The 5 Best Walkable Cities in Europe (2024)

FAQs

Are cities in Europe walkable? ›

Europe is blessed with extremely walkable cities, gorgeous places of history that can be explored using only the legs and feet afforded at birth. The most walkable cities in Europe cover plenty of ground too, from northern charmers to famous southern belles.

1. Paris, France. Paris is often considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It may seem cliché, but Paris will always be the most beautiful city in Europe to us.

San Francisco, CA

Famous for the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco ranks as the number one walkable city in the US. People who plan on living in this beautiful city don't need to have a car. Residents can walk the neighborhood or ride several public transportation options, such as BART, MUNI, or the bus.

Sauntering into first place, the enchanting Italian city of Florence ranks as the world's most walkable city. Within 10 minutes, visitors are able to admire the unique Ponte Vecchio bridge, as well as the iconic Cathedral of Santa Maria—which boasts the largest brick dome ever constructed.

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in the world. No wonder it's often an overlooked summer destination. But don't let its small land area fool you!

1. London, United Kingdom — 19.6 Million Annual Visitors. What is this? London has been the most visited city in Europe for multiple years — in fact, London is one of the most visited cities in the world.

European cities are walkable and American ones generally are not because most European cities were built and designed well before the car was invented. Towns and markets needed to be connected via horse and walkable once inside simply because there was no other popular mode of transportation.

There are cities across the U.S. that are ideal for exploring on foot and seeing the sights at your own pace while staying safe. Here are some suggestions for walkable American cities to help you plan your next trip. Charleston, SC is a charming city of colorful buildings, historic churches and cobblestone streets.

Which countries have the most walkable cities? ›

Boston, a great city to visit and explore history, offers so much to see that you'll need several days to take it all in.

Among the top European countries visited by Americans are Italy, France, and Germany. At this time, U.S. citizens can travel to the Schengen Area for short-term stays without having to apply for a visa.

If you can handle the cold, Germany and the Netherlands are two of the most popular countries for expats, both offering international communities and unique residency options. Switzerland: Although many European countries offer a better quality of life than the U.S., Switzerland takes the cake.

We at SpaSeekers have conducted research into some of the most popular European city destinations and ranked them by how relaxing they are. Copenhagen was revealed to be the most relaxing city break that Europe has to offer, while Sofia, Amsterdam, and Paris aren't advised if you're looking for a tranquil break.

Portugal - with its sunny beaches and buzzing cities - is Europe's most popular digital nomad destination. Numbeo gives Portugal a cost of living index score of 45.3. Under the country's new digital nomad scheme, remote workers will be able to live and work in the country for up to 12 months.

1. Rome, Italy. At number one you voted Rome as the most beautiful city in the world. With its thousand-year-old buildings such as the Forum Romanum or the Colosseum, beautiful piazzas and world-class art – not to mention Vatican City – we are certainly not surprised.

San Francisco, California

The adventurous spirit that made San Francisco what it is today thrives in the new restaurants, cafes, shops and galleries sprinkled throughout what is, arguably, the most beautiful city in the U.S.

What is the number 1 most beautiful place on earth? ›

1. Peyto Lake, Canada: In Alberta, Banff National Park is famous for Peyto Lake, which gets its stunning color from the glacier water feeding the lake.

1. Eiffel Tower, France. The Eiffel Tower is one of France's most famous sights. Sitting in the heart of the Champ de Mars in Paris, the wrought-iron tower was originally built to serve as the entrance to the 1889 World's Fair.

France is the most visited country within Europe, attracting an impressive 81,411,000 foreign sightseers each year – more than any other country in the world. You will find in Paris, the capital, iconic structures such as the Louvre and Eiffel Tower.

Paris. As one of the most visited cities on the planet, Paris tops plenty of Europe bucket lists around the world, and even travel bucket lists more generally.

1. Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston is by far one of the most beautiful cities in the US. Pastel-painted houses line the cobblestone streets, while colossal oak trees with Spanish moss set the scene.

Key Takeaways. Overall, Europe has a lower cost of living due to lower healthcare expenses, a weakening euro currency, and low inflation. Europeans, however, tend to pay more of their income to taxes, and average wages tend to be lower than in America.

So whether it's snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, walking, jogging or playing soccer – this person will get his 10,000 steps/day. My observations about how much people walk in Europe closely correlated with published research. Europeans walk far more than the average American – and it shows.

1. San Francisco, CA. San Francisco is known as a tech hub and home to the Golden Gate bridge, amazing views, great sourdough bread, cable cars, and more. It's ranked as the top most walkable city in the U.S. It is ranked 12th on the list when it comes to the most populous metro areas.

What is the wildest city in the world? ›

Surrounded by the largest rainforest in the world, Manaus is a wild frontier where people share their lives with weird, wonderful and deadly creatures. Each episode follows different animals adapting to city life, and the experts on call for those struggling to survive in the urban jungle.

The 35 biggest cities in the U.S. collectively have a population of 165 million — or about half of the total U.S. population, the report said. The most walkable city in the U.S., the study found, is New York.

Improves happiness and mental health

The longer we drive to and from work, the less happy we are. One study found that a person with a one-hour commute has to earn 40 percent more to be as happy as someone who walks to work. Maybe money can buy happiness, but so can living and working in a walkable town.

Comfy footwear and a good sense of direction will get you far and wide in Amsterdam. It's one of the easiest European cities to get around. The Dutch capital's center is easily walkable since it's so compact – perhaps a little too so as it tends to get very crowded.

Efficient Mixed Land Use. Walkability contributes to reducing the area dedicated for car transportation and parking, creating compact, accessible economic activity, and job opportunities for local communities.

The world's most walkable cities include London, Paris, Bogotá and Hong Kong, according to a report.

Scientists say that the place where you live may impact your physical activity. A study published in the prestigious academic journal “Nature” shows that Hong Kong, one of the most densely populated countries in the world, walks the most in the word. On average, Hong Kong residents take nearly 7,000 steps a day.

Florence is a city best explored on foot, it is the perfect walkable size and there is so much to see at street level. Your walk starts at the Duomo.

Is Vienna a walkable city? ›

People in Vienna make 28 percent of their journeys on foot. A number of walking routes let you discover the city at your leisure.

Springfield, the 3rd largest City in Massachusetts and the 4th largest in all of New England, is a City of many attributes. It has been known as the “City of Firsts” – a moniker earned through a history of innovation, including America's first Armory and military arsenal and the first American made automobile.

Europe, generally speaking, is a very walkable content to visit, too. That is one reason so many love visiting. A walk around Europe will be an unforgettable experience in itself — but there are some tips and notes you should remember to make the most out of your journey.

No matter how you slice it, there's a TON more walking in Europe than you would normally encounter in your daily life in the States – especially if you work a sedentary office job like I do. You'll likely be walking through large airports, train stations, and to/from bus stations.

Trains are generally the best way to get around in Europe. The rail network is comprehensive, ticket costs are rather affordable, and the scenery is gorgeous. Trains are a great way to visit many destinations quickly and efficiently. We loved travelling by train in Europe!

Dress and Act Like Locals

First, don't dress like a tourist. Wearing a fanny pack, a backpack, or clothing that references America, are prime examples of what not to wear while traveling in Europe. To not stand out as a tourist, wear what the locals wear--- neutral colors, scarves, and layers.

Hike the famed El Camino de Santiago—Europe's longest and most storied pilgrimage route—and stay in historic monasteries and centuries-old paradors along the way.

An American or Canadian driver's license is usually valid for European car rentals, but some countries require an International Driving Permit (IDP). They're not too expensive but it's an added expense and hassle.

What is the best way to see Europe? ›

Train travel through Europe is one of the best ways to see the continent. The rail network is extremely developed and train service is very reliable. For longer distances, flying one of the many European airlines is also a great option.