Stroll along cobblestone paths and admire the sunset over the old town – Top 10 Best Cities in the World for Hiking

▲Top 10 Best Cities in the World for Hiking, with Munich being one of them. (Photo/Provided by Booking, the same below.)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

To truly appreciate the beauty of a country, the best way to travel is on foot—uncovering the secrets of an entire city with your own two feet and exploring its scenery from your unique perspective. However, when choosing a hiking destination, factors such as city size, scenic views along the way, and the convenience of public transportation are all important considerations. A hospitality website has selected the top 10 cities for walking tours, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in urban beauty.

1. Germany – Munich

If you want to experience the charm of a city by walking, Munich is definitely a must-visit destination. Its well-developed pedestrian pathways ensure that every turn brings you face-to-face with the beauty of Bavaria. Among them, the English Garden, known as one of Europe’s largest parks, offers pastoral landscapes, historical ruins, and beer gardens to savor. In addition to being an urban oasis, the city’s magnificent public buildings and Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) are also must-see attractions.

2. Japan – Kyoto

▲The historic streets around Kyoto’s Kiyomizu-dera Temple are perfect for a leisurely walk.

Kyoto, Japan, is one of the most beloved cities for Taiwanese travelers. With over a thousand years of history as the imperial capital of Japan, Kyoto is renowned for its traditional culture, including temples, tea ceremonies, and flower arrangements. The romantic cherry blossom scenery in spring is particularly breathtaking. Famous attractions are scattered throughout the city, and you can easily navigate between them via public transport. The classic streets and cultural ambiance make it a place you’ll want to visit again and again.

3. Finland – Helsinki

▲Helsinki is a pioneer in creating car-free environments.

As one of the world’s most livable cities, Helsinki is a pioneer in developing pedestrian-friendly districts and car-free zones. The cutting-edge Nordic style is the city’s unique romance. Exploring Helsinki on foot allows you to appreciate the fusion of avant-garde art aesthetics and historic architecture, bringing many unexpected delightful surprises to your journey.

4. France – Bordeaux

▲Bordeaux is not only ideal for walking but also easy to navigate by bike or public transportation.

Those who have visited France are inevitably captivated by its romantic and laid-back charm. To experience the authentic elegance of Paris, take a walking tour of Bordeaux instead. Strolling along its boulevards, you’ll be greeted by magnificent neoclassical buildings and fountain squares. The Miroir d’Eau (Water Mirror) at Place de la Bourse is particularly spectacular, being the largest reflecting pool in the world—it feels like stepping into a dream.

5. Italy – Florence

▲Wine and Tuscan tomato bread soup will make this sensory journey even more perfect.

Walking through Florence, the distinctive cobblestone streets remind you that you’re in a romantic country. With minimal vehicle interference and well-designed streets, pedestrians can leisurely soak in the city’s beauty. Sip a shot of espresso, bask in the magical sunlight of the Boboli Gardens, and enjoy the slow-paced lifestyle of Florence.

6. USA – New York

▲Explore Manhattan neighborhoods, SoHo, Little Italy, and the vast Central Park on foot to get to know New York.

The expansive Central Park and pedestrian-friendly Times Square showcase the city’s captivating charm. The city is highly convenient—even most New Yorkers don’t own cars, and when your feet get tired, you can always hop on the efficient subway system to explore the city.

7. Australia – Perth

▲Want to delve deeper into Perth’s local historical sites or hidden gems? Go hiking on foot.

With clean beaches and azure skies, Perth’s sunshine is refreshing. Strolling along the city’s pleasant streets, you’ll find a wealth of restaurants and bars to choose from. Visitors can also enjoy the forested atmosphere of Kings Park, breathing in phytoncides and listening to the rustling of maple leaves—a perfect destination for a walking adventure.

8. Canada – Vancouver

▲The areas along False Creek, Granville Island, and Anping Park are great for leisurely walks.

Known as one of Canada’s most livable cities, Vancouver is also a frequent feature on recommended walking city lists. With its stunning seaside and mountainous backdrop, the city offers breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Walking around the city often leads to delightful little discoveries. The areas along False Creek, Granville Island, and Anping Park are especially recommended walking routes for travelers.

9. USA – San Francisco

▲Head down to Pier 39 to enjoy fresh crab and ice cream.

Hikers looking to tackle some slopes will find San Francisco an absolute top choice as a walking city. Stroll through the neighborhoods and enjoy the sun-drenched climate of Northern California, where colorful houses and local culture come together to complete the city’s charm. Additionally, the 1.7-mile-long Golden Gate Bridge is a must-visit attraction.

10. Uruguay  Montevideo

▲Enjoy captivating performances by street musicians and sample authentic Uruguayan street food from local vendors, which help travelers remember this city.

Although Montevideo is a large city, it is perfect for exploration on foot. At sunset, take a leisurely walk along La Rambla and soak in the city’s unique beachside atmosphere. The mix of colonial architecture, Art Deco styles, and 1970s concrete high-rises will definitely open visitors’ eyes. Meanwhile, wandering through the old town of Ciudad Vieja and observing the traces of time on the buildings offers a distinctive charm.