Skyscanner has named the most walkable cities in the world for 2025, with a European city taking the top spot
Wander through the streets of Cordoba to find “hidden gems” as described by visitors(Image: Getty)
There’s something truly special about being able to wander through a new destination on foot that makes booking a getaway even more appealing. Without the hassle of hiring a car or figuring out public transport, there’s no stress about how you’ll get between must-see attractions in your chosen spot.
For those still planning a break this year, travel gurus at Skyscanner have revealed the top 10 “most walkable” cities globally in 2025 – with an incredible six located across Europe. The list, determined by walking distances between landmarks and other elements such as the number of pedestrian routes available, has highlighted hidden gems in Italy and Spain.
Crowned the most walkable destination on Earth, this stunning historical city sits in the heart of Andalusia, Spain.
Cordoba, Spain
Skyscanner describes Cordoba as “a wonderful city to visit and explore on foot”, boasting the shortest walking distances of all the top 10 cities. This enchanting location was once a prestigious Roman settlement and a significant Islamic hub during medieval times, according the Express.
The city is renowned for its magnificent mosque, La Mezquita. The historic Old Town holds UNESCO World Heritage status and is perfect for wandering its narrow, twisting lanes. Additional highlights include Palacio de Viana, La Juderia, and Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos.
Visitors can tour the main attractions in Cordoba in 26 minutes(Image: Getty)
Strolling between the key sights takes merely 26 minutes (2730 steps), whilst there are 29 walking routes to discover throughout the city and surrounding areas.
One visitor on Tripadvisor remarked: “Cordoba was built before cars, so your taxi will probably not be able to take you to the door, but once you are there, you will be able to walk everywhere.
“It’s a good idea to start at the Roman Bridge, go over and see the models in the Torre de la Calahorra, in particular the model of the original mosque, before you visit the Mesquita, and walk around the narrow streets. Lots of bars, restaurants, shops, and museums. The Jewish Quarter is also worth seeing.”
Another said: “There is lots to see and do around the many cobbled streets. Lots of cafes, quaint bars, shops, tapas bars and restaurants. Don’t be afraid to wander down little alleys, as this is where the hidden gems lie. It’s a fantastic couple of days, but wear sensible, comfy shoes as all those cobbles take their toll on your knees and feet.”
A third visitor remarked: “The restaurants we ate at were reasonably priced, not gouging prices like in other cities. In short, for beauty, history, outstanding city design [long, walkable parks], and kind people – Cordoba is your choice. It really amazed us.”
European city is one of the world’s most walkable and a ‘hidden gem’ (Image: Getty)
The delightful Spanish destination claimed the top spot amongst pedestrian-friendly cities, with Nagasaki in Japan trailing closely behind.
Nagasaki boasts the lowest crime statistics amongst the top 10 locations, featuring 531 attractions for visitors to discover and sitting at an average height of merely 89 metres.
Regarding Cordoba’s European rivals, Italy and Monaco earned recognition for their concentrated city centres and diverse array of attractions. Most pedestrian-friendly cities in the world 2025.
Weather: 55-78°F, overcast, but still kind of sunny hazyness going on
Elevation: 847 – 1,503 feet
Lake Hebron to ME Route 15 & Shaw’s Hiker Hostel
I had just a few miles of hiking today before reaching the highway with access to the town of Monson, Maine. I recently bumped my alarm to 5:00 am and was feeling ready to rock and roll when it started beeping.
Last night, at 1:01 am I heard a loud splash come from the lake. At first I thought it was a bigger animal that had plunged in from the shore. But then it happened again and again, not right away, but after some time it’d splash. As my brain worked through this phenomenon, I settled on that it was a beaver whacking its tail on the surface. Do they do that? Not sure but that was my hypothesis and I’m sticking to it.
The hike was just fine and dandy. I knew it had some my uphill and had mentally prepped for that. And in no time I was out on the road hitchhiking. It took less than 5 minutes and my main man Mike pulled over in his giant pickup truck. It was a short ride into town, but he seemed liked a super nice guy. When I apologized for my smell and general disgusting state he laughed and said, “I’m a plumber.” Still though, I smelled like wet dog. Gross.
In town, I was dropped off right at the Monson General Store.
As per usual, food was on my mind. And coffee…
I hung out for a few hours there. In yesterday’s post, I mentioned about how my brain was sort of in a fog all day with the logistics coming up. This time sitting with my coffee gave me the chance to dig into some of those anxieties and start checking things off the list.
Eventually, I walked up a side street to find Shaw’s Hiker Hostel. I’d heard great things about this place and it didn’t disappoint. In fact, it would be one of my favorite stays of the trail so far. It’s just one of those places where they have everything a hiker wants and is catered to their needs.
There were good vibes right away and a herd of other hikers all with a story to tell. I loved it. What a special place that’s situated at the perfect place on trail; gearing nobo’s up before taking on Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness and finishing or, for sobo’s, a nice rest after kicking off their journey through those same parts.
In town, I got to visit the ATC visitor center and get some info. about Baxter State Park…
Here’s Shaw’s from the road. I opted to tent in the yard. It was pretty full of hikers, maybe 20+?
I got some letters and goodies in the mail delivered here from my some of my trail fam, Calzone and Cheer! Such a boost for me.
And yeah, let’s zoom in on one piece of the inventory there…
The Spam saga continues. In 2019 there was a night on trail which we all got some. I like it just fine when added on to my dinners. Cheer couldn’t stomach it. Thus, I of course sent some to her on her 2023 AT hike. I sent one of the small packets though and she gave me the whole tin!
In the evening, the owners of the hostel even grilled some brats and made Mac and cheese as a sort of trail magic for their guests… so good! I already had my dinner, but hey, what’s a little more food. And then I still had to have my pint of ice cream too haha.
My hiker hunger is all time right now. Hoping this is enough to get me to the entrance of Baxter State Park where there is a campground store.
Always only the most nutritional items for me.
That night I felt ready to go. I had gone through my resupply, had my plan, and now just had to walk 😄
Going ahead, it’s quite possible there will be a sizeable gap between the next posts getting up on the site. It seems the next chunk of the journey might be more remote and I’m just not sure when I’ll get to it. So fear not. Stevie and Sumi hike on. Happy trails y’all.
Thanks for joining on the journey! It means a lot that you took the time to read up on these adventures. If you want to help kids get access to the outdoors, a cause that means a lot to me, please help me in supporting Outdoors Empowerment Network! The “Tip Author” button is a direct link to my fundraising page. Y’all are truly amazing. Thank you!
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Top Three Challenging Travel Destinations of 2025: Paris, Hanoi, and Shanghai
Published on
August 8, 2025 |
By: TTW News Desk
According to a study conducted by Ibiza Summer Villas, Paris has earned the dubious title of the most stressful city for travelers in 2025. Paris is one of the world’s most iconic cities, and a prime tourist destination. However, the ever-increasing waves of tourists, soaring crime, and weather conditions are straining an already overburdened infrastructure. Paris is estimated to receive around 47.5 million tourists every year, packed in an area of 105 sq. kms. This geographical crunch has been a significant factor to the stress faced by tourists. Curently the number of tourists to Paris is 47.5 million.
The Struggles of Paris: The Impact of Overcrowding
Tourism has become a challenge for Paris, the City of Light, in multiple aspects. As descending loads of visitors gather, the tourists get stressed out trying to get to important places like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, or Notre Dame. Paris has to deal with greater congestion year after year, which leads to ridiculously long wait times, a lack of breathing room in public spaces, and in some cases, difficulty traversing the main attractions of the city.
Out of all the places in Paris, its cultural and historical embrace ease it’s rounded out with the downright awful ranking in public safety, sitting twenty-five places away at the fifth worst. The rise of crime in Paris has become a worrying trend, particularly when it comes to the constant threat of pickpockets in heavily trafficked tourist areas.
Hanoi: A City of High Humidity and High Stress
Following Paris, Hanoi is projected to be the second most stressful city to travel to in Vietnam in 2025. With an almost 84% humidity, the city’s weather is often regarded as an uncomfortable challenge for many travelers and a potential deal breaker. The capital’s temperature in conjunction with its humidity often gives an impression of an overexposed sauna. Visitors wishing to venture more into Vietnam’s history, culture and delicious street food find Paris’s captivating charm hard to resist.
Increased tourism and inadequate city infrastructure to support the modern services and amenities required by an international city is its major of concern. The traffic, narrowing pavements, street air quality, and general congestion posed a serious obstruction for the travelers navigating around the city. Along with the markets and monuments, tourists can gather and admire the much needed culture in Hanoi. The capital’s entertaining yet physically taxing ambiance is certainly displeasing to a traveler looking for tranquility.
Shanghai: Overcrowding and Negative Reviews
Shanghai stands as China’s economic power ring, sitting at third position on the list. Indeed, the region portrays an exquisite skyline, and boasts as one of the global centers of finance, but Shanghai has its flaws. Over 300 million tourists flock to Shanghai every year, making it a household name for tourism. Sadly, this tourism has its drawbacks too. Shanghai stands at the 19th position for the highest amounts of negative reviews given for the service of different tourist locations. The combination of the tourists, coupled with long servicing times and roads filled to the brim with people has caused damage to the charm the city used to have.
South Africa’s Cape Town: Crime and Unpredictable Weather
Cape Town in South Africa was ranked among the most stressful cities for tourists, alongside Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, which topped the shocking list for the highest crime rates in the world. Cape Town, South Africa’s “Mother City” ranked 15th for having Cape Town’s crime rates coupled with volatile weather patterns. Despite the city’s famed natural beauty and rich culture, violent crime over the years have plagued the city, impacting its attractiveness as a tourist destination. Parents with children seeking for a peaceful and safe holiday retreat have in recent years increasingly avoided the city, due to the constant rise in crime rates and erratic weather which have become a hallmark for the city, thus settling for a more stress free holiday.
The Most Relaxing Cities for Tourists in 2025
As much as some cities have proven to be a lot more stressful to tourists visit, some cities take the opposite approach. A good example is Dubai, where the number of tourists that stream in every single year is a whopping 17.1 million. This makes Dubai the least stressful city to visit, as it ranks 47th for tourist density. This places Dubai coupled with it’s low tourist density, ranks 47th, makes it a loved destination.
Munich, Germany, als is considered as one of the least stressful destination. The manageable tourist density coupled with the cities mild weather and low crime level makes it ideal for any mildly adventurous person. The stunning historical attractions combined with the cities warm and welcoming residents provides a tourists with all the peace required.
Continental trousers have identified their third city as Melbourne, Australia. Melbourne is part of the list of top 3 most relaxing cities. Its cultural vibrancy and excellent comfort allied with the second best tourist density makes it one of the tourists dream places. Melbourne is the city were tourists hope to visit, and with the excellend transport and smooth weather combined with the places milder attittude, it proves to be one of the best places for tourists to visit.
The Global Impact on Tourism Trends
The results from the study show over the next several years the factor of safety & overcrowding will play a primary role inc. shifting the destination of interest in London, Hong-Kong & Brazil. These overcrowded cities will face increased difficulties in the near future.
The demand for global travel while addressing the crime will simultaneously help in improving the sustainable tourism infrastructure. These shifting cities will face challenges while providing a suitable balance of keeping a low crime rate within a high tourism rate.
Travelers will greatly benefit from safeguarded cities such as Hong-Kong & Paris while keeping the cities of Dubai, Melbourne & Munich as low stress high-ranked, ideal cities.
While big cities and buzzy coastal destinations have their place, sometimes it’s nice to explore somewhere a little more under the radar, and Britain has lots of travel treasures to discover. From overlooked cities with a burgeoning cultural scene, vibrant market towns and revitalised seaside resorts, there’s somewhere to satisfy every type of traveller. The best part? You can reach many of these hidden gems easily by rail.
Travelling by train is a convenient, fun and greener way to arrive at your destination. Railcard offers a third off rail travel around Britain. With nine Railcards to choose from, saving customers an average of £172 a year, it pays for itself in no time. Find the one for you at railcard.co.uk. What’s more, Railcard have created a handy online calculator to determine what you could save – simply enter your journey details and the relevant Railcard and it will calculate the discount you can get.
Read on for some fresh travel inspiration and get ready for a season of discovery…
Looe
A working fishing port on Cornwall’s south coast, Looe is one of the most idyllic destinations in the UK and famous for its day-caught fish. If it looks familiar, it might be because it was used as a filming location for BBC drama Beyond Paradise. The scenic Looe Valley train line has been bringing visitors to this part of the world since Victorian times. Formerly two independent towns, East and West Looe, they are now joined across the river by a bridge. East Looe beach is a picture-perfect location where you can enjoy swimming, crabbing along the harbour walls, and explore the uniquely shaped Banjo pier. A boat trip takes you to Looe Island, a wildlife sanctuary where you can see grey seals sunbathing on the rocks. Back on dry land, the town’s narrow winding streets are perfect for a gentle meander.
Nearest station: Looe, about a 10 minute walk to town
Frome
This trendy Somerset town is known for its strong community spirit, award winning markets and independent shops and restaurants – plus stunning surrounding countryside – making it the perfect place for a relaxing weekend. The Cheese and Grain is a cultural hub for the town, attracting both classic bands and buzzy new acts (The Foo Fighters and Paul McCartney have played Glastonbury warm-up gigs here), as well as hosting a weekly flea market. Talking of markets, Frome has plenty, including an award-winning farmer’s market on the second Saturday of each month, and the legendary Frome Independent on the first Sunday of every month, which showcases the best craftspeople, designers, food producers and vintage traders in the South West. Hungry? There’s loads of tempting options, from trendy street food destination The Station, neighbourhood restaurants like Little Walcot and Bistro Lotte and buzzy tapas bar The High Pavement.
Nearest station: Frome, about a 10 minute walk to the town centre
Folkestone
Folkestone is perfect for foodies, history-lovers and sunbathers alike (Alamy)
Fast becoming Kent’s buzziest seaside destination, a vibrant Old Town, a great culinary scene and a glorious sandy beach are just a few of the things that make Folkestone great for a weekend break. The Leas, a mile-long stretch of clifftop promenade, is as perfect a place for a stroll now as it was in Victorian times. Meanwhile the town’s harbour arm is enjoying a new lease of life as the place to go for delicious street food, independent galleries and quirky shops. Food-wise, there’s everything from destination restaurant Rocksalt (try and snag a spot on the terrace) to acclaimed seafood stall Chummys. The town has the largest outdoor urban collection of contemporary art in the UK, so look out for pieces like Cornelia Parker’s ‘The Folkestone Mermaid’ on Sunny Sands beach and Anthony Gormley’s eerie statue under the harbour arm. If you’re in town between July and October the streets will come alive with artwork thanks to the triennale festival.
Nearest station: Folkestone Central, about a 10 minute walk to the town centre
Totnes
This vibrant Devon market town is picture-perfect, with a riverside location, colourful houses and a castle looming over the town. The steep climb up to Totnes Castle is worth it for the views of the town below – as well as over the dramatic Dartmoor countryside. The River Dart runs through the town, and is a great spot for kayaking, paddleboarding or just a gentle riverside stroll. Take a 30 minute walk to Dartington Estate, to see its stunning Grade II* listed gardens, deer park and cinema in a 14th century barn. Totnes itself has a thriving arts scene with plenty of small galleries, as well as independent and eco-friendly (Totnes prides itself on being one of Britain’s greenest towns) shops and cafes. And if the train ride down gave you a taste for locomotives, the South Devon Railway offers steam train rides through the gorgeous Devon countryside.
Nearest station: Totnes, about a 10 minute walk to the town centre
Bradford
Bradford is this year’s City of Culture (Alamy)
Bradford is the 2025 City of Culture, meaning there’s lots of exciting things happening this year, including the reopening of the National Science and Media Museum, with its multiple exhibition spaces and cinema screens. Loading Bay is a pop-up arts venue in a disused storage depot that will host music, comedy, art exhibitions and immersive theatre shows throughout 2025. And in July a brand new shopping and cultural destination, Darley Street Market, opened in the city.
Bradford is also a great base to explore some of West Yorkshire’s other highlights, including Victorian model village (and UNESCO World Heritage site) Saltaire, which is less than 15 minutes away by train. Salts Mill, the huge textile factory around which the village was designed, is now a fantastic complex of galleries, shops and restaurants – and home to a large collection of David Hockey’s work. Meanwhile at Keighley, a 20 minute journey from Bradford, you can catch a performance of The Railway Children (15 July – 7 Sept) on the same tracks where the classic film was shot.
Nearest Station: Bradford Forster Square or Bradford Interchange, in the city centre
Aberystwyth
If not under the radar then certainly underrated, this charming Welsh seaside town has loads to offer visitors, blending natural beauty with a rich history and a vibrant creative energy. Surrounded by the stunning Cambrian mountain range, the town has not one but two glorious beaches, linked by a mile-long promenade. At the northern end of this you’ll find the famous cliff top railway, which takes you up to a summit with spectacular views of Cardigan Bay. Perched on a hill in an impressive building, The National Library of Wales also has great vistas – and exhibitions dedicated to Welsh history and literature. Aberystwyth Arts Centre is the largest of its kind in Wales, presenting a programme of music, visual art, dance, film and more. Aber – as locals call it – also has a burgeoning food scene, with highlights including Arabic Flavour, whose menu is inspired by Lebanon and Greece cuisine, and popular tapas and wine bar Ultracomida.
Nearest station: Aberystwyth, about a five minute walk to the town centre
Coventry
Coventry is a culture hotspot (Alamy)
This underrated city is undergoing something of a cultural renaissance. In 2021 it was the City of Culture and there’s plenty of that to soak up. The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum has displays dedicated to visual arts, archaeology, social history and natural history – and a dinosaur in residence, Dippy, on loan from The Natural History Museum. Coventry Music Museum celebrates the city’s musical heritage, including the legendary 2-Tone scene, while Coventry Transport Museum (get 2FOR1 entry with National Rail Days Out Guide) has the largest publicly owned collection of British vehicles in the world. Meanwhile, the former industrial space FarGo village is a must-visit hub of indie shops, restaurants, street food and cultural events. Finally, no visit is complete without seeing Coventry Cathedral. The original medieval building was largely destroyed in 1940 by The Blitz, and its preserved ruins now sit alongside the new cathedral – a marvel of contemporary architecture designed by Basil Spence and opened in 1962. The modern building has a stunning 26-metre high stained glass window made up of 198 glass panels — no wonder it was once voted the nation’s favourite 20th century building.
Nearest station: Coventry, about a 10 minute walk to the city centre
Lincoln
Home to cobbled streets, an impressive cathedral and a beautiful castle, Lincoln combines a rich history with a vibrant cultural scene and stunning surrounding scenery, all in a compact and easy-to-navigate city. The nearly 1,000 year old Lincoln Cathedral was once the tallest building in the world, and while it might no longer hold that accolade it’s still an awe inspiring work of architecture. From there it’s only a short walk to the castle, built by William The Conqueror, which holds one of only four remaining copies of the Magna Carta. Steep Hill is, as the name suggests, a famous street with a sharp incline – but its array of shops and cafes make it worth the effort. It’s also where you’ll find beloved pie shop Hobbsons, where the only issue is deciding which flavour to pick. If you need to walk off your lunch, Lincoln Arboretum, nestled in the heart of the city, is a delightful place for a stroll.
Nearest station: Lincoln Central, about a 15 minute walk to the Cathedral
Stirling
Stirling in Scotland is a must for history buffs (Alamy)
Often overlooked in favour of its better-known Scottish cousins, there are plenty of things to see and do in this historic city. Stirling Castle (get 25% off entry with National Rail Days Out Guide), the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots, is one of the most historically important in Scotland, while Bannockburn (get 2FOR1 entry with National Rail), two miles south of the city, is the site of one of the country’s most famous battles, won by Robert The Bruce. Then there’s the Wallace Monument, which towers over the city, commemorating the life of local hero William Wallace. It’s a short bus ride or hour’s walk from the station, plus a 246-step winding staircase to reach the top – but the views are well worth the effort. The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Gallery has a large collection of rare and interesting artifacts – including the world’s oldest football (made from a pig’s bladder). In Stirling’s cobbled Old Town you’ll find plenty of cosy pubs, cool cafes and quirky shops to explore, and for a family-friendly attraction, Blair Drummond Safari Park is a half hour bus ride from the city centre.
Nearest station: Stirling, in the city centre
Ludlow
Nestled in the scenic Shropshire Hills is this beautiful market town known for its history, food scene, and stunning landscapes. Boasting fascinating medieval architecture, vibrant markets, and surrounding forests, Ludlow offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Ludlow Castle, which dates back to the 11th century, is one of the best examples of medieval ruins in England and has incredible vistas over the Shropshire countryside. You can also enjoy fine views from the tower of Saint Laurence’s Church, once you’ve climbed the 201 steps to the top. To get away from the crowds, a four-mile circular walk will take you to peaceful Mortimer Forest and back. Meanwhile Ludlow itself is full of antique, interior, craft and gift shops, as well as delis, cafes and artisan food shops. The town square hosts a market four days a week, with a farmer’s market on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. The famous Ludlow Farmshop, two miles outside the centre, is a haven for foodies, with a kitchen restaurant, pub and distillery also on site.
Nearest station: Ludlow, about a five minute walk to the town centre
Enjoy great value British adventures by train
From stunning nature and the great outdoors, to culture, cuisine and incredible scenery, there’s no doubt Britain has it all in spades, and these unmissable adventures are just a simple, enjoyable train ride away. So there’s never been a better time to start planning some Great British getaways, from day trips to weekends away or a longer staycation.
With Railcard, whether you’re travelling solo or with a friend, on a couples weekend or off on holiday with the family, you can save on all sorts of train journeys around Great Britain. Railcard helps you save a third off rail travel and for just £35 for the year, it pays for itself in no time. With nine different Railcards available, find the one for you at railcard.co.uk. What’s more, you can enjoy 2FOR1 and other offers with National Rail’s Days Out Guide when you travel by train. So make this your year to get out, experience and explore everything on your doorstep and enjoy truly great value getaways.
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