World's Most Walkable European City: Affordable Pints for £4 and Quick Flights from the UK
Rewritten Article:
Hit the Pavement: Discover the Most Walkable Destinations This Summer
Fancy leaving the rental car behind and exploring on foot this summer? We've got some good news for you. A study by Compare the Market has revealed the globe's most walkable cities, and the top-rated contender is just a quick flight from the UK.
Munich takes the crown as the easiest city to travel on foot, pushing aside stiff competition from Milan and Paris. More than 86% of Munich's populace reside within a kilometer of a car-free area, according to researchers. Moreover, 85% of residents live within the same distance of healthcare and education facilities.
With many of its primary attractions conveniently located within walking distance, Munich is an ideal destination for foot-powered sightseeing. Start your adventure at the Marienplatz, a large historic square that houses a mechanical clock showcasing characters enacting scenes from the city's history twice daily. Just a five-minute walk from here, you'll find the Frauenkirche, a restored Gothic church boasting an intriguing 'Devil's Footprint.'
After marvelling at the church, head to the Residenz Munich, a historic palace and another of the city's top attractions. The Residenz houses the Bavarian Crown Jewels and served as Munich's seat of government until 1918. From there, a mere eight-minute walk will bring you to Munich's famous English Garden, the city's largest park, showcasing the Eisbach wave on the Eisbachwalle River, and offering spectacular views from the Monopteros, a small Greek temple folly atop a hill.
After an action-packed day of exploring, unwind at one of Munich's renowned beer halls or gardens and immerse yourself in the city's famous beer culture. According to Introducing Munich, the average beer will set you back just €4/£3.40, and a pretzel will cost an affordable €1.50/£1.27.
Milan ranks as the world's second-most walkable city, with Warsaw, Helsinki, and Paris completing the top five. On the other hand, Manila, the capital of the Philippines, holds the dubious title of the least walkable city globally.
If you're planning to holiday in the UK this summer, another study has pinpointed Brighton as the UK's most walkable city, ranking third worldwide. The charming seaside city stands out with 88% of locals rating its walkability as 'amazing' or 'good.' Known for its compact city center, charming lanes lined with local shops and cafes, seaside attractions, and the proximity of its best bars, restaurants, and pubs within a small radius, walking remains the preferred mode of transportation for exploring the city[1][2].
[1][2] Data from Time Out study, 2025Summary Table: UK Walkability Rankings
| City | Global Ranking| % Locals Rating Walkability as 'Amazing/Good'||----------|:--------------:|:---------------------------------------------:|| Brighton | 3 | 88% |
- Munich is the world's most walkable city, ideal for foot-powered sightseeing, with many attractions conveniently located within walking distance, such as the Marienplatz, Frauenkirche, Residenz Munich, English Garden, and more.
- A study reveals that 85% of Munich residents live within a kilometer of car-free areas and healthcare and education facilities, making it an easy city to navigate on foot.
- After a day of exploring Munich's rich history, culture, and beautiful parks, unwind at one of its famous beer halls or gardens, offering affordable beer and pretzels.
- Brighton, a charming seaside city in the UK, ranks third worldwide as the most walkable city, with 88% of locals rating its walkability as 'amazing' or 'good.'
- Cultural travelers who prefer walkable destinations have options such as Milan, the world's second-most walkable city, or Brighton in the UK, which offers a compact city center, charming lanes, seaside attractions, and a vibrant nightlife within a small radius.
