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 city on a global level is best designed to explore on foot? Budapest, one of the favorite places for travelers due to its mix 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 to mention the Chain Bridge in the morning mist 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 around the world, based on bookings, reviews, and routes completed by millions of travelers. The list reflects the real preferences of users, so Rome and Vienna follow in the ranking. The Eternal City, for its history, its squares, its 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 an entire era.
The 'top ten' of 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 to be taken from a story, Naples, chaotic and passionate, and Florence, where art is present on every corner, would be next, while the tenth position is occupied by Lisbon, always appealing.
The report analyzes up to 100 destinations worldwide, among which London, Milan, Porto, Seville, Amsterdam, Athens, Venice, Dublin, Mexico City, and Brussels stand out. 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 such as Valencia (26th place), Granada (31), Toledo (39), Malaga (40), Cordoba (45), Zaragoza (55), Bilbao (57), Palma de Mallorca (75), Cadiz (77), Santiago de Compostela (78), Cuenca (84), Segovia (85), Leon (95), and Salamanca (100) join the list. All of them offer unique experiences for strolling. From grand monuments to hidden corners that are only discovered on foot, 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 corners, taste its local cuisine, and experience the city as those who inhabit it do," concludes Ignacio Merino, CEO of Freetour.