The Most Walkable Cities for Budget Travelers
The point of slow travel is to take things slow and move with little resistance. While driving and having access to a vehicle can open up different travel routes, most backpackers travel by train, plane, bus, and move around on foot. Some cities are built for cars, while others are designed for pedestrains to get around without vehicles.
Here’s a list of the most walkable cities for budget travelers.
Chicago, Illinois
One of the largest cities in the United States, Chicago is revered by travelers for its walkability. While the city is heavily populated, it’s designed in a way that makes it easy to get around without a car. Not only is the traffic in Chicago hectic and steady, but the cost of renting a car can be expensive, which is why Chicago is a top choice for budget travelers looking for a walkable city. Since the late 1800’s, Chicago has prioritized the use of trains and has become known for their heavily-used “L” train, which services Chicago and its surrounding areas with more than 1,000 operating rail cars. The “L” is one of the largest rapid transit systems in the United States, giving backpackers plenty of ways to explore Chicago’s many neighborhoods and reach attractions like the Museum of Science and Industry, the Willis Tower, and Navy Pier, among many others. While the “L” is a quick way to get somewhere, walking through Chicago is a treat on its own, and the city is filled with amazing restaurants, shops, clubs, and cafes.
Vienna, Austria
Consistently ranked as one of the most walkable cities on the planet, Vienna is a popular destination for backpackers on a budget. Once the heart of the Habsburg Empire, Vienna has a deep history of music, art, and culture. With its pedestrian-friendly layout, backpackers can immerse themselves in the rich offerings of the city with ease. From St. Stephen’s Cathedral to the Hofburg Palace, which dates back to the 13th century, Vienna has several historic landmarks that can be reached on foot. Strolling through Burgasse, one of Vienna’s thriving creative centers, is a great way to soak up local art and shop for handmade goods and crafts. The Museum Quarter is also a top attraction in Vienna and very walkable.
Barcelona, Spain
From its wide boulevards and beautiful large plazas, Barcelona is a top destination for budget travelers looking to get around on foot. The city is steeped in history and has a rich culture that radiates down its streets and through its many cafes and bars. Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is filled with incredible medieval architecture that dates back to ancient Roman settlements, and its winding, narrow streets are the perfect place to get lost. Barcelona is also known for its art, and backpackers can take a stroll through the Picasso Museum to see classic paintings and other notable works of art. One more area to explore on foot is Park Güell, which is a major green space that is filled with parks and gardens, and sits on the southern slope of the Turo del Carmel hill, giving lookouts over the city.
Florence, Italy
With many of the city’s central streets being pedestrian-only, Florence consistently ranks amongst the most walkable cities in the world. For art lovers, there’s Michelangelo’s original statue of David to see and marvel at, while the city itself is filled with several museums that feature famous ancient sculptures and paintings from different time periods. Food lovers will love how easy it is to find delicious pastas, pizzas, and pastries all across the city. To take in panoramic views of the city, backpackers can climb up to Piazzale Michelangelo to take in sweeping views of Florence, and this is especially popular to catch a sunset. Florence is known for its art, rich culture, and delicious food, and with how easy it is to get around on foot, there’s a reason it remains atop the list for most walkable cities for budget travelers.
Athens, Greece
Another city that is littered with ancient relics, classic art, and delicious food, Athens is large by nature but easy to navigate on foot. With notable landmarks like Plaka, Monastiraki, and the Acropolis, the city of Athens is filled with attractions that have stood the test of time. The Ancient Roman relics are what make Athens popular, but backpackers can expect to find a city that is pedestrian-friendly and filled with interesting shops, cafes, and restaurants. The street life in Athens is lively, and there are many designated zones in the historic center that are pedestrian-only. Athens also has many hilly neighborhoods, which can provide sweeping views of the city for those on foot. In terms of pedestrian-friendly cities, Athens is one of the top in the world when it comes to cities that are most walkable.
