For many travelers, walking around is the most effective way to experience a city truly. Tourism Review presents the most pedestrian-friendly cities in Europe, from the bustling St. Mark's Square in Venice to the cultural wonders of Athens' Acropolis to the charming old town of Prague. Walking allows travelers to discover hidden gems and gain an authentic city perspective. Additionally, it's eco-friendly and budget-friendly compared to tourist buses or taxis.
Many tourists need to remember that walking affects their bodies. They often realize their feet are sore only at the end of the day or the day after. Recently, a study revealed the most walkable cities in Europe based on the distances between the five most visited attractions in each city.
Seville is the walking tour capital of Europe
Seville, a city in Spain, has the shortest distance between its five most popular tourist attractions. The Plaza de España is the starting point from where you can easily reach the Royal Palace Alcázar and the Cathedral of Seville, declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
After visiting these two places, you can take a leisurely walk through the scenic and charming streets of the Barrio Santa Cruz district. The Giralda Bell Tower watches over this district. The best part is that all these attractions are within a 20-minute walking distance, allowing you to enjoy them in peace and serenity.
Unsurprisingly, Venice, a cars-free city, ranks second in the best city trips for pedestrians. Walking along charming alleys and picturesque bridges is a delightful experience. The Grand Canal, Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica, and the bell tower are all within two-kilometer walking distance and can be reached in under half an hour.
The city of Porto in Portugal ranks third among popular tourist walk-friendly destinations, coming in just behind Venice. The five most popular attractions are within walking distance of each other, covering a distance of 2.3 kilometers. The tour can be completed in about half an hour at a leisurely pace, making it a comfortable and enjoyable experience without breaking a sweat.
The cities of Florence, Athens, Amsterdam, Cologne, Milan, Verona, Nice, Rome, and Istanbul have earned spots in the top ten for walking.
The Portuguese capital Lisbon comes in last. Between the popular oceanarium, the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, the historic slopes of Alfama, the Praça do Comércio, and the lively streets of Bairro Alto lie around 24 hilly kilometers that take around five hours to walk.
A city tour in the Croatian capital Zagreb (150 minutes of walking), and in the northern German metropolis Hamburg (204 minutes) is also very harsh.