10 Most Walkable Cities Around The World + 7 Where You’ll Regret Not Renting A Car
When it comes to exploring cities, some are made for strolling, offering an immersive experience at every turn. These walkable cities invite you to wander through bustling markets, quiet streets, and scenic parks, all within easy reach.
On the flip side, there are cities where having a car is a game-changer, making it easier to explore vast urban areas and surrounding attractions. Whether you’re a pedestrian enthusiast or a road-trip lover, this guide has something for every type of traveler. Let’s dive into the best cities for both walking and driving!
1. Florence, Italy (most walkable city)
If you love art, Florence is your canvas. Walking through the cobblestone streets, you’ll stumble upon masterpieces at every turn. The city breathes life into history with its Renaissance architecture.
Wherever you look, there’s a story told through its buildings. From the Uffizi Gallery to the iconic Duomo, each structure narrates tales of the past.
Engage with the friendly locals at quaint cafes and enjoy a gelato by the Ponte Vecchio. Florence is more than a destination, it’s a walking journey through time.
2. Lisbon, Portugal (most walkable city)
When in Lisbon, the air feels alive with vibrant colors. The city’s hilly terrain is a walking adventure. Each step reveals panoramic views of terracotta rooftops and the Tagus River.
How the streets sing with Fado music, capturing the soul of Portuguese culture. Navigate the charming alleyways of Alfama, where history whispers.
Catch a ride on the vintage tram, or simply enjoy the sun-drenched plazas. Lisbon invites you to explore, offering a taste of its rich past and lively present.
3. Buenos Aires, Argentina (most walkable city)
Buenos Aires dances to its own rhythm. Walking through its streets, you’ll catch the passionate heartbeat of tango. The architecture tells stories of a European influence mixed with Latin flair.
When the aroma of empanadas fills the air, you’ll know you’re in a city that celebrates life. Visit the colorful neighborhood of La Boca, where art comes alive.
Are you ready to immerse yourself in the city’s eclectic vibe? Buenos Aires invites you to stroll and experience the vibrant culture firsthand.
4. Ljubljana, Slovenia (most walkable city)
Where the Ljubljanica River winds through, Ljubljana offers a fairy tale walk. The city’s compact size makes it a pedestrian paradise. Bridges adorned with dragons lead you to charming squares.
Did you know the city’s heart is car-free, making walking a delight? Stroll along the riverbanks, with cafes offering a perfect rest spot.
The scent of freshly baked pastries wafts through the air, inviting you to indulge. Ljubljana is more than a walk, it’s a stroll through Slovenia’s enchanting heart.
5. Kyoto, Japan (most walkable city)
How magical it is when cherry blossoms flutter around in Kyoto. This city blends tradition with tranquility in its walkways. Kyoto invites you to wander through its zen gardens and ancient shrines.
When the air is filled with the scent of history, every step feels sacred. The gentle sounds of nature accompany you along the Philosopher’s Path.
Though modern in ways, Kyoto retains its old-world charm, making each walking experience a gentle embrace of culture. Let every turn be a new discovery.
6. Melbourne, Australia (most walkable city)
Are you ready for a colorful journey? Melbourne’s laneways are a canvas of street art. The city’s diversity is reflected in its vibrant streets filled with cafes and boutiques.
It’s a place where every corner offers something new. With trams gliding through, Melbourne is a blend of old and new.
How the city embraces creativity! The aroma of coffee fills the air as you stroll through Federation Square. Melbourne’s walkable charm is an experience in itself.
7. Vancouver, Canada (most walkable city)
This city greets you with nature’s embrace. Vancouver’s walkways blend urban life with scenic beauty. The seawall offers a picturesque path along the waterfront.
When mountains peek in the background, every walk feels like an escape into nature. The aroma of fresh sea breeze accompanies you.
Are you ready to explore Stanley Park’s trails? Vancouver offers a seamless integration of city life and natural wonders, making it a walker’s paradise.
8. Barcelona, Spain (most walkable city)
Did you ever dream of a place where art meets life? Barcelona is that dream. The city is a masterpiece of Gaudí’s whimsical architecture. Walking through its streets is a visual feast.
Engage with the lively atmosphere at La Rambla, where street performers entertain. When the sun sets, the city pulses with energy.
Barcelona offers a walking journey filled with color, culture, and creativity.
9. Paris, France (most walkable city)
A city of romance and culture, Paris invites you to get lost in its streets. The aroma of freshly baked croissants wafts through the air, tempting you to stop at every patisserie.
Where the Seine River winds, you’ll find artists painting the picturesque bridges. The Eiffel Tower stands majestically, a beacon for walkers.
Are you ready to wander through Montmartre’s artistic lanes or the grandeur of the Champs-Élysées? Paris is more than a destination, it’s an experience waiting to be walked.
10. Dubrovnik, Croatia (most walkable city)
How the past comes alive in Dubrovnik! This city, with its ancient walls, offers a walk through history. The Adriatic Sea sparkles nearby, adding to the picturesque setting.
When you walk along the city walls, the view is breathtaking. The stone-paved streets echo tales of old.
Engage with the local culture, where artisans craft souvenirs with love. Dubrovnik is not just a walk, it’s a step into another world, filled with history and charm.
11. Los Angeles, USA (city where a car is necessary)
If you ever find yourself in Los Angeles, you’ll realize how vast it is. The city sprawls across a massive area, making a car essential. Navigating without one feels like missing a piece of the puzzle.
Los Angeles is a web of neighborhoods, each unique but spread far apart. Public transport does exist, but it often doesn’t connect the dots efficiently.
Imagine the time you’d save with a car. From Hollywood to Venice Beach, driving offers the freedom to explore at your pace. Walking simply won’t cut it here.
12. Dubai, UAE (city where a car is necessary)
How impressive Dubai looks with its towering skyscrapers! Yet, walking here might not be the best choice. The city is built for cars, with wide highways and sprawling urban areas.
When the summer sun blazes, walking becomes an endurance test. Public transport is available, but a car offers comfort and convenience.
Are you ready to explore Dubai’s luxurious malls and attractions? Renting a car gives you the freedom to discover the city’s marvels without breaking a sweat.
13. Johannesburg, South Africa (city where a car is necessary)
Though Johannesburg offers a rich cultural tapestry, its urban sprawl makes a car essential. The city is vast, with distances too great to cover on foot.
When public transport options are limited, having a car unlocks the city’s potential. From Soweto to Sandton, driving ensures you don’t miss a beat.
Ready to discover Johannesburg’s dynamic neighborhoods? A car gives you the freedom to explore all its diverse gems at your own pace.
14. Reykjavik, Iceland (city where a car is necessary)
Where the landscapes captivate, Reykjavik presents a unique challenge for walkers. The city’s beauty lies in its spread-out nature, making walking impractical.
How vast the surroundings appear without a car! Public transport is limited, and weather conditions often demand a vehicle’s comfort.
Craving Iceland’s stunning landscapes? A car lets you venture off the beaten path, taking in the breathtaking views at your own pace.
15. Orlando, USA (city where a car is necessary)
When you think of Orlando, theme parks spring to mind. These attractions are vast, spread across the city, making a car necessary. Walking between them isn’t feasible.
Public transport exists but can’t match the convenience of a car. The city’s layout caters to drivers, with ample parking and easy access routes.
Are you planning to visit the magical lands of Disney or Universal? A car ensures that you can make the most of your adventure without limitations.
16. Auckland, New Zealand (city where a car is necessary)
If you find yourself in Auckland, you’ll soon realize how spread out it is. The city’s hilly terrain makes walking a challenge. A car becomes your ally.
Public transport options are there, but a car offers the convenience Auckland demands. The scenic drives are a bonus!
Are you eager to explore both urban and natural attractions? With a car, Auckland’s vast landscape is yours to discover without limitations. Walking just won’t suffice.
17. Nashville, USA (city where a car is necessary)
When the music calls in Nashville, a car is your best friend. The city’s vibrant music scene is scattered across different neighborhoods.
Did you know walking would mean missing out on key attractions? Although public transport is an option, it’s not always convenient.
Excited to experience Nashville’s iconic honky-tonks and venues? A car lets you fully embrace the city’s musical vibe without missing a thing—walking just can’t match the rhythm.