These are the world’s most walkable cities

Trot in comfort

Get some steps in, save money on transport and take in the top sights. Image: iStock

Get some steps in, save money on transport and take in the top sights on foot in these wonderfully walkable cities.

When we think of a city break the word ‘relaxing’ doesn’t always spring to mind. While many a city stopover will involve hustle and bustle, there are pockets of serenity to be found strolling through blooming blossom trees or ambling around historic attractions. Jumping in a car or taking public transport might get you from A to B quicker, but in these scenic cities, the journey is part of the experience and it's more than worth taking the time to walk so you can stop and smell the roses along the way. 

London, UK

The UK’s sprawling capital with its 32 boroughs, nine different travel fare zones, and eclectic neighbourhoods north and south of The Thames may not immediately strike you as a particularly walkable city, but don’t let the colorful and confusing tube map deceive you. All the main sites in Central London are closer than you think. So while the market stalls of cobbled Covent Garden and the bright lights of entertainment quarter Leicester Square may be a whole tube stop apart, it will only take you four minutes to walk between the two. From there you can stroll to Trafalgar Square, be at Big Ben in just 15 minutes or stroll down The Mall lined with Union Jacks to find Buckingham Palace. Tired after a day of trooping around the sites? Jump on an iconic big red bus to get you back to your hotel. 

The UK’s sprawling capital with its 32 boroughs, nine different travel fare zones, and eclectic neighbourhoods north and south of The Thames may not immediately strike you as a particularly walkable city.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Scotland’s capital is steeped in history and whether you’re exploring the oldest parts of the city, shopping on Princes Street or in town for the military tattoo, there’s plenty of places you can get to on foot. The easy 1.4km walk from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace is one of the top rated city walking routes in the whole of Europe on trail guide app AllTrails. The 20 minute stroll will take you along the city’s famous ‘Royal Mile’, which is a hub of activity all year round, but is especially bustling in August when the Edinburgh Fringe Festival comes to town and actors, comedians and performers from the world's largest arts festival take to the streets to flyer and promote their shows happening around the city. Fancy a walk away from the city streets? Head to Holyrood Park and hike up to Arthur's Seat for amazing views of the city and the sea beyond. 

Scotland’s capital is steeped in history and whether you’re exploring the oldest parts of the city, shopping on Princes Street or in town for the military tattoo, there’s plenty of places you can get to on foot.

Florence, Italy 

A visit to the Italian region of Tuscany is a must for any italophile and you can’t make a trip to Tuscany without spending a day or two in the picturesque city of Florence. Ranked by travel experiences company Tourlane as the most walkable city in the whole world, most of the historic destination’s top sights are less than a mile apart. Wander to the Ponte Vecchio bridge, then head to the Uffizi Galleries to see outstanding art before walking for one minute to the stunning Piazza della Signoria. The historic Piazza del Duomo with the imposing Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is less than 10 minutes on foot from there. Still got some gas in the tank? While you’re visiting the Piazza del Duomo take on the 414 steps to climb the marble-clad Campanile di Giotto for unforgettable city views. 

A visit to the Italian region of Tuscany is a must for any italophile and you can’t make a trip to Tuscany without spending a day or two in the picturesque city of Florence.

Washington D.C., USA

The US capital is home to memorials, monuments, museums and - of course - The White House. Head to the wide, grassy National Mall area and you’ll find all of these top sights within walking distance flanked by the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol Building. Walk alongside the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to take a photo of the Washington Monument before visiting the world famous Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History or the National Gallery of Art. Meander down pathways and across the grassy lawns to get a glimpse of The White House and don’t leave without doing the 3.4km Tidal Basin Loop Trail - especially if you visit in the spring when the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom. 

The US capital is home to memorials, monuments, museums and - of course - The White House.

Sydney, Australia 

At home in Australia, Sydney ranks as one of the most walkable cities Down Under thanks to the proximity of some of its most iconic landmarks. Sip a schooner or an espresso in Circular Quay and you can take in both the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. From there, the Royal Botanic Gardens and a collection of Sydney’s best museums and galleries are only minutes away on foot. The ‘Sydney City Walk’ taking in these sites, plus the CBD and Darling Harbour is the top rated city walking route in Australia on AllTrails, with the Bradleys Head (Taronga Zoo) to Chowder Bay Walk coming in second. 

At home in Australia, Sydney ranks as one of the most walkable cities Down Under thanks to the proximity of some of its most iconic landmarks.

Originally published as These are the world’s most walkable cities