When compared with Europe, the US isn’t exactly known for its walkable cities. Most commonly, New York City is the main American metropolis that springs to mind when you think of a destination where you can get from A to B on foot.
However, a new survey has seen another city surging past New York to win the accolade of “most walkable city to visit” in the US for 2024.
Based on votes cast as part of the 2024 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards contest, Philadelphia stormed ahead and won the top position as the most walkable city, with New York trailing behind in eighth position.
Philadelphia was nominated for its walkability by a panel of experts, including editors from USA TODAY and 10best.com, who selected 20 cities with a variety of activities, dining options and accommodations, all linked by pedestrian-friendly streets. The public then voted Philadelphia the number one city on the list of the 10 most walkable cities to visit in the US.
Centre City Downtown Philadelphia’s city centre is an easy-to-navigate corridor that spans 26 blocks from the Delaware River on the east to the Schuylkill River on the west. Only 2.4 miles separate Penn’s Landing and the Schuylkill River Trail, where you can walk from one end of Centre City to the other in less than an hour.
“This title underscores our city of neighbourhoods, offering a pedestrian-friendly environment where visitors can effortlessly experience the charm, culture, and convenience that define Philadelphia,” said Gregg Caren, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“Our walkable streets connect international travellers and convention attendees alike to an array of hotels, restaurants, and attractions, making Philadelphia a standout destination for visitors seeking an engaging and accessible travel experience.”
As part of the awards, USA Today described Philadelphia as being a beloved destination thanks to its “cultural and historical attractions”.
Some of its most well-known historic attractions include Independence National Historical Park, which covers many historical attractions in the city.
One of the most famous square miles in the United States, the park is home to the Liberty Bell, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Independence Hall.
The Independence Hall is where both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed. Film lovers might also want to head to the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in 1976, which were made famous by Rocky’s triumphant on-screen run up the steps in the Rocky film. The 72 steps have become a major tourist destination and now feature a bronze statue of Rocky himself, created for Rocky III.
And, of course, no visit to Philadelphia is complete without chowing down on an authentic Philly cheesesteak – the city’s most famous dish.