Exploring a foreign destination on foot is often far more enjoyable than relying on vehicles or public transport, reducing travel anxiety and allowing for deeper immersion. A recent study has now pinpointed the European city that excels in this regard, offering an ideal pedestrian experience for holidaymakers.
Istanbul Tops the Walkability Rankings
Braw Scottish Tours conducted an analysis of walking distances and step counts between five principal attractions across 30 of Europe's most visited cities. Their comprehensive findings revealed that the Turkish metropolis of Istanbul ranks as Europe's most walkable city, surpassing other popular urban centres.
In Istanbul, a mere 2.5-kilometre stroll connects major historical and cultural sites, including the iconic Hagia Sophia and the bustling Grand Bazaar. This exploration requires roughly 3,250 steps and takes approximately half an hour to complete on foot, making it highly accessible for tourists.
Travellers Praise the City's Charm
On platforms like TripAdvisor, visitors have enthusiastically shared their experiences, highlighting Istanbul's unique appeal. One traveller commented, "Istanbul is a magical city. Phenomenal and historical buildings pepper this amazing place. Literally, it takes days to soak in the nuances and atmosphere of Istanbul. Take your time and don't be afraid to get lost."
Another visitor added, "Istanbul is a magnificent city... one full of beauty, history, spectacular architecture, amazing restaurants, views to die for, wonderful little family-owned hotels, exceptionally kind and honest people, fun-filled nightclubs, exotic sounds, exotic smells, and many other fabulous things too numerous to mention."
A third person noted, "There are so many cliched phrases used to describe Istanbul - ancient and modern, where east meets west, old world blended with new world, etc., etc., and they are all true. There is history, culture, shopping, sightseeing, museums, galleries, boat trips. There is SO much!"
Other Pedestrian-Friendly European Destinations
For those who have already explored Istanbul or prefer alternative options, the study also identified numerous other pedestrian-friendly cities across Europe. The top ten list includes:
- Istanbul, Türkiye
- Milan, Italy
- Hamburg, Germany
- Dublin, Ireland
- Prague, Czechia
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Birmingham, UK
- Frankfurt, Germany
- Kraków, Poland
This ranking underscores the growing importance of walkability in urban tourism, as more travellers seek destinations that allow for easy, stress-free exploration on foot. Whether wandering between landmarks or hunting for local eateries, a walkable city can significantly enhance the holiday experience, as evidenced by Istanbul's top position.
