Visit The Most Pedestrian-Friendly Cities In The World This Year

Certain cities in the world are truly pedestrian-friendly and this summer could offer a true adventure in their walkable streets. Instead of viewing cities through a smartphone screen or riding in public transport, stroll and view these cities live, taking in the cities’ vibe and meeting the local people.

Pedestrian-friendly destinations in the world

Visiting foreign cities and strolling around their neighborhoods is a wonderful experience, discovering eateries, bars, quaint stores and public spaces. However, with decades of cars cramming the streets of most cities, there is a lack of pedestrian-friendly streets. Meanwhile, the following are wonderfully walkable to explore.

Florence, Italy

Cars are barred in some of the narrower streets in Florence and the cobblestoned streets are difficult to navigate in high heels. However, with the right footwear, those same streets are pedestrian-friendly to the max. Exploring the historical city on foot allows travelers the best views, including a stroll along the banks of the Arno River. Moreover, when looking up, stunning architecture and historic frescoes are a gift, along with the quaint, hidden cafés along the way.

A brief introduction reveals that all six of Florence’s main bridges are walkable along with the Centro Historico, nestling on the banks of the Arno. Another pedestrian-friendly site is the beautiful Boboli Gardens, leading to the Forte Belvedere and Piazzale Michelangelo with its remarkable views. Meanwhile, the pedestrian zone of Via Calzaiuoli, strolling to the Piazza Signoria is a wonderful place to be.

Paris, France

When heading to Paris, make sure you have comfy walking shoes to explore the city’s streets. Meanwhile, many streets take travelers through authentic Paris, and the Latin Quarter is one of the best to explore. Here cross the Petit Pont from Ile de la Cite and Notre Dame to the Left Bank.

Once there, take a turn off to Rue Saint-Jacques with its cobblestoned street to walk the side streets around Saint-Germain, through the Sorbonne University and St. Michel area of the city, ending up in the Luxembourg Gardens.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Exploring the historic city of Dubrovnik comes up tops for pedestrians, where the entire old town is UNESCO World Heritage-listed. Those cobblestoned streets are best explored on foot, where travelers may spend several hours covering a reasonably short distance. They will find themselves constantly stopping to take in the views and ambiance and admire the architecture.

Head up to Dubrovnik’s ramparts and medieval walls, strolling from the Pile Gate to Ploce Gate, where strollers can visit the Stradun, the main pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare in the city. Moreover, explore the monasteries, and stroll to Banje Beach along the promenade. Take a quick ferry ride to Lokrum Island, exploring the beaches, the botanic gardens and the monastery there.

New York City, New York

The streets of New York City are a wonderful place to stroll and they are numbered, making it difficult to get lost. However, the best way to explore is set a route from A to B, while discovering an entire neighborhood.

Start at the southern tip of Manhattan around Battery Park. Then make your way through the Financial District, beside the Hudson River to the West Village. Explore Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen and the Upper West Side all the way to Harlem.

If you are only visiting for a brief city break, get talking to the locals to find out the most pedestrian-friendly areas of the city.