Skyscanner Releases Global Index of the Most Walkable Cities for Travelers Featuring Prominent European and Asian Destinations
Walking remains one of the most immersive and sustainable ways to experience a new destination, allowing travelers to absorb the local atmosphere, architecture, and daily life at a leisurely pace. Recognizing this growing preference among global tourists, travel marketplace Skyscanner has recently released a comprehensive index ranking the world’s most walkable cities, particularly highlighting emerging destinations that offer high accessibility, safety, and pedestrian infrastructure. According to findings published by Euronews, the index demonstrates a strong dominance of European locations in the top tiers, though remarkable cities across Asia and North America also secure prominent positions.
The evaluation methodology employed by Skyscanner is notably rigorous, assessing destinations through 14 distinct criteria. These metrics include the precise physical distance between major tourist attractions, the density and availability of walking paths, average topographical elevation, local air quality ratings, and overall public safety levels. Furthermore, the index calculates the time and average number of steps required for a visitor to navigate between primary points of interest. Additional variables such as local population density, the total number of designated walking routes within and surrounding the urban center, and the sheer volume of accessible cultural and historical attractions are systematically factored into the final rankings.
Leading the global index is Córdoba in Spain, a city deeply rooted in history that seamlessly bridges ancient Roman heritage and the splendor of medieval Islamic civilization. Located in the sun-drenched region of Andalusia, Córdoba offers travelers an exceptionally compact urban layout. Data compiled by Skyscanner indicates that visitors require an average of only 26 minutes of walking time to traverse the distances between the city’s primary landmarks. Among its crown jewels is the magnificent La Mezquita, the historic Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, alongside a sprawling UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, the opulent Palacio de Viana, the historic Jewish quarter of La Judería, and the formidable fortress of Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos. The city’s integration of 29 dedicated walking paths within and around its perimeter further enhances its pedestrian-friendly appeal.
While European destinations claim a substantial share of the top ten, Asian cities also secure high accolades, notably with Nagasaki and Hiroshima in Japan claiming the second and third positions respectively. Both Japanese cities combine rich, poignant history with modern urban planning that prioritizes pedestrian connectivity, efficient public spaces, and safe, well-maintained walkways.
Further down the rankings, Reggio Calabria in southern Italy captures the fourth spot. This coastal destination treats pedestrians to stunning panoramic views across the Strait of Messina toward the imposing silhouette of Mount Etna, complemented by a scenic waterfront and accessible beaches. Navigating the key cultural and scenic attractions of Reggio Calabria requires approximately 25 minutes on foot, equating to roughly 2,321 steps, making it an ideal location for travelers seeking both relaxation and light physical exploration.
Securing a spot within the top five is Monte Carlo in Monaco. Globally renowned as a playground for luxury yachts and high-end supercars, the principality’s relatively diminutive geographical footprint makes it surprisingly manageable on foot. However, urban planners and travel experts note that visitors navigating Monte Carlo must exercise caution due to the city’s steep topography and elevated terraces, which require occasional stair climbs and sloping pathways.
Northern and Eastern Europe are likewise represented through destinations such as Tartu in Estonia. Famed for its charming historic old town, picturesque wooden architecture, verdant parks, vibrant street art, and scenic riverside paths, Tartu provides an idyllic environment for casual strollers. Notably, Skyscanner’s data highlights that Tartu boasts some of the lowest air pollution levels among all cities featured in the index, ensuring a remarkably pristine and healthy atmosphere for outdoor exploration.
Italy secures a second entry on the list with Bolzano, situated in the country’s northern region. Serving as the primary gateway to the breathtaking Dolomites mountain range, Bolzano offers a harmonious blend of alpine culture and Mediterranean flair. Key cultural stops—including Piazza Walther, the historic shopping avenue of Via dei Portici, and the renowned South Tyrol Archaeological Museum, home to the famous mummified iceman Ötzi—can all be comfortably reached within an hour of walking.
Closing out the top ten are Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Victoria in British Columbia, Canada. Sarajevo presents a fascinating cultural crossroad characterized by narrow cobblestone streets, diverse architectural eras reflecting Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and modern influences, and a stunning backdrop provided by the Dinaric Alps. Visitors can easily traverse the city on foot while engaging with its profound and complex modern history. Meanwhile, Victoria, located on Canada’s Vancouver Island, offers picturesque harbor views, historic Victorian architecture, and abundant green spaces designed with pedestrian ease in mind.
Complete Rankings of the Top Ten Most Walkable Cities
- Córdoba, Spain
- Nagasaki, Japan
- Hiroshima, Japan
- Reggio Calabria, Italy
- Monte Carlo, Monaco
- Tartu, Estonia
- Bursa, Turkey
- Bolzano, Italia
- Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Background Context and Evolution of Urban Pedestrianism
The release of Skyscanner’s walkability index reflects a broader, systemic shift in global tourism trends over the past decade. As urban centers around the world grapple with the environmental and logistical strains of mass vehicular tourism, municipal governments and tourism boards have increasingly shifted focus toward sustainable urban mobility. The prioritization of pedestrian zones is no longer viewed merely as an aesthetic enhancement, but as a critical component of sustainable destination management.
Historically, many European and Asian cities developed organically long before the advent of the automobile, resulting in tight, winding alleyways and concentrated commercial and residential hubs. Modern indices such as the one developed by Skyscanner quantify these historical urban designs into actionable metrics for contemporary travelers. By evaluating factors like air quality and pedestrian infrastructure alongside mere distance, the index acknowledges that walkability is multifaceted—dependent not only on how close attractions are, but on how safe, breathable, and visually engaging the journey between them happens to be.
Implications for Travelers and Local Economies
The implications of high walkability rankings extend far beyond traveler convenience, influencing both local economies and environmental sustainability. Urban planning experts and tourism economists emphasize that pedestrian-centric cities consistently report higher levels of economic activity for small, independent businesses. When visitors explore a city on foot rather than through closed transit windows or personal vehicles, they are statistically more likely to patronize local artisan shops, independent cafes, and neighborhood eateries.
Furthermore, promoting walkability serves as a vital tool in mitigating overtourism and reducing urban carbon footprints. Cities that actively maintain and expand their pedestrian corridors distribute tourist foot traffic more evenly throughout historic neighborhoods, preventing localized congestion at single mega-attractions. As travelers increasingly seek authentic, low-impact ways to interact with foreign cultures, indices like Skyscanner’s provide a reliable roadmap for discovering urban environments that honor both human health and historical preservation.
