While taking a tram, taxi, train, or subway might be more efficient, walking around a new city is one of the best ways to explore. It won’t cost you a thing, it’s environmentally friendly, and in some cases, it can be faster than other modes of transport in areas where major attractions are clustered close to each other.
As you make your way across the globe, forego the expensive taxi rides and crowded public transport and consider a visit to these most walkable cities on every continent — with the exception of Antarctica, for obvious reasons.
Asia: Old Town Hoi An, Vietnam
Asia is known for its hectic cities with noisy, bumper-to-bumper traffic that can make walking a daunting experience. But there are no cars or even motorbikes in Old Town Hoi An, which makes exploring on foot an absolute joy. Not only is the area highly walkable, but it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site as an exceptionally well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port that dates back to the 15th century. As you explore the colorful streets you’ll encounter centuries-old temples, museums, little shops selling handcrafted items, and famous tailors offering custom-made clothing.
During the day, the Thu Bon River is the perfect place for a stroll. Stop for a meal at one of the many riverside restaurants. After dark, this area becomes an enchanting sea of lights, with countless lanterns illuminating the narrow streets and floating down the water, creating an unforgettable scene.
Africa: Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech is a magical city that dazzles all the senses. Nestled at the base of the Atlas Mountains, the city is a delightful mix of history and energy. From the winding lanes of the French colonial neighborhood Ville Nouvelle to the lively, historic medina, walking here can be a grand adventure. Discover bustling squares, like popular Djemaa el Fna with food stalls selling skewers of seasoned meats, and old markets where endless barrels overflow with spices like ginger, saffron, and turmeric. Every turn is a feast for the senses, and you'll be inundated with exotic aromas, colorful hand-woven rugs, and rooftop cafes that entice with their steaming cups of sweet mint tea. When you need of a tranquil respite, historic Menara Gardens provides a peaceful oasis best enjoyed on a stroll.
Europe: Madrid, Spain
Europe is famed for its walkable cities, but some are a little trickier to navigate than others. London is a sprawling metropolis, making it quite a trek to see it all. You might struggle with the steep hills of Lisbon or risk life and limb dodging scooters in the alleys of Rome. In Madrid, however, the streets enjoy wide sidewalks that are mostly flat and shaded by numerous leafy trees. The city is fairly compact, it takes less than an hour to explore iconic places like El Retiro Park and the Temple of Debod. The city's mishmash of picturesque neighborhoods all have a distinct feel, from touristy Sol and upscale Salamanca to hipster Malasaña. Medieval Palacio Real, home to the Royal Palace, is where you’ll find Madrid’s labyrinthian urban fabric roots. A dense network of streets fans out from here, while their modern adaptation makes it one of the continent’s most walkable cities.
North America: Boston, Massachusetts
While Vancouver, British Columbia, New York City, and San Francisco top the list of highly walkable cities, Boston comes out on top. Beantown is rather compact and flat, making it easy to explore most of its attractions on foot. There’s really no need for a car, simply put on your walking shoes and stroll the vogue areas like Back Bay, Chinatown, Beacon Hill, and beyond.
Famous for its rich history, Boston boasts many important sites related to the American Revolution. The 2.5-mile Freedom Trail couldn’t be easier to follow. Marked with a red stripe, it starts from Boston Common, America’s oldest public park established in 1634, stretching through the historic downtown and North End before culminating at the Charlestown Waterfront. Along the way, you can visit everything from Paul Revere’s grave at Granary Burying Ground to the Old State House Museum which displays many fascinating artifacts like a vial of tea salvaged from the original Boston Tea Party.
South America: Buenos Aires, Argentina
The Argentinian capital is a city like no other. While it’s quite vast, it’s surprisingly walkable. The city's wide sidewalks are filled with little shops like verdulerias where you can pick up fresh fruit and vegetables. Walk next door and there might be a small grocery store with the essentials or a shop selling quality leather goods. Pedestrian areas are lined with all sorts of retailers, with cafes, wine bars, and steakhouses tucked in between.
Exploring Buenos Aires is a delight best experienced by wandering the streets, getting lost, and occasionally stopping to relax at a café to people-watch. There are surprises around every corner – you never know when you’ll run into an impromptu tango performance right on the street. The San Nicolas neighborhood is a top spot for tourists home to Teatro Colon, the Obelisco, Plaza de Mayo, and more, while exclusive Puerto Madero is ideal for a longer stroll. It’s stretched 10 miles along the riverfront as one of the prettiest places in the city. Explore the five docks the make up the old port and then find a bench where you can watch the boats come and go.
Oceania: Wellington, New Zealand
While there’s lots to love about Australia’s big cities like Sydney and Melbourne, they aren’t the most walkable. Head some 2,600 miles southeast to New Zealand and you’ll find lots of walkability along the streets, particularly in Wellington which was named the most walkable in the country in a study conducted by the University of Canterbury. A concept by city planners helped to make it happen, with the belief people should be able to meet their needs within a 15-minute walk from home, making everything accessible without having to rely on a car.
Wellington has an abundance of open space and a famous café culture that makes it easy for locals and visitors alike to mingle while enjoying a cup. Director Peter Jackson’s hometown also boasts a thriving food culture and claims to have more restaurants and bars than New York. That includes outstanding fine-dining spots and more than 20 craft beer bars and breweries. All are within easy walking distance around Cuba Street and Courtenay Place.
