Why a city tour on foot is the best form of sightseeing

Shoes instead of shuttle: There are cities that you don't have to ‘experience’ – you have to walk them. No searching for parking, no waiting for the tram. Just start walking, head up, eyes open, heart open.
Cities with high walkability (pedestrian-friendliness) not only make your city trip more relaxed, but also more sustainable. You experience more, save money and are right in the thick of things. Ideal for weekend trips or short breaks where you can easily reach all the sights on foot.
Welcome to the world of pedestrian-friendly city breaks – ideal for you if you fancy sightseeing with a pedometer.

What is"Walkability"?

‘Walkability’ may sound like a hipster smoothie, but it's actually the art of designing a city so that you can get around on foot in a relaxed and safe manner. The shorter the distances between attractions, the more time you have for the essentials: photos, coffee, little detours. Our walkability index measures:

  • Highlight distance (km between top attractions)
  • Walking time (how long it takes you to walk around the city)
  • Pedestrian feeling (reviews & local impressions)

The most pedestrian-friendly cities with matching Motel One hotels

  • Salzburg

    Highlights within walking distance: Getreidegasse – Fortress – Mirabell Gardens

    Circular route (approx.):  ~2 km / 25 Min. 

    Hotel in the city center: Motel One Salzburg-Mirabell 

  • Amsterdam

    Highlights within walking distance: Canal Belt – Anne Frank House – Rijksmuseum

    Circular route (approx.):  ~3 km / 45 Min. 

    Hotel in the city center: Motel One Amsterdam 

  • Vienna

    Highlights within walking distance: St. Stephen's Cathedral – Hofburg Palace – MuseumsQuartier

    Circular route (approx.): ~2,5 km / 35 Min.

    Hotel in the city center: Motel One Vienna-Staatsoper 
     

  • Edinburgh

    Highlights within walking distance: Royal Mile – Holyrood Palace – Arthur's Seat

    Circular route (approx.): ~3,2 km / 50 Min

    Hotel in the city center: Motel One Edinburgh-Royal 

  • Munich

    Highlights within walking distance: Marienplatz – Viktualienmarkt – English Garden

    Circular route (approx.): ~4 km / 55 Min. 

    Hotel in the city center: Motel One Munich-Sendlinger Tor 

  • Prague

    Highlights within walking distance: Old Town Square – Charles Bridge – Prague Castle

    Circular route (approx.): ~3.5 km / 60 min.

    Hotel in the city center: Motel One Prague

City Walk Highlights

  • Abendstimmung an einer Gracht in Amsterdam mit historischen Giebelhäusern – Sehenswürdigkeiten zu Fuß erreichbar vom zentralen Hotel

    Amsterdam – Gable houses & Canals

    The charming canal city is perfect for walking tours. With a hotel in the centre of Amsterdam, you'll be right in the thick of things.
  • Blick aus dem Tor der Hofburg in Wien während eines Spaziergangs durch die historische Innenstadt

    Vienna – Coffee house culture at every turn

    Stroll from St. Stephen's Cathedral to the Hofburg Palace, linger in the MuseumsQuartier – and enjoy a slice of Sachertorte in between.
  • Historische Steinburg mit Befestigungsmauern und Fahnenmasten, die ikonische Architektur und geschichtliche Bedeutung einer bedeutenden Sehenswürdigkeit in klarer Tageslichtstimmung zeigt.

    Edinburgh – History to walk through

    The Royal Mile is your main axis, lined with history, pubs and views. Absolutely Instagram-worthy.
  • Panoramablick vom Mirabellgarten auf die Salzburger Festung Hohensalzburg von – ideal für Städtereisen zu Fuß ab zentralem Hotel

    Salzburg – Compact culture

    Baroque, mountains and Mozart – all within walking distance. Perfect for a tour of the old town, where you can stop off at a café to try some Salzburger Nockerl.
  • Marienplatz in München mit Glockenspiel im Neuen Rathaus – Sehenswürdigkeiten zu Fuß entdecken

    Munich – From the glockenspiel to the beer garden

    A walk full of variety: Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, English Garden – and all without taking the underground.
  • Altstädter Ring in Prag mit der Astronomischen Uhr, beliebtes Highlight für einen Stadtrundgang zu Fuß

    Prague – Bridges, castles, Bohemian flair

    From Old Town Square across Charles Bridge up to the castle: with its compact centre, the ‘Golden City’ is perfect for a long walk – including a stop for dumplings or trdelník.

Tips for your perfect City Walk

  • Make your hotel your starting point and plan your route so that you can see several sights in one go.
  • Plan your route: Google Maps, Citymapper or the good old paper map.
  • Make sure you wear comfortable shoes – cobblestones are no catwalk.
  • Take breaks – not only for your body, but also for exploring.
  • Let yourself drift – you often find the best spots by chance.


    In the mood for more adventures on foot? Check this out:
Our Top Walkable Destinations