With hire cars becoming a growing dent on the holiday budget, more and more tourists are turning to holidays that they can enjoy on foot. Luckily, there are a huge number of cities across the globe that tick that box, with many of their main landmarks located within walking distance.
A study from Compare the Market has revealed the world’s most walkable destinations, and, luckily for Brits, the top-rated city can be found right here in Europe, just a short flight away from the UK. Beating the likes of Milan and Paris, it was the German city of Munich that claimed the top spot as the world’s easiest city to explore on foot. This stunning city is the capital of the southeastern state of Bavaria and is home to some of the most impressive architecture and one of the most breathtaking backdrops on the continent.
According to the researchers, 86% of Munich’s population – around 1.6 million as of November last year – live within 0.6 miles of a car-free space, while 85% live the same distance from healthcare and education facilities.
In even better news for tourists, most of its main attractions are within walking distance, including the historic square of Marienplatz. This square should sit at the top of any Munich bucket list, overlooked by its iconic Rathaus-Glockenspiel mechanical clock, which sees characters enacting scenes from the city’s history twice a day.
Marienplatz has been Munich’s main square for nearly 870 years, and during the Middle Ages, markets and tournaments were held here. Munich is a year-round destination, highlighted by the fact that three weeks before Christmas, the Christkindlmarkt market opens, selling goods, food and drink.
From Marienplatz, it is only a five-minute walk to the Frauenkirche, Munich’s stunning restored Gothic Catholic church, now a cathedral, which began construction in 1468. It is considered a symbol of the Bavarian capital and is the biggest hall church in the world. The church is known for its mysterious Teufelstritt, or “Devil’s Footprint” – a large black footprint on one of its floor tiles.
Continuing the walking tour from Frauenkirche, it is only another eight minutes to another of Munich’s top attractions, the historic Residenz Munich. This is the former royal palace of the Wittelsbach monarchs of Bavaria and is open for visitors to explore its incredible architecture, room decorations and displays from former royal collections, including the Bavarian Crown Jewels.
For something a little less urban, head to the famous Englischer Garten (English Garden), Munich’s largest park, another short stroll away. Here you can find beer gardens, the famous Monopteros, a small, circular Greek temple, or even catch a wave at the Surferwelle.
After thoroughly exploring, it’s time to rest your feet and head to one of the city’s renowned beer halls or gardens to sample Munich’s iconic beer culture. According to Introducing Munich, the average cost of a beer is just €4 (£3.40).
Direct return flights, taking just under two hours from Heathrow Airport to Munich Airport (MUC) with British Airways are available in June for just £246, according to Skyscanner.
In the study, Milan was named Munich’s runner-up for the most walkable city, with Warsaw, Helsinki, and Paris rounding off the top five. Manila, meanwhile, was ranked the least walkable city in the world—a city that prioritises cars over pedestrians and thus lacks adequate pavements for explorers.