Seoul, South Korea, has been named the world's most walkable city in Time Out's 2026 global survey, with Edinburgh, Scotland, coming a very close second. The survey found that 93% of Seoul residents rated the city's walkability as "good" or "amazing" – the highest score recorded.
Seoul's pedestrian-friendly infrastructure
Despite being a vast metropolis, Seoul boasts outstanding pedestrian infrastructure, including nearly 3,000 kilometres of pavements, broad walkways and well-organised crosswalk systems. The city is home to several spectacular walking routes, such as the Cheonggyecheon Stream, a 10 km restored urban waterway flanked by a well-kept walking path that connects numerous metro stations and key attractions. One visitor described the walk as an "oasis in the city" on Tripadvisor, 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 popular route is Seoullo 7017, a 1,074-metre elevated park created from a former highway, where visitors can stroll above the cityscape. According to those who have visited, the walkway is at its finest after dark when the city lights illuminate the surroundings. One person wrote on Tripadvisor: "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 place
While Seoul claimed the number one position, Edinburgh secured second place with almost identical percentages of respondents rating the city's walkability as "good" or excellent. Edinburgh missed out on the top spot by a mere 0.08 percentile points. Despite its hilly terrain and cobbled, winding streets, many tourists visit Edinburgh precisely for its walking opportunities. Renowned walks such as Arthur's Seat or Carlton Hill prove popular choices, though the city is equally rewarding to explore on foot, with countless pubs and cafés dotted on virtually every corner.
