12 Totally walkable cities to visit

If you’re into architecture and art, Stone Town needs to be on your bucket list. The city was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its rich mixture of Indian, European, Persian and Arab influences, along with its traditional Swahili roots. The narrow streets and alleyways are nearly impossible to navigate and appreciate if you’re not on foot.

Although the Lone Star state isn’t known for its walkable cities, beautiful Austin is giving that stereotype a run for its money. Stick to Austin’s eclectic downtown for a walker-friendly hodgepodge of shops, bars and even historical sites. All of your walking will save you a few extra calories for Austin’s renowned Tex-Mex and barbecue.

Next time you’re cursing a North American winter, pack up and travel to the Land Down Under! Sydney’s warmest season is smack dab in the middle of our coldest months, so it’s a great destination for escape. Your best bet for walking is to stick to one city district for your nightlife and lodging needs, and hop on the ferry or bus system as needed for additional sightseeing.

Most of Dublin’s sightseeing is located within a small and very walkable district, with plenty of refreshments and shelter should the weather turn nasty. If you need to warm up or take a break, just step inside for a Guinness (or two!).

This tourist destination is a delightful melding of traditional Laotian and French influences. The only way to appreciate this laid-back and friendly city is by viewing the Buddhist temples and tropical flora on foot.

Istanbul bridges the divide between Europe and Asia, so it just takes a quick walk to traverse between the city’s metropolitan city center and its historic district. Make sure you check out the Grand Bazaar for a sampling of to-die-for spices, jewelry and artwork.

Fun fact: Prague is the sixth most popular tourist destination in Europe, and it’s easy to see why. The city boasts historic and fascinating architecture, art and culture, which is best appreciated by slowly meandering through its streets.

It’s not every day that you can walk through city streets that were built during the Renaissance. The quaintness of the town will charm you into a delightful stupor of pizza, wine, and amazing artwork.

New York City is one of the most walkable cities in the world. Its size makes it difficult to walk from one end of the city to the other, but there’s more than enough to see in any of the city’s five boroughs.

What is a vacation without the prospect of bumming on a beach? Florionapolis is a small island off the coast of Brazil, and tourists can enjoy gorgeous beaches and waves while appreciating the city’s colonial influences. Unlike other cities in Brazil, the island is largely safe and tourist-friendly.

Last but certainly not least, the indomitable Boston, Massachusetts rounds out our list. The urban districts are compact, and they’re supplemented by some awesome hike and bike trails. Not sure where to start? Check out Boston’s Freedom Trail, which will take you through historical sites from America’s revolutionary period.