'Hidden gem' city is the most walkable in the world and a UK tourist favourite
There's something truly special about being able to wander through a new destination on foot that makes booking a getaway even more appealing. Without the hassle of hiring a car or figuring out public transport, there's no stress about how you'll get between must-see attractions in your chosen spot.
For those still planning a break this year, travel gurus at Skyscanner have revealed the top 10 "most walkable" cities globally in 2025 - with an incredible six located across Europe. The list, determined by walking distances between landmarks and other elements such as the number of pedestrian routes available, has highlighted hidden gems in Italy and Spain.
Crowned the most walkable destination on Earth, this stunning historical city sits in the heart of Andalusia, Spain.
Cordoba, Spain
Skyscanner describes Cordoba as "a wonderful city to visit and explore on foot", boasting the shortest walking distances of all the top 10 cities. This enchanting location was once a prestigious Roman settlement and a significant Islamic hub during medieval times, according the Express.
The city is renowned for its magnificent mosque, La Mezquita. The historic Old Town holds UNESCO World Heritage status and is perfect for wandering its narrow, twisting lanes. Additional highlights include Palacio de Viana, La Juderia, and Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos.
Strolling between the key sights takes merely 26 minutes (2730 steps), whilst there are 29 walking routes to discover throughout the city and surrounding areas.
One visitor on Tripadvisor remarked: "Cordoba was built before cars, so your taxi will probably not be able to take you to the door, but once you are there, you will be able to walk everywhere.
"It's a good idea to start at the Roman Bridge, go over and see the models in the Torre de la Calahorra, in particular the model of the original mosque, before you visit the Mesquita, and walk around the narrow streets. Lots of bars, restaurants, shops, and museums. The Jewish Quarter is also worth seeing."
Another said: "There is lots to see and do around the many cobbled streets. Lots of cafes, quaint bars, shops, tapas bars and restaurants. Don't be afraid to wander down little alleys, as this is where the hidden gems lie. It's a fantastic couple of days, but wear sensible, comfy shoes as all those cobbles take their toll on your knees and feet."
A third visitor remarked: "The restaurants we ate at were reasonably priced, not gouging prices like in other cities. In short, for beauty, history, outstanding city design [long, walkable parks], and kind people - Cordoba is your choice. It really amazed us."
The delightful Spanish destination claimed the top spot amongst pedestrian-friendly cities, with Nagasaki in Japan trailing closely behind.
Nagasaki boasts the lowest crime statistics amongst the top 10 locations, featuring 531 attractions for visitors to discover and sitting at an average height of merely 89 metres.
Regarding Cordoba's European rivals, Italy and Monaco earned recognition for their concentrated city centres and diverse array of attractions. Most pedestrian-friendly cities in the world 2025.
Most walkable cities in the world 2025
Cordoba, Spain
Nagasaki, Japan
Hiroshima, Japan
Reggio Calabria, Italy
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Tartu, Estonia
Bursa, Turkey
Bolzano, Italy
Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
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