The prospect of exploring a fresh destination entirely on foot transforms holiday planning into a far more tranquil experience. Without the hassle of car hire or deciphering public transport systems, there’s simply no stress about getting between must-see attractions at your chosen getaway.
For travellers still to secure their break this year, Skyscanner’s travel specialists have revealed the globe’s top 10 “most walkable” cities for 2025 – with an incredible six located across Europe. The rankings, determined by distances between landmarks plus additional criteria such as available walking routes throughout each city, have highlighted some unexpected gems across Italy and Spain. Crowned the planet’s most pedestrian-friendly destination, this stunning historic 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 among all top 10 destinations. This enchanting location once served as a distinguished Roman settlement and became a significant Islamic hub during medieval times.
The city’s renowned mosque, La Mezquita, draws visitors from across the globe. The historic Old Town holds UNESCO World Heritage status and proves perfect for wandering its narrow, twisting lanes on foot.
Additional highlights encompass Palacio de Viana, La Juderia, and Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos. A complete circuit of the primary attractions requires merely 26 minutes (2730 steps), whilst 29 walking routes await discovery 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, 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 secured first place amongst pedestrian-friendly cities, whilst Nagasaki in Japan came a close second.
Nagasaki boasts the lowest crime statistics of the top 10 cities, featuring 531 attractions for visitors to discover and an average altitude of merely 89 metres.
Regarding Cordoba’s European rivals, Italy and Monaco earned recognition for their condensed city centres and diverse array of attractions. Most pedestrian-friendly cities in the world 2025.
