Our guide on the Worst Walkable Cities in Europe for your next trip.
While Europe is known for its many pedestrian-friendly cities with compact centers and well-connected public transport, there are some cities where walking might be less enjoyable or practical. These cities may be more spread out, lack proper pedestrian infrastructure, or have challenging terrain that makes walking difficult.
While many cities in Europe are a joy to explore on foot, some present challenges for pedestrians due to poor infrastructure, sprawling layouts, or difficult terrain. In these cities, it’s best to rely on public transportation, taxis, or bikes to navigate efficiently and comfortably. Whether you’re dealing with traffic in Naples or steep hills in Lisbon, using alternative methods of transport can help you make the most of your visit while avoiding frustration.
Here’s a guide to some of the worst walkable cities in Europe and why they might not be ideal for exploring on foot, along with tips for getting around instead.
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Worst Walkable Cities in Europe
1. Athens, Greece
Why It’s Not Walkable:
Athens is a historic gem, but its sprawling urban layout and heavy traffic make it challenging for walkers. Sidewalks are often narrow, uneven, or crowded with parked cars, making navigation tricky. Additionally, the city’s hilly terrain, especially around the Acropolis and other landmarks, can make walking strenuous, especially in the summer heat.
How to Get Around:
Athens has a reliable and affordable metro system that can take you to most major tourist sites. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Beat are also convenient for getting around the city, particularly in areas where public transport is limited.
2. Bucharest, Romania
Why It’s Not Walkable:
Bucharest is known for its chaotic traffic and poorly maintained sidewalks, which can be difficult to navigate for pedestrians. The city’s infrastructure struggles with accessibility issues, and some areas have limited pedestrian crossings. Additionally, distances between attractions can be long, making walking an inefficient option for seeing the city.
How to Get Around:
Use Bucharest’s public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the metro, which is affordable and fairly reliable. Taxis are also inexpensive, but make sure to use a reputable service to avoid overcharging.
3. Sofia, Bulgaria
Why It’s Not Walkable:
Sofia has uneven, broken sidewalks in many areas, and street crossings can be confusing for pedestrians due to a lack of clear markings or traffic signals. Some neighborhoods are poorly lit at night, making walking less safe and comfortable. Furthermore, the city’s layout is somewhat sprawling, with many attractions spread out across different parts of the city.
How to Get Around:
Sofia’s metro is modern and connects key areas of the city. Buses and trams are also available, though they can be slow and less reliable. Taxis are affordable and a practical option, but always check for licensed cabs to avoid scams.
4. Lisbon, Portugal
Why It’s Not Walkable:
Lisbon’s picturesque hills might offer stunning views, but they can make walking difficult and tiring, especially for those with mobility issues. The city’s steep cobblestone streets and sidewalks are slippery when wet, which is common during the rainy season. Additionally, while some areas are walkable, others are farther apart, making it necessary to use transport.
How to Get Around:
Lisbon has an excellent tram and metro system. The famous Tram 28 takes you through many of the city’s main sights, while the metro is great for longer distances. Consider using public elevators like Elevador de Santa Justa to avoid the steep climbs.
5. Belgrade, Serbia
Why It’s Not Walkable:
Belgrade’s urban planning and chaotic traffic can make walking frustrating. Many sidewalks are narrow or obstructed by parked cars, and some streets lack proper pedestrian crossings. The distances between attractions in different neighborhoods, such as Zemun and Vračar, make walking impractical for tourists wanting to explore multiple areas in a day.
How to Get Around:
Belgrade has an extensive bus and tram network. Taxis are also relatively inexpensive and can be a convenient way to travel between distant neighborhoods. Be sure to use licensed taxis with meters to avoid overcharging.
6. Naples, Italy
Why It’s Not Walkable:
Naples is a bustling, chaotic city with narrow streets and heavy traffic. Pedestrians often have to contend with scooters and cars that don’t always respect pedestrian crossings. The city’s streets can be confusing to navigate, with a lack of clear signage and winding roads that make walking difficult, especially for first-time visitors.
How to Get Around:
Naples has a decent metro system and buses, though they can be crowded. Taxis or ride-sharing services are a more comfortable way to get around. It’s best to walk in areas like the historic center, but use transport to reach other parts of the city.
7. Marseille, France
Why It’s Not Walkable:
Marseille is spread out, with many attractions located far from one another. The hilly terrain and narrow streets can make walking tiring and uncomfortable, especially in older parts of the city. In some areas, sidewalks are poorly maintained or nonexistent, and the city has a reputation for pickpockets, making walking less appealing.
How to Get Around:
Marseille has a good public transport network, including buses, trams, and a metro system that connects most parts of the city. Taxis are also widely available and a safer choice at night or in areas farther from the city center.
8. Warsaw, Poland
Why It’s Not Walkable:
While Warsaw has improved its pedestrian infrastructure in recent years, the city is still sprawling, with many attractions spread out across a large area. Some parts of the city lack well-connected walking paths, and the harsh winters can make walking unpleasant or unsafe due to ice and snow.
How to Get Around:
Use the Warsaw metro and tram system to cover longer distances. Biking is also becoming more popular, with bike lanes being added throughout the city. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are affordable and widely available for getting around quickly.
9. Brussels, Belgium
Why It’s Not Walkable:
Brussels has an old, winding street layout that can be confusing to navigate on foot. Heavy traffic, particularly in the city center, can make crossing the streets difficult. The city is also fairly spread out, with some major attractions, like the Atomium, located far from the central area.
How to Get Around:
Brussels has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, and a metro. The Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus is also a good way to see the sights without walking long distances.
10. Reykjavik, Iceland
Why It’s Not Walkable:
Reykjavik is small but spread out, and many of its main attractions are located outside the city center, making walking between them impractical. The harsh weather, especially in winter with snow and icy sidewalks, further limits the city’s walkability.
How to Get Around:
Renting a car is the most popular option for exploring Reykjavik and its surroundings. The city has a reliable bus system, but for exploring beyond the city, driving is essential. Walking is pleasant in the compact downtown area, but you’ll need transport to visit key sights outside the city.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.