You can visit galleries and museums, tick off all the ‘must-see’ attractions, and get a photo in front of every landmark…but the best way to explore a new city is arguably just by walking. Losing yourself in bustling streets, watching locals go about their day, and wandering around different districts allows you to see past the tourist hotspots and get an authentic feel for a city.
But when it comes to walkability, not all cities are made equal. From streets that are heaving with traffic to attractions that are spread far and wide, some of the most popular city break destinations can be difficult to explore on foot. Others, however, seem to be made for leisurely strolls, with densely-packed attractions, pedestrian-friendly streets, and beautiful, diverse neighbourhoods.
So, if you’re looking to book your next city break but are keen to make sure you get your steps in, too, we’ve got you covered. Here are 10 of the most walkable city break destinations.
1. Seville, Spain
Beautiful, sun-soaked Seville is a city made for walking – so much so that it’s regularly voted Europe’s most walkable city. This is largely due to its compact centre where the top tourist attractions are situated two kilometres apart. Its historic heart is located along the banks of the glittering Guadalquivir River, home to three of the city’s greatest monuments: the Giralda bell tower, the cathedral, and the Alcázar (the iconic Moorish-Gothic-Mudéjar-Renaissance palace).
Getting lost in the maze-like alleys of the Barrio Santa Cruz neighbourhood is part of the authentic Seville experience and, if you need to refuel, an astonishing 3,000 tapas restaurants await. Seville also enjoys its own microclimate and, even in January, sees bright sunny days and average highs of 16°C – ideal for walking. Plus, the city is jam-packed with culture…and sometimes just strolling through the Triana district will have you stumbling upon a traditional flamenco show.
2. Porto, Portugal
Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, is a delight to walk around – but the country’s second city, Porto, takes the top spot for walkability. This vibrant city is famous for its elaborate architecture, stately bridges, and fabulous local wine, and most of the top attractions can be found in the historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Porto is hilly, but if you can handle steep cobbled streets, you’ll be rewarded with truly sensational views from the summits.
Then there are azulejos. Found on the sides of buildings, these blue and white tiles are the most striking aspect of the city’s architecture, and you never know what works of art you’ll stumble along on while strolling the historic streets. But there are colour pops everywhere, from sunshine yellow pastel de nata and red and green riverside facades to the faded pastel hues of old shop signs – and exploring on foot allows you to take them in at your own pace.
3. Venice, Italy
Venice might be best known for its canals, bridges, and gondolas, but this floating, sinking city is a joy to walk around. Few roads are suitable for cars, so there’s no traffic to contend with, and the main attractions are close together. Plus, while the waterways are the undisputed roads of this city, there’s something magical about exploring on foot. Around every corner, over every bridge, there’s something to photograph, from spectacular architecture to unassuming scenes of local life.
The most authentic way to get a feel for the city is to lose yourself in the labyrinth-like streets. Hidden among the narrow alleys, you’ll find ancient churches, cosy bistros, and quiet piazzas where locals escape the hustle and bustle. So, once you’ve ticked off the main sights – Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, St Mark’s Square – why not put your map away and follow your feet?
4. Bruges, Belgium
Several polls have crowned Bruges Europe’s most walkable city and, if you’ve been here, that probably won’t come as a surprise. Located in northwest Belgium, this incredibly well-preserved medieval city seems made for foot travel, with the narrow canals and winding streets being perfect for romantic strolls. The city’s attractions are contained in a small area, so whether you’re most excited about visiting the Bruges Beer Experience or the famous Belfry, you won’t have to go far.
The market square, humming with activity, is a good place to start. Much of Bruges remains unchanged since the 14th century and, as you wander down historic streets flanked by picturesque canals, it’s easy to feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Bruges’ festive markets make it a popular choice for a winter break, and walking is even more magical when the cobbled streets are illuminated with twinkling lights, and the gabled roofs are blanketed with snow.
5. Prague, Czech Republic
Beautiful, elegant Prague rivals Paris and Rome in terms of architecture, history, and art – but its prices are much lower. This draws an incredibly diverse group of travellers, from history buffs to stag groups attracted by bottomless beers. Prague is also more walkable than Rome or Paris, so if you’re looking for a romantic, culture-rich city break, this Czech city may be for you. Many popular walking routes only take an hour, yet they travel past many of the city’s most impressive landmarks.
The UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town is packed with delights, from the iconic Charles Bridge to the remarkable Astronomical Clock. Prague Castle, Petrin Tower, and the Museum of Miniatures are within easy reach and refuelling options are aplenty. To eat on-the-go, you can grab some trdelník (delicious fried dough treats) – or if you prefer to rest weary feet, treating yourself to a traditional multi-course Czech dinner is the way to do it.
6. Athens, Greece
Bursting with ancient architecture and compelling culture, historic Athens may be one of the largest urban areas in Europe, but it’s more walkable than you might think. Many of the city’s most iconic landmarks and attractions are no more than 38 minutes apart – so you can cross off sights like the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Panathenaic Stadium without breaking a sweat. Unless, of course, it’s summer, in which case you should take plenty of water and a hat.
Plus, many of the city’s streets are pedestrian-only, like Ermou Street, lined with souvenir shops and traditional snack bars, where you can savour syrupy pastries and sip Greek coffee. Home to some of the world’s most important historical attractions, there’s something special about knowing that wherever you walk in Athens, the ancients have walked before. As you stroll, the past will reveal itself before your eyes, from 4th-century Byzantine churches to the 5th-century B.C. ruins of the Acropolis.
7. Amsterdam, Netherlands
If you thought Venice was the city of canals, wait until you get to Amsterdam. The capital of the Netherlands is consistently voted one of Europe’s most walkable cities and, although the Canal Ring is large, spanning 60 miles, it’s easily explored on foot. With over 1,500 bridges and many excellent walking trails, getting lost in these meandering lanes is a pleasure. And many of the most famous streets are pedestrian-only, so you don’t have to worry about traffic.
Some of Amsterdam’s ‘must-visit’ attractions include Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, the Royal Palace, and Oude Church, the oldest building in the city. Walking from one to the other, you’ll pass significant memorials, quirky Dutch architecture, and unique narrow houses, so it’s a great way to get a feel for the city. Plus, art enthusiasts can follow trails from the Rembrandt House Museum, where the painter once worked and lived, to the immensely popular Van Gogh Gallery.
8. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Chic Dubrovnik is packed with culture and history, and its location, in between a rugged mountain and the gleaming turquoise sea, is spectacular. Its charms are no secret, but while you may have to navigate around crowds, you won’t have to navigate traffic. The entirety of the UNESCO-listed Old Town is car-free, so you can stroll these sleek limestone streets at your own pace. The Old Town is steep, however, so you may feel the burn – but it’s worth the effort.
From the tops of these inclines, you can admire scenic views of baroque buildings and terracotta rooftops and, beyond, idyllic bays and pine-blanketed hillsides. Walking around the 16th-century stone walls is a good way to get to grips with the city and, after, you can lose yourself in the narrow cobbled alleys. Don’t miss landmarks outside the city walls, like Fort Lovrijenac, while Danče Beach is the place to relax and swim.
9. Krakow, Poland
With a rich heritage dating back to the seventh century, Poland’s second city is very walkable – and it’s another destination that’s perfect for history, art, and architecture enthusiasts. Three of the city’s top tourist attractions – Wawel Royal Castle, St. Mary’s Basilica, and Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory – are just over two miles apart, so you can easily cross off several main sights in one day. And the gorgeous Old Town is almost entirely pedestrianised.
Krakow was one of the key cities of medieval and Renaissance Europe, and you get a real sense of the past as you stroll…the constant clatter of horse-drawn carriages helps, too! You might want to start in Rynek Główny, the largest and arguably, prettiest, medieval town square in Europe. From here, you’ll pass pastel-coloured Baroque buildings, grand churches, ornate fountains, and even a 14th-century restaurant.
10. York, UK
The UK is home to many walkable cities – but, according to a 2023 study, Oxford is number one. This is because it takes 2,310 steps to explore the top five attractions, a walking distance of just 1.1 miles. But, we’re going to award York the top spot for two reasons. Firstly, the town centre is completely pedestrianised, unlike Oxford’s. This is England’s largest pedestrian zone, so you don’t have to worry about cars while exploring the city’s historic heart.
Secondly, York’s top five attractions are still easily reachable in a 48-minute stroll. This may be longer than Oxford’s, but Oxford’s top sights are part of the university. York’s are diverse, and include the city walls, York Racecourse, Jorvik Viking Centre, and the Shambles, one of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe. The crooked maze of cobbled streets around the Shambles is incredibly fun to explore, and the fortified walls stretch on for three miles – perfect for getting some extra steps in.
Final thoughts…
Walking around a new city isn’t only the best way to see the sights, it’s also the most authentic way to get a feel for the city.
Once you’ve ticked off the top attractions, you can enjoy getting lost in narrow lanes, discovering new neighbourhoods away from the tourist hotspots, and tucking into local cuisine in traditional bars and restaurants.
From steep cobbled cities to canal-crossed towns, the 10 destinations featured can vary significantly when it comes to setting and weather, but all are a dream to explore on foot.
Have you been to any of these cities – or are you tempted to go? Do you have your own suggestions for the most walkable cities? We’d love to hear about your travel experiences in the comments below.