Revealed: The 100 best cities in the world to explore on foot, with Rome number 1, London ninth – and only ONE US city on the rankings

The best cities in the world to explore on foot have been revealed and Rome takes the cake with its charming squares and cobbled streets.

It is followed by Budapest, number two, where tourists can “explore every corner on foot.”

The 100-strong list is based on booking and search data for 800 cities in 120 countries, created on the GuruWalk website between April 2023 and April 2024. The company, which offers free walking tours worldwide, compared the number of bookings and page views per destination to compile the list.

SpAccording to the findings, ain is the most walkable country, with 28 cities in the top 100. France features seven times, while Britain appears three times, along with Poland, Colombia and Vietnam. Only one American city makes the cut.

Scroll down for the top 10 in reverse order, with the full list at the bottom.

10. PORTO, PORTUGAL

Porto is ideally explored on foot “due to its size and density of attractions,” says GuruWalk.

The Portuguese city’captivates with its picturesque old town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – its wineries on the banks of the Douro River and its iconic Dom Luis I Bridge,” the tour company adds.

9. LONDON, UK

London is a ‘melting pot of cultures, history and art’ with many top attractions – including Westminster Abbey (above) and the London Eye – within walking distance of each other

London offers “countless attractions” within walking distance of each other, from “the historic Big Ben and the majestic Westminster Abbey to the modern Ferris wheel London Eye,” says GuruWalk.

It adds that the city is ‘a melting pot of cultures, history and art, with world-class museums such as the British Museum and the National Gallery’.

8. AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

There is plenty to do in Amsterdam, besides admiring the landscape surrounding the ‘enchanting’ canal network

The Dutch capital invites visitors to explore on foot with its ‘enchanting’ canal network. And besides admiring the landscape, there is plenty to do, according to GuruWalk.

“Amsterdam seduces its visitors with its enchanting canals, rich artistic history and vibrant cultural life,” it says.

‘The Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum are must-sees that offer a deep dive into history and art.’

7. PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

The Czech capital is famous for its architecture, including the Charles Bridge pictured above

Known as the ‘City of a Hundred Towers’, Prague is renowned for its beautiful architecture, historic city center and the iconic Charles Bridge.

So says GuruWalk, which ranks it as the seventh best city in the world to explore on foot.

“Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral and the Astronomical Clock are all sights that captivate visitors,” it adds. And all three attractions are within a 30-minute walk of each other.

6. LISBON, PORTUGAL

Travelers are ‘enchanted’ by the Portuguese capital, with its historic districts and emblematic trams (above)

“Lisbon enchants the traveler with its unique blend of tradition and modernity, its historic neighborhoods such as Alfama and Bairro Alto, and its emblematic trams,” says GuruWalk.

‘The Tower of Belém, the Jeronimos Monastery and the Monument to the Discoveries are just some of the sights that make Lisbon a must-see destination.’

Hikers will be happy to know that it only takes 20 minutes to walk from one to the other.

5. FLORENCE, ITALY

Visitors can explore the best of Florence on foot in just a few hours

“Places like the Duomo, with its impressive dome designed by Brunelleschi, the Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery and the Pitti Palace are essential for any first-time visitor to Florence,” says GuruWalk.

‘And travelers can discover the best of the city (on foot) in just a few hours.’

4. MADRID, SPAIN

The capital of Spain fascinates with the charm of its squares and historic center

In addition to the cultural sights, the Spanish capital fascinates with the charm of its squares, the cobblestones of the picturesque streets in the historic center and green spaces such as the Retiro Park.

So says GuruWalk, adding that the city is “known for its hospitality, vibrant social life and iconic museums.”

3. BARCELONA, SPAIN

Walking the streets of Barcelona offers visitors an experience that combines art, history and gastronomy. In the photo: La Sagrada Familia

Barcelona’s ‘vibrant cultural life, impressive modernist buildings and urban beaches’ make it a top tourist destination, according to GuruWalk.

It adds: ‘Walking through the streets of the city, visitors can explore the Gothic Quarter, the Rambla and the Boqueria Market, offering a complete experience that combines art, history and gastronomy.’

2. BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

The Hungarian Parliament, in the photo, is one of the ‘jewels’ that Budapest offers to travelers who ‘increasingly choose to explore all corners on foot’

“Known as the ‘Pearl of the Danube’, Budapest offers its visitors a unique blend of history, architecture and nightlife,” says GuruWalk.

‘Attractions such as the Parliament, Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge are just some of the jewels this city offers to travelers who are increasingly choosing to explore every corner on foot.’

1. ROME

Rome’s sheer number of monuments sometimes leaves tourists not even knowing where to start, says GuruWalk, who has called it the best city in the world to explore on foot

There are clusters of world-class attractions to explore on foot in Rome, from the Colosseum to the Pantheon.

GuruWalk notes, “The sheer number of monuments it hosts sometimes leaves tourists at a loss as to where to start.

‘So it is not surprising that Rome organizes more guided tours than any other place.’