The daily traffic jams in most cities make us prefer to leave the car aside and explore a city on foot when we are tourists. It is the best way to discover a destination, immersing oneself in every corner. And which is the best-designed metropolis globally to explore on foot? Budapest, one of the favorite places for travelers due to its blend of history and modernity. From the Castle Hill and the ruin bars of the Jewish Quarter to the thermal baths of the past and the street food offerings of the Great Market. Not forgetting the Chain Bridge in the mist at dawn or the lights illuminating the Danube at night.
The Hungarian capital offers it all. That's why it tops the ranking compiled by Freetour, a platform specialized in guided walking tours worldwide, based on bookings, reviews, and routes completed by millions of travelers. The list reflects the real preferences of users, with Rome and Vienna following in the ranking. The Eternal City, for its history, squares, monuments, and the charm that is felt in every street. And thus, we avoid the continuous traffic jams that occur. The Austrian capital, on the other hand, combines palaces with cafes that retain the flavor of a whole era.
The 'Top Ten' Walkable Cities
1. Budapest.
2. Rome.
3. Vienna.
4. Barcelona.
5. Madrid.
6. Paris.
7. Prague.
8. Naples.
9. Florence.
10. Lisbon.
In the top ten, two Spanish cities stand out, ranking fourth and fifth, respectively. The first is Barcelona, with the architectural audacity of Gaudí, and the second, Madrid, vibrant and full of life at any time. Paris, with its endless charm, Prague, which seems taken from a fairy tale, Naples, chaotic and passionate, and Florence, where art is present on every corner, would follow, while the tenth position is occupied by Lisbon, always appealing.
The report analyzes up to 100 destinations worldwide, including London, Milan, Porto, Seville, Amsterdam, Athens, Venice, Dublin, Mexico City, and Brussels. Spain has a prominent presence in the international top, with a total of 17 cities. Thus, in addition to the aforementioned Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville, others like Valencia (26th), Granada (31st), Toledo (39th), Malaga (40th), Cordoba (45th), Zaragoza (55th), Bilbao (57th), Palma de Mallorca (75th), Cadiz (77th), Santiago de Compostela (78th), Cuenca (84th), Segovia (85th), Leon (95th), and Salamanca (100th) join in. All offer unique experiences for strolling. From grand monuments to hidden corners only discovered by walking, showcasing the richness and diversity of the country.
"Each city in this ranking offers the opportunity to explore it on foot with a guide, discover its lesser-known spots, taste its local cuisine, and experience the city as its inhabitants do," concludes Ignacio Merino, CEO of Freetour.