'Most walkable' city in world has five attractions in 10 minutes of each other
Florence has been crowned the ultimate city break for its outstanding beauty and walkability, with tourists flocking to the heart of Tuscany to stroll through its historic streets. According to newly released data, what makes Florence a magnet for visitors is not only its status as regional capital but also its compact nature, with five major attractions nestled within just half a mile of one another.
Earlier this year, financial pundits at Insider Monkey unveiled their list of the world's most walkable cities, drawing from sources like Tourlane and WalkScore while also considering factors such as air quality and safety levels.
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With rave reviews for being "a city that offers Renaissance history and timeless architecture with each step", Florence's appeal lies in a historic centre that doubles as a UNESCO -listed haven, boasting such marvels as the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, Piazza del Duomo and Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore - all conveniently close for a leisurely 10-minute amble.
Florence, the first European city to pave all its streets back in 1339, is a walker's paradise. With its meandering village roads and hidden nooks, you can uncover the city's treasures without hopping on a bus or tram.
TripAdvisor is brimming with top-rated walking tours, including the highly recommended Florence Sunset Walking Tour with Food and Wine tasting.
This three to four-hour journey delves into Florence's rich heritage, offering both culinary and cultural delights. The tour has been hailed as a "wonderful touring, eating, drinking adventure" by satisfied travellers, reports the Express.
One review highlighted the picturesque riverside path along the Arno River, which flows from the lofty Apennine mountains into the heart of Florence.
For those with a penchant for culture and history, the Florence in a Day tour comes highly praised. Tourists have called it "a wonderful way to see some key sites in Florence" packed with "a wealth of information" provided by knowledgeable guides.
And if you're on the hunt for hidden gems, Piazza della Passera offers a tranquil alternative to the bustling Piazza Signoria. Celebrated for its "very genuine local atmosphere" by Love From Tuscany, it's an ideal spot for a leisurely break.
For the best view, the terrace on top of La Rinascente department store offers a stunning view over the city's rooftops and the Duomo, serving light refreshments including coffee.
Alternatively, you can visit the Santarosa gardens in the Oltrarno for a comfortable meal or cocktail outdoors.
Flight deals to Florence are readily available via Skyscanner with Iberia, Vueling, or British Airways. October is by far the most affordable month to visit with prices starting at £48 from London direct to Florence.
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Harlech Castle (Image: Tom Parry & Co, Harlech) Even when completely cut off by the rebellion of Madog ap Llewelyn, the castle held out, thanks to the 'Way from the Sea'. This daunting path of 108 steps traversing the rock face allowed the besieged defenders to be fed and watered by ship. King Edward I's chief architect built the castle during Edward's invasion of Wales between 1282 and 1289 at the substantial cost of £8,190. The huge fortification is built of local stone and concentric in design, featuring a massive gatehouse that probably once provided high-status accommodation for the castle constable and visiting dignitaries Its thick walls and gatehouse withstood the siege of Madog ap Llywelyn between 1294 and 95 but fell to Owain Glyndŵr in 1404. This iconic Welsh leader, soldier, and military commander in the late Middle Ages led a bloody 15-year revolt to end English rule in Wales. After capturing Harlech, the castle became Glyndŵr's residence and military headquarters for the remainder of the uprising until being recaptured by English forces in 1409 after the troops of Harry of Monmouth besieged it. Its thick walls and gatehouse withstood the siege of Madog ap Llywelyn between 1294 and 95 but fell to Owain Glyndŵr in 1404. (Image: North Wales Live) During the 15th-century Wars of the Roses, Harlech was held by the Lancastrians for seven years before Yorkist troops forced its surrender in 1468, a siege memorialised in the song Men of Harlech, Welsh: Rhyfelgyrch Gwŷr Harlec. This famous song was featured in the film Zulu, which starred Welshman Stanley Baker alongside Michael Caine. Today, you'll commonly hear just the tune to this classic anthem chanted at Wales football and rugby matches. According to Cadw, there was a final siege here. From the spring of 1644, Harlech was defended for the king by its constable, Colonel William Owen. It was the very last royalist stronghold to fall. By the time its surviving garrison of 16 officers, gentlemen and invalids finally surrendered in 1647, it marked the end of the English Civil War. Today, its dramatic ruins continue to attract visitors (Image: Peter Groenendijk / Getty ) Today, it's managed by Cadw, and you can visit this impressive castle via a unique 'floating bridge' that connects the terrace area directly to the castle's gatehouse at the World Heritage Site. Family tickets cost £33.60 in peak season, and a charging car park is available. There's an On-site exhibition within the castle and a Gift shop offering a range of gifts and guidebooks. Cadw holiday accommodation is available to hire close to this site, and for other cottages, glamping, or hotels, try or Airbnb. Nearby, you'll find Harlech Beach, one of the dreamiest beach locations in North Wales. It's four miles of gorgeous golden sand are backed by grassy dunes, and it sits before a backdrop of the jagged Eryri mountain range. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Nearby, you'll find Harlech Beach, one of the dreamiest beach locations in North Wales. (Image: Getty Images) According to the UK Beach Guide, Harlech Beach is also a designated National Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its unique dune system. If nature is your thing, then you're going to love Harlech Beach during the summer when leatherback turtles migrate to this part of the coast to feed on jellyfish. Article continues below In 1988, a record-breaking 916kg leatherback sadly washed up here after becoming tangled in fishing equipment. Popular with families and dog walkers, this beach doesn't get too busy, so it is ideal for a chilled day of relaxing by the sea and admiring the castle views.
