walkable

Edinburgh is a stunning city at any time of year, but it’s said to be particularly beautiful during autumn when the leaves turn into shades of yellow, orange, and red.

One travel blogger on Ourcrossings described the city as “beautiful” throughout the year, but particularly stunning during autumn.

There’s reportedly an “extra dose of magic” as foliage transforms into hues of yellow, orange, and red.

The blogger observed: “With colourful leaves framing its every corner, Edinburgh turns into an autumnal dreamland that feels like a world away from the rest of Europe.”

Edinburgh presents a magnificent sight, positioned against the majestic Castle backdrop, and boasts numerous parks for visitors to explore.

Key locations include Princes Street Gardens, where you can stroll towards attractions such as the Scott Monument, Ross Fountain, and the National Museum of Scotland, reports the Express.

Additionally, there’s the Royal Botanic Garden, the adjacent Inverleith Park – merely a three-minute stroll away – and Edinburgh Old Town.

“The Old Town is home to some of Edinburgh’s biggest and best attractions,” highlighted Forever Edinburgh.

Renowned landmarks feature Edinburgh Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The Palace serves as the official Royal Residence in Edinburgh where guests can view Mary Queen of Scots’ bedchamber.

Edinburgh has also gained recognition for its guided walks, allowing you to discover stories from historical periods whilst becoming familiar with the ancient city.

Forever Edinburgh suggests Mercy Tours to uncover stories of murder and mystery along the cobblestone streets.

For those who fancy a bit of exploration, GuruWalk’s free walking tours allow you to hop-on and hop-off at various intriguing spots.

Not to mention, the Scottish capital is brimming with snug pubs, delightful eateries and shops just waiting to be discovered.

Geneva is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, but it’s also one of the most walkable – and the city centre is just a six minute journey from the airport

Geneva is a stunning destination, not just for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures but also for its pedestrian-friendly layout.

Despite being one of the priciest places to visit in Europe, footloose tourists are spoilt for choice in this Swiss city. The city centre is a mere six-minute journey from the airport, making it an ideal spot for those on brief trips who don’t fancy a lengthy transfer.

According to geneva.info, Geneva airport is situated four kilometres from the city. A train ride between the Geneva Airport and the central railway station in the city (Gare Cornavin) takes six minutes, while a bus journey lasts about 20 minutes.

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Visitors can utilise public transport around the city without shelling out a single penny and can freely hop on and off its comprehensive transport network. Anyone lodging in approved accommodation, be that a hotel, youth hostel, or campsite, is entitled to the city’s Transport Card for free travel throughout their stay, reports the Express.

Walkable city

The city centre of Geneva is relatively compact, meaning most of its top attractions are located within a short distance of each other. Whether you’re staying near the lake or in the Old Town, many of the city’s highlights are reachable on foot.

You can stroll from the famous Jet d’Eau, the large fountain, to the charming Parc des Bastions, a renowned park, without needing to catch a bus or tram. Geneva’s streets, particularly around the Old Town, are pedestrian-friendly with wide pavements, abundant green spaces and clearly marked crossings.

One of Europe’s largest lakes, Lake Geneva, is a major attraction in the city. The lakefront paths are perfect for leisurely strolls or brisk walks, offering stunning views of the water, distant Alps and the iconic Jet d’Eau fountain.

The city boasts numerous parks that offer tranquil walking routes. Parc La Grange and Parc des Eaux-Vives, both situated along the lake, are perfect for an afternoon amble. Another favourite is Jardin Anglais, conveniently located near the city centre and offering picturesque lakeside vistas.

For those seeking more adventurous treks, Geneva’s position at the foot of the Alps provides easy access to hiking trails just outside the city.

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Public transport

While Geneva is easily navigable on foot, its public transport system offers a welcome respite for weary feet. The city has trams, buses, and even water taxis (known as Mouettes) that can swiftly transport you to any part of the city.

Moreover, if you’re staying at a hotel in Geneva, you’ll typically receive a Geneva Transport Card for complimentary public transport during your stay. In line with its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, Geneva encourages walking and aims to reduce car traffic. Several areas in the city have limited or no car access.

Kraków, Poland, is one of Europe’s cheapest cities to visit for a city break, and it’s only a short flight away from the UK.

I’ve enjoyed city breaks in various European countries, including Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. However, my recent trip to Kraków, Poland, was truly unforgettable. The affordability of the journey and the city itself, coupled with its walkability, made it stand out. Unlike many European cities that necessitate trams, trains or metros for getting around, Kraków was refreshingly different.

Plus, it’s less than a two-hour flight from London. Once the capital of Poland, Kraków is so compact that the only transport I needed was the train from the airport to the city centre. Beyond this, everything was within a 20-minute stroll from the main square.

Kraków had been on my travel wishlist for five years due to its stunning architecture and rich history, reports the Express.

My primary reason for visiting was an excursion to Auschwitz to learn about the Holocaust, so I didn’t have high expectations for city exploration.

However, as I wandered around, I kept discovering hidden treasures, and I fell in love with the city.

From the market square known as Rynek Glowny to the Wawel Royal Castle, all the key sights were just a short walk away from each other.

The square is home to the Cloth Hall, a trading centre from the Renaissance period, and a Gothic church dating back to the 14th century.

Planty Park and the remnants of the medieval city walls encircle the city. The park offers such serenity that it hardly feels like you’re in a city, and it provides easy access to almost everything.

The architecture is truly stunning, with a fusion of historical styles adorning well-maintained streets.

The Jewish quarter is another must-see, boasting a variety of historical synagogues, museums, art galleries, as well as unique restaurants and bars.

When it comes to food, there’s an endless array of both Polish specialities and other European cuisines.

I was pleasantly surprised by how affordable it was – a chicken burger and chips cost around £8, Polish dumplings were just £3 to £4, and the most delectable spaghetti carbonara was only £9.

While drinks, particularly cocktails and alcoholic beverages, were slightly pricier, they were still considerably cheaper than in other cities I’ve visited, such as Berlin and Copenhagen.

I wholeheartedly recommend a weekend trip to Kraków, whether you’re seeking culture, history, or simply relaxation.

Florence has been named the most walkable city in the world, and it’s not hard to see why when you take a closer look at the five key attractions that are all within a 10-minute walk of each other

Florence has been crowned the ultimate city break for its outstanding beauty and walkability, with tourists flocking to the heart of Tuscany to stroll through its historic streets. According to newly released data, what makes Florence a magnet for visitors is not only its status as regional capital but also its compact nature, with five major attractions nestled within just half a mile of one another.

Earlier this year, financial pundits at Insider Monkey unveiled their list of the world’s most walkable cities, drawing from sources like Tourlane and WalkScore while also considering factors such as air quality and safety levels.

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With rave reviews for being “a city that offers Renaissance history and timeless architecture with each step”, Florence’s appeal lies in a historic centre that doubles as a UNESCO-listed haven, boasting such marvels as the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, Piazza del Duomo and Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore – all conveniently close for a leisurely 10-minute amble.

Florence, the first European city to pave all its streets back in 1339, is a walker’s paradise. With its meandering village roads and hidden nooks, you can uncover the city’s treasures without hopping on a bus or tram.

TripAdvisor is brimming with top-rated walking tours, including the highly recommended Florence Sunset Walking Tour with Food and Wine tasting.

This three to four-hour journey delves into Florence’s rich heritage, offering both culinary and cultural delights. The tour has been hailed as a “wonderful touring, eating, drinking adventure” by satisfied travellers, reports the Express.

One review highlighted the picturesque riverside path along the Arno River, which flows from the lofty Apennine mountains into the heart of Florence.

For those with a penchant for culture and history, the Florence in a Day tour comes highly praised. Tourists have called it “a wonderful way to see some key sites in Florence” packed with “a wealth of information” provided by knowledgeable guides.

And if you’re on the hunt for hidden gems, Piazza della Passera offers a tranquil alternative to the bustling Piazza Signoria. Celebrated for its “very genuine local atmosphere” by Love From Tuscany, it’s an ideal spot for a leisurely break.

For the best view, the terrace on top of La Rinascente department store offers a stunning view over the city’s rooftops and the Duomo, serving light refreshments including coffee.

Alternatively, you can visit the Santarosa gardens in the Oltrarno for a comfortable meal or cocktail outdoors.

Flight deals to Florence are readily available via Skyscanner with Iberia, Vueling, or British Airways. October is by far the most affordable month to visit with prices starting at £48 from London direct to Florence.

Experts looked at various factors such as the number of beaches and average hours of sunshine to determine which place in the UK is the best for a leisurely stroll

New data has revealed the most walkable seaside town in the UK. The Co-operative Bank experts used Rightmove information to analyse factors such as the number of beaches and average sunshine hours, determining the ultimate UK location for a pleasant stroll. The experts assigned 20 towns and cities a walkability score out of 100, with the top spot achieving a perfect 100, earning it the title of the nation’s most walkable seaside town.

Brighton, home to over 277,000 residents, has been crowned as the country’s most walkable city. The Sussex resort, famous for its iconic Brighton Palace Pier and bustling North Laine shopping district, offers an ideal layout for locals and tourists to explore on foot.

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It boasts pedestrian-friendly streets, lined with independent cafes, and a vibrant arts scene, making it perfect for those who enjoy wandering and soaking up all that the city has to offer.

“What is not to like about walking along the Pier, the hustle, bustle and the sound of visitors just enjoying themselves, kids will love it and it also takes their parents back in time to when they were youngsters at the seaside,” one person wrote on TripAdvisor, reports the Express.

Speaking about North Laine, another person said: “This is my favourite place to walk around when I’m in Brighton, as there are so many quirky wee shops and cafés to see.”

Bournemouth nearly clinched the top spot with a score of 97 out of 100, praised for its coastal paths, town centre shopping and stunning cliffside views, all within an easy stroll.

Eastbourne, Ramsgate and Swansea were hot on Bournemouth’s heels, each scoring just one point less. These towns are ideal for leisurely explorations.

Eastbourne is renowned for its expansive promenades and Victorian architecture, offering idyllic seafront walks and treks up to Beachy Head.

Ramsgate combines seaside allure with historical intrigue, featuring its Royal Harbour Marina and a “compact” town centre perfect for pedestrian discovery.

Meanwhile, Swansea boasts a waterfront that stretches from the marina to the beach, adjacent to must-visit museums, markets, and restaurants.

This German city has been named the most walkable in the world, with many of its main attractions including a jewel-filled palace, a unique surf spot and Gothic church easily accessible on foot

A study has named the world’s most walkable city and it’s only a short flight from the UK. The top-rated destination packed with bike and walking paths even managed to beat out beloved holiday hotspots like Paris and Milan.

Less than a two-hour plane ride from London is the most walkable city in the world: Munich. The study from Compare the Market ranked 53 locations on how good they are for being car-free and listed the Bavarian city as number one.

There were many factors used to assess each of the 53 cities, including the total distance of all bike trails and walking trails and the cost and efficiency of public transport. Each city was also given an overall safety score and public transportation score. Additionally, average monthly rainfall factored into the final walkability assessment.

According to the researchers, 86% of Munich’s population live within 1km of a car-free space. The city has 1,468,623 kilometres (912,560 miles) worth of bike trails – the second highest of anywhere in the world, according to Compare the Market.

The findings also reveal that despite Munich’s public transport being the third most expensive, it scores the fourth highest for safety. The city also tied for second highest destination for people living within a kilometre of healthcare and education facilities.

The Bavarian city is a great destination for tourists to get around on foot with many of its main attractions located within walking distance. Munich’s historic main square, Marienplatz, is one of many must-visit attractions, overlooked by a clocktower.

If you time your visit for one of the two performances a day, you will be able to see the mechanical characters in the Rathaus-Glockenspiel clock enacting scenes from the city’s history.

Marienplatz is just a five-minute walk to Frauenkirche, a restored Gothic Catholic church. The church is known for its ominous ‘Devil’s Footprint’, a large hollowed footprint set within one of the church’s floor tiles.

Less than a ten-minute walk from Frauenkirche is the Residenz Munch – a historic palace which houses the Bavarian Crown Jewels. The Residenz also served as Munich’s seat of government until 1918.

Those wishing to enjoy the natural beauty of the city – still on foot – can head to the city’s largest park: the English Garden. The park spans 375 hectares and one of its most notable features is the Eisbach wave, where visitors can see locals attempting to surf the river.

Of course, no mention of the Oktoberfest capital would be complete without mention of its incredible beer gardens and halls. After a long day of strolling, travellers can head to the 16th-century Hofbräuhaus München – one of the most well-known beer halls in the world – to enjoy a drink and traditional Bavarian fare.

Nine out of the top ten most walkable cities in the Compare the Market study are in Europe. The only non-European city that cracked the top ten list was Tokyo, which made it into sixth place. On the other end of the scale, Manila, the capital of the Philippines, was ranked as the least walkable city in the world.

Top 5 most walkable cities worldwide

• Munich, Germany
• Milan, Italy
• Warsaw, Poland
• Helsinki, Finland
• Paris, France

The French city was found to be the best for exploring on foot according to a study by French newspaper Le Parisien. Brits can catch a direct flight to Lyon which takes less than two hours

France is a favourite destination for Brits, and its closeness to the UK makes it an excellent choice for a quick weekend getaway. But where’s the best spot in the country for a city break that you can explore on foot?

A study by French newspaper Le Parisien revealed that Lyon is France’s most walkable city and the easiest to navigate by foot. As the third largest city in France, Lyon is often hailed as the nation’s culinary capital, and its Old Town is among the most beautiful in France.

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Brits can catch a direct flight to Lyon which takes less than two hours, or they can travel by train using the Eurostar and changing in Paris, which takes just under five hours. Skyscanner offers a variety of flight options, or British tourists can plan a train or flight route on Omio.

What to do in Lyon

If you’re short on time, most of Lyon’s top attractions are located in Vieux Lyon. Marvel at the architecture in the city’s cathedral or uncover its intriguing traboules.

The Traboules are secret covered passageways through Lyon’s Old Town, so keep your eyes open as you wander, reports the Express. The city’s top-rated attraction on Tripadvisor is the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere, which perches on a hill overlooking the old town.

The Basilique is incredibly stunning, but visitors will also enjoy fantastic views from the top, and there’s also a cafe.

If you have a bit more time, visit the city’s Parc de la Tete d’Or, home to turtles.

What to eat in Lyon

Lyon is frequently hailed as France’s culinary capital, so after all that strolling, be sure to carve out some time to savour its gastronomic wonders.

The city’s food scene revolves heavily around bouchons – eateries specialising in traditional Lyonnaise cuisine. Some of the offerings, like pork tripe sausage, might not be for the squeamish.

However, dishes such as lentils with vegetables and sausages, and le poulet celestine, a chicken dish featuring mushrooms and tomatoes, are firm favourites.

Where to stay in Lyon

If you’re keen on staying in the most pedestrian-friendly part of the city, consider lodging in the old town. Alternatively, hotels across the river tend to be more budget-friendly if you’re watching your pennies.