These 12 Walkable Cities NEED To Be On Your Summer Bucket List

You never know what you’ll find when exploring a new city on foot. Whether you’re strolling through the quaint streets of a coastal town, navigating bustling urban streets, or exploring historic neighborhoods, walking through a new destination allows you to fully immerse yourself in the local culture, spot charming shops and restaurants you may not have noticed before, and appreciate the unique architecture. The most walkable cities offer unique vacation experiences that you simply can't capture from behind the wheel of a car or through the windows of a bus.

The allure of the most walkable cities lies in their pedestrian-friendly layouts, scenic routes, and vibrant street life. In a city like Reno, Nevada, you can wander through art districts filled with colorful murals, eclectic galleries, and trendy cafes. Meanwhile, in Washington, DC, a stroll through the neighborhoods might lead you past iconic landmarks, charming rowhouses, and beautifully landscaped parks. Each step offers a new discovery, be it an architectural marvel, a cozy bookstore, or a quaint bistro.

Whether you’re an avid traveler or someone looking to rediscover your own hometown, exploring the most walkable cities can provide endless inspiration. Below, you’ll find some of the most beautiful places to explore and appreciate on foot—just in time for planning your summer travel.

Washington, DC

The best way to explore Washington, DC (and avoid traffic) is on your own two feet. Walking the National Mall from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial is a bucket-list tourist experience. Pro tip: You can walk it at any time of day, so plan for a picturesque after-dinner stroll that may be less packed than midday.

The city’s popular districts, including Georgetown, Dupont Circle, and the Wharf, all offer a mix of historic charm and thriving city life. Georgetown’s cobblestone streets and waterfront promenade are perfect for leisurely walks, while Dupont Circle’s nightlife scene doesn’t get boring. Code Red is a speakeasy dining experience and bar inspired by the Prohibition Era, with a cocktail menu based on the period and walls of vintage photographs.

Stay at the Intercontinental with a prime location at the Wharf. Mere steps outside of the property, you can walk along the Potomac River, where you'll find shops, restaurants, and the Anthem music venue.

Carmel-by-The-Sea, California

Carmel-by-the-Sea in Monterey County, California, defines what a beach town should be. Travelers won’t need their vehicle here to walk the main downtown, which is filled with coffee shops, galleries, local vendors, restaurants, and more. It's also one of the most dog-friendly towns in the country. Don’t miss walking down to Carmel Beach for one of the most surreal sunsets that you’ll ever see.

Notable stops in town include Cafe Luna, Stationæry, Toro, and Mad Dogs & Englishmen, a local bike shop where travelers can rent a bike with a sidecar for their dog—because you simply need to bring your pup along for the ride! Design aficionados will love to call the charming Le Petit Pali at 8th Ave their home away from home—the 24-room craftsman-style property has so much character without feeling outdated.

Lucca, Italy

 

Lake Nona, Florida

Lake Nona is a tech-forward destination in Orlando, Florida, known for its pedestrian-friendly urban district. With beautifully landscaped trails, scenic parks, and easy-to-navigate streets, 40 percent of Lake Nona is reserved for open green spaces. This includes community parks, playgrounds, over 1,000 acres of lakes and waterways, and more than 40 miles of paved and unpaved paths. The welcoming neighborhood fosters a strong sense of community, with local shops, cafes, and a variety of recreational activities.

If you’ve seen the Charging Bull sculpture on Wall Street in New York City, you’ll find another work from the artist Arturo Di Modica in the 50,000-square-foot Sculpture Garden at the Wave Hotel. Along with a world-class collection of sculptures, the garden features roughly 300 palm trees for an afternoon well-spent wandering around.

 

 

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is a culturally diverse hub in South Africa that has a lot to offer tourists with every type of travel style. The most walkable destination is the V&A Waterfront, filled with lots of shops, boutiques, restaurants, and bars. There’s not a bad view in sight, with waterfront vistas in one direction and Table Mountain in the other (guests can ride a gondola to the top for surreal views).

The historic Bo-Kaap neighborhood features brightly colored houses and cobblestone streets. A variety of high-end hotel accomidations—including The Silo Hotel, One&Only Cape Town, and Mount Nelson—offer modern luxury and a walkable location to the waterfront, a range of restaurants, and nightlife.

 

New York City, New York

When it comes to walkable cities, few spots top the culture and offerings of New York City. Each street offers a completely new perspective of the city, ensuring that travelers of any type can craft a trip to suit their style. Enjoy walking the High Line, surrounded by lush greenery and sculptures above the city street, or stroll along the West Side Highway with a pit stop at the unique Little Island. Many of Manhattan's neighborhoods offer a different vibe, from the bustling energy of the East Village to the quieter streets of the Upper West Side.

For runners, the New York City Marathon is one of the most epic ways to see all five boroughs. The race starts on the Staten Island Bridge and progresses through Brooklyn, into Manhattan, up to the Bronx, and ends with roaring crowds in Central Park. Stay at one of the city's many stylish destinations, including Nine Orchard in Lower Manhattan, Fouquet's in Tribeca, or the Made hotel in midtown to have the whole city at your fingertips.

 

Hvar, Croatia

Croatia’s island of Hvar is just as magnificent as you would expect. The European oasis boasts everything from cobblestone streets to vibrant lavender fields and endless vineyards, all perfect for getting lost in a daydream. The historic town overflows with well-preserved Renaissance architecture and piazzas.

Cafes on the waterfront, such as San Marco at Palace Elisabeth, offer uninterrupted views of the Adriatic Sea alongside fresh Mediterranean cuisine. The city center is car-free, with a maze of alleys to get pleasantly lost in and discover hidden gems like the Franciscan Monastery and the fortress of Fortica.

 

Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich combines medieval charm with modern efficiency, making it one of Europe’s most walkable cities. The Altstadt (Old Town) features narrow, winding streets, medieval buildings, and historical landmarks such as the Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches. Pedestrians can enjoy the city’s well-maintained parks and promenades along Lake Zurich, offering picturesque walking routes with views of the Swiss Alps in the distance. Swoon over the large swans lounging in the river, but make sure not to pet them!

Stay at Baur au Lac for a truly luxurious experience with stunning views of Lake Zurich and the Alps. Conveniently located within walking distance to the sights in town, the prestigious hotel's history dates back to 1844.

 

Knightsbridge, United Kingdom

Knightsbridge, one of London’s most affluent neighborhoods, is a walkable destination that blends luxury with accessibility. Strolling through its elegant streets, must-see stops include the renowned Harrods department store and the endless Victorian architecture of the surrounding buildings. Get lost in the tree-lined streets and beautiful gardens to enjoy the views.

Travelers can also enjoy chic boutiques, artisanal cafes, and fine dining establishments that line the streets. One of these is Jumeirah Carlton Tower, which recently began a new afternoon tea that pays homage to King Charles III's love of gardening and vision for a green future by drawing inspiration from Highgrove House & Gardens.

 

Stillwater, Minnesota

Located on the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin, Stillwater is known for its quaint atmosphere and historic architecture. Filled with Americana charm, the former lumber town's streets will lead you to an array of antique shops, the St. Croix River, and riverside dining. A few flavorful favorites include Feller and Brick and Bourbon, as well as MN Nice Cream and Leo’s Grill and Malt Shop for a sweet treat after a day exploring.

What’s cool is visitors can quite literally take a stroll across state borders over the historic Stillwater Lift Bridge, conveniently located in the center of town. Stay at Lora Hotel, a brewery-turned-boutique hotel, or opt for a home base on the other side of town at Hotel Crosby, which features a scenic rooftop hot tub that is open all year long.

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a walking oasis with a grid-like layout and rich American historical heritage. Independence National Historical Park, home to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, is a must-visit area for pedestrians. For a go-to lunch spot, the Reading Terminal Market offers a bustling assortment of local vendors and restaurants to explore.

Stay at the W Hotel, located in the heart of the city. The lobby, also known as the “living room,” offers unique programming with local musicians that becomes a popular spot on the weekends. The rooftop pool is a hidden gem of the city to relax in during the day after a spa treatment.

 

Reno Tahoe, Nevada

Don’t underestimate “The Biggest Little City in the World,” that is Reno Tahoe, Nevada. Offering a blend of urban excitement and natural beauty, travelers are surprised to find just how much there is to do here. The city celebrates artists with murals and sculptures–many are from Burning Man, which are on permanent display in the Riverwalk District.

Stay at Whitney Peak Hotel in the heart of downtown. Connected to the hotel is BaseCamp, where travelers can challenge themselves and scale one of the tallest outdoor climbing walls in the world!