One of the best places to visit on foot and not rely on taxis, buses, or rental cars is on a list of 10 lesser-known cities (and not necessarily the most popular ones) to visit for walking.
Skyscanner’s 2026 walkability index looked beyond some of the world’s best-known city break destinations and focused on 30 emerging destinations. The cities were measured on walking time between major attractions, total steps, average elevation, walking trails, air quality, pollution, crime rates, population density and the number of attractions available.
The result is a list dominated by smaller and relatively under-the-radar destinations. Seven of the 10 cities are in Europe, while Japan has two entries and Canada one.
Here are the 10 cities that made the list.
1. Cordoba, Spain.
Cordoba gets the top spot thanks to the compactness of its historic centre. The main attractions of the city are 26 minutes apart on foot, the index says.
The Spanish city is famous for La Mezquita, the historic Mosque-Cathedral, as well as the Jewish quarter of La Juderia, the Palacio de Viana and the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos.
Cordoba also has around 29 walking trails, to be sure. Its history, and the relatively short distance from the city center, will make it well suited for tourists who prefer to walk.
2. Nagasaki, Japan.
Nagasaki comes in second place and is one of two Japanese cities in the top three.
The city has a long history of war, a lot of which is illustrated by the Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park. Glover Garden and other historic parts of the city are also to be visited.
Nagasaki had the lowest crime rate among the 10 cities in the index. The city also has hundreds of attractions spread out in a relatively manageable urban area.
3. Hiroshima, Japan.
Hiroshima is third on the list and offers historical landmarks, riverside areas and food experiences.
Among these are the Peace Memorial Park and Peace Memorial Museum. Travelers can also visit Okonomimura, a multi-storey food destination that is famous for Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
The index estimates that the main attractions can be reached within around 41 minutes of walking, so that you can go to several parts of the city without dependence on transportation.
4. Reggio Calabria, Italy.
Reggio Calabria, located across the Strait of Messina from Sicily, is one of the more surprising names on the list.
The city is known for its waterfront promenade, views towards Mount Etna, and the Museo Nazionale della Magna Grecia, which houses the famous Riace Bronzes.
The main attractions are about 25 minutes apart on foot. The city also scored well for air quality, and hence a reason why travelers would take the streets more slowly.
5. Monte Carlo, Monaco.
Monte Carlo may be known for its luxury, casinos, and Formula 1 Grand Prix, but its compact size makes it surprisingly easy to walk through on foot.
The city has many attractions in a very small area, like Casino Square, the Oceanographic Museum, and the Palais Princier de Monaco. The index shows that walking time between main attractions is around 36 minutes.
6. Tartu, Estonia.
Tartu, Estonia's second-largest city, is in sixth place.
The university city is known for its Town Hall Square, University of Tartu, botanical gardens and Estonian National Museum. It was also the European Capital of Culture in 2024.
Tartu had the lowest pollution level among the 10 cities on this list. Also, the city is relatively small and has an attractive environment in which to visit without a car.
7. Bursa, Türkiye.
Bursa, which once was a major Ottoman capital, is seventh. Its historic character is apparent in places like the Grand Mosque, Koza Han silk market and tombs of early Ottoman rulers.
The city and nearby Cumalıkızık are registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site under the title “Bursa and Cumalıkızık: The Birth of the Ottoman Empire.”
Moreover, it has a relatively small population density that also makes walking less crowded.
8. Bolzano, Italy.
Bolzano in northern Italy is the eighth and serves as a gateway to the Dolomites.
The city has a compact historic centre with many walking trails in the vicinity of Piazza Walther, Via dei Portici and the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, where Ötzi has been found.
The index also identifies Bolzano as the safest city among the 10 destinations in the ranking.
9. Sarajevo, Bosnia And Herzegovina.
Sarajevo is in ninth place, which gives a unique mix of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and recent architectural history.
Visitors can explore the Baščaršija bazaar, Sarajevo City Hall and the Latin Bridge. Museums such as the War Childhood Museum and the Museum of Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide give a glimpse of the city’s more recent history.
The city's compact historic centre makes it especially suitable for exploring on foot.
10. Victoria, Canada.
Victoria in British Columbia finishes the top 10.
The Canadian city is noted for Victorian-era architecture, Inner Harbour and green spaces. Visitors can visit the Royal BC Museum, Beacon Hill Park and Parliament Buildings.
Victoria also recorded the highest air-quality score among the 10 cities in the index and has hundreds of walking trails around the city and surrounding areas.
The 2026 list also illustrates how walkable travel is not exclusive to most famous capitals. From historic Spanish streets and Japanese cities to smaller European countries and Canada’s Victoria, these cities offer travellers a chance to slow down and experience a destination one street at a time.
