If you’re someone who believes the best way to truly experience a destination is on foot, this article is for you. Walking through a city doesn’t just help you discover hidden corners and spontaneous moments — it also connects you with the rhythm, the people, and the soul of the place. In the video, I share 5 cities that are perfect for exploring on foot — places I personally fell in love with while walking. Of course, there are many more walkable cities I adore… but let’s save those for another video 🙂

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Before setting off on a walking adventure, the most important thing is to be prepared. A pair of comfortable, well-fitting shoes can make the difference between an amazing experience and a walk that ends in blisters (and believe me, I’ve had plenty of those too). If you’re visiting during summer or heading to warmer climates, don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or cap. Always carry a reusable water bottle (many European cities have public fountains where you can refill). And of course, wear light, breathable clothes in summer — or layers if you’re traveling in cooler seasons. Walking is much more enjoyable when you’re comfortable!

This isn’t a sponsored post or anything, but some comfortable shoes I’ve personally loved for long city walks include cute sandals from b.o.c., as well as some Skechers sandals and sneakers, or Brooks if you prefer athletic shoes. (Clicking on the links will take you to Amazon, but I don’t earn anything from them.)
I’d love to know — what shoes or sandals have been your go-to for hours of walking?

Scroll down to the end of this post to watch the video, where I share more about these 5 walkable cities that completely won me over.

Rome:

As I mention in the video, during my last visit we walked from the Vatican all the way to the Colosseum. We only had one day in Rome, and I wanted to show Trevor as much as possible. Walking lets you see so much more, so along the way we passed Castel Sant’Angelo — which I had never seen up close — crossed the bridge, and wandered through charming streets until we reached the beautiful Piazza Navona. After a quick break and a delicious gelato, we continued on foot toward the Colosseum, stopping first at the stunning Vittorio Emanuele II Monument.

Since we had spent the morning exploring the Vatican, by the time we made it to the Colosseum it was already closing. So, if visiting the Colosseum and the Roman Forum is on your list, I definitely recommend setting aside a separate day just for that area so you can enjoy it properly. We didn’t want to miss the golden sunset reflecting off the Colosseum, so we grabbed dinner and a refreshing drink at La Biga, a restaurant with a great view of the monument. I wouldn’t say it’s a must-visit spot — the food was decent, but there are better places to eat in Rome. We mostly chose it for the view… and because we were really hungry!

And if you want to avoid the crowds, wake up early. Rome in the morning feels magical — especially around the Pantheon or the Trevi Fountain. We were lucky to stay just a five-minute walk from the famous fountain, so by 7:20 AM we were already there, taking advantage of the peaceful vibe and getting great photos and video without the crowds. But just ten minutes later, people were already starting to arrive.

Madrid:

Madrid is a city I absolutely love. I’ve said it many times, and I’ll keep saying it — it’s one of my favorites. Thanks to close friends who live there, I’ve had the chance to spend up to three months at a time in the city, even crashing on a couch or an air mattress in their living rooms. Honestly, I didn’t mind at all. I always ended up discovering something new and unexpected each time I visited. There’s something truly special about finding hidden corners in one of your favorite cities. And yes — I always walked everywhere… unless I was staying on the outskirts of the city, in which case I’d take the train into the center and walk from there. Madrid has always felt like a very walkable city to me, with most of its major attractions located close to one another.

For example, from Atocha Station you can walk along the Paseo del Prado, visiting the famous museums nearby. Stroll through Calle de las Huertas and discover the Barrio de las Letras, where literary legends once lived. You can make your way to Puerta del Sol or the iconic Plaza Mayor — both must-sees. Another great walking route is from El Retiro Park down Calle de Alcalá toward Gran Vía, passing interesting spots along the way until you reach Plaza de España and the beautiful Templo de Debod.

Beyond El Retiro and Debod, neighborhoods like Malasaña and Lavapiés are full of character — expect colorful murals, vintage shops, and cozy cafés. In the hotter months (July and August), try to head out early or enjoy your walks later in the evening when the sun starts to go down. For a different experience, join a free walking tour at sunset — it’s a fantastic way to explore the city’s history with a local guide. And if you visit in the fall, don’t miss El Retiro dressed in golden leaves. It’s absolutely breathtaking.

Whew… I could go on for hours talking about Madrid and its amazing spots — not to mention the cozy restaurants, local markets, unique shops, incredible museums, and even all the street art you’ll find in various neighborhoods.

New Orleans:

In the video, I mention the French Quarter, but walking through Faubourg Marigny is another highly recommended experience. This area, located right next to the French Quarter, is a bit less touristy but filled with colorful houses and live music. Frenchmen Street, in particular, is famous for its jazz bars and local vibe.

While you’re in the French Quarter, don’t miss its charming squares and parks. Jackson Square, right in front of the cathedral, is perfect for people-watching and admiring local artists. Louis Armstrong Park is beautiful and peaceful, and Riverfront Park offers a relaxing stroll along the Mississippi River. There, you’ll also find a streetcar stop and the dock for the iconic riverboat cruises, like the New Orleans Steamboat Company’s dinner cruise — a great way to see the city from the water.

And of course, a visit to New Orleans isn’t complete without walking down the legendary Bourbon Street, packed with bars, restaurants, and nonstop entertainment, day and night. If you’re over 21 and in the mood for a fun local drink, try a classic Hurricane or the famous Hand Grenade — one of the strongest and most popular drinks in the city. The Hand Grenade is only sold at five specific bars; I got mine at Little Tropical Isle during my last visit and enjoyed it while strolling down Bourbon Street.

If you’re visiting during summer, plan wisely — the heat and humidity can be intense. Start your day early, and around midday, look for shaded spots or step inside air-conditioned cafés or shops to cool off. And if you’re there during festival season, especially Mardi Gras, get ready to walk a lot between events, parades, and big crowds.

Cartagena:

Cartagena is another city I absolutely love exploring, especially by walking through the Walled City. It’s a true gem—vibrant, colorful, full of energy, with incredibly kind people and so many beautiful corners to discover.

While the city has plenty of amazing spots that are easier to reach by car, within the Walled City you’ll find everything you need. Great restaurants and bars (perfect for a break and a cold drink in the middle of the day), fascinating museums, and those iconic colorful buildings with balconies overflowing with flowers. One detail I love noticing as I wander are the door knockers, very unique and artistic that add so much character to Cartagena’s architecture.

If you want an even deeper experience, I highly recommend taking a guided walking tour. Many of these tours are filled with stories about pirates, conquistadors, and Cartagena’s colonial past. And if the daytime heat is too much, walking around sunset is perfect—the sea breeze starts to roll in, and the city lights up with music and warm glows. One more tip: carry small cash in case you want to buy water, fresh fruit, or a souvenir from a local vendor.

St. Augustine:

Now, living just under two hours away, St. Augustine is one of those places I visit often—and absolutely love. This little gem in Florida holds so many treasures you can only appreciate on foot. Beyond the famous St. George Street, be sure to stroll down Aviles Street, one of the oldest streets in the U.S., lined with art galleries and boutique shops.

When I take family or friends for the first time—or even when it’s just my husband, our dogs, and me—I usually park near the St. Augustine and St. Johns County Visitor Information Center. It’s a great starting point, with lots of helpful info on what to see and do. From there, I head toward St. George Street, where every step feels like a photo opportunity. You’ll find restaurants, bars, shops, and galleries all along this charming pedestrian-only street.

From there, we walk to Plaza de la Constitución (yes, in Spanish), then swing by Flagler College or the Lightner Museum—both housed in stunning historic buildings. On the way back, we enjoy views of the Matanzas River before arriving at the Castillo de San Marcos.

If you can visit during the off-season (like January or September), you’ll find fewer crowds and a more peaceful atmosphere to explore. Visiting Monday through Thursday also tends to be quieter than weekends. Bonus tip: check the local calendar—some museums offer free entry on select days or discounts on attractions, which is always a nice perk when planning your trip.

Exploring on foot allows you to build a different kind of connection with a city. Seeing everyday life unfold, hearing the local sounds, catching the scent of food drifting through an open window… these are moments you simply don’t get on a tour bus. So if you have the chance, lace up your most comfortable shoes, grab your camera or phone, and hit the streets. I promise—some of your most memorable travel moments are just a few steps away.

And if you haven’t watched the video yet, I invite you to do so now to discover more about these cities that will steal your heart, step by step. You can also follow us on social media where we share tips, photos, and more travel inspiration for your next adventure. (click CC for subtitles)

Happy travels—and may you never run out of new paths to explore!