For travellers who prefer to explore on foot, a new ranking offers a useful guide to the world's most pedestrian-friendly cities. The index, compiled by the UK-based holiday rental platform Holiday Cottages, assessed 50 up-and-coming destinations based on factors such as the number of walking routes, the density of attractions, and the availability of pedestrianised streets. The results are a clear win for Europe: seven of the top ten cities are on the continent.
European cities lead the way
Topping the list is Porto, Portugal's second city, known for its steep, tiled streets and the dramatic Ribeira district along the Douro River. The city scored highly for its compact layout and the ease with which visitors can move between the historic centre, the port wine cellars, and the riverside promenades. Florence follows in second place, with its Renaissance treasures—from the Duomo to the Uffizi—all within a short stroll of one another. Munich takes third, offering a mix of beer halls, museums, and the sprawling Englischer Garten, all reachable on foot.
The rest of the European contingent includes Milan (fourth), Bilbao (fifth), Lyon (seventh), and Athens (ninth). These cities share a common trait: their historic cores were built long before the car, and recent urban policies have reinforced pedestrian access. In Athens, for example, the archaeological site of the Acropolis is now linked by a unified pedestrian walkway, making it possible to walk from Syntagma Square to the Parthenon without crossing a major road.
Why walkability matters
The appeal of walkable cities goes beyond convenience. Urban planners and public health experts argue that pedestrian-friendly design reduces traffic congestion, lowers emissions, and improves mental and physical well-being. For tourists, walking offers a more immersive experience—chance encounters with local markets, hidden courtyards, and neighbourhood cafés that are missed when travelling by metro or taxi.
The index also reflects a broader trend in European urban policy. Many cities are actively restricting car access and expanding pedestrian zones. Brussels, for instance, has moved to let cities curb short-term rentals that can inflate housing costs and push out residents, indirectly supporting more liveable, walkable neighbourhoods. Meanwhile, Athens has been tightening rules on e-scooters, which often clutter pavements and create hazards for pedestrians, as part of a wider effort to improve urban safety.
Notably, the index focuses on "up-and-coming" destinations rather than the usual suspects like Paris or Rome. This gives smaller cities a chance to shine. Bilbao, for example, has reinvented itself since the Guggenheim Museum opened in 1997, and its compact centre—spanning the Casco Viejo and the modern Ensanche—is easily navigable on foot. Lyon, with its traboules (hidden passageways) and the hill of Fourvière, offers a similarly rewarding walking experience.
The two non-European cities in the top ten are Kyoto (sixth) and Quebec City (eighth), both of which share Europe's pattern of dense, historic centres. Edinburgh rounds out the list in tenth place, making it the third UK city to feature—though the index's methodology may have overlooked other British candidates.
For travellers planning a city break, the ranking is a reminder that the best way to see a place is often simply to walk. As the index shows, Europe's urban heritage is uniquely suited to pedestrian exploration. Whether it's the hills of Porto, the Renaissance streets of Florence, or the beer gardens of Munich, the continent's cities invite you to slow down and take in the details.
Of course, walkability is not just about tourism. It is a quality of life issue for residents. Cities that prioritise pedestrians tend to have cleaner air, safer streets, and more vibrant public spaces. As European cities continue to adapt to climate change and urban density, the lessons from these walkable destinations could shape the future of urban planning across the continent.
