From the charming, steep streets of Lisbon to the intricate, narrow pathways of Venice, the world offers a diverse selection of exciting cities perfect for a city break. Many travellers prefer exploring these destinations on foot, enjoying the excellent public transport and the close proximity of tourist attractions, rather than relying on rental vehicles. However, navigating these cities on foot can sometimes present unexpected challenges.
Happy senior couple exploring old town of la Valletta with city map.
Imagine facing steep hill climbs just to return to your hotel after dinner, or encountering towering staircases on your way to the city’s most breathtaking viewpoints. This leads us to wonder: which cities worldwide are genuinely the most walkable, ensuring a pleasant experience without the need to constantly ask for directions to the nearest bus stop?
For travellers who prefer to avoid strenuous leg workouts during their city escapes, or for those with medical conditions that make physically demanding city breaks less appealing, we’ve analysed topographic maps to identify the most and least walkable cities across the globe. So, prepare your luggage, think about your All Clear Travel Insurance options, and get ready to explore!
Which Cities are the Easiest to Explore on Foot?
To determine the tourist hotspots that are easiest to navigate on foot, we compiled a list of over 240 cities worldwide. Utilizing topographic maps, we ranked them based on their average elevation and the elevation range between their highest and lowest points. This analysis revealed which cities offer a truly effortless experience for those who love to explore like a local.
Each city received an overall difficulty score. Notably, two Dutch cities, renowned for their flat landscapes that encourage cycling as a primary mode of transport, secured the top two positions.
The Top 20 Most Walkable Cities
| Rank | City | Country | Average Elevation Score | Elevation Range Score | Overall Difficulty Score /100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amsterdam | The Netherlands | 1 | 19 | 20.1 |
| 2 | Rotterdam | The Netherlands | 1 | 19.7 | 20.7 |
| 3 | Venice | Italy | 4.2 | 18.6 | 22.8 |
| 4 | New Orleans | USA | 4.2 | 20.9 | 25.1 |
| 5 | Kolkata | India | 10.9 | 18.4 | 29.3 |
| 6 | Cancún | Mexico | 10.9 | 18.8 | 29.7 |
| 7 | Abu Dhabi | United Arab Emirates | 6.7 | 23.2 | 29.9 |
| 8 | Colombo | Sri Lanka | 10.9 | 20.7 | 31.6 |
| 9 | Miami | USA | 10.9 | 21.0 | 31.9 |
| 10 | Bangkok | Thailand | 9.8 | 23.6 | 33.4 |
| 11 | Riga | Latvia | 12.6 | 22.0 | 34.6 |
| 12 | Sacramento | USA | 14.6 | 23.0 | 37.6 |
| =12 | Tampa | USA | 15.1 | 22.5 | 37.6 |
| 14 | Dubai | United Arab Emirates | 12.6 | 26.8 | 39.4 |
| 15 | Buenos Aires | Argentina | 16.8 | 22.9 | 39.7 |
| 16 | Copenhagen | Denmark | 14.0 | 26.1 | 40.1 |
| =16 | Portsmouth | United Kingdom | 11.8 | 28.3 | 40.1 |
| 18 | York | United Kingdom | 17.2 | 23.3 | 40.5 |
| 19 | Chennai | India | 12.6 | 28.8 | 41.4 |
| 20 | Jakarta | Indonesia | 10.9 | 30.7 | 41.6 |
The charming Bloemgracht canal in the Jordaan district of Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
1. Amsterdam – difficulty score 20.1/100
Barely rising above sea level with a negligible elevation range, Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, claims the top spot as the most walkable city. With a difficulty score of just 20.1 out of 100, exploring Amsterdam on foot is a breeze. Famous for its art, architecture, and picturesque canals, Amsterdam boasts numerous charming side streets and attractions that are perfect for leisurely strolls. When planning your visit to this pedestrian-friendly city, remember to consider all clear travel insurance to ensure peace of mind during your exploration.
2. Rotterdam – difficulty score 20.7/100
Similar to Amsterdam, Rotterdam is celebrated for its modern architecture and impressive art collections, making it an ideal city to discover on foot. With a difficulty score of only 20.7 out of 100, you can immerse yourself in Rotterdam’s culture without encountering steep steps or significant hills. Before you set off to explore Rotterdam’s urban landscape, make sure you have all clear travel insurance in place, protecting your trip from unexpected events.
3. Venice – difficulty score 22.8/100
Venice is renowned for its major tourist attractions, such as Piazza San Marco and Basilica di San Marco, all conveniently located within walking distance. This enchanting Italian city, brimming with culture, is famously known as the ‘floating city’ and offers tourists a relaxing experience as they wander through its narrow streets and beautiful canals. However, due to its canal network, Venice features numerous bridges, and water taxis are the primary mode of transport. Travellers with accessibility needs should be mindful of these aspects when planning their visit and ensure their all clear travel insurance covers any specific requirements.
4. New Orleans – difficulty score 25.1/100
New Orleans, the first of two American cities in our top rankings, secures fourth place with a difficulty score of just 25.1 out of 100. This vibrant Louisiana city is home to the French Quarter, one of its oldest and most walkable neighbourhoods, frequently featured in films and television. Tourists can enjoy a stroll down Bourbon Street to soak in the lively atmosphere or explore Royal Street, filled with antique shops and art galleries. As you explore the unique charm of New Orleans, having all clear travel insurance provides an added layer of security for your trip.
5. Kolkata – difficulty score 29.3/100
Kolkata, often hailed as India’s cultural capital, completes the top five most walkable cities with a difficulty score of 29.3 out of 100. Visitors can enjoy a walk around the city’s famous College Street (also known as Boi Para – Book Market), which hosts the world’s largest second-hand book market. Kolkata can be quite congested, so careful planning is advised to avoid heavily trafficked areas when exploring on foot. Remember to organise all clear travel insurance before you embark on your Indian adventure, ensuring you’re covered for any unforeseen circumstances.
Orange juice shop on wheels in Playa del Carmen Mexico.
6. Cancún – difficulty score 29.7/100
Cancún, a beloved Mexican city, is ranked as the sixth most walkable city in our study, with a difficulty score of 29.7 out of 100. Boasting one of the smallest elevation ranges among the cities studied, Cancún is perfect for travellers who enjoy exploring a destination by walking. The city features a vibrant street art scene, thanks to the Cancún Street Art project, which has transformed numerous walls into stunning artworks reflecting Mexican culture, history, and natural beauty. Before you immerse yourself in Cancún’s artistic streets, make sure your all clear travel insurance is up to date, offering protection throughout your trip.
7. Abu Dhabi – difficulty score 29.9/100
Located just above sea level, Abu Dhabi, an Emirati city, is an excellent choice for travellers seeking an easy-to-walk city. Tourists can leisurely stroll along the beautiful Corniche, an 8 km waterfront promenade along the city’s coastline. Offering stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and several beautiful beaches, the Corniche, with its parks, cafes, and restaurants, is ideal for a day out. However, be aware of Abu Dhabi’s high temperatures; take precautions by staying hydrated and using sun protection while walking. Regardless of the climate, having all clear travel insurance is essential for a worry-free trip to Abu Dhabi.
8. Colombo – difficulty score 31.6/100
Colombo, situated on the west coast of Sri Lanka, features numerous sandy beaches and low-lying terrain, making it one of the top 10 most walkable cities in our study. Beautiful walking routes include Galle Face Green, a promenade offering impressive views of kites flying over the Indian Ocean, and Pettah Market, one of the city’s oldest markets selling everything from exotic spices to beautiful textiles. As you explore the diverse sights of Colombo, ensure you have reliable all clear travel insurance to cover any unexpected events during your travels in Sri Lanka.
9. Miami – difficulty score 31.9/100
Miami, the second American city in our rankings, is the perfect destination for a holiday that’s easy on the knees. Guided walking tours are a popular way to explore the city, with many travellers opting to discover the South Beach neighbourhood and its Historic Art Deco District, home to the world’s largest collection of Art Deco architecture. Whether you’re joining a tour or exploring solo, all clear travel insurance is a smart addition to your Miami travel plans.
10. Bangkok – difficulty score 33.4/100
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, offers a vibrant scene for tourists both day and night. The Chatuchak Weekend Market, spanning 35 acres with 15,000 stalls, and the Historic Rattana Kosin Island, home to the Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha, and Wat Pho, are major attractions for visitors. Exploring these sites on foot allows you to fully appreciate the rich culture and bustling atmosphere of Bangkok. Before you get lost in the wonders of Bangkok, make sure you’ve secured all clear travel insurance to protect your adventures in Thailand.
Which Cities are the Hardest to Explore on Foot?
Conversely, to identify the cities that are most challenging to explore on foot, we used the same list and topographic maps, ranking cities by their elevation above sea level and the elevation range between their highest and lowest points. This revealed the cities that require more effort to navigate by walking.
The Top 10 Least Walkable Cities
| Rank | City | Country | Average Elevation Score | Elevation Range Score | Overall Difficulty Score /100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | La Paz | Bolivia | 49.6 | 50 | 99.6 |
| 2 | Bogotá | Colombia | 46.7 | 47.8 | 94.5 |
| 3 | Quito | Ecuador | 48.4 | 46 | 94.4 |
| 4 | Cusco | Peru | 50 | 42.8 | 92.8 |
| 5 | Medellín | Colombia | 46.4 | 43.3 | 89.7 |
| 6 | Kathmandu | Nepal | 44.5 | 44.3 | 88.8 |
| 7 | Granada | Spain | 40.8 | 41.2 | 82 |
| =7 | Tbilisi | Georgia | 40.2 | 41.8 | 82 |
| 9 | Guilin | China | 37.4 | 44 | 81.4 |
| 10 | Amman | Jordan | 40.6 | 40 | 80.6 |
1. La Paz – difficulty score 99.6/100
La Paz, Bolivia, tops our list with the highest difficulty score. Offering breathtaking views of the Andes, it’s also one of the highest capital cities in the world (3,650m high), guaranteeing an intense leg workout. Located in a valley with much of the city built on steep hillsides, navigating La Paz on foot can be challenging, particularly for long distances or those with mobility issues. When considering a trip to La Paz, ensure your all clear travel insurance is comprehensive, covering potential altitude-related concerns and other travel risks.
2. Bogotá – difficulty score 94.5/100
While central Bogotá is relatively flat, the city is situated in the Andes Mountains in Peru, at an altitude of 2,640m above sea level. This makes it one of the world’s trickier cities to explore for less mobile travellers or those seeking a relaxed holiday. Spectacular attractions like Monserrate, a hill with a church offering stunning city views, are hard to reach without a steep hike or cable car. For a trip to Bogotá, all clear travel insurance is especially important to cover any health or travel disruptions at high altitudes.
3. Quito – difficulty score 94.4/100
Quito, Ecuador, surrounded by volcanoes, is another of the world’s highest capital cities, sitting at 2,850m above sea level. Ranked as the third least walkable city due to its steep streets and inclines, Quito might not be ideal for tourists wanting to avoid strenuous walking. Travellers should consider alternative South American cities if they prefer easier exploration. If you do plan to visit Quito, make sure your all clear travel insurance is robust, given the city’s altitude and challenging terrain.
The UK’s Five Most Walkable Cities
| Rank | City | Average Elevation Score | Elevation Range Score | Overall Difficulty Score /100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Portsmouth | 11.8 | 28.3 | 40.1 |
| 2 | York | 17.2 | 23.3 | 40.5 |
| 3 | Cambridge | 17.9 | 25.3 | 43.2 |
| 4 | Peterborough | 17.5 | 27.3 | 44.8 |
| 5 | Southampton | 19 | 26.5 | 45.5 |
The UK offers numerous stunning cities for city breaks, easily accessible for Europeans and providing wonderful staycation options for UK residents. But which are the most walkable?
Portsmouth, a picturesque coastal destination known for its historic dockyard, is the UK’s most walkable city. York, a spectacular and ancient city in northeast England, and Cambridge, a popular travel destination near London, complete the top three.
If this list has inspired you to plan a relaxing city break where you can wander at your own pace and truly experience local life, remember to purchase comprehensive all clear travel insurance before you embark on your next adventure. Whether you choose a highly walkable city or one with more challenging terrain, travel insurance is a vital component of any trip.
Methodology:
We compiled a list of 242 cities worldwide using desk research, including cities known for being hilly or flat. To determine the cities with the lowest overall elevation and smallest elevation ranges, and thus the most and least walkable, we analysed data from topographic-map.com.
All values were weighted and normalised to produce ‘difficulty’ scores out of 100.
All data is correct as of July 2024.
