Walking is one of the simplest ways to explore a city, but not every destination makes it easy. Some cities are designed with cars in mind, leaving pedestrians to navigate unsafe streets, poor infrastructure, or overwhelming traffic. While a lack of walkability doesn’t always mean a city isn’t worth visiting, it does make getting around on foot far more challenging.
For travelers, walkability can shape the entire experience. A city that feels unsafe or inaccessible to pedestrians often pushes visitors toward expensive taxis or confusing public transport systems. Instead of discovering hidden corners on foot, tourists may find themselves stuck in traffic or limited to specific areas.
Highlighting the least walkable cities in the world isn’t about criticism alone—it’s about awareness. By understanding the challenges these destinations face, travelers can prepare better, and city planners can hopefully work toward creating more inclusive, pedestrian-friendly spaces in the future.
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Tips for Exploring These Cities
Plan Your Routes: Stick to pedestrian-friendly zones or neighborhoods where walking is safer and more enjoyable.
Use Public Transport: In cities with limited walkability, buses, metros, and ride-hailing apps can be your best bet.
Be Weather-Ready: Dress appropriately for extreme heat, humidity, or pollution.
Safety First: Avoid walking alone in unsafe areas, especially after dark. Use official taxis or trusted apps for secure transport.
One controversial issue is how urban design prioritizes cars over people. In many cities, decades of car-focused planning have left little room for sidewalks, bike lanes, or safe crossings. Supporters of this model argue it drives economic growth, but critics say it isolates communities and harms quality of life.
Another debate revolves around safety. Some cities suffer from poor lighting, inadequate pedestrian crossings, or high crime rates that make walking intimidating. While officials may claim resources are better spent on roads and highways, residents often push back, demanding safer and more livable streets.
Finally, there’s the question of culture versus practicality. In certain places, walking isn’t part of the local lifestyle, and investing in pedestrian-friendly infrastructure isn’t seen as necessary. For outsiders, this can be frustrating, but for locals, it may simply reflect a different relationship with urban space. The clash between local priorities and global travel expectations makes walkability a complex issue.
Worst Walkable Cities In The World
1. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Why It’s Not Walkable:
Riyadh is designed for cars, with wide highways and sprawling neighborhoods. Sidewalks are rare, and pedestrian crossings are minimal or unsafe.
Extreme heat, with summer temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F), makes walking impractical.
Travel Tip:
Rent a car or rely on rideshare apps like Uber. Stick to air-conditioned malls and indoor attractions during the hottest parts of the day.
2. Jakarta, Indonesia
The city suffers from chaotic traffic, poorly maintained sidewalks, and frequent flooding during the rainy season.
Sidewalks are often obstructed by street vendors or parked motorbikes.
Travel Tip:
Use the TransJakarta Bus Rapid Transit system or rideshare options like Gojek to navigate the city.
3. Lagos, Nigeria
Why It’s Not Walkable:
Pedestrian infrastructure is limited, and heavy traffic makes crossing streets dangerous.
Many roads lack sidewalks, and the city’s layout prioritizes vehicular travel.
Travel Tip:
Avoid walking during peak traffic hours. Opt for local guides or rideshare services to get around safely.
4. Kuwait City, Kuwait
Why It’s Not Walkable:
Designed primarily for vehicles, Kuwait City has few pedestrian-friendly zones.
Intense heat for much of the year makes walking uncomfortable.
Travel Tip:
Plan your itinerary to include indoor attractions and rely on taxis or rental cars for transportation.
5. Manila, Philippines
The city is plagued by narrow, uneven sidewalks that are often blocked by vendors or construction.
Traffic congestion and air pollution further deter walking.
Travel Tip:
Use public transportation like jeepneys or the MRT/LRT system, and wear comfortable, durable shoes if you must walk.
6. Cairo, Egypt
Many streets lack sidewalks, and pedestrian crossings are scarce. Traffic is chaotic, with little regard for pedestrians.
Dust and pollution add to the challenges of walking.
Travel Tip:
Walk only in tourist-heavy areas like Downtown Cairo or Zamalek. For longer distances, use Uber or hire a private driver.
7. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Why It’s Not Walkable Ho Chi Minh:
Motorbike traffic dominates the streets, and sidewalks are often used for parking or as extensions of shops.
Crossing the street can be daunting due to the constant flow of motorbikes.
Travel Tip:
Practice crossing streets slowly and confidently—traffic will weave around you. Consider guided walking tours for a safer experience.
8. Islamabad, Pakistan
Why It’s Not Walkable:
While clean and green, Islamabad is a car-centric city with large distances between attractions and limited pedestrian infrastructure.
Sidewalks are often absent outside the central areas.
Travel Tip:
Use taxis or ride-hailing apps like Careem to get around efficiently.
9. New Delhi, India
Why It’s Not Walkable:
Crowded streets, lack of sidewalks, and poor air quality make walking difficult.
Pedestrians often share roads with vehicles, carts, and animals, creating a chaotic environment.
Travel Tip:
Stick to specific tourist areas like Connaught Place or Lodhi Gardens for walking. Use metro services or tuk-tuks for longer distances.
10. Johannesburg, South Africa
Why It’s Not Walkable:
Safety concerns and a lack of continuous sidewalks make walking in many parts of Johannesburg impractical.
The city’s sprawling layout prioritizes driving over walking.
Travel Tip:
Avoid walking alone or after dark. Use private transport or guided tours to explore the city.
11. São Paulo, Brazil
Why It’s Not Walkable Sao Paulo:
The city’s sprawling design, steep hills, and high traffic volume make walking challenging.
Sidewalks are often poorly maintained or blocked by vendors.
Travel Tip:
Stick to pedestrian-friendly areas like Avenida Paulista and Vila Madalena. Use the metro for efficient travel.
12. Doha, Qatar
Why It’s Not Walkable:
Extreme heat for much of the year discourages walking.
Pedestrian infrastructure is limited, and urban areas are designed with cars in mind.
Travel Tip:
Visit in the cooler months (November–February) and use taxis or the Doha Metro for getting around.
13. Mexico City, Mexico
Why It’s Not Walkable:
While some neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa are walkable, other parts of the city lack proper sidewalks and have heavy traffic.
Air pollution can make extended walks uncomfortable.
Travel Tip:
Walk in pedestrian-friendly zones and use the metro or buses for longer journeys.
14. Bangkok, Thailand
Why It’s Not Walkable:
Crowded streets, uneven sidewalks, and traffic make Bangkok challenging for pedestrians.
The heat and humidity add to the difficulty of walking long distances.
Travel Tip:
Explore walkable markets like Chatuchak or Asiatique, and use the BTS Skytrain for longer distances.
15. Nairobi, Kenya
Why It’s Not Walkable:
Nairobi lacks proper pedestrian infrastructure in many areas. Safety concerns and traffic congestion make walking a challenge.
Travel Tip:
Walk in safer, well-patrolled areas like Karura Forest or Nairobi Arboretum. Use taxis or rideshare services for city travel.
Final Thoughts
Walkability isn’t just about convenience—it reflects how a city values its people. The worst walkable cities often reveal gaps in planning, safety, and inclusivity that can shape both daily life for residents and the experiences of visitors.
Still, even in car-dominated cities, there are ways to adapt. With preparation and flexibility, travelers can navigate challenges and still enjoy the cultural richness, food, and history these destinations have to offer. Sometimes, embracing the unexpected can even become part of the adventure.
In the end, identifying the least walkable cities isn’t about discouraging travel—it’s about promoting awareness. The more we talk about walkability, the more cities may feel pressure to improve. After all, a truly great city is one where everyone, resident or visitor, can explore freely and safely on foot.
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.