With sustainability and accessibility influencing our holiday choices more than ever, Europe’s walkable cities are the ideal destination for those of us who prefer to wander and explore without relying too much on scooters, bikes or public transport.
While many of these cities boast reliable transport networks, their medieval layouts often mean narrow streets, sprawling parks and historic districts are only truly accessible on foot.
Yet, thanks to apps like Google Maps and Citymapper, exploring on foot has never been easier; these handy tools don’t just guide us from A to B – they also help us discover plenty of hidden gems along the way. And it's easier than ever to stay connected to these apps while abroad with a travel eSIM.
Europe’s 12 most walkable cities
Here’s our guide to Europe’s 12 most walkable cities – each highlighting unforgettable landmarks and points of cultural interest (all within strolling distance).
12. Florence, Italy
Renaissance art, architecture & historic charm
Why we love it: Picturesque Florence is one of Europe’s most compact cultural hubs, bursting with history, art and iconic sites – exploring the city on foot often means turning a corner and stumbling across masterpieces by the likes of Michelangelo or Botticelli.
Highlights:
The Duomo (The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore): The city’s crown jewel, with its terracotta dome dominating the skyline, is impossible to miss. A 5-minute stroll from the city centre, this Renaissance cathedral is breathtaking, both inside and out. It’s also a stone’s throw away from the Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze – home to Michelangelo's original David sculpture.
Ponte Vecchio: Just a 10-minute walk (0.7 km) from the Duomo, this beautiful medieval bridge over the Arno River is lined with goldsmith workshops and jewellers, and offers visitors stunning sunset views.
Uffizi Gallery: A 5-minute walk from the Duomo, the Uffizi is one of the world’s most impressive art galleries, housing masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli and Raphael, to name a few.
11. Venice, Italy
Iconic canals, hidden backstreets & timeless romance
Why we love it: Venice is a city where cars simply don’t belong, making it one of Europe’s most walkable destinations. You’ll soon find yourself wandering alongside quiet canals, over carved stone bridges and past beautiful, historic buildings.
Highlights:
St. Mark’s Basilica: Located in the heart of Venice, this imposing site is a 5-minute walk from the famous Rialto Bridge. Its intricate mosaics and golden domes make it one of the most remarkable (and most photographed) cathedrals in Europe.
Rialto Bridge: Venice’s oldest and most iconic bridge is a 10-minute walk from St. Mark’s Basilica. With bustling markets and restaurants close by, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy the very best of Venetian culture and hospitality.
Doge’s Palace: Just steps away from St. Mark’s Basilica, you’ll find the Doge’s Palace – a treasure trove of history and Gothic architecture, showcasing Venice’s former glory as a powerful maritime republic.
10. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Culture, history & a wealth of art
Why we love it: Amsterdam’s flat terrain, well-maintained streets and charming canals make it easy, safe and exciting to explore on foot; its famous lopsided buildings, vibrant street life and scenic views can all be found within its main canal rings area.
Highlights:
Dam Square: A bustling hub just 10 minutes from Centraal Station, Dam Square is home to the Dutch Royal Palace, the National Monument and an array of street performers and cafés.
Anne Frank’s House: A poignant, historic site located about 15 minutes (1.2 km) from Centraal Station, this well-known museum offers an immersive glimpse into the author’s final years at this address, as well as the city’s WWII history.
Van Gogh Museum: Located in the Museumplein area, this popular stop is a 20-minute walk (1.6 km) from Dam Square. Despite the crowds, it’s a must for art lovers, housing the single largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings anywhere in the world.
9. Seville, Spain
Flamenco, festivals & mouthwatering food
Why we love it: Seville is a city of vibrant Spanish culture, Moorish influences and a lively energy unique to the Andalusian capital. The central district is incredibly walkable, with most major sights located close to one another.
Highlights:
Seville Cathedral: A 5-minute walk from the city’s Plaza Nueva, Seville Cathedral is one of the largest in the world – famous for its Gothic architecture and the Giralda bell tower.
Alcázar of Seville: This beautiful palace, a 3-minute walk from the cathedral, is a stunning example of Moorish architecture – with colourful tiles, ponds and lush gardens, it most recently doubled as the palace of Dorne in the HBO series Game Of Thrones.
Plaza de España: About 12 minutes (1 km) from the Alcázar, this large square is renowned for its impressive Spanish Revival architecture and beautiful tiled alcoves – each representing different Spanish provinces.
8. Porto, Portugal
Hills, history & riverside relaxation
Why we love it: Porto’s charm lies in its colourful riverside buildings, dramatic vistas and extraordinary culinary scene. While its surrounding hills can sometimes feel a little steep, the city centre itself is incredibly walkable.
Highlights:
Ribeira District: Porto’s vibrant riverside quarter is a 5-minute walk from São Bento railway station. With its narrow streets, colourful facades and riverside views, it’s the heart of Porto’s historic charm and one of the most walkable, picturesque neighbourhoods in Europe.
Clerigos Tower: This Baroque bell tower, a quick 10-minute walk from the Ribeira District, offers stunning panoramic views of the city for those willing to climb its narrow staircase (we promise it’s worth it).
Livraria Lello: About 5 minutes from Clerigos Tower, this famous bookshop is considered one of the world’s most beautiful; its ornate interiors and huge selection of books make it a must-visit for literature lovers and interior design fans alike.
7. Prague, Czech Republic
Fairytale charm & historic streetsWhy we love it: Visiting Prague’s Old Town is like stepping into a storybook – a fairytale setting of old cobblestone streets, Gothic architecture and vibrant market squares. It’s the perfect city for walking, with all its major landmarks clustered around each other.
Highlights:
Old Town Square: The heart of Prague, filled with colourful buildings, its famed Astronomical Clock and an endless parade of street performers. It’s just an 8-minute walk from Charles Bridge, making it a great place to start your journey.
Charles Bridge: This iconic, statue-lined bridge is a 5-minute walk from the Old Town Square. It also connects Prague’s Old Town (Staré Mesto) to its Lesser Town (Malá Strana), as well as offering incredible views of the city’s castle.
Prague Castle: Located just 15 minutes from Charles Bridge, this castle complex is Europe’s largest and includes gardens, palaces and St. Vitus Cathedral. The walk involves a gentle climb, but the views are absolutely worth it.
6. Edinburgh, Scotland
Pubs, sights & breathtaking views
Why we love it: Edinburgh is a pedestrian’s paradise, with its blend of historic architecture, hilly streets and sweeping views, all found relatively close together.
Highlights:
The Royal Mile: This famous stretch connects Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, with numerous museums, shops and pubs along the way (it’s about a 15-minute walk end-to-end).
Edinburgh Castle: Located at the top of the Royal Mile, this historic fortress offers panoramic views of the city and is a must-visit for any first-time visitors.
Arthur’s Seat: For those looking for a manageable hike, Arthur’s Seat is a 20-minute walk from the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This extinct volcano offers breathtaking views over the city.
5. Copenhagen, Denmark
Classy eats & family fun
Why we love it: Copenhagen’s well-maintained streets and bike-friendly culture make it one of the easiest cities to explore on foot (and one of the top pedestrian-friendly cities in Europe). Its small size and car-free zones also make it more family-friendly than some of its Scandinavian cousins.
Highlights:
Nyhavn: This iconic harbour, lined with colourful buildings, is one of Copenhagen’s most famous and photographed spots. Even better, it’s just a 5-minute walk from the central metro station and a stone’s throw away from the popular Kongens Nytorv square and its range of stylish local eateries.
Tivoli Gardens: A 10-minute walk from Nyhavn, this historic amusement park is a popular stop for families – it feels even more magical in December, when its festive illuminations are switched on.
Christiansborg Palace: A 5-minute walk from Tivoli, this impressive palace houses the Danish Parliament, with some guided tours even offering visitors a rare chance to see the legislature in action.
4. Bruges, Belgium
Medieval magic & picturesque canals
Why we love it: Exploring Bruges is like stepping back in time, with its medieval architecture, winding canals and cobbled streets making it one of the top cities in Europe ideal for walking tours. This tiny city is easy to explore on foot, with plenty of curiosities to discover along the way.
Highlights:
Market Square: Bruges’ lively centre is surrounded by colourful old buildings and the towering Belfry of Bruges. It’s the perfect starting point for any walk.
Belfry of Bruges: Located right on Market Square, this iconic bell tower offers stunning rewarding views of the city (prepare for a short, steep climb up its spiral staircase).
Basilica of the Holy Blood: A 5-minute walk from the Belfry, this beautiful Gothic Revival church houses a popular museum, as well as a famed Christian relic.
3. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Riverside life, bustling squares & lush parks
Why we love it: Slovenia’s capital is a pedestrian’s dream, with a car-free city centre and a wealth of scenic promenades; the Ljubljanica River winds through this old city, offering visitors Instagrammable views at every turn.
Highlights:
Prešeren Square: Very much the heart of the city, with lively street performances and a view of the iconic pink Franciscan Church. It’s just a 5-minute walk from the Dragon Bridge – one of Ljubljana’s most photographed landmarks.
Ljubljana Castle: A 10-minute walk from Prešeren Square (with a gentle hill climb), this medieval fortress offers panoramic views over the city and the nearby mountains.
Central Market: Located along the river, just a 5-minute walk from the square, this market is known for its local dishes, fresh flowers and large range of Slovenian crafts (perfect for souvenirs).
2. Vienna, Austria
History, grand architecture & pastries galore
Why we love it: Vienna’s well-preserved historic centre, combined with its pedestrian-friendly streets, makes it a top pick for walking holidays. The city’s famous Ringstrasse encircles many iconic sites, and there are countless cosy cafes and elegant parks to enjoy along the way.
Highlights:
St. Stephen’s Cathedral: Located in the heart of the city, St. Stephen’s Cathedral is Vienna’s most famous Gothic landmark and a great starting point for any stroll.
Hofburg Palace: A 10-minute walk from St. Stephen’s, this imperial palace is home to the famed Spanish Riding School (for fans of dressage and fancy Lipizzaner horses) and the opulent Sisi Museum.
Vienna State Opera: Just a 5-minute walk from the palace, this world-famous opera house also offers visitors guided tours of its opulent interiors.
1. Munich, Germany
Bavarian culture, manicured gardens & amazing eats
Why we love it: Munich blends historic charm with vibrant, modern energy – and its central district is ideal for walking. Whether you’re here for its culture, beer gardens, or beautiful parks, Munich has something for everyone.
Highlights:Marienplatz: Munich’s central square is home to the New Town Hall, with its famous Glockenspiel show, as well as one of Europe’s most visited Christmas markets.
Viktualienmarkt: Just a 5-minute walk from Marienplatz, this sprawling, historic market is a must for foodies; indulge in local dishes, fresh produce, local cheeses and Bavarian specialities.
English Garden: A 15-minute stroll from Marienplatz, this huge park is one of the largest urban gardens in the world, complete with scenic walking paths, a lake, a river and… surfing (yes, you read that correctly).
These 12 incredible destinations are some of the most walkable cities in Europe, offering visitors a world of history, culture and scenic beauty, all within walking distance. So, embrace the joy of exploring on foot – where taking a wrong turn is only ever a good thing and often leads to exciting new experiences.
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