The best cities in the world for getting around on foot
According to a recent study on urban accessibility, Europe dominates the world ranking of the most pedestrian-friendly cities.
According to a recent study on urban accessibility, Europe dominates the world ranking of the most walkable cities, with 45 of the top 50 positions. This analysis, based on data from The Economist and Visual Capitalist on cities with more than 500,000 inhabitants, measures how long it takes a resident to walk to schools, hospitals, or supermarkets. The conclusion is clear: the Old Continent remains a pedestrian paradise. Accessible green spaces, pedestrian-friendly streets, and efficient public transportation make walking the most logical option for getting around.
Beyond Europe
Kyoto, Japan, is the most walkable non-European city on the list, at 28th. Other non-European cities in the top 50 include Taipei, Taiwan, at 35th; Kathmandu, Nepal, at 45th; Taichung, Taiwan, at 49th; and Tokyo, Japan, at 50th.
American cities, known for their car-centric design, are not in the top 50. Vancouver, Canada, is the highest-ranked North American city on the overall list, at 53rd.
Barcelona and Bilbao are among those chosen
The two Spanish cities that make the list of the most walkable cities in the world are Bilbao and Barcelona, ranked 14th and 19th, respectively.
Top 20 most walkable cities
- Milan,Italy
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Turin,Italy
- Dublin,Ireland
- Lyon,France
- Munich,Germany
- Paris,France
- Marseilles,France
- Genoa,Italy
- Edinburgh,Scotland
- Berlin,Germany
- Vienna,Austria
- St. Petersburg,Russia
- Bilbao,Spain
- Bordeaux, France
- Minsk,Belarus
- Stuttgart, Germany
- Lille, France
- Barcelona,Spain
- Oslo,Norway