8 Most Walkable Cities in the World, Pedestrian-friendly
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23 August 2024 21:17 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Walking has been proven to improve health. For instance, it can help burn calories and strengthen the heart, Healthline said.
From a larger perspective, adequate space for walking can bring some economic benefits. Data from the Congress for New Urbanism (CNU) revealed that the government of England's Lancaster generated $273 million in revenue after improving pedestrian infrastructure, which had an initial investment of $11.5 million.
A number of cities worldwide have recognized the advantages of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and have implemented it accordingly. Read on to learn more about some of the most walkable cities in the world.
The Most Walkable Cities in the World
A city is considered walkable if residents and visitors can navigate easily on foot. This includes having well-maintained sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, parks, and green spaces.
The following cities are named some of the most walkable around the globe, according to Forbes and Insider Monkey. Will you find your city on this list?
- Florence, Italy
Florence is named as the most walkable city in the world by far. Besides its rich Renaissance heritage, Florence boasts its cleanliness and street safety.
Moreover, the entire city is explorable even on foot. Notable landmarks, including the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazza Della Signoria, are close to each other, about 800 meters apart, or around a 10-minute walk.
2. Riga, Latvia
Located on the Baltic Sea coast at the mouth of the Daugava River, the Riga City of Latvia offers an unparalleled experience that seamlessly blends urban life with medieval charm.
Riga is a great destination for tourists who like to explore on foot. While the Cathedral, the Central Market, and the House of Black Heads are popular attractions, there's much more to discover by simply walking around the city.
The infrastructure in this city is pedestrian-friendly. Most of its main attractions can be accessed within around 30 minutes. Not to mention that Riga's streets are quite safe for travelers to walk.
3. Hamburg, Germany
Hamburg is another walkable city in the world. It offers a safe environment to walk, with a pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. Some of the city's popular attractions, like Hamburg Dungeon and Miniatur Wunderland, are explorable for a 40-minute walk.
- Porto, Portugal
The City of Porto in Portugal has clean streets and colorful houses. Its air quality is largely attributed to its proximity to the coast, according to Forbes.
You might enjoy a stroll through its cobblestone streets, where you could perhaps take a break at Jardin do Palácio de Cristal. You can also pay a visit to Livraria Lello and Clerigos Tower, which is a 44-minute walk away.
- Sydney, Australia
Sydney's well-maintained pedestrian areas and remarkable cleanliness make it one of the most walkable cities in the world. The city's landmarks, such as the Sydney Opera House, are easily accessible on foot.
If you don't feel like walking, consider taking a bus, as the public transport system in Sydney is highly efficient.
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
When it comes to most walkable cities, Amsterdam should be on the list. Besides offering pedestrian-oriented infrastructure, Amsterdam has a network of bike lanes and reliable public transportation enhancing the city's accessibility.
- Shanghai, China
Shanghai's safe and pedestrian-friendly streets make it a top contender among walkable cities. According to Forbes and Insider Monkey, the city has an efficient metro system and green spaces. No wonder that it is the most walkable city in the whole of China.
- Dubai, UAE
Last but not least, Dubai also makes a great city for walking. The streets are clean, thanks to workers who clean the city's roads daily. Some attractions that you may want to visit in Dubai include Dubai Mall, Dubai Aquarium, and the world's famous skyscraper, Burj Khalifa.
Forbes | Insider Monkey
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