This blog post was updated on May 11, 2023.

Hey, if you’re going to be traveling, why not pick a place that’s easy to get around? This way, you not only get to see a fabulous new city, you also get some exercise while you’re at it. In addition to getting your daily steps in, walking a city helps you to better immerse yourself in its culture and history.

While a bus tour might show you all the key sites of a city, it’s hard to see that as little more than the Cliffs Notes version of a tour. By walking, you get to see the tiniest details of a city, and you get to meet the people as well. Whether it be a hole in the wall bistro not mentioned in any travel guide or a piece of architecture that inspires wonder, walking a city reveals details about it that you can only find out if you have your feet on the ground.

Here are our choices for the world’s most walkable cities — both stateside and international.

Florence, Italy

Few cities in Europe match Florence’s lovingly preserved cobblestone streets. When walking down the streets of Florence, visitors quickly come to understand the city’s storied history as the heart of the Italian Renaissance. While guests of the city will be quick to check off places like the Uffizi Gallery and statue of David on their list of places to visit, to get a full appreciation of Florence, one must take in some of the city’s lesser known draws.

As you stroll down the streets of Florence, remember to take a break at some of the city’s famed cafes and admire the magnificence of Florentine art and architecture. Oh, and gelato! You won’t find better gelato anywhere. Walks along the city’s famed Centro Historico will also take visitors across the famed Ponte Vecchio (“old bridge”), over Arno River and across to unbelievably lush Boboli Gardens. For especially breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding Tuscan countryside, take a hike up San Miniato al Monte, a masterpiece of a church overlooking all of Florence. You may never want to leave.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Those interested in a healthy jaunt in an urban setting need look no further than Vancouver, one of the best cities in North America for walking. A fully modern metropolis, Vancouver has streets that are laid in a grid system, allowing for easy navigation for those visiting the city for the first time.

By far the most popular walk in Vancouver takes visitors to the False Creek promenade and Granville Island, home of the city’s famed Public Market where guests can partake in everything from fresh meat and produce to artisanal cheese and candy. Another popular walk takes visitors to Stanley Park, a 6-mile stretch of greenery that showcases Vancouver’s great natural beauty. Stanley Park is also home to several beaches, lighthouses, and even the Vancouver Aquarium.

Boston, Massachusetts

History and fresh sea air await those walking Boston’s city streets. Often known as the Cradle of Liberty, Boston is home to many historical sites from the days of the Revolutionary War. Tours of these sites follow the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, which boasts 16 stops, most notably Boston Common, the home of Paul Revere, and the Bunker Hill Monument.

Meanwhile, the scenic Harborwalk takes visitors along some 40 miles of Boston’s coastline. The Harborwalk comprises a number of different routes and includes stops at some of Boston’s most recognizable landmarks, including numerous waterfront parks, several eminent museums, and seven different beaches. Visitors to Boston should also spend some time walking through the famed Boston Common and the adjacent Public Garden, two prominent jewels along Boston’s famed Emerald Necklace. Then take a short walk to Acorn Street, a cobblestone walk in the prestigious Beacon Hill neighborhood of the city that gives guests an idea of what the city was like in colonial times.

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne tops most people’s lists of the most beautiful cities in Australia. A city of contrasts, Melbourne gives visitors their pick of exquisite places to walk and watch the world go by. Some of Melbourne’s best walks take guests to the Royal Botanic Garden for splendid views of the Yarra River and the city’s wonderful green landscapes.

Likewise, Melbourne’s central business district offers a variety of attractions for visitors. While replete with examples of Victorian architecture and influence, the central business district is also home to several modern parks and opportunities for boutique shopping. Guests of the city looking for sand and surf can also head to the beaches at St. Kilda, where you might also get the chance to spot a fairy penguin.

Marrakech, Morocco

One of the most worldly cities in the world, Marrakech welcomes visitors intent on enjoying the fun and excitement of one of North Africa’s premiere cultural destinations. The Medina district in particular is especially popular with tourists hoping to get to know Marrakech on foot. Once the seat of power for Moroccan royalty, the district is home to several UNESCO world heritage sites, including Koutoubia Mosque and the ruins of El Badi Palace, two of the city’s most famous historical landmarks.

After being mesmerized by these sites, guests of Marrakech can quickly head to Jemaa El-Fnaa, the heart of Marrakech. Best visited at night, Jemaa El-Fnaa is a huge square that is home to countless street vendors and the host of many of the city’s biggest festivals. The square is also right off the city’s souks, open air markets known for their brightly colored stalls and merchandise.

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Vientiane, Laos

Vientiane offers visitors an eclectic mix of the East and West. Tourists walking the streets of Vientiane will be amazed by the city’s diverse architecture, inspired by both its Laotian roots and history as a French colony. One of the best-known attractions in Vientiane is Pha That Luang, a Buddhist stupa known as the country’s national symbol. In touring the grounds of this extensive temple, guests will quickly be impressed by the massive religious iconography and gold leaf that top each tower of the temple.

Western influence on the city’s architecture is most apparent in Patuxay, a war monument modeled after Paris’s famed Arc de Triomphe that nonetheless features symbols from Laotian mythology. In walking the streets of Vientiane, visitors will quickly become enamored by the simple touches that enhance the city’s beauty. Avenues that traverse the city are lined with trees and lush greenery, providing the perfect space to take a rest after a long walk through the city’s cultural touchstones.

Do you have a favorite walking city that you enjoy visiting? Tell us about it in the comments below!