The World’s Most Walkable Cities

Where are the world’s most walkable cities? Whether it’s strolling along the beach in Miami or traversing the High Line in New York City, walking is the best way to discover a new destination. It’s free, easy, and healthy, helping you to find out what makes a city unique. Walking also benefits the environment—as fewer vehicles means fewer emissions. As many cities have top attractions clustered near each other, walking is often faster than other modes of transport to explore top highlights. 

We mapped the walking distance between the top five attractions in hundreds of destinations around the world, and created a final shortlist of 50 cities where the total does not exceed 10 miles. Forget crowded subways, enclosed spaces, and expensive taxis—don your walking shoes and take to the spacious streets of the world’s most exciting cities! Ready to take a walk on the wild side? Take a stroll around the world’s top 50 most walkable cities below, and learn about the top five attractions in each!

The Top 50 Most Walkable Cities in the World

Sauntering into first place, the enchanting Italian city of Florence ranks as the world’s most walkable city. Within 10 minutes, visitors can admire the unique Ponte Vecchio bridge and the iconic Cathedral of Santa Maria—home to the largest brick dome ever constructed. Hot on its heels is Venice, taking second place with its car-free canals, scenic bridges, and compact layout that invites travelers to explore entirely on foot. Athens also ranks among the world’s most walkable cities, with ancient ruins towering above the skyline—all within close reach of one another. Coming in at sixth place is Edinburgh, Scotland’s historic capital. Known for its charming cobblestone streets, the majestic Edinburgh Castle, and the picturesque Royal Mile, the city offers a walkable experience rich in culture and history, perfect for travelers eager to explore without relying on transportation.

Visitors looking to discover more modern cities will enjoy grand vistas of the famous Harbour Bridge and spot the instantly recognizable Opera House while walking around Australia’s largest city, Sydney—the most walkable city in Oceania. History buffs can marvel at the Blue Mosque and Galata Tower while exploring the winding streets of Istanbul—it’s one of the world’s largest cities, but its main attractions are surprisingly close together. Food and wine enthusiasts will love the Cité du Vin in Bordeaux, followed by a stroll through the city’s elegant UNESCO-listed center. Rome, ranked 11th, invites travelers to walk through millennia of history—from the Colosseum to the Trevi Fountain—while Liverpool (18th) blends maritime heritage and vibrant music history into a compact, walkable layout.

Despite being well-known for its Underground trains and black taxis, London is a great city to enjoy on foot and takes position 31 in the ranking. To the east, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London attract visitors from around the world—take a moment to admire the spectacular skyline of the City of London and Canary Wharf behind. To the west, relax in the green gardens of Hyde Park after a visit to see Her Majesty at Buckingham Palace. Dublin, ranked 27th, is another walkable gem, where visitors can explore Georgian architecture, lively pubs, and literary landmarks all within a short stroll.

For travelers looking for mountains, beaches, and more, Cape Town offers plenty of unique walking paths and is the most walkable city in South Africa. Wander around the city’s inviting waterfront, where you’ll find top-rated restaurants, buzzing bars, and a number of enormous yachts towering out of the still waters. If you’re up for a decent hike, put on your sturdiest shoes and climb the world-famous Table Mountain. Once you reach the 3,500 feet summit, you’ll enjoy one of the best views in Africa.