The 12 Most Beautiful Walkable Cities in the World

Florence, Italy

Florence, Italy, Dubrovnik, Croatia, Edinburgh, Scotland, Zurich, Switzerland, Washington, DC, Porto, Portugal, San Francisco, California, Tallinn, Estonia, Sydney, Australia

The best way to discover Florence is by exploring its narrow cobblestone streets, many where cars aren't allowed or can't fit on, taking in the beauty of its architecture and frescoes full of Renaissance history along the way. You can easily walk to its biggest landmarks— Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, and Piazza del Duomo— within 10 minutes of time between each.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

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You can't beat the beauty of the Adriatic coastline of Dubrovnik, and its cobblestone streets are just as pretty to take in by foot. Be sure to take in all the ambience and architecture of its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Perhaps the city's most scenic stroll is a mile-long route above the town along medieval city walls, built starting in the 8th century, starting with he Pile Gate and taking in numerous sites along the way.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Florence, Italy, Dubrovnik, Croatia, Edinburgh, Scotland, Zurich, Switzerland, Washington, DC, Porto, Portugal, San Francisco, California, Tallinn, Estonia, Sydney, Australia

You are never far from a greenspace in what is easily the United Kingdom's most walkable city. Be sure to slow down in its medieval Old Town as well as its Georgian New Town, and all the pubs, bistros, and cafes you will pass. The National Museum of Scotland and Edinburgh Castle are near one another as well. For an extra scenic view, walk up to Arthur's Seat, a landmark atop a dormant volcano.

Zurich, Switzerland

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Surrounded by the snow-capped Alps and picturesque lake views, Zurich is stunning in its interior as well. Be sure to explore the cobblestone streets of its old town, Altstadt, as well as the Lindenhof Hill area and, if you want to shop, Bahnhofstrasse. Also try to fit in a stroll along the Lake Promenade of Lake Zurich and to stop to order fondue to fuel all your steps!

Washington, DC

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There's a particular beauty of the U.S. capital's Neoclassical monuments and buildings. You can get in tons of steps on the National Mall, which will take you from the Capital to the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Monument, with Smithsonian museums and other memorials along the way. Be sure to also explore the city's quaint neighborhoods on foot, from Georgetown to Dupont Circle to Capitol Hill, each with a unique mix of shops, cafes, and parks.

Porto, Portugal

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Colorful houses and architecture are as much of a landmark of Porto, situated on the River Douro, as its narrow cobblestone streets that are a treat to explore on foot. Its hills will give you great exercise too, so make sure you reward yourself with plenty of Port wine the city is known for. The narrow streets of the Ribeira district will take you back in time, and you'll find many notable landmarks around its wider downtown area. For a different side of the city, a walk along the coast from Matosinhos to Porto is full of scenic views.

San Francisco, California

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It might be hilly, but San Francisco's scenic streets are more compact to walk around than you might think. You can, of course, walk across its iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the many acres of Golden Gate Park, and you'll wan to the artsy Mission District's churches and Victorian and Edwardian homes, as well as Little Italy and Chinatown and other neighborhoods as well.

Tallinn, Estonia

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The compact layout of this medieval city makes walking ideal. Start on the winding streets of its historic Old Town and all the Russian and Nordic influence it holds, and be sure to visit Viru Gate, Freedom Square, and Tallinn Town Hall, all a short walk from each other. From there you make your way out to more trendy neighborhoods like Kalamaja.

Sydney, Australia

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Known for not only its stunning beaches and weather but the cleanliness of them, Sydney's inner areas can be covered well by walking. Its biggest attractions, including the Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Garden, Hyde Park, Darling Harbor, and the Sydney Harbor Bridge, are all close together, and to take in the most beautiful scenery, you'll also want to take in the Pacific Ocean from Coogee to Bondi Beach or Bondi Beach to Bronte too.

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