Seoul, South Korea, has been named the world's most walkable city in Time Out's 2026 global survey, with Edinburgh, Scotland, narrowly missing the top spot by just 0.08 percentile points.
Seoul's Pedestrian Infrastructure
Despite being a massive metropolis, Seoul boasts excellent pedestrian infrastructure, including nearly 3,000 kilometres of pavements, wide pedestrian walkways, and efficient crosswalk systems. According to Time Out's survey, 93% of Seoul residents rated the city's walkability as “good” or “amazing” – the highest percentage in the survey.
The city offers several remarkable walking paths. The Cheonggyecheon Stream, a 10-kilometre restored urban stream, features a well-maintained walking path that connects multiple metro stations and major attractions. One Tripadvisor visitor described it as an “oasis in the city,” adding: “You can walk along its banks, which are below the main street, watch the ducks in the water and relax. When you get tired, you can also eat at the cafes.” Another reviewer noted: “A stroll along the stream starting at Gwanghwamun where the stream emerges is a must do activity in Seoul. It is particularly vibrant in the early evening when locals take their evening exercise or simply sit alongside the steam, perhaps reading a book or talking with friends accompanied by the sound of moving water. Located below street level, sounds of the city become quickly muted.”
Seoullo 7017 and Night Views
Another notable walkway is Seoullo 7017, a 1,074-metre elevated park converted from a former highway. Visitors recommend experiencing it at night when the city lights are on. A Tripadvisor user wrote: “A pleasant walk over the hustle of the city. Markets are sometimes held at the weekend. It has a nice view of Seoul station, especially if you want to watch the sunset over the city. It's also nicely lit after dark. Usually, a few people walking about and taking photos, but it never feels too busy.”
Edinburgh's Close Second
Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, ranked as the second-most walkable city in the world, with nearly the same percentage of residents rating its walkability positively. Despite its hills and cobbled, winding streets, many tourists visit Edinburgh specifically for its walks. Famous routes like Arthur's Seat and Calton Hill are popular, but the city is equally enjoyable to wander through, with numerous pubs and cafes on every corner.
