Latest news with #walkable
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
I had a butt injection in Los Angeles' most walkable area - where you don't need to hire a car
There are some things that are just 'so LA'. Think palm trees, celeb-spotting, Lululemon-clad women holding their overpriced Hailey Bieber-inspired crafted drinks - and, more importantly, traffic. After hopping off the plane at LAX with a dream and my cardigan, I'm keenly anticipating all the glitz and glamour awaiting me, while dreading the amount of time I'm about to be stuck in a car this week. But, forget what you've you've heard about needing to rent a car in LA, there's a part of the City of Angels you can actually walk around and still feel like an A-lister - West Hollywood. There's so much to see here, including the Sunset Strip, Design District and Santa Monica Blvd, - and you can see it all in breathtaking views from the Skybar of my Alice in Wonderland-themed hotel, Mondrian. This hotel's location is testament to why WeHo is known as LA's most walkable area. Here, I'm a stone's throw from The Comedy Store - often deemed the greatest stand-up comedy club in the world; The Viper Room, a nightclub partly owned by Johnny Depp; and The Abbey, a favourite bar of Elizabeth Taylor and the inspiration for Chappel Roan's hit song Pink Pony Club. Naturally, the food scene in West Hollywood is remarkable, and you won't even need to leave your hotel to find a decent joint. At Mondrian, I dine at the newly opened Casa Madera which offers delectable Mexican cuisine under starry lights and large open windows showcasing the painting-like sunset. While the hotel itself is pretty swanky, the restaurant is its standout jewel, with some of the most good-looking patrons and views I have ever seen. I also eat at Ladyhawk, a restaurant in the Kimpton LA Peer Hotel, which won Best New Restaurant in LA Magazine, thanks to its prodigy chef Charbel Hayek. The Middle Eastern spot has one of the most delicious mezze platters I've tasted, complete with fresh hummus, a muhammara dish made of roasted red peppers. And for breakfast, I visit another famous hotel - Sunset Tower, which served as residence to Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor. But I didn't go to LA just to eat - it's all about the active lifestyle here. After a morning workout at Taylor Swift's favourite fitness studio DOGPOUND, I head out on an e-bike tour with Bikes + Hikes to learn more about WeHo - where porn theatres and brothels have been replaced by cannabis lounge, State Social House, and rows and rows of cannabis dispensaries. Even actor Woody Harrelson has his own one - aptly named The Woods. I choose not to indulge in any of the green stuff - opting instead for some relaxation. And you certainly won't be lacking that in West Hollywood, as it has the largest number of wellness offerings on the West Coast. I try several treatments, including the red carpet facial at Bamford Spa at 1 Hotel - a go-to for the likes of Jennifer Coolidge. I sip on tea and freshly made smoothies while awaiting my appointment. Even before the facial, I'm feeling more relaxed, sipping on tea and freshly made smoothies while waiting for my appointment. And after, my face is positively glowing, with my skin having gone from dry to dewy in just an hour. But I feel like a fully fledged Angelino after the two treatments I have at Next Health - a vitamin injection in my butt and cryotherapy. It might sound mad having a bum injection, but the Beauty B shot is full of good stuff for skin, hair and nail health, like biotin and folic acid. I'm usually apprehensive about injecting anything into my body, and after seeing two of my friends get light-headed from the treatment, I do have doubts for a second - but watching the more regular customers look so nonchalant as they have vitamin drips via IV and red light therapy eases my nerves. I feel like a fully fledged Angelino after my visit to NEXT Health - where I have a vitamin injection in my butt and cryotherapy. LEFT: The chairs for vitamin drips via IV. RIGHT: The treatments menu Anyway, when in Hollywood! While I can't say I feel a noticeable difference after the glute injections, the cryotherapy is one of the most refreshing treatments I've had done. The advanced cold therapy reaches temperatures as low as -65°C in just three minutes, and although my eyelashes do freeze over, I have Taylor Swift on in the background helping the time fly by - and I'd be keen to be frozen again! I feel like even more of an A-lister later, when I take a helicopter ride across the city, with Maverick Helicopters, flying over the Hollywood sign, Santa Monica Pier, Universal Studios and Harry Potter World. Suspended over such iconic locations I'd only ever seen in films before, I'm almost too starstruck to remember my fear of heights.
Yahoo
26-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'Children will die walking to school - they have been thrown under the bus'
A council has been accused of "throwing children under the bus" after it said a bus route to and from school would be axed. Oxfordshire County Council will scrap the route taking pupils to and from Cassington and Bartholomew School in Eynsham this November following a review. A letter to parents seen by this newspaper says the council believes the journey to school – around two miles – is safely walkable. But parents have argued crossing the A40 and B449 - the recommended route - would be dangerous for children, citing dangers of speeding traffic and unsafe crossings with "extremely poor" visibility. Mum-of-two Catherine Chapman accused the council of 'throwing children under the bus on A40 whilst trying to save their own budget'. The damaged refuge (Image: Catherine Chapman) A lorry passes on the A40 (Image: Catherine Chapman) She said there have been instances of cars driving "at 70mph" through the village and added: "The route has no footpath and is actually a 30 mph zone (unlike the rest of Cassington and Eynsham). Mrs Chapman also criticised the refuge in the middle of the road not being up to standard, thanks to what appears to be a previous crash that has bent the railing. Assessments of the route, seen by this newspaper, were carried out in June, which Mrs Chapman argues would be at the lightest and sunniest time of the year. She said the council should look at what the crossing is like "at 8am on a foggy December morning". READ MORE: Mrs Chapman added: "The bottom line is: a child will die if this bus route goes, and that will be on the council. "Cassington is an incredible village; there was a previous attempt to get rid of this bus route, and that appeal won. Nothing has changed." Poor visibility (Image: Catherine Chapman) She said she is currently "pulling apart" the council's assessment, will be appealing the decision and accused the authority of "wasting money". Parents' concerns about safety were put to Oxfordshire County Council. A council spokesman said: "Oxfordshire County Council evaluates walking routes when it believes a safe alternative to home to school transport might be available. "The assessment of the route between Cassington and Bartholomew School found it to be safe for walking, a hard surface lane with minimal traffic. "Approximately 45 students will begin using the walking route from 3 November 2025 when existing home to school transport finishes. "Families of these children were sent a comprehensive report on 14 July detailing the assessments we made, including maps and photographs." This newspaper also asked about costs of running the service, but the council did not answer.
Daily Mail
10-07-2025
- Daily Mail
World's most walkable city has stunning cathedral and five major tourist attractions within 10 minutes of each other
The world's most walkable city has been revealed and luckily for British tourists, it's just a short flight from the UK. According to a new study, Florence is the world's easiest holiday destination to explore on foot. The study looked at air quality and safety levels as well as where the city's top attractions are. Florence's compact city centre means that tourists won't have to wander far to tick off many of its major attractions. Tourists can start their day at the Galleria dell 'Accademia di Firenze, the location of Michelangelo's David. The five metre high marble sculpture is one of the world's most famous artistic masterpieces. From the gallery, visitors will have just a seven minute stroll to the city's cathedral. The 1200's cathedral is a major feature of Florence's skyline. After exploring the cathedral, tourists can take a break in Piazza della Signoria, one of the city's most captivating squares. Highlights of the square include the Fountain of Neptune and a replica of Michelangelo's David. The square is just a five minute walk from the cathedral. It's then just a short hop to the Uffizi Galleries, another of Florence's must-see art galleries. Tourists will find a mix of Renaissance paintings as well as art dating back to the Middle Ages. And then tourists will have just a two minute walk to the city's iconic Ponte Vecchio, one of Florence's most visited attractions. The medieval bridge was the only bridge in Florence to survive WWII and is famed for the shops that line its sides. Visitors can also join one of the city's main walking tours if they want to discover some of Florence's hidden secrets. The only major attraction that's a little harder to reach on foot is the Piazzale Michelangelo. But although it's a half an hour walk from the Ponte Vecchio, the piazza is worth the trip. It's the best place to enjoy panoramic views of the city. Insider Monkey, which produced the study, looked at many of the world's major cities to find the globe's most walkable. How to get to Florence British tourists can fly direct from the UK to Florence with flights generally taking just over two hours. Brits can also fly to Pisa with many major UK airports offering direct routes to the Italian city. Pisa Airport is just under an hour's train ride from Florence. It's also possible to take the train. Britons will need to take the Eurostar to Paris, change to Milan and then catch a train to Florence.
The Independent
13-06-2025
- The Independent
Twelve of America's most surprisingly walkable cities
A city break in America can be fascinating, fun and good for your health — if you pick a walkable destination. Think there are slim pickings on this front? Think again. America has a surprising number of cities that are easy to explore on foot and here we've singled out 12 of the best. There's the Pacific coast city with trails that connect all four corners, the city packed with movie filming locations, the wanderable historic spot where Google Maps is a no-no and America's oldest city, where historic sites lie within minutes of each other. Read on for our coast-to-coast walking tour. San Francisco All four corners of this 49-square-mile city are connected by the Crosstown Trail system, created by local hiker Bob Siegel in 2019. The main trail, the Crosstown Trail is a 17-mile route connecting San Francisco's neighborhoods, open spaces and other major trails. It runs from historic Candlestick Point in the southeast corner of the city to Lands End in the northwest corner and was designed to be easily accessible from public transit systems. Five years later, the 15-mile Double Cross route was added to the network to link each corner of the city. "The Crosstown Trails are popular because they connect neighbors. Not just to green spaces, tiled steps, parks and beautiful views, but to the humanity of other people and small businesses they pass along the route. And that's what really makes it special," says Siegel. Visitors exploring the inner areas of the city will also discover that attractions are easily reached by foot, travel firm Ocean Florida points out. It notes that from the central shopping and hotel hub of Union Square, it's possible to walk to Chinatown in just five to 10 minutes, then continue to North Beach, San Francisco's Italian district, in another 10 minutes. From there, it's just a 15-minute walk to Fisherman's Wharf, where visitors will find Pier 39, sea lions, Ghirardelli Square, and views of Alcatraz Island. Walk another 10 to 15 minutes west along the waterfront and you'll reach Aquatic Park and the foot of famously crooked Lombard Street. Beverly Hills This 5.71-square-mile city is eminently walkable, with visitors able to stroll along Rodeo Drive, packed with dazzling designer shops, and through Beverly Gardens Park, home to over 80 public art installations. What's more, a collection of eight urban walks collectively known as the Happy Trails series runs through the famed 90210 postcode. Happy Trails maps will guide visitors to the world's first cupcake ATM at Sprinkles, a Laduree outlet, where world-class macarons can be bought, and filming locations including the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel from Pretty Woman, and the Electric Fountain from Clueless. Take a "Step Back in History" walking tour, meanwhile, and you can snap a photo in front of the lily pond by the famous Beverly Hills sign, have breakfast or dinner at Brighton Coffee Shop, open since 1930, and explore the Beverly Hilton, which has hosted the Golden Globe Awards since the 1960s. Salt Lake City, Utah "There's no better way to feel the rhythm of Salt Lake City than on foot." So says Jason Beach, tour manager at Southwest Adventure Tours. He explains that the company's three-hour Downtown Walking Tour "proves how seamlessly history, culture and mountain views converge". The tour's 2.5-mile route leads from the contemporary Salt Palace Convention Center to historic railroad depots, past "vibrant" street murals and stately mansions, through cultural icons like the Eccles Theater and the Greek Orthodox Cathedral, and along bustling Main Street, "where classic architecture and modern energy embody both the city's pioneer heritage and forward-thinking spirit". Jason adds: "Guests are often amazed by how accessible it all is — no car required, just curiosity and a comfortable pair of shoes." Nashville The spiritual home of country music is noteworthy for being easily explorable by foot, says Isabel Fyall from Explore Worldwide. She suggests that visitors could start with a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, then stroll to the National Museum of African American Music. Then, she says, follow the path to the Ryman Auditorium, an iconic venue that has hosted the legendary "Grand Ole Opry" show, and stroll Broadway, "dipping in and out of lively honky-tonks'. New Orleans "You walk New Orleans to feel where you are, with every corner playing a different tune, sometimes literally," says Georgia Fowkes, a travel advisor for Altezza Travel. "French Quarter, Marigny, Bywater — it's all close, flat, and oddly quiet in the early morning. You don't need a car here, you need time." Georgia describes the French Quarter as "messy, but perfect". She continues: "From Jackson Square to the riverwalk, everything is layered: music, bricks, ghosts, balconies, fried dough. "Decatur Street wakes up early. Royal wakes up slowly. Bourbon never really sleeps. I walk it all, then disappear down Chartres for a second coffee and silence." Georgia reveals that if you cross Esplanade Avenue the "vibe shifts", that "tourists thin and the murals start". She says: "I follow Royal Street all the way down — past the bars and the porches and jazz rehearsals. The walk from Frenchmen Street to Bywater Bakery is 15 minutes. I stretch it into 40." Georgia admits that New Orleans sidewalks are "unreliable", with some cracked, some flooded and "some missing entirely". But she adds: "I'd still rather be on foot here than in a car with nowhere to park. Especially in the Quarter, where drivers crawl and pedestrians flow." Boston Boston is "compact, flat and steeped in American history", notes Ocean Florida, which points out that the city's Freedom Trail connects key landmarks in a route that's just 2.5 miles (4km) long and takes around 1.5 to two hours at a leisurely pace. Starting at Boston Common, you'll pass the Massachusetts State House, Granary Burying Ground, and Old South Meeting House, reaching Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market in about 20–25 minutes. Continue for another 15 minutes to Founding Father Paul Revere's House and the Old North Church in the North End, Boston's historic Italian neighbourhood, "great for a coffee stop or cannoli". The trail finishes across the river at the USS Constitution and Bunker Hill Monument, reachable within a 30-minute walk from the North End. Ocean Florida adds: "The entire downtown area, from Beacon Hill to Back Bay and the Charles River Esplanade, is walkable and filled with parks, brownstone streets, and waterfront views." Chicago Chicago offers wide pavements, lakefront walking paths, and a grid layout that makes it easy to explore on foot, notes Ocean Florida, particularly around The Loop and Near North Side. From Millennium Park (home to "The Bean") to the Art Institute of Chicago is just a five-minute walk. From there, it's a 15-minute stroll along Michigan Avenue (aka the Magnificent Mile) to reach Navy Pier, with attractions such as the Centennial Wheel and Chicago Children's Museum. You can also walk 10 to 15 minutes west from Millennium Park to reach Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) for panoramic views from the Skydeck. The Chicago Riverwalk, a scenic path stretching 1.25 miles (2 km), links bars, restaurants, and kayak rental spots, all walkable between Lake Shore Drive and Franklin Street in under 30 minutes. Chicago also boasts Lakefront Trail, a walking and cycling path that runs for 18 miles along Lake Michigan, connecting city beaches, harbours, and museums. Seattle Seattle has a compact downtown and a pedestrian-friendly waterfront that's easy to explore car-free, says Sydney Martiniz from Visit Seattle. She reveals: "Iconic landmarks and attractions such as Pike Place Market, the Waterfront and our sports stadiums are minutes apart. "The historic monorail — in operation since the 1962 World's Fair — conveniently connects downtown to Seattle Center where the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) are located. "It's the kind of place where you can see a lot without ever feeling rushed. Perfect for making the most of your time in the city." Savannah, Georgia Georgia Fowkes describes Savannah as more "wanderable" than walkable. She tells The Independent: "You don't walk Savannah like you walk from a subway station to work. You slow down without meaning to. The city does it for you — with its shaded squares, Spanish moss, and ghost stories that feel too specific to be fake. I come here to walk in circles and call it a day well spent. "The best way to experience the city is to ignore Google Maps. And if I'm staying downtown, I don't open Uber once. "And yes, the city offers a free DOT shuttle, but I've never taken it. I walk instead. That's the whole point." She continues: "Savannah's downtown layout dates back to 1733. It's a perfect grid, broken only by 22 leafy public squares you'll stumble into more than you plan for. "Chippewa Square is where Forrest Gump sat with his box of chocolates — the bench is gone, but the square is still a local favorite for its symmetry and calm. "Lafayette Square has that classic Savannah look — moss-draped oaks, historic mansions, and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist rising like a movie set in the background." Other highlights include Collins Quarter for rare bookshops and Civil War-era basement bars and River Street, which "plays tourists by day and locals by dusk". New Haven, Connecticut New Haven, just two hours from New York City, is described by the Downtown New Haven website as a "small yet mighty oasis". It's perhaps most famous for being the home of Yale University, where visitors can explore the Yale Center for British Art and its huge collection of British art. But New Haven is also the (self-declared) pizza capital of the USA, though here it's known as apizza (pronounced ah-beetz to avoid upsetting New Haveners). The tourist board says: "New Haven-style apizza is known for its chewy, coal-fired crust and smoky flavor, and is truly unlike any other pizza. The city has no shortage of spots to grab a pie, with two of the most famous and established spots, Frank Pepe's (also the country's second oldest pizza parlor) and Sally's Apizza, just a few blocks apart." After strolling the streets, visitors might like to check into The Study at Yale for "sophisticated accommodations just steps away from Yale University's theaters, libraries, and cultural centers". Alexandria, Virginia On the Potomac River within eyesight of Washington, D.C., Alexandria is nationally recognized for its rich history and beautifully preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture, notes Visit Alexandria. Stroll Old Town Alexandria's King Street mile to find more than 200 independent restaurants and boutiques, plus intimate historic museums and waterfront events. Visit Alexandria reveals that standout restaurants include 1799 Prime Steak & Seafood, founded by Jahmond Quander, a member of the Quander family, one of the oldest documented African American families that came from African ancestry to present-day America. There's also Cheesetique, a woman-owned cheese/wine shop and restaurant, and Turkish Coffee Lady, serving traditional Turkish coffee and baked goods. St Augustine, Florida Founded on September 8, 1565, by Spanish explorer Juan Pedro Menendez de Aviles, St. Augustine bills itself as America's oldest city and has more than 144 square blocks of walkable history, remarks The site continues: "The Plaza de La Constitucion, Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fortress in North America, the Mission Nombre de Dios, and many other authentic historic sites that tell the story of the first successful European city are all within walking distance of hotels, restaurants and much more. "In the heart of St. Augustine, the pedestrian-only St. George Street extends six blocks through the center of the historic district, connecting with the Plaza to the south, and the National Parks grounds at the Castillo to the north. "There is so much to see and do in the alleys and side streets along the way. And, there is even more outside the historic district that is accessible by foot, like the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park and the beach, to name a few."
Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- Daily Mail
The world's most walkable city revealed as European gem tops the list
Stroll into summer with a holiday in one of these incredible walkable destinations. A new ranking by the walking experts at GuruWalk, a booking platform for free walking tours, has revealed the globe's easiest cities to explore on foot. So, where is the world's most walkable city? Rome tops the list of this year's ranking. GuruWalk explains: 'The Eternal City remains a key destination for travellers fascinated by ancient history. 'The Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Baroque squares make Rome an open-air museum that deserves to be explored thoroughly, step by step.' Many of Rome's key attractions are located within walking distance of each other. The Italian capital's centre is also fairly flat making it easy to navigate. Second on the walkable list is Budapest, the capital city of Hungary. GuruWalk says: 'Known as the "Pearl of the Danube", Budapest blends imperial architecture with a vibrant cultural scene.' Tourists can stroll from St Stephen's Basilica to Budapest's Houses of Parliament in just 15 minutes. After exploring on foot, visitors can relax in one of Budapest's iconic thermal bath houses. Madrid, Spain's capital, rounds off the top three. GuruWalk says the Spanish metropolis 'offers the perfect combination of art, urban life and iconic parks'. The city's Museo Nacional del Prado, home to works by Goya and Velaquez, is just five minutes walk from Retiro Park, one of Madrid's best places to unwind. When it comes to the UK, London ranks highest for walkability. GuruWalk celebrates the Big Smoke's 'unrivalled combination of history and modernity'. Despite the UK capital's size, pedestrianised areas such as Covent Garden and the South Bank make it one of the country's most walkable cities. Edinburgh also earns a place in the top 20, ranking in 19th position worldwide. GuruWalk explains: 'Edinburgh enchants with its blend of medieval architecture and contemporary atmosphere.' Many of the Scottish capital's top attractions are centred around the city's Royal Mile, making it easy for tourists to explore the city on foot. Glasgow lands a place in the top 100 ranking, squeezing onto the scoreboard in 91st position. GuruWalk reveals: 'Strolling through its streets means discovering impressive Victorian buildings, contemporary galleries and an ever-changing culinary scene that reflects its young and dynamic spirit.' New York is the only U.S city to make the top 100, coming in 33rd position in the ranking. Guru Walk says: 'Walking through Central Park, along Fifth Avenue or exploring iconic neighbourhoods like Soho and Brooklyn offers a unique experience full of contrasts.' THE WORLD'S MOST WALKABLE CITIES 1. Rome, Italy 2. Budapest, Hungary 3. Madrid, Spain 4. Prague, Czechia 5. Barcelona, Spain 6. Lisbon, Portugal 7. London, UK 8. Florence, Italy 9. Amsterdam, Netherlands 10. Berlin, Germany 11. Paris, France 12. Porto, Portugal 13. Vienna, Austria 14. Seville, Spain 15. Venice, Italy 16. Toledo, Spain 17. Istanbul, Turkey 18. Milan, Italy 19. Edinburgh, Scotland 20. Krakow, Poland 21. Brussels, Belgium 22. Dubrovnik, Croatia 23. Copenhagen, Denmark 24. Marrakesh, Morocco 25. Split, Croatia 26. Malaga, Spain 27. Naples, Italy 28. Valencia, Spain 29. Bruges, Belgium 30. Dublin, Ireland 31. Santiago de Compostela, Spain 32. Munich, Germany 33. New York, USA 34. Granada, Spain 35. Mexico City, Mexico 36. Tokyo, Japan 37. Medellin, Colombia 38. Stockholm, Sweden 39. Hanoi, Vietnam 40. Cartagena, Colombia 41. Bilbao, Spain 42. Kyoto, Japan 43. Cordoba, Spain 44. Bratislava, Slovakia 45. Buenos Aires, Argentina 46. Tirana, Albania 47. Cusco, Peru 48. Santiago, Chile 49. Bucharest, Romania 50. Ljubljana, Slovenia Source: Guruwalk Prague, Barcelona, Lisbon, Florence, Amsterdam and Berlin also make the global top 10. Prague is described as a 'magical European capital' to discover on foot while Barcelona is the 'ideal city' to get a little lost in, says GuruWalk. Lisbon might be hilly but its compact city centre means it's suitable for walkers who don't mind tackling an incline. Looking for an under the radar getaway? A gorgeous city in Germany has been revealed as the cheapest place to fly to this summer and a beer there is only £2.50.
