Many of us enjoy a city break, and the most seasoned travellers know that a successful trip is often down, in part, at least, to a destination being walkable.
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Now Skyscanner has revealed the best up-and-coming cities for a break which aren’t the obvious choices – think Berlin or Dubrovnik.
Experts at the travel booking platform looked at flight data for destinations outside the United States which are walkable and easy to navigate.
A total of 14 factors for each city were evaluated, including the distances between the main attractions, the number of walking trails, average elevation, air quality and safety.
The result is a walkability index, which focuses on the walking distance between a place’s main attractions and the total steps and time taken to do it. The index also examines population density as well as the number of trails to explore in and around each city, and the amount of attractions in each place.
While Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan and Victoria in Canada were in the top 10, the rest of the spots were taken up by European cities.
The top 10 most walkable cities
How they ranked according to the Skyscanner data:
- 1. Córdoba, Spain
- 2. Nagasaki, Japan
- 3. Hiroshima, Japan
- 4. Reggio Calabria, Italy
- 5. Monte Carlo, Monaco
- 6. Tartu, Estonia
- 7. Bursa, Türkiye
- 8. Bolzano, Italy
- 9. Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
- 10. Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Europe’s most walkable cities
Córdoba, Spain
In the heart of Andalusia, Córdoba was once an important Roman city and, historically, a major Islamic centre.
Today, it’s arguably most famous for its striking mosque, La Mezquita, which can, of course, be seen on foot.
Be sure to check out the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the Palacio de Viana, La Judería, and the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos.
According to Skyscanner, not only does it take just 26 minutes to walk around the main attractions, but there are also an impressive 29 walking trails to enjoy in and around the city.
Reggio Calabria, Italy
Reggio Calabria is often overlooked in favour of busier destinations in Italy, but this city in the south is ideal to explore on foot.
The coastal city, separated from Sicily via the Strait of Messina, offers stunning beaches as well as views across to Mount Etna.
As well as the impressive waterfront, visit the Rabarama statues along Via Marina and the Museo Nazionale Della Magna Grecia.
Best of all, all of the attractions can be seen on foot in just 25 minutes and 2,321 steps.
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Although Monte Carlo goes hand-in-hand with fancy cars and super yachts, it’s actually a great place to explore on two feet.
Meander through the streets packed with designer shops – whether you’re strictly window shopping or otherwise – before taking in incredible views of the ocean from Rue des Remparts.
Head to the glamorous harbour as well as top attractions including the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, Casino Square and the Private Cars Collection of HSH Prince of Monaco.
While Monte Carlo is certainly very walkable, as the city limits are less than one square kilometre, be warned that the hills here are pretty steep.
Tartu, Estonia
Despite being the second largest city in Estonia and a European Capital of Culture in 2024, Tartu is relatively unknown.
That’s despite a pretty old town, ruins and neighbourhoods made up of wooden houses.
The city, which is committed to sustainable practices and has the lowest air pollution of all destinations on the list, also boasts street art, plenty of parks and riverside walks.
Must-see attractions include the Estonian National Museum, the Town Hall Square and the Botanical Garden of the University of Tartu.
Bursa, Türkiye
This modern and industrial city in the northwest of Türkiye is home to the Royal Springs – renowned hot mineral waters, popular since Roman and Byzantine times.
Today, Bursa is a fusion of Ottoman heritage, as it was the first Ottoman capital. You’ll find buzzy bazaars and plenty of natural beauty, as well as the Tomb of Osman Gazi, Bursa Grand Mosque and Kozahan İpekçiler Bazaar.
Skyscanner data found that it will take a visitor about an hour to walk between the main attractions here.
Bolzano, Italy
Known as the “gateway to the Dolomites”, Bolzano is often overlooked, with people simply passing through on their way to hike or ski.
The capital of the South Tyrol province, though, is well worth a visit if you’re a fan of city breaks.
Set in a valley surrounded by hilly vineyards, the city’s major attractions can be ticked off in about an hour on foot, and include Piazza Walther, Via dei Portici and the South Tyrol Archaeological Museum.
Bolzano also has a solid 505 walking trails in and around the city and is the safest city in the ranking.
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Bosnian capital isn’t only compact and walkable, but it also offers stunning scenery from its location on the Miljacka River and into the surrounding Dinaric Alps.
The city, filled with cobbled streets and eclectic architecture, is a great spot to learn about the country’s rich history on a walking tour. Follow that with a visit to the Museum of Crimes against Humanity and Genocide, and the War Childhood Museum.
Take the weight off in one of Sarajevo’s many cafes to try its famed coffee culture for yourself, before heading to the city hall, as well as the lively Baščaršija bazaar and the Latin Bridge.
