Exploring cities on foot often lends itself to much more than saving money on taxis, car hire or public transport.
Hidden gems like museums, drinking and dining spots, and viewing points are all easy to stumble across when you have the freedom to wander around.
However, not all global cities are pedestrian-friendly. For instance, the USA is generally not an easy destination to explore on foot, though there are exceptions.
Europe, on the other hand, boasts numerous walkable cities. In Germany, the country’s most pedestrian-friendly city is one of its most beautiful with an enchanting feel that’s like something out of a fairytale.
A study by Compare the Market AU revealed that Munich isn’t just Germany’s most walkable city, but also tops the list in Europe. The Bavarian destination clinched the top spot thanks to its pedestrian-friendly city centre, high safety levels, and car-free zones.
And its best starting point for a walking tour; Munich’s Fussgangerzone (pedestrian zone), can be found in the very heart of the city.
This area was pedestrianised before the 1972 Olympics and remains one of Munich’s most popular spots. Visitors can wander around Marienplatz Square, known as Munich’s front parlour, and marvel at the stunning architecture.
Tourists can also visit the Frauenkirche or the Rathaus (town hall), or take a stroll to the Residenz palace in under 10 minutes.
Regardless of whether it’s Oktoberfest season, a visit to one of the city’s infamous beer halls is a must, and many holidaymakers agree.
One person who travelled to Munich urged others to soak up the city sights on foot, saying: “Plan an afternoon of just walking around and exploring the city, and you will likely come across some surprisingly enjoyable attractions. The surfers in the Englischer Garten is really worth the walk. Also, the Asamkirche, though small in comparison to the Frauenkirche, really takes your breath away. All in all, Munich was a clean, easy-to-navigate city that had its treasures if you searched.”
Another TripAdvisor user wrote: “So much to walk around and discover from food, shopping, churches, and hidden dragons on the sides of buildings! The Glockenspiel was awesome, maybe a little out of tune but the jousters were amazing.”
Others remarked on the “enchanting” feel of Marienplatz, and one person noted that “the architecture is enchanting with its fairytale vibe”, in their review of the city.
From Marienplatz, the city’s famous food market, Viktualienmarkt, is less than a five-minute walk away. Keep an eye out for local treats like white sausage, salt-crusted pretzels and deep-fried Bavarian doughnuts.
People have praised the food market as a “great place to walk around and stop for some beers”, either alone or as part of an organised tour.
If the weather permits, there’s also a leisurely walk worth doing in the Englischer Garten, a vast public park located in the heart of the city. This park extends from the city centre to the northeast of Munich, making it one of the largest urban parks in Europe.
Visitors should also visit the Chinese Tower, the Japanese teahouse, and the man-made stream that becomes a surfing hotspot in the summer.