In a walkable city, there’s a certain sense of freedom you feel getting everywhere on your own accord. And while many people might associate these dense urban environments—and related amenities (e.g., outdoor dining, parks, and public art)—with a trip to Europe, there are many walkable cities located around the world, all waiting for you to explore on foot.
Among the myriad perks, visiting a walkable city doesn’t require a car—meaning there’s less of an impact on the environment, as well as on your wallet. And when walking isn’t feasible, you’ll have access to public transportation; again, a win for climate- and budget-conscious travelers.
Want to plan a trip to a walkable city? Curious about where to go, or what you can discover without a car? You’ve come to the right place.
Let’s take a closer look at what walkability is, the benefits of visiting walkable cities, where the most walkable cities in the world are located, plus some tips for making the most of your trip to one.
What is walkability?
Walkability is the ability to access city amenities on foot. People living in (and visiting) a walkable city can safely walk to work, schools, stores, parks, public transit, and more.
According to Walk Score, a walkability index that measures walkable cities in the U.S. and Canada, walkable neighborhoods have:
- A center: Whether it's a main street or a public space.
- People: Enough for businesses to flourish and for public transit to run frequently.
- Mixed income, mixed use: Affordable housing located near businesses.
- Parks and public spaces: Plenty of public places to gather and play.
- Pedestrian design: Buildings are close to the street; parking lots are relegated to the back.
- Schools and workplaces: Close enough that most residents can walk from their homes.
- Complete streets: Streets designed for bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit.
What are the benefits of visiting a walkable city?
If you’re visiting a walkable city, you benefit from the urban design that allows you to walk from your hotel or vacation rental to nearby attractions, dinner reservations, stores, medical facilities, and public transportation stops—all without the need to get in a car.
Here are some other benefits of visiting walkable cities:
1. They’re good for your health
According to Pedestrians First, walkability—and thus, visiting walkable cities—supports both your physical and mental health.
Walkable cities support a more active lifestyle as they encourage walking throughout the day—an advantage to those who otherwise struggle with incorporating exercise in their schedules.
Walkability also supports your mental health: walking is effective in reducing anxiety, depression, and loneliness, as well as improving self-esteem, happiness, and psychological well-being.
2. They’re environmentally friendly
When you’re visiting a walkable city, you won’t need a car to get around—and you’ll have access to public transportation when walking isn’t feasible or desirable.
And that’s good news for the environment: According to Travel and Mobility Tech, walking has the lowest impact on the environment (zero carbon emissions), followed by traveling by bike, light rail, e-bikes, electric scooters, then electric buses.
Tip: Looking for more ways to limit the environmental impact of your trips? Consult TripIt’s Carbon Footprint feature for practical ideas, such as taking direct flights, traveling by train, and more.
3. They’re more enjoyable to explore
Research published by Cities Alive found that, among the myriad economic benefits of walkable cities, “walkability creates public spaces that are a pleasure to pass by; moreover, implementing small and well-planned distances between destinations enhances the pleasure of strolling through the city and enjoying local services, shops and landmarks.”
4. They support a sense of place for the community
Walkable cities create a sense of place for communities; something locals and visitors alike can enjoy. In fact, a recent TripIt survey found that more than two-thirds of American travelers prioritize shopping at and supporting local businesses when traveling to a new destination.
The best way to discover local businesses? Walking, of course. The same Cities Alive research showed that you’re more likely to pop into local shops when you’re traversing a new city on foot.
Most walkable cities to visit
Measuring walkability is complex, and thus, walkable city rankings can vary based on myriad factors. Some studies prioritize certain factors over others, such as proximity to hospitals and schools, or closeness to public parks and pedestrian-only zones.
Keeping these variables in mind, here are some of the most walkable cities in the world:
- Hong Kong, China
- Paris, France
- London, England
- New York, U.S.A.
- Bogota, Colombia
- Florence, Italy
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Vancouver, Canada
- Marrakech, Morocco
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Melbourne, Australia
- Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Zurich, Switzerland
And according to a report by nonprofit Smart Growth America and real estate services company Places Platform, these are the most walkable cities in the U.S.:
- New York, New York
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Washington, D.C.
- Seattle, Washington
- Portland, Oregon
- San Francisco, California
- Chicago, Illinois
- Los Angeles, California
Tip: Our City Break guides can help you plan trips to walkable cities like London, New York, Edinburgh, Vancouver, Boston, and more >
How to explore walkable cities
Ready to get started planning a trip to a walkable city? Here are some tips to help.
1. Use TripIt to help you navigate
With TripIt’s Nearby Places feature, you can easily find places to eat, drink, pick up supplies, or even seek medical care within walking distance from where you’re staying.
For example, if you’re looking for a restaurant that’s close to your hotel, simply tap on the restaurants option in Nearby Places to view an interactive map with each option tagged. Tap the tags to view useful information like the restaurant’s contact details, hours, reviews, and more.
If you find a place you want to visit but can’t get there right away, you can save it in TripIt to visit later.
TripIt’s Map View feature is another way to discover what’s within walking distance from any location in your TripIt itinerary.
Here’s how it works:
- Open your TripIt app, choose a trip, and view the itinerary.
- Locate and tap the ellipsis (three dots) in the top corner of your screen. You’ll now see a map showing an overview of your trip.
- Tap any pin on the map to see the plan in the carousel at the bottom of the screen, or swipe through the carousel to see the map for a particular plan.
- You can tap “See Details” to see the entire plan or “See Transport Options” to determine if walking—or walking to public transit—is feasible from your current location (or from any plan in your trip).
2. Book a walking tour
Want to be intentional about exploring a new city on foot? Book a walking tour with a local guide who can show you the ins and outs of their city, teach you about its history, and much more.
Love digging into the local culinary scene? Take a walking food tour. You’ll learn about the local cuisine from an expert, enjoy delicious dishes, and discover local eateries you might not have otherwise. Plus, you can map—and come back to—the spots you loved later in your trip.
Related reading: How to Immerse Yourself in Local Culture on Your Next Trip
3. Wander aimlessly—yes, really
Embrace flânerie—that aspirational act of wandering without aim and observing your surroundings with curiosity.
Indeed, walking around a city and taking in the everyday life of locals is a practical way to better understand the place you’re visiting. You might pass by pocket parks and playgrounds teeming with activity, street vendors and local artists selling their wares, captivating impromptu performances, and much more.
Sources:
Walk Score
Pedestrians First
Cities Alive
Congress for the New Urbanism
Travel and Mobility Tech
Smart Growth America
