The world’s most walkable cities, according to locals

New York City and several cities in Europe have been ranked among the world’s most walkable cities based on votes by residents across the globe.

The latest ranking by Time Out is based on the percentage of residents who rated their city’s walkability as either “good” or “amazing” in its annual survey of 24,000 people worldwide, which covers everything from nightlife and street food to transport and how easy it is to explore a city on foot.

Topping the ranking is Seoul, the South Korean capital, which is one of the largest cities on the list, both by population and surface area. Despite its vast scale, 93 percent of locals rated the city’s walkability positively.

Much of the city can be explored on foot, with pedestrian-friendly projects playing a key role, such as the Cheonggyecheon Stream, which runs through downtown Seoul alongside walkways that pass 22 footbridges. Another standout is Seoullo 7017, an elevated “sky garden” that repurposes an old highway into a green, walkable space filled with 24,000 different plants.

Stock image: locals on the two walkways that line the Cheonggyecheon Stream in downtown Seoul, South Korea.

‘Auld Reekie’ Comes in Second

Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, takes second place, matching Seoul with a 93 percent walkability score. While its hills and cobblestones can make walking a workout, Time Out says that exploring on foot is the best way to see the city. The Scottish capital, affectionately known as “Auld Reekie,” is notably compact, with landmarks such as Calton Hill, Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town all within a 15-minute walk.

In third place is New York City, with 91 percent of locals praising its walkability. According to Time Out, Manhattan’s famous grid system plays a major role, with 20 blocks equating to roughly one mile and Fifth Avenue acting as a clear dividing line between east and west.

While Manhattan can be noisy and chaotic, it remains easy to navigate on foot. Walkability also extends into Brooklyn, particularly in neighborhoods such as DUMBO, Cobble Hill and Williamsburg, and via the pedestrian pathway across the Brooklyn Bridge.

Stock image: people walking on the promenade of the Brooklyn Bridge.

Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital, ranks fourth with a 90 percent walkability score. The city is highlighted for its compact, mostly flat and safe layout, as well as pedestrian-focused infrastructure like clearly marked zones and elevated pavements.

The city is also home to Strøget, one of Europe’s first pedestrian-only streets and among the longest. A network of car-free streets in the district links central squares such as Nytorv and Gammeltorv and is lined with shops, churches and street performers.

Fifth place goes to Oslo, where 89 percent of locals rate the city as walkable. For years, the Norwegian capital has been working toward its Car-Free Livability Program, which prioritizes people over vehicles. The gradual removal of parking spaces and introduction of cycle lanes has helped reduce traffic, and by 2019 much of the downtown area had become largely car-free.

Life in a ’15-Minute City’

Another Scandinavian city follows in sixth place: Stockholm, with a walkability score of 88 percent. Spread across 14 islands, the Swedish capital is connected by bridges and well-maintained pathways. More than four-fifths of residents live in a “15-minute city,” says Time Out, meaning essentials like work, schools, shops, parks and entertainment are all within a short walk.

Stock image: people walking through a town square in Stockholm.

Paris also scores 88 percent, ranking seventh. While long associated with romantic strolls, Paris’ walkability can be attributed to policy changes under Mayor Anne Hidalgo, according to Time Out. Between 2002 and 2023, car traffic dropped by more than half. The city now boasts over 300 pedestrianized “school streets,” fewer parking spaces in central areas, and more room for cafe terraces—changes that locals say have enriched daily life.

In eighth place is Singapore, with an 86 percent walkability score. The city-state is noted for its sheltered walkways, which help pedestrians navigate the city while offering protection from both intense sun and heavy rain.

Helsinki ranks ninth with a score of 85 percent. The Finnish capital shares the Nordic focus on pedestrian-first design and recently opened the Kruunuvuori Bridge, the world’s longest bridge dedicated exclusively to trams, pedestrians and cyclists. Helsinki is also home to Baana, a former railway line transformed into a traffic-free pedestrian and cycling route through the city.

Rounding out the top 10 is Kraków, Poland, with an 83 percent walkability score. The city’s Old Town and neighboring Jewish Quarter are both fully pedestrianized and sit side by side, allowing visitors and locals alike to explore the historic areas on foot while preserving their narrow, cobbled streets.