In a recent study of 240 cities around the world, All Clear Travel names Amsterdam the most walkable city. The study also highlights two U.S. destinations, New Orleans and Miami, among the top 10 most walkable cities. The ranking analyzes factors such as average elevation, the difference between the highest and lowest points, and ease of navigating city streets.
Whether wandering along the weaving canal in Amsterdam, getting lost in Venice’s ancient streets, or strolling along the beach in Miami, walking is the best way to discover a new destination. This study reveals the most walkable cities in the world with a focus on their accessibility.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, is the world’s most walkable city. The area’s average elevation, elevation range, and overall difficulty influenced its impressive 20.1 score. The Netherlands is flat, so it is unsurprising Amsterdam scores well in that department.
Amsterdam’s unique urban landscape also helps, like the city’s easily navigable Canal Ring and pedestrian-only streets. Constructed in the 1600s, the Canal Ring spans approximately 60 miles with more than 1,500 bridges. These connections make it easy to travel from one tourist attraction to the next. For example, the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum are only five minutes apart.
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Rotterdam takes the second spot with a difficulty score of 20.7. This eclectic Dutch city is also flat; Its average elevation score is 1, the same as Amsterdam’s, signifying the practically zero elevation above sea level.
Visitors can stroll among art galleries and modern skyscrapers without worrying about steep climbs and steps. The historic center of Rotterdam fell in 1940, and the reconstruction resulted in wide sidewalks. The main shopping street, Lijnbaan, is one of the first pedestrianized streets in the city center.
Venice, Italy
All Clear Travel Insurance and Tourlane declare Venice third among the world’s most walkable cities. Like Amsterdam, Venice’s low elevation helps. Its flat walking paths and grand canal system comprising 472 bridges earned an overall difficulty score of 22.8. Better yet, the city is predominantly pedestrian-only, so tourists don’t have to worry about encountering traffic.
Besides being flat and car free, Venice ranks as one of the world’s most walkable cities because the main tourist attractions are close together. It takes less than 10 minutes to walk between world famous attractions like Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, and Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Not to mention, walking Venice’s charming streets is exceptionally romantic.
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
The best way to explore the sights, sounds, and tastes of bustling New Orleans, Louisiana, is on foot — which, luckily, is incredibly easy. New Orleans might be a large city, but getting around isn’t difficult. In fact, a difficulty score of 25.1 makes it the world’s fourth-most walkable city.
Some things that help make New Orleans highly walkable include its low elevation, minimal elevation change, and compact tourist areas. Tourists can easily walk between popular attractions in the French Quarter, such as Jackson Square and the New Orleans Jazz Museum, in approximately 10 minutes. Meanwhile, some streets, like Fulton Street, have pedestrian-only blocks to encourage walking.
Kolkata, India
Kolkata might be one of the largest cities in India, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the world’s most walkable cities. Formerly Calcutta, this fascinating port city is the capital of West Bengal State. It’s home to iconic Indian attractions, including the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Science City, and Birla Mandir.
Admittedly, tourists might have to walk further between Kolkata’s main tourist attractions. However, it’s easy, as this city ranks well for elevation, elevation range, and overall difficulty. Its score of 29.3 makes Kolkata the world’s fifth-most walkable city. A number of available walking tours allow tourists to get a true sense of what the city is like.
Cancún, Mexico
Cancún claims the sixth spot with a difficulty score of 29.7. The Hotel Zone, the main tourist area, has wide sidewalks with several shops and restaurants along the way. Although Cancún is known for its stunning beaches, it is also incredibly walkable. The city is mostly flat, and the elevation range is minimal. With an elevation range score of 18.8, it is easy to explore on foot.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, sits on a small island in the Persian Gulf. The city is best known for breathtaking architecture, rich cultural heritage, and stunning resorts. However, despite temperatures reaching an incredible 108°F (42°C), the city is also known as one of the world’s most walkable cities.
Abu Dhabi’s rank as the world’s seventh most walkable city is largely due to its low average elevation. All Clear Travel Insurance scores the city 6.7, better than number five Kolkata. The city also has many pedestrian-friendly places, such as Corniche, a beautiful waterfront promenade that span 4.9 miles (8 kilometers). Meanwhile, Downtown Abu Dhabi is compact, so tourists can easily get from A to B quickly.
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Located on the west coast and home to more than 2 million people, Colombo is Sri Lanka’s largest city. One of the busiest ports in South Asia, this lively city is best known for long sandy beaches, turquoise waters, rich culture, and vibrant architecture. Thanks to the city’s low-lying terrain and well-maintained pedestrian walkways, Colombo is considered the world’s eighth most walkable city. The town earned an overall difficulty score of 31.6.
Across the city, tourists can access walking routes such as the Galle Face Green, a famous promenade offering coastal views, and access to Pettah Market. The Colombo Walks initiative encourages more locals and tourists to explore the city on foot. These guided city walks allow people to experience the city’s heart without transport.
Miami, Florida, United States
Miami is the second American locale to appear among the world’s most walkable cities. It is the perfect location for a beach vacation that’s easy on the knees, offering miles of flat walking terrain, low elevation, and pedestrian-only shopping streets. Miami earned a difficulty score of 31.9.
The South Beach neighborhood, home to Ocean Drive and Lincoln Road Mall, is easily explored on foot. Better yet, the Miami Beach Boardwalk is a flat, straight, well-maintained walking path near a stretch of sandy beach. The shop-lined boardwalk stretches seven miles from South Point to Surfside. As if things couldn’t get any better, many tour companies in Miami offer guided walking tours.
Bangkok, Thailand
With extreme rainy seasons, hot summers, and terrifying traffic, Bangkok, Thailand, isn’t often associated with walkability. However, the city has taken considerable strides to become more walkable in recent years. With new parks, bridges, and cross-town walkways, pedestrians can explore many famous attractions without crossing busy roads.
Compared to other Asian cities, Bangkok scores well for elevation and elevation range. According to All Clear Travel Insurance, Bangkok’s overall walking difficulty is 33.4 out of 100. For context, Jakarta, Indonesia, scores 41.6.
Another plus for Bangkok is that major attractions are close together, and guided walking tours are popular. For example, the Grand Palace is only a 10-minute walk from Saranrom Park.
