There are many factors that make for a great city, including culture and diversity, delectable cuisine, and welcoming people, but perhaps the one element that is most important is a city’s walkability.
Experts in happiness around the world have underlined the importance of a city’s accessibility and convenience in getting around. Walking is good for the body and mind, and being able to walk to your favorite morning coffee spot, to work, to dinner and back home is likely one of the most underrated quality of life enhancers. Here are some of the best walkable cities around the world.
Florence, Italy
One of the most beautiful and popular tourist destinations in Europe, Florence is also one of the most easily navigable cities in the world. With the landmark Duomo at the city’s center and plenty of recognizable piazzas surrounding the cathedral like satellites, it’s practically impossible to get lost in this city, and wandering from one historic place to another usually takes less than 10 minutes. Though Florence is large with many neighborhoods, the historic center is home to amazing restaurants, great shopping, and some of the world’s most famous art and architecture. You’ll never have to stray far from your hotel to have the perfect day here.
Hamburg, Germany
According to Forbes, Hamburg is famous for its “maritime vibes.” The city is split by the Elbe River and connected by many bridges. Main attractions are just a few minutes from each other and efficient transport, and scenic streets make walking to your destinations breezy and beautiful.
Porto, Portugal
Porto is a large city and is easily navigable by Uber or tram, however, the waterfront and old city here are very walkable. Visit the ornate São Bento Railway Station where famous ancient azulejo tiles depict historical moments across the station’s walls. Walk to the Porto Cathedral, enjoy pastel de nata on quiet backstreets, and wander down to the waterfront where you can have a drink with friends before crossing the Luís I Bridge to climb uphill to the city’s best sunset overlook park. All this without a car, bus or train necessary!
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh’s old town is famous for its walkability. Cruise up and down the Royal Mile and stop in at pubs for a pint and a burger, stretch out on the grass at a nearby park, go for a hike to Arthur’s Seat, and visit the National Museum of Scotland all in one day. Just make sure you’ve got your exercise watch on to clock all those steps!
Copenhagen, Denmark
Though Copenhagen has an incredibly easy-to-use public transport system between subways and buses, you can see just as much wandering around on foot, and you might want to since in Copenhagen, it’s all about taking it slow. Grab a pastry and sit along the canal dangling your feet over the Nyhavn River, grab an ice cream and take a boat cruise, stop for a dip in the canal with golden haired locals, and enjoy museums, restaurants and food markets all within the steps of the old town.
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul offers some of the most beautiful historical sites in the world all connected by a network of bazaars, alleyways, and the Bosphorus waterfront, according to a report from investing website Insider Monkey. With incredible must-see tourist attractions like the Blue Mosque, Dolmabahçe Palace, Galata Tower, and the Grand Bazaar, a walk through this city will not disappoint.
