Immersive, fun and undoubtedly intimate, there’s no denying there’s something special about getting to know a new destination by foot. And while you can certainly cover more ground by car, traveling on your own two feet grants you the freedom to explore without boundaries as you traverse less-traveled places and discover exciting nooks and crannies. With its pedestrian-friendly cities and abundance of public transportation, Europe is a great destination for those looking to dust off their favorite pair of comfy shoes and hit the ground, well … walking.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
With approximately 250 miles of bike paths, Amsterdam, the Netherlands’ capital city, is known as the “Bike Capital of the World.” And while many opt to explore this coveted destination from the comfort of two wheels, it's also a favorite among pedestrians who find its flat terrain favorable for exploring its abundance of shops, restaurants and attractions. Adding to Amsterdam’s allure is the city’s famed canal system which gained it the nickname the “Venice of the North.” Making these intricate waterways easy to navigate are a variety of pedestrian bridges which double as perfect photo ops for snapping pics alongside colorful gabled homes and houseboats.
Bordeaux, France
Home to Rue Sainte Catherine, the longest pedestrian street in Europe, Bordeaux, France, gets a gold star when it comes to walkability. Stretching for nearly a mile, on this street, visitors will find familiar fashion brands and fast-food restaurants scattered alongside Parisian galleries, shops and restaurants. If they aren’t in the mood for shopping or dining, visitors can catch a show at The Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, an iconic opera house famous for its ballet, or they can simply spend their time admiring the promenade’s incredible architecture as each building touts ornate details and the plaza boasts an elaborate arch and obelisk.
Florence, Italy
Named the “Most Walkable City in the World” by financial website Insider Monkey in 2024, Florence, Italy, wows with its unique history, stunning facades and unmatched accessibility. While many great destinations were in the running for “most walkable,” what earned Firenze the championship title was the close proximity between its major tourist attractions with Insider Monkey revealing many of the city’s most popular sites — including Uffizi Gallery, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza del Duomo and Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore — are within 0.5 miles of each other, that’s a 10-minute walk on average. Additionally, some might argue getting around is simply more pleasant in Florence with Insider Monkey sharing the city has excellent air quality and charming historic streets that make strolling all the merrier.
Athens, Greece
When it comes to pedestrian-approved destinations, Athens, with its ancient attractions, comfortable Mediterranean climate and mouth-watering cuisine, is hard to beat. While some streets present a challenge due to their narrowness and crumbling materials, remember, this is ancient Greece, most of the terrain is flat and relatively easy to navigate making walking from one must-see attraction to the next totally doable. In addition to walking, visitors can try their hand at riding the local metro which acts as a quick connection between popular tourist spots like the Acropolis, Syntagma Square, Monastiraki and more.
Madrid, Spain
There’s something to be said for exploring a new place on foot and Madrid, with its compact city center and extensive public transportation system, is no exception. To experience the destination’s unique history, visitors can stroll around “Madrid de los Austrias,” Madrid’s city center, which acts as home to the region’s royal past with landmarks like the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol and the Plaza Mayor. Another particularly walkable area is Gran Via, one of the city’s most famous streets known for its grand theaters and cinemas, cutesy cafes and shops and noteworthy architecture. Finally, for the museum buffs, Madrid is home to the “Golden Triangle of Art,” a part of town where three fantastic museums — the Prado Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofia Museum — are all within walking distance of one another.
Berlin, Germany
Whether they’re headed to Museum Island, the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie or somewhere else, Berlin, with its many historic sights and colorful culture, is a fantastic destination to explore by foot. Like many of the cities on this list, Berlin is compact, and its plethora of well-planned streets and pedestrian-only areas — from massive plazas to sprawling parks perfect for cracking open a beer — make it easy to get around without a car. If they tire of walking, visitors can take advantage of the city’s many bike lanes which will seamlessly get them from point A to point B, or they can take advantage of the clean and efficient intercity trains.
Porto, Portugal
The second largest city in Portugal, Porto is best known for its delicious port wine, historic architecture, scrumptious eats and fabulous walkability. With many of its most sought-after attractions situated in the Sé Quarter and Jardim da Cordoaria, visitors can expect to spend anywhere between 15 to 20 minutes walking from sight to sight. Unlike some of the other destinations on this list, travelers might work up a sweat in Porto as, at 249 feet above sea level, the city does feature some steep hills. To combat this, visitors can always stick close to the coast which is flatter, or they can hop aboard the subway for a much-needed break. Whatever they decide, travelers won’t want to miss a stop at Rua de Santa Catarina, the city’s famous car-free shopping street and Rua Cedofeita, a stretch with no shortage of shops and restaurants.
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