Why Walking is the Best Way to See a City
Walking is not just a mode of transportation but a way to truly immerse oneself in a new place. It allows you to see things you might miss in a car, take in local sites, discover new stores, and enjoy street performers. Plus, it’s a great way to burn off calories from all the delicious food you’ll eat while on vacation. Many cities around the world are focusing on becoming more pedestrian-friendly, and the most walkable cities are great places to experience local culture.
No. 1 Most walkable city: New York City
The Big Apple is a must-see destination, and avoiding driving is crucial to seeing everything. With subways, buses, trains, and easy-to-walk streets, you can explore NYC without a car. Major attractions like Times Square and Central Park are best enjoyed on foot. Walking is a great way to see the world, and many major cities are working on improving walkability. While not every city is perfect for walking, planning a trip with the intention of walking is possible and a great way to experience a city.
No. 2 Most walkable city: Hong Kong
Hong Kong is making great efforts to improve its walkability, and now is the perfect time to visit. Nearly every part of Hong Kong is accessible by public transportation and walking, so your options for exploration are not limited.
No. 3 Most walkable city: Paris
No. 4 Most walkable city: Shanghai
Xintiandi: Car-free Shopping district
Locals’ Favorite: Hengshan Road, Wukang Road, Changle Road, Fumin Road
How Cities Can Be More Pedestrian-Friendly
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Driving in big cities can be challenging. You may face traffic jams, road rage, delays, and high parking fees. Nothing ruins a vacation faster than stress from getting around. Fortunately, many places are focusing on pedestrians and creating car-free zones to improve walkability.
No. 2 Most walkable city: Hong Kong. Flights to Hong Kong are very affordable. Every hotel in Hong Kong is a short distance from restaurants, shopping, and other hot destinations. Many areas of the city are designed to be pedestrian only and are full of trees and nature, making the walk more pleasant. With great places to stay and so much to explore on foot, Hong Kong is a top walkable city.
No. 3 Most walkable city: Paris. Parisians love pedestrians. Paris is an old, romantic city with many inner neighborhood streets designed for people, not cars. Walking around the city is the best way to admire its architecture. Within a few days of walking, you can see everything from historical sites to smaller attractions. If you drive a car there, park it and explore on foot after enjoying delicious pastries. Paris’s size also makes it one of the most walkable cities in the world.
No. 4 Most walkable city: Shanghai. Shanghai is a great place to travel on foot. Affordable hotels are located all over the city. There are great places to eat within walking distance and effective public transportation. Xintiandi is a car-free shopping district. Locals’ favorites include Hengshan Road, Wukang Road, Changle Road, and Fumin Road. Most locals prefer walking, so streets are designed with pedestrians in mind. Fumin Road and Changle Road are quiet and intimate districts. Walk beneath the green and grab local breakfast to feel the city. There are subways, buses, and a maglev train to get you from the airport. Cheap flights make it accessible. Shanghai is one of the best walking cities in the world.
How Cities Can Be More Pedestrian-Friendly. Not every city is pedestrian-friendly. Cities that are succeeding at being pedestrian-friendly include specific features like walking-only sections, effective public transportation to suburban areas, paths for pedestrians to avoid stop lights and traffic stops, affordable housing in downtown areas, and safe bike lanes and bike laws. Making a city more walkable benefits residents and visitors. Walkability makes navigating cities more pleasant and creates pedestrian destinations with food, entertainment, and shopping easily accessible.
Embarking on a vacation to explore the world’s most walkable cities is an exhilarating experience.
Discover the charm and convenience of strolling through these urban centers, each with its unique character and attractions.
These top 4 cities are not just destinations; they are experiences in themselves, offering a blend of culture, history, and accessibility.
Let’s delve into the locals’ guide to the most walkable cities around the globe.
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