World’s Most Walkable Cities

Walkability is a key factor in urban quality of life, sustainability, and public health. The world’s most walkable cities excel in pedestrian infrastructure, safety, accessibility, and integration with public transport.

This study only includes cities with populations of 500,000 or more and measures walkability based on the average time to reach key amenities. “A universal framework for inclusive 15-minute cities” by M. Bruno et al., The Economist serves as the primary source for the global walkability index featured in this list.

European cities are the most walkable places in the world. Out of the 50 most walkable cities (500,000 residents or more), 45 are in Europe. These cities are found in countries like Italy, Germany, Spain, France, Norway, the UK, and others. Below is a closer look at each city ranked for walkability, explaining what makes them great for exploring on foot.

Milan, Italy

Milan tops the global list for walkability, thanks to its compact urban design, extensive pedestrian zones, and accessible public transportation. The city has spent a lot of money to create more pedestrian areas, improve sidewalks, and encourage car-free zones. Milan has a good metro, tram, and bus system that makes walking easy. This allows residents to walk and use public transit for longer trips. The city seamlessly integrates ancient streets and monuments with modern amenities and infrastructure, making walks both scenic and practical. These initiatives have reduced traffic congestion, improved air quality, and made navigating neighborhoods and green spaces on foot easy.

Milan, Italy

• Walkability: Average walk to key amenities: 6 mins 24 secs.
• Livability: Milan’s human-scale spatial structure and compact design make it easy to access daily needs on foot.
• Unique Characteristics:
  • Extensive car-free zones and clearly marked crosswalks.
  • Historic sites like the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II are easily accessible by foot.
  • Vibrant neighborhoods such as Brera and the Navigli canals offer scenic, pedestrian-friendly walks.
  • Strong integration of modern infrastructure with historic charm.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is renowned for its pedestrian and cycling networks, with residents averaging about 52 minutes of walking per day. The city began prioritizing pedestrian spaces as early as the 1960s, transforming streets into car-free promenades and squares. In 2022, the city opened five additional “Cycle Superhighways” spanning 25 kilometers, allowing commuters to cycle across municipal borders. A new light rail system serving the greater metro area will open in 2025, with trains running every five minutes during daytime hours. This commitment has fostered a vibrant street life and made walking a healthy, integral part of daily life.

Copenhagen, Denmark

• Walkability: 6 mins 36 secs.
• Livability: Residents average about 52 minutes of walking per day, thanks to a culture that values active mobility.
• Unique Characteristics:
  • Pioneered pedestrian zones since the 1960s, including the famous Strøget promenade.
  • Extensive cycling and pedestrian networks, supported by efficient public transport.
  • Urban design prioritizes public life, health, and accessibility for all ages.

Turin, Italy

Turin (Torino) is the capital of Italy’s Piedmont region and is known for being a world-class walkable city. It ranks 3rd in the world, with people taking an average of just 7 minutes and 6 seconds to reach important places. The city has 320 km of tree-lined streets, many parks, and outdoor museums. Main streets like Garibaldi and Via Roma are filled with shops, cafes, and boutiques during the day, and they remain safe and pleasant for evening walks. The historic Quadrilatero Romano district is another lively, pedestrian-friendly area. Turin also has over 200 km of bike lanes and a citywide bike-sharing program called ToBike, which supports walking and promotes eco-friendly travel.

Turin, Italy

• Walkability: 7 mins 6 secs.
• Livability: High cleanliness, efficient public transport, and a reputation for safety and upkeep.
• Unique Characteristics:
  • Numerous pedestrian streets and paths, especially in the city center.
  • Rich in baroque architecture, trendy cafes, and cultural sites like Mole Antonelliana.
  • Birthplace of Fiat, blending tradition with innovation

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin’s small size and easy-to-walk layout mean that more than 95% of residents can reach essential amenities within a 15-minute walk. The city has many cultural and historic landmarks like St. Stephen’s Green, Trinity College, and Grafton Street, all accessible on foot. Dublin is also investing in projects like the Grand Canal Pedestrian and Cycle Safety Improvements to make walking safer and more convenient. These projects will upgrade footpaths, add pedestrian crossings, and extend footpaths at junctions, benefiting people of all ages and abilities.

Dublin, Ireland

• Walkability: 7 mins 24 secs.
• Livability: Over 95% of residents live within a 15-minute walk of essential amenities.
• Unique Characteristics:
  • Compact layout and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
• Key attractions like St. Stephen’s Green, Trinity College, and Temple Bar are easily walkable.
  • Strong alignment with the “15-minute city” concept, reducing car dependency.

Lyon, France

Lyon is flat and easy to navigate, with most major attractions close together. The historic Vieux Lyon and Presqu’Île districts are best explored on foot, and the city’s efficient public transport complements its walkability. Many hidden passageways and local highlights can only be discovered while walking.

Lyon, France

• Walkability: 7 mins 24 secs.
• Livability: Ranked highly for livability, with unique neighborhoods and historical charm.
• Unique Characteristics:
  • Presqu’île peninsula and Vieux Lyon are best explored on foot.
  • Famous for hidden passageways (traboules) and Renaissance-era streets.
  • A blend of rivers, hills, and vibrant local culture.

Munich, Germany

Munich is celebrated for its abundant pedestrian-only zones, cycling routes, and beautiful hiking trails. A significant portion of the population lives within a kilometer of a city’s area, and the city’s public transit system is highly rateMunich’s 80-85% of Munich’s road network is under 30 km/h speed limits, and there are over 350 crosswalks, making the city exceptionally safe for pedcenter’s. The city center’s medieval street plan and architectural heritage have been preserved and restored, creating a blend of history and modernity. Iconic sites like the English Garden and Marienplatz are especially enjoyable for walkers.

Munich, Germany

• Walkability: 7 mins 30 secs.
• Livability: 86% of residents live within 1 km of car-free zones and are among the world’s safest cities.
• Unique Characteristics:
  • Extensive pedestrian zones and bike trails.
  • Abundant green spaces like the Englischer Garten.
  • Efficient public transport and a blend of historic and modern urban design.

Paris, France

It is a pedestrian paradise, with over a hundred car-free streets and squares. Historic areas like Les Halles, Rue Cler, and the Latin Quarter are reserved for walking, allowing visitors to enjoy the city’s culture, cuisine, and architecture in a serene environment. Its medieval street grid and iconic boulevards enhance the walking experience. In March 2025, Parisians voted to pedestrianize 500 more streets, adding to nearly 200 already transformed since 2020. This will bring the total number of “green” pedestrian streets to almost 700, which is over 10% of all city streets. Paris has reduced car traffic by over 50% since the early 2000s and pollution levels have dropped by 45% in the last decade.

Paris, France

• Walkability: 8 mins 0 secs.
• Livability: Each arrondissement is self-sufficient, with amenities, markets, and cafes close by.
• Unique Characteristics:
  • Over 100 pedestrianized streets and numerous car-free squares.
  • The flat terrain and iconic boulevards make walking pleasant.
  • Promenade Plantée and other linear parks offer unique pedestrian experiences.

Marseille’s France

Marseille’s main thoroughfares, especially those leading to the port, are mostly pedestrianized. Many areas are accessible only on foot, by bike, or by car, and the city’s village-like neighborhoods and scenic coastal walks make it a joyful place for pedestrians.

Marseille, France

• Walkability: 8 mins 6 secs.
• Livability: Village-like neighborhoods and scenic coastal walks.
• Unique Characteristics:
  • The main streets to the port are pedestrianized.
  • Many areas are only accessible by foot or bike.
  • Rich Mediterranean culture and vibrant locals.

Genoa, Italy

Genoa’s coastal setting provides stunning walking routes along the sea, through historic districts, and up to panoramic viewpoints. Promenades like Corso Italia and the Anita Garibaldi promenade offer both scenic beauty and local culture, making Genoa a walker’s delight.

Genoa, Italy

• Walkability: 8 mins 6 secs.
• Livability: Coastal promenades and historic districts encourage walking.
• Unique Characteristics:
  • Scenic routes along the sea and up to panoramic viewpoints.
  • Promenades like Corso Italia and Anita Garibaldi.
  • A blend of maritime history and local culture.

Edinburgh, UK

Edinburgh is the most walkable city in the UK. Many residents commute on foot, and the city has a good network of bike routes. Its historic streets, city spaces, and compact layout make it easy and enjoyable to walk around. The Royal Mile connects Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, allowing for a pleasant walk through the Old Town. The neighborhoods of Stockbridge, Marchmont, New Town, Bruntsfield, and Leith each have their own character and can be easily explored on foot.

Edinburgh, UK

• Walkability: 8 mins 12 secs.
• Livability: A high percentage of residents commute on foot, and there is an extensive cycle network.
• Unique Characteristics:
  • Historic streets and green spaces.
  • The compact city center has major attractions within walking distance.
  • A blend of medieval and Georgian architecture.

Berlin, Germany

Berlin’s compact layout, wide sidewalks, and pedestrian-friendly streets make it a walkable city. The city prioritizes pedestrian safety with well-marked crosswalks and traffic signals. Its diverse neighborhoods provide a rich walking experience. With its relatively flat terrain and well-organized structure, navigating on foot is easy. Most major attractions, such as the Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, and Alexanderplatz, are within walking distance in the central districts. In 2021, Berlin became the first city in Germany to pass a dedicated Pedestrian Law, which elevates the status of pedestrians and mandates improvements like longer green lights for walkers, safer routes to schools, more benches, lowered curbs for accessibility, and stricter enforcement against illegal parking.

Berlin, Germany

• Walkability: 8 mins 12 secs.
• Livability: Compact layout, wide sidewalks, and green spaces.
• Unique Characteristics:
  • Prioritizes pedestrian safety with marked crossings.
  • Diverse neighborhoods and cultural landmarks.
  • Vibrant street life and accessible public transport.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna has long promoted walking as a primary mode of transport, with more than a quarter of journeys made on foot. The city’s strategy includes reducing car traffic, expanding green spaces, and continuously improving pedestrian infrastructure.

Vienna, Austria

• Walkability: 8 mins 18 secs.
• Livability: Over a quarter of journeys are made on foot; strong focus on green spaces.
• Unique Characteristics:
  • Car traffic reduction strategy.
  • Expansive parks and historical sites.
  • Rich musical and cultural heritage.

St. Petersburg, Russia

St. Petersburg is known for its walkable city center, where most errands can be accomplished on foot. The area is well-served by public transport and features numerous parks and cultural landmarks within easy walking distance.

St. Petersburg, Russia

• Walkability: 8 mins 18 secs.
• Livability: Walkable city center with accessible public transport.
• Unique Characteristics:
  • Numerous parks and cultural landmarks.
  • Historic architecture and canals.
  • Major sites are within easy walking distance.

Bilbao, Spain

Bilbao stands out for its low private vehicle use and high rates of walking and cycling. About 64–65% of all internal journeys in Bilbao are made on foot, the highest rate among major Spanish cities. The city features wide pavements, extensive car-free areas, and pedestrian bridges like the Zuziburi and Pedro Arrupe, making walking safe and enjoyable. The city launched a “Metrominute” map, visually showing walking distances and times between major points, encouraging even more pedestrian travel.

Bilbao, Spain

• Walkability: 8 mins 24 secs.
• Livability: Low private vehicle use; high rates of walking and cycling.
• Unique Characteristics:
  • Dense, mixed-use development.
  • Extensive pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.
  • Renowned for the Guggenheim Museum and riverside walks.

Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux’s flat terrain and compact city center make it highly walkable. The city of Bordeaux’s car-free zones and most attractions are within easy reach on foot. Pedestrian-only streets and wide squares enhance the walking experience.

Bordeaux, France

• Walkability: 8 mins 30 secs.
• Livability: Flat terrain and compact city center.
• Unique Characteristics:
  • Expanded car-free zones and pedestrian streets.
  • Famous for its wine culture and elegant squares.
  • Most attractions are within easy reach on foot.

Minsk, Belarus

Most of Minsk’s attractions are conveniently located for walking tours, with major sites within a few hours on foot. The city’s layout and public transport make navigating without a car straightforward.

Minsk, Belarus

• Walkability: 8 mins 36 secs.
• Livability: Convenient layout for walking tours; easy navigation.
• Unique Characteristics:
  • Major attractions are accessible within a few hours on foot.
  • Wide boulevards and Soviet-era architecture.
  • Well-connected public transport.

Stuttgart, Germany

Stuttgart offers a variety of city walks, from scenic routes through gardens and parks to tours of historic districts. The city’s urban design and green spaces encourage both leisurely strolls and more challenging hikes.

Stuttgart, Germany

• Walkability: 9 mins 6 secs.
• Livability: Variety of city walks and green spaces.
• Unique Characteristics:
  • Scenic routes through gardens and parks.
  • Historic districts and modern urban design.
  • Known for the automotive industry and cultural events.

Lille, France

Lille features a compact city center and pedestrian-friendly streets, especially in the historic Vieux-Lille district. The city is also bike-friendly, with a comprehensive public transport system and numerous parks for walkers.

Lille, France

• Walkability: 9 mins 6 secs.
• Livability: Compact center and historic pedestrian zones.
• Unique Characteristics:
  • Vieux-Lille district with cobblestone streets.
  • Lille is a bike-friendly city with comprehensive public transport.
  • Vibrant student population and cultural scene.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is renowned for its extensive pedestrian zones, especially in the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic), El Born, and along the iconic Las Ramblas. Many streets are designed for walking, with cars limited or banned entirely. Most of central Barcelona is flat and compact, making it easy to walk between neighborhoods and attractions without the need for a car. With 180 metro stations, 12 lines, 230 bus routes, and expanding tram lines, Barcelona’s public transport system supports walkability and reduces car dependency. The city’s pioneering “superblock” program restricts through-traffic within 400m x 400m grids, reallocating space for people, greenery, and community life. This has expanded across neighborhoods like Eixample, Gràcia, and Sant Antoni, making walking safer and more pleasant.

Barcelona, Spain

• Walkability: 9 mins 12 secs.
• Livability: Grid layout, extensive public transport, and mild climate.
• Unique Characteristics:
  • Pedestrian zones like Las Ramblas and Barri Gòtic.
  • Iconic architecture by Gaudí.
  • Lively street life and Mediterranean beaches.

Oslo, Norway

Oslo is expanding its pedestrian network as part of a long-term plan to prioritize walking and cycling. The city center is increasingly car-free, and new urban spaces are being adapted for pedestrians, making Oslo progressively more walkable.

Oslo, Norway

• Walkability: 9 mins 30 secs.
• Livability: Expanding pedestrian network and car-free city center.
• Unique Characteristics:
  • Urban spaces are adapted for pedestrians.
  • Surrounded by nature and fjords.
  • Focus on sustainability and green living.

Alternative Rankings and Perspectives

Different methodologies yield different results:

• Compare the Market’s Analysis: Munich was named the “most walkable city” in both 2024 and 2025, based on factors including walking trails, rainfall, street safety, public transport, and cycling infrastructure.

• Time Out’s Resident Survey: It presents a completely different ranking based on local opinions, with Abu Dhabi (91%), Boston (89%), and Brighton (88%) as the top three most walkable cities.

• Skyscanner’s Tourist-Oriented Index: Focuses on cities suitable for visitors to explore, with Cordoba (Spain), Nagasaki (Japan), and Hiroshima (Japan) topping their list for 2025.