While many major cities boast extensive public transportation networks, exploring urban streets and neighborhoods on foot remains the most immersive way to experience local culture, admire architecture, and uncover hidden gems. Supported by GuruWalk, a platform specializing in free tours and cultural activities, the third edition of the Best 100 Walking Cities ranking has been published. This list highlights the world’s most popular and highly rated cities for travelers who prefer discovering destinations on foot with knowledgeable local guides.
For the third consecutive year, Rome claimed the top spot, celebrated for its dense concentration of monuments, stunning historic center, and wide variety of guided walking tours. Madrid climbed one position from last year to claim second place, further cementing its reputation as an accessible urban destination enriched by vibrant cultural and gastronomic offerings.
Top 10 Best Cities in the World for Walking
The top ten cities ranked as the best for walking are:
- Rome (Italy)
- Madrid (Spain)
- Budapest (Hungary)
- Prague (Czech Republic)
- Lisbon (Portugal)
- Amsterdam (Netherlands)
- Porto (Portugal)
- Barcelona (Spain)
- London (United Kingdom)
- Berlin (Germany)
Methodology Behind the Ranking
This ranking was compiled by analyzing real traveler behavior over a 12-month period, from April 2025 to April 2026. From more than 800 cities where GuruWalk operates, 120 of the most popular destinations were selected for detailed analysis. The study processed over 467,000 verified reviews covering 3,617 different walking tours, providing a comprehensive insight into traveler preferences and experiences.
Spanish Cities Featured in the Ranking
Spain leads the ranking with an impressive 19 cities, outnumbering France (7), Italy (5), and Germany (4). Alongside Madrid, Spanish cities featured include Barcelona (8th), Seville (12th), Toledo (17th), Santiago de Compostela (22nd), Malaga (26th), Granada (27th), Valencia (31st), A Coruña (46th), Oviedo (58th), Cadiz (59th), Zaragoza (66th), Valladolid (71st), San Sebastian (74th), Pamplona (79th), Bilbao (83rd), Gijon (87th), Salamanca (89th), and Santander (95th).