Apart from being good for the body and mind, walking is one of the best ways of sightseeing and getting to know a city. It is healthier, but also cheaper - since it allows you to save on transport. A study by British fashion company Pour Moi, prepared based on hashtags and likes on Instagram, reveals which are the most beautiful cities to discover on foot. Two Spanish cities make the list, with Barcelona and Madrid in the top 20 most walkable cities in the world.
The best cities in the world to discover on foot
In the study, the most shared cities were analysed, focusing on the hashtags linked to the passion for discovering and walking. The study came up with a total ranking of 20 cities, and there is a clear winner. London is the undisputed leader of the list according to the methodology chosen to make it, accumulating 235,144 mentions at the end of 2022 thanks to the number of monuments and parks that can be visited there.
The top 5 positions are completed by Paris in 2nd place with 68,609 mentions, followed by Tokyo with 40,118 mentions; Sydney with 31,229 mentions; and Prague with 20,370 - all ideal cities to discover on foot. Next come Toronto, Berlin and Venice, and in ninth position, with 15,639 mentions, Barcelona. The Top 10 is completed with the Italian capital, Rome.
Most of the cities on the list are European, 12 out of 20, and only three North American cities make it into the ranking. The other Spanish city in the ranking, Madrid, comes in 15th place.
Discovering Spanish cities on foot
Barcelona and Madrid are two of Spain's most vibrant and fascinating cities with rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant culture. One of the best ways to discover these cities is on foot, as this allows you to explore at your own pace and take in all of its sights, sounds, and flavours.
Barcelona
When it comes to Barcelona, one of the first places you may want to visit when exploring Barcelona on foot is the Gothic Quarter. This is the oldest neighborhood in the city and is home to some of the most impressive architecture in Barcelona, including the Cathedral of Barcelona and the Gothic Church of Santa Maria del Pi.
From there, you can make your way to the famous Las Ramblas, a lively pedestrian street that is always bustling with activity. Here, you can explore the many shops, restaurants, and street performers, or simply take in the sights and sounds of the city. Another must-visit area when discovering Barcelona on foot is the Eixample district, which is known for its impressive modernist architecture. This area is home to many of the works of famed architect Antoni Gaudí, including the iconic Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló.
Of course, no visit to Barcelona would be complete without a visit to the beach. You can take a stroll along the coastline and enjoy the Mediterranean Sea, or stop in one of the many beachside restaurants or bars for a refreshing drink or meal.
Most importantly, as you explore Barcelona on foot, be sure to try some of the city's delicious cuisine. From tapas and paella to fresh seafood and Catalan specialities, Barcelona is a food lover's paradise, and there are plenty of opportunities to sample the local flavours as you explore the city on foot.
Madrid
When it comes to discovering Madrid on foot, one of the first places you might want to visit is the historic centre of Madrid, also known as the "Madrid de los Austrias". This area is home to many of the city's most famous landmarks, including the Royal Palace, the Plaza Mayor, and Puerta del Sol. As you wander through the winding streets, you'll also discover charming cafes, shops, and restaurants, as well as stunning architecture and beautiful public squares.
Another great area to explore on foot is Gran Via, one of Madrid and Spain's most famous streets. Here, you'll find a mix of old and new, with historic buildings sitting alongside modern shops and cafes. Gran Via is also home to many of the city's theatres and cinemas, making it a great place to catch a show or movie.
If you're interested in art, be sure to visit the "Golden Triangle of Art", which includes the Prado Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, and the Reina Sofia Museum. All three museums are located within walking distance of each other, and you can easily spend a full day exploring the incredible works of art on display.
Overall, discovering Madrid on foot is a fantastic way to experience all that the city has to offer. Whether you're interested in history, art, food, or simply soaking up the local atmosphere, Madrid has something for everyone, and there's no better way to discover it than by walking its streets and neighbourhoods.