. It served as Japan’s imperial capital for over a millennium and is renowned for its temples, tea ceremonies, and floral arrangement customs. However, it’s also a bustling, modern city. Kyoto is best explored on foot, but because the city’s numerous attractions are dispersed widely, you’ll need to take public transportation between them. A particularly fascinating stroll is around the Kiyomizu-Dera temple, a bustling activity center with shrines and food booths.
Kyoto is a walkable city for everyone due to its compact city center with many attractions within walking distance. Kyoto has flat terrain that makes walking easy, pedestrian-friendly streets with designated crossings, a rich cultural heritage that anyone can experience on foot, and an efficient public transportation system that provides alternatives for locals. All these factors combined make Kyoto a fantastic city for exploring on foot.
3. Helsinki
Helsinki is often rated as one of the world’s most livable cities and is praised for its commitment to developing walkable neighborhoods and a car-free populace. Enjoy feasting your eyes on cutting-edge aesthetics that combine with Finnish tradition as you travel through this area, renowned for its forward-thinking Scandi design.
Helsinki is considered a walkable city due to its compact city center, which is easy to navigate on foot. The city also has many pedestrian-friendly streets, several pedestrian-only areas, and numerous parks and waterfront areas for locals to enjoy. Helsinki’s public transportation system is excellent, but many locals prefer to walk or bike, thanks to the city’s extensive biking infrastructure. All these factors make Helsinki a superb city for exploring on foot.
4. New York
No matter how far you roam, there’s little risk of getting lost in New York since the city has a grid pattern and numbered streets. Discover the very diverse neighborhoods of Manhattan by foot, including SoHo, Little Italy, and, of course, Central Park. Most New Yorkers don’t drive, and the city is tremendously walkable — Booking.com visitors rated New York highly for city strolls — with Times Square being a pedestrian-only area. But you can always use the metro if you need to.
New York City is a walkable city thanks to its grid street layout that makes it easy to navigate on foot, pedestrian-friendly streets with designated crossings, excellent public transportation system, many attractions within walking distance, and diverse neighborhoods. All these factors combined make New York City a great city for exploring on foot.
5. Perth
Perth is attractive for many reasons beyond its immaculate beaches and clear sky; it also has a vibrant arts and culture scene. Choose from various restaurants and pubs as you explore the city’s laid-back streets, or unwind in a beautiful urban park while listening to the wind whistle through the gum trees.
Perth is a walkable city due to its unique combination of modernity and natural beauty. It is the fourth most populous city in Australia, but its compact city center is easy to navigate on foot, with many attractions within walking distance. Perth’s pedestrian-friendly streets are designed to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists, with dedicated bike lanes and paths throughout the city.
6. Marrakech
Marrakech’s old center, or medina, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site quickly explored on foot and is home to a wealth of architectural marvels. The mazelike streets of Marrakech’s souks, where you can shop for Berber rugs, exotic spices, and brightly colored babouches, are a must-see for every visitor. Traveling south will bring you to the remains of the 16th-century El Badi Palace and the bustling Jemaa El-Fnaa plaza, home to several markets and street performers. And if you’re looking for peace, go to the western Menara Olive Gardens.
Marrakech’s compact city center, pedestrian-friendly streets, rich cultural heritage, pleasant climate, and good public transportation make it a walkable city for everyone. Its historical landmarks and attractions are within walking distance of each other, and many locals prefer to explore the city on foot.
7. Florence
Given the traffic in Florence’s historic center and inhabitants’ access to taxis, buses, and taxis, this city encourages people to walk around. Walking in Florence feels precisely like walking in an outdoor museum home to several historical sites close to one another.
The Cattedrale de Santa Maria del Fiore, a well-known landmark, is followed by the Ponte Vecchio, a bridge that was spared from German bombing during World War II, and the Piazzale Michelangelo, from which one can enjoy a breathtaking view of both the city and the surrounding Tuscan countryside. Then if you’re tired from walking, rest your weary feet at one of the many pubs, eateries, and cafés in almost every area.
Florence is a walkable city due to its compact city center, pedestrian-friendly streets, historical and cultural significance, scenic views, and pleasant climate. Many of the city’s landmarks and attractions are within walking distance of each other, and the city’s narrow streets are perfect for exploring on foot. The surrounding hills and countryside offer many scenic walks and hiking trails. All these factors make Florence a great city for exploring on foot.
8. Vancouver
Vancouver may be Canada’s third-largest city, but it’s a paradise for pedestrians. The government strongly promotes walking due to the proactive mobility strategy and the newly issued pedestrian guidance maps. One of the city’s most renowned walks is down False Creek to Granville Island, where people may visit the Public Market and buy locally farmed and fresh produce.
Vancouver is a beautiful city nestled between mountains and sea, and it’s also a walkable city for locals. The city boasts several pedestrian-friendly streets with designated crossings and low vehicle traffic, making it easy for locals to explore the city on foot. Vancouver is also known for its extensive biking infrastructure, which includes dedicated bike lanes and paths throughout the city. For those who prefer a more active mode of transportation, biking is a great option to explore the city while enjoying scenic views.
9. Melbourne
Melbourne is Australia’s second biggest city, a contrasting site where Victorian architecture coexists with urban parklands and sparkling skyscrapers that meets the beautiful harbor. The beauty starts from the Yarra River, and vegetation stretches from the Alexandra Gardens to the stunning Royal Botanic Gardens.
On the other side, stroll through Melbourne’s CBD, a historic arcade and laneways filled with chic shops, cafés, restaurants, and must-see attractions such as the Old Melbourne Gaol. There’s also St. Kilda Beach. Finally, the elevator to the Eureka Skydeck 88, the tallest platform in Melbourne, can take you to a panoramic view of the city.
Melbourne is a walkable city due to its pedestrian-friendly streets, compact city center, public transportation, biking infrastructure, and rich cultural significance. Locals can explore the city’s unique architecture, street art, and cafe culture on foot or bike. The city’s laneways and alleys offer an exciting adventure for those who love to wander. With excellent public transportation, walking and biking can be great options for exploring Melbourne’s attractions.
10. Venice
Venice is one of the greatest walking cities in the world since cars are not allowed at all inside the city limits, making it the perfect pedestrian-friendly vacation. Walking in Venice gives the event a more accurate feel and helps you discover the details and jewels that make it unique. The best time to visit Venice is between April and September to avoid strolling through tourist-packed streets.
Venice is a magical and romantic city perfect for exploring on foot. Its pedestrian-only streets, compact city center, canals, and bridges create a unique and enchanting atmosphere that makes walking around the city a delightful experience for locals. The absence of cars means that locals can stroll without worrying about traffic while enjoying the city’s rich cultural heritage and scenic views. Walking along the narrow streets, hidden alleyways, and across the numerous bridges of Venice is like stepping back in time and offers an immersive experience of the city’s unique architecture and history.
Bottomline
A city’s sustainability depends on its residents’ well-being. Fewer cars can be a big win for a city’s sustainability, given the high environmental and economic costs of car emissions and congestion.
The walk score of cities is an essential metric of how well a city can attract and retain businesses and residents within city limits. Still, a city with a vibrant downtown, many green spaces, and separated bike lanes might be walking-friendly. Still, the need for more supermarkets within city limits can force some residents to drive long distances to get groceries and other supplies. An analysis of which cities make the most sense for walkable living includes public transit, park space, affordable housing, and weather.
You may also be interested in: Benefits of Walkability, Countries That Will Survive Climate Change
