The best cities for walking tours: where to go to learn more about local history and architecture

Cities that are best explored on foot can offer travellers much more than just beautiful views. Here, the small details, architectural features, atmosphere of the streets and the feeling of real life, which is only revealed to those who choose to travel on foot, are important. Find out which cities made the list and why they are ideal for walking tours

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Exploring a new city on foot is one of the simplest yet most profound ways to experience its atmosphere. There is nothing better than slowly walking through narrow streets, looking at the facades of buildings, listening to the sounds of the street and discovering little local secrets that you would never notice from the window of a bus or taxi. That is why more and more travellers are choosing destinations where it is convenient and safe to walk, and where the sights are compact and logically located.

The travel platform Skyscanner has identified the 10 best cities in the world for walking in 2026 — those where you can not only get around easily, but also truly understand the history, culture and architecture of the place.

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Córdoba — the undisputed leader for walkers

In first place is Cordoba, an ancient and surprisingly cosy city in southern Spain, in the heart of Andalusia. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the central Mezquita, which combines Islamic and Christian architecture, is considered one of the most unique temples in Europe.

The authors of the ranking note that a walk around the main attractions takes only 26 minutes, which is ideal for those who appreciate compactness and intensity. In addition, Cordoba has 29 walking routes that allow you to see different sides of the city: from the Jewish quarter of La Judería to the majestic Alcázar of the Christian kings.

Which cities made it into the top 10

The Skyscanner ranking is diverse: it includes ancient European cities, modern Asian metropolises and peaceful northern locations. Each of them is unique in its own way and ideal for walking.

1. Cordoba, Spain – compact historic centre, majestic Mezquita, numerous short routes.

2. Nagasaki, Japan – picturesque hills, narrow streets, multicultural architecture.

3. Hiroshima, Japan – wide embankments, green parks, places of historical memory.

4. Reggio Calabria, Italy – sea breeze, ancient buildings, views of the Strait of Messina.

5. Monte Carlo, Monaco – luxurious boulevards, ports and steep streets of the old town.

6. Tartu, Estonia – university atmosphere, quiet neighbourhoods, cosy squares.

7. Bursa, Turkey – historic markets, mosques, ancient neighbourhoods at the foot of the mountains.

8. Bolzano, Italy – Alpine landscapes, Italian-Austrian architecture, ideal routes for leisurely walks.

9. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina – a mixture of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian architecture, atmospheric streets.

10. Victoria, Canada – seaside views, Victorian architecture and a relaxed pace of life.

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Why walking reveals the city

The cities on the list have one thing in common: each of them is perceived completely differently when viewed through the eyes of a pedestrian. They are convenient to walk around, easy to navigate, and the main locations are situated in such a way that the route builds itself. While walking, travellers can notice small details — carved balconies, street signs, and antique fountains — that create the real character of the city.

We remind you! Demand for winter trips to the Carpathians is growing every day, and prices are changing rapidly depending on location and demand for the holidays. Tourist regions are already almost full, and vacations in the mountains are becoming more expensive, especially in top destinations. Read more about current prices, booking features, and why Bukovel sets the highest standard.

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