Just as birds were built to fly, humans were built to walk. The former mayor of Bogotá, Colombia, Enrique Peñalosa, said it best. He stated, “God made us walking animals, pedestrians. As a fish needs to swim, a bird to fly, a deer to run, we need to walk, not in order to survive, but to be happy.”
However, this concept does not hold true everywhere. Take for instance auto-centric cities such as Houston and Jakarta. As Jan Gehl, Danish architect and urban designer, believes, cities are meant for people, not cars.
Since summer is in full swing for a majority of the world, why not plan a trip with walkability in mind? Before booking, have a look at our most walkable destinations!
Freedom Trail, Boston
10. Boston, Massachusetts
As one of the oldest cities in the United States, it’s no surprise that Boston ranks as one of the most walkable cities. Whether you’re a history buff or just adventurous, take the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, which leads to 16 historic sites. Perhaps you want a view? Walk along Harborwalk, where you’ll discover public art, parks, and cafes. The Beacon Hill neighborhood is also a top spot for walking, as it is along the Freedom Trail.
Pitt Street, Sydney
9. Sydney, Australia
Sydney has gorgeous weather for most of the year, making it a reasonable feat to cover on foot. Start at the Rocks on the edge of the city center, then proceed to Circular Quay and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Throughout, soak in the famous sights such as the Opera House and the Harbor Bridge. If you’re curious about the beaches, begin at Bondi Beach and walk two miles to Bronte, where you’ll be immersed amidst cliffs that line the Pacific Ocean. Stop at Manly or Tamarama Beach to partake in the art of people-watching.
Seawall, Vancouver
8. Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver is a dense, compact city, featuring a great public transportation network and a comprehensive system for pedestrians and bicyclists. Take a stroll on the beautiful False Creek shoreline promenade to Granville Island and enjoy the public market, shops, and cafes. Stanley Park, an expansive urban park bordering downtown Vancouver, presents stellar views, inner city beaches, public art, and other natural amenities.
Tango at San Telmo, Buenos Aires
7. Buenos Aires, Argentina
As you travel from the airport, Buenos Aires seems like a sprawling metropolis over the eastern plains of Argentina. However, there’s no need to worry, as the central city is well devised for walking. As you walk, it’s hard to miss presidential palaces and grand churches, spontaneous tango sessions, and commerce. Yet the neighborhoods of Buenos Aires cater to all, especially on a Sunday in San Telmo, which features a lively, bohemian market comprised of shops, street performers, and artists. If you’re in the mood for something more elegant, be sure to explore Palermo, an all cobble area with tree-lined streets, bursting with boutiques and restaurants.
Celetná Street, Prague
6. Prague, Czech Republic
Explore the Royal Route, which got its name from the coronation processions of the Bohemian kings. Begin your trek at Prasna Brana, part of the original gates of the old city, and follow the silver arrows on the sidewalks along Celetná Street. Throughout this journey, take in the wonders of the House of the Black Madonna, the first cubist building in Europe. Follow this path to Old Town Square to experience the Astronomical clock.
Heroes’ Square, Budapest
5. Budapest, Hungary
The Danube River bisects the city, and both sides present an abundance of walking opportunities centered on history. Begin at Heroes’ Square, which features lavish monuments. Then venture to Andrassy Avenue and make sure to stop at the baroque Széchenyi baths to engage in the city’s bathing culture. At night, take a pub crawl and visit the city’s “ruin pubs” such as Ötkert or Szimpla Kert, where you will discover how the Hungarians party.
La Rambla, Barcelona
4. Barcelona, Spain
La Rambla, an expansive tree-lined pedestrian mall, sits at the heart of Barcelona. Here you will discover shops, street performers, vendors, and restaurants, making it a memorable place to walk. Walk along the Barcelona harbor pedestrian area and continue until you reach the Plaça de Catalunya, the city’s central square. Seeking historic architecture? Check out Gothic Quarter, which features 15th-century churches and plazas.
Camden High Street, London
3. London, United Kingdom
London is a collection of interesting neighborhoods, and it offers a plethora of attractive walks, including the Jubilee Walkway, London Loop, and Thames Path. Several companies offer guided tours that cover topics such as architecture, historic events, and ghosts. Often overlooked, the Regent district of London is a perfect location to walk, as it is situated along London’s inner canal system. With a comprehensive network of parks, historical attractions, and natural amenities, London is a walker’s dream.
Little Italy, NYC
2. New York City, New York
Take a stroll during rush hour on a weekday afternoon and you will spot fashionably dressed men and women sporting athletic shoes. New York is a walker’s paradise, and with gridded streets, which are clearly numbered, don’t worry about getting lost. Instead of establishing a set route, experience the city’s offerings through its distinct neighborhoods. The list of human-scaled neighborhoods best enjoyed by walking is lengthy, yet some of the best include: Village, Chelsea, SoHo, Upper West Side, East Village, and (how could you forget) Central Park! Expect to cover about 20 north-south blocks per mile at a moderate pace.
Pedestrian crossing in Paris
1. Paris, France
Packed with tree-lined streets, cobblestone side streets, sidewalk cafes, promenades along the Seine, and lanes blocked off to cars, Paris is an exhilarating city to experience by foot. An entire book can be written about walking in Paris, and it has already been done. So, instead, I will highlight a few key destinations. A favorite walking route is from Sacré-Coeur Basilicathrough Montmatre, where you will experience a weekend artists’ and produce market. If you are interested in palaces, gardens, and historic buildings, walk along the Right Bank of the Seine River, detouring slightly to absorb the Champs-Élysees and Place de la Concorde. However, I would recommend simply exploring, because intriguing experiences can be found throughout the city.
Although there are many walkable cities, I had to narrow it down to 10. Whether you’re an urbanist or a person interested in car-optional destinations, this list highlights exemplary locations where pedestrians flourish.
While not all cities are walkable, if you do live in a walkable environment and are uncertain of the value of walkability, I urge you to ditch your car for a month and discover the rewards, such as more discretionary income, less stress, and greater social interaction.
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