Yesterday I left Malta and today am enjoying Istanbul before flying home – what an incredible part of the world! Malta is small enough that it’s easy to visit in four days; more information will follow soon.
Over the past two decades, I’ve had the good fortune of visiting many countries in Europe, and certain cities in particular stand out as my favorites due to their walkability. Since my favorite form of exploration is walking around cities on foot, if I can see most of its highlights within two or three days it counts as an achievement!
Below are ten cities I have visited where you can spend hours strolling and seeing most of the city on foot. These aren’t Paris, Rome and London – rather these smaller cities all possess their own charm with meandering streets ideal for pedestrian strolls, cafes for people watching and stunning architecture to take in. All have historic old neighborhoods as well as waterways being an integral part of each one’s attraction.
Staying at a vacation rental or hotel in any of these cities allows you to walk around and see all the highlights within two or three days, depending on how quickly or slowly you take things in. I still have other cities and towns on my bucket list to explore but these ten are great for walking enthusiasts like myself.
Starting off my list is Salzburg, one of my favorite walkable cities. I lived there briefly as part of a summer study abroad program in 1994 and returned in 2016. Both times were equally charming experiences!
Highlights of this beautiful city include Mirabell Gardens – made famous in The Sound of Music movie – Mozart’s Residence is situated near Salzburg Cathedral and takes uphill climbing towards medieval Hohensalzburg Fortress, or take an enjoyable hike uphill towards medieval Hohensalzburg Fortress. Also highlight Stern Beirgarten located within old town as well as Augusteiner Brau with seating under chestnut trees for hours upon hours!
Salzburg is well known as an incredible musical city due to the presence of famous residents like Mozart. If you visit during warmer months, you’ll find many festivals taking place – many outdoors! Enjoy an evening stroll alongside the Salzach River while taking in all this musical goodness.
