Venice, Italy, has been named the world's most walkable city, according to new research by travel experience platform Hellotickets. The study analyzed factors such as pedestrian space, the density of attractions accessible on foot, and the ease and pleasure of exploring without a car.
Venice achieved a walkability score of 96 out of 100. The city's picturesque settings and winding canals make it ideal for exploration on foot, with Hellotickets describing every detour as feeling like a 'film scene'. One-way flights to Venice can be found for as little as £17.99.
Top Walkable Destinations
Pontevedra, Spain, ranked second with a score of 94 out of 100. The historic Galician city offers a well-preserved old town and is home to the Gothic Santa María la Mayor Basilica. Helsinki, Finland, secured the third spot with a score of 88 out of 100, boasting numerous museums, cafes, parks, and waterfronts within close proximity. Kyoto, Japan, placed fourth with a score of 86 out of 100, recognized for its temples, gardens, shrines, and traditional lanes. Madrid, Spain, rounded out the top five with a score of 84 out of 100, noted for its squares, museums, markets, and lively neighborhoods.
Paris, France, came in sixth with a score of 83 out of 100, followed by Lyon, France, in seventh place. The United States is represented in the top 10 by Philadelphia, which ranked eighth. The study described Philadelphia as having 'the charm of an American city that can genuinely be discovered on foot,' highlighting its public squares, museums, markets, and neighborhoods.
Melbourne, Australia, secured the ninth position, praised for its numerous laneways, murals, cafes, and riverfronts conducive to leisurely walks. Buenos Aires, Argentina, completed the top 10. New York City, also in the United States, ranked twelfth, noted for its iconic spots like Manhattan, Brooklyn, Central Park, and the High Line, offering what the study calls a 'cinematic experience' for pedestrians.
Other cities making the top 15 include Sète, France (12th), London, UK (13th), Istanbul, Turkey (14th), and San Pedro, Belize (15th). The research aimed to identify destinations that offer a complete and enjoyable experience when explored primarily on foot, encouraging travelers to consider walking as a primary mode of transport for city breaks.