At Classic Journeys, we love nothing more than exploring a new city on foot at eye level. When you slow down to savor each step on tour, you are truly able to appreciate the breathtaking landscapes and historic landmarks all around you. On our curated walking tours, we proudly spend part of each morning and afternoon with our feet on the ground to soak it all in. Walking is more than just getting your daily steps in, we believe it’s one of the best ways to immerse yourself in a local culture. Read on to see the top 10 walking cities around the world:
#1 Florence
We have to agree with Travel + Leisure on this top spot. Florence, Italy is a beautiful, historic, popular, and incredibly walkable city. Starting our Tuscany & Cinque tour here, guests can experience the best of this classic city, on foot at eye level. Stroll to the top sites of Ponte Vecchio, Sante Croce, and through the market of San Lorenzo. Continue up the steps of the main Duomo, along the Arno River, and skip the lines at the Galleria dell’Accademia to see the iconic David statue… there is so much to explore in Firenze. A perennial favorite when visiting Italy or studying abroad, Florence has captured our hearts with plenty of amore.
#2 Havana
Join us on foot in Havana, on our Cultural Walking Tour in Cuba, for an insightful look at life on this fascinating island. With an expert local guide, walk around the city and right into Fidel Castro’s home for an insightful visit. Stroll through Old Havana, soak in the sights of Plaza Vieja, and make your way along the Malecon, the coastal roadway that runs by the shore in Havana. From the historic Bay of Pigs to shaking your hips in a private salsa dancing lesson, there is so much to experience on our Cuba Walking Tour.
#3 Lisbon
Begin your Portugal walking adventure in the charming capital city of Lisbon. Stroll through Alfama, which is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, as well as Chiado, the theater district. Notice the colorful tiles, stunning architecture, and water views. Don’t forget to shop in Bairro Alto, filled with artisanal shops and restaurants, and have your camera ready for the many monuments, statues and gardens around town.
#4 Rome
The Eternal City comes in 4th place, as this top tourist destination has so many places to explore, on foot at eye level. From Rome’s iconic Colosseum, Pantheon and the Roman Forum, the history and ancient ruins here are jaw-dropping. Explore this Italian capital on foot and follow the lead of an expert local guide on our Venice, Florence & Rome tour. Pause from your walks to sip an espresso (or savor a gelato) in a piazza to truly live la dolce vita.
#5 Oslo
Norway’s capital, Oslo, is spectacularly located at the inland tip of a fjord and is surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes. This clean and approachable city seamlessly combines its natural beauty and rich history, so be sure to walk to the Viking Ship Museum, Akershus Fortress, the Opera House and Vigeland Sculpture Park. Take in the sights and water views along the way on our Norway Walking Tour.
#6 Reykjavik
Reykjavik: difficult to spell but easy to walk around on our Iceland tour. This popular capital city is a perennial favorite for both Americans and Europeans due to its central location. Walk around town to see the Sun Voyager sculpture, the Hallgrimskirkja church, the Perlan museum, and Rainbow Road (pictured above) to begin your Icelandic explorations. Wear layers as you stroll through town, as chilly winds come in from the surrounding sea, and then warm up with some hot chocolate or Brennivin, a traditional Icelandic liquor…skál (cheers)!
#7 Paris
Paris is a walking paradise and always a top European city to visit year after year. Home to iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre Dame to mention a few, there are so many places to explore in the City of Love. Stroll along the Seine River, through the quaint arrondissement, and down the fashionable Champs-Élysées. Add in another city on our cultural walking adventure to Paris and London for the best of both worlds.
#8 Prague
Steeped in history, Prague is a quaint city that is easy to navigate on foot. Make your way to the Prague Castle, through the Old Town Square, into the Jewish Quarter and over the Charles Bridge. This city is visited on our Prague to Budapest tour, where the language and logistics are not a problem when you see visit St. Vitus Cathedral and the Royal Castle of Hradcany. Popular with artists and musicians, this lively city will capture your heart.
#9 Fes
On our Morocco cultural walking tour, you’ll explore Fes (also spelled Fez) to stroll through the lively medina, savor lunch at Nejjarine Square and visit the old Jewish Quarter with its 17th-century synagogue. Exploring on foot with a local guide, make your way through the ceramic district where artisans share how they create fine tiles and mosaics. Walkable and welcoming, discover this ancient city, one step at a time.
#10 Quito
Ecuador’s capital of Quito offers travelers the chance to explore city life before heading on our Galapagos Wildlife Walking Tour. Sitting high in the scenic Andean foothills, this ancient Incan city has a walkable historic center and is rich with 16th-century churches. Stroll in the Plaza Grande Square, explore the local markets, and spend time in La Floresta, a hip neighborhood popular with foodies. As with every city, be aware of your surroundings (especially at night) and it’s always best to be in the company of an expert local guide. Walking with someone who knows the people and the neighborhoods (because it’s their hometown) is how we visit each of these cities on this list and many more around the world.
Ready to explore the world’s best walking cities, on foot at eye level? Join Classic Journeys on a curated walking tour led by expert local guides! Where will you travel next?
