Experiencing a city on foot gives you the freedom to amble from one attraction to another, discovering hidden bars, quirky shops, and lesser-known spots along the way. It’s also free and reduces your carbon footprint. But what makes a city pedestrian-friendly? In 2023, the sustainable living nonprofit organization Smart Growth America released their Foot Traffic Ahead report, which analyzed factors such as how easily residents in America’s largest metro areas can walk from their homes to amenities, the distances between blocks, and access to public transportation. So, lace up some comfortable footwear and explore the most walkable cities in the United States, according to the report.
10. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Walkability score: 55.1 (out of 100)
The birthplace of American independence, Philadelphia has a well-planned grid system and relatively flat terrain that lends itself to getting around easily on foot. Major tourist attractions such as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and Washington Square are within a short stroll of each other. Some of the most walkable areas of Philly include the Avenue of the Arts — a hub for art, music, and theater — and the upmarket shopping and dining district of Rittenhouse Square. Adding to its appeal for pedestrians, Philadelphia also boasts over 10,000 acres of green space and the scenic Delaware River Waterfront.
9. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Walkability score: 57.2
The “City of Bridges” is made for scenic walks along the waterfront. Pittsburgh gets its nickname from the 400-plus bridges connecting the city across the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers. Known as the Golden Triangle, Pittsburgh’s downtown core is a particularly appealing area for walkers, with its compact parks and historic landmarks. Here, you’ll also find top cultural institutions, including the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts and Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts. Head to the South Shore neighborhood to find the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, a network of scenic walking and cycling paths.
8. Los Angeles, California
Walkability Score: 59
Though Los Angeles is often associated with car culture and gridlocked freeways, many of the city’s neighborhoods were originally designed as pedestrian-friendly enclaves. With bustling areas like the Arts District, Chinatown, and Little Tokyo, downtown Los Angeles is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in L.A. Santa Monica, Venice, and other picturesque seaside spots are other favorites among those touring on foot. The city also plans to further improve itss public transit system for the 2028 Olympic Games, which should make it even easier to get around in L.A. without a car.
7. Chicago, Illinois
Walkability Score: 65.9
Set along Lake Michigan, Chicago is famous for its glistening skyline and sporting culture. Although it’s one of the country’s biggest cities, the Windy City remains an appealing destination for pedestrians. Chicago’s downtown district, known as the Loop, is filled with walkable areas. They include the theater district on Randolph Street and the lush green spaces of Grant Park and Millennium Park. Just north of downtown, the Magnificent Mile invites shoppers to stroll between high-end fashion boutiques. Even in winter, a 40-block network of underground tunnels and overhead bridges called Pedway makes walking easy in Chicago.
6. San Francisco, California
Walkability Score: 66.2
It may be one of the world’s hilliest cities, but San Francisco is packed with pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. One of the best areas to explore on foot is Chinatown, a 30-block labyrinth of colorful alleys lined with dim sum restaurants, bakeries, and karaoke spots. Meanwhile, the Tenderloin is home to live music venues, theaters, and speakeasies. When you need to rest your legs, historic streetcars and cable cars travel to almost every corner of the city. Green spaces are abundant, too, including Golden Gate Park and the Presidio.
5. Portland, Oregon
Walkability Score: 68.5
Walkable urbanism, healthy living, and sustainability is ingrained in the mindset of Portlanders. In particular, there are several compact, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods that sit on the west bank of the Willamette River. The Pearl is known for brewpubs, hip coffeehouses, and indie boutiques, while Old Town is Portland’s historic Chinatown area. The city also offers 200-plus parks and gardens, including the popular Forest Park, a 5,000-acre greenspace featuring around 80 miles of hiking trails. Portland is also notably bike-friendly: There are over 400 miles of bikeways and 100 miles of neighborhood greenways, which are roads where bikes have priority.
4. Seattle, Washington
Walkability Score: 69.4
Seattle is another city known for its commitment to sustainable living. Along with its location near three national parks, the Emerald City has over 480 parks within its city limits. This encourages locals and visitors alike to venture out along Seattle’s many beachfront promenades and forested walking trails. Discovery Park and Seward Park are among the most popular greenspaces. Meanwhile, Belltown is a highly walkable part of the city center on the shores of Elliott Bay, where trendy restaurants and music venues line up alongside chic boutiques and art galleries.
3. Washington, D.C.
Walkability Score: 72.6
Washington, D.C.’s Pedestrian Master Plan aims to make walking safe and convenient throughout the city. It’s an ongoing vision to make the nation’s capital a place where any journey can be made without a car. Currently, almost the entire city population lives within half a mile of a bus stop or railway station. In addition to this pedestrian-focused mission, D.C.’s downtown area alone features 27 acres of public space, made up of 32 parks and plazas. Popular areas for tourists to explore at walking pace include the National Mall — a leisurely 2.5-mile stroll will take you from the United States Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial via parkland, water features, and iconic museums.
2. Boston, Massachusetts
Walkability Score: 74.3
There’s no better way to discover Boston’s famous Freedom Trail than on foot. This 2.5-mile-long pathway passes 16 historically significant sites such as Bunker Hill and the Old Cornerstone Bookhouse. Elsewhere in Boston, the Charles River Esplanade and Harbourwalk are two appealing areas for walkers to explore one of America’s oldest cities. Beacon Hill, Chinatown, and North End are also some of Boston’s most walkable neighborhoods. In addition, the Boston metro area ranks highly in the safest cities for pedestrians, according to the National Complete Streets Coalition.
1. New York, New York
Walkability Score: 100
Less than half of households in New York City own a car, which means millions of pedestrians fill the city’s busy sidewalks daily. And thanks to the city’s Walk to a Park initiative, 84% of New York residents now live within walking distance of a park. The grid system layout also makes navigating the city relatively easy, especially in Manhattan. Often, the best way for visitors to sample life in Little Italy, Nolita, and other eclectic New York City neighborhoods is on foot. Find respite from the crowds at Central Park, the High Line (a former elevated railway converted into a pedestrian-friendly space), and the Hudson River Greenway.
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