Germany’s Munich Dominates as the World’s Ultimate Walkable City, Featuring Stunning Trails, Expansive Car-Free Zones, and a World-Class Cycling Network

Published on March 24, 2025

Germany’s Munich tops the list as the world’s most walkable city, offering stunning trails, car-free zones, and a top-tier cycling network for all to enjoy.

A European city has emerged as the world’s top destination for walkability, following a thorough assessment of various factors.

Munich, located in southeastern Germany, has been crowned the most walkable city globally, according to an analysis by Compare the Market.

The evaluation process considered a range of elements, including the availability of walking trails, average rainfall, and the safety of streets after inclement weather. Additionally, the city’s public transport, cycling infrastructure, and alternatives to car use were factored into the decision.

The results revealed that Munich boasts an impressive 1.4 million kilometers (over 912,000 miles) of bike trails, ranking second globally. Moreover, 86% of the city’s residents live within a kilometer (0.62 miles) of a car-free zone, placing Munich second in this category as well.

Although public transportation in Munich ranks as the third most expensive among the cities analyzed, it scored fourth for safety and second for residents’ proximity to essential services like healthcare and education.

Following Munich, other walkable cities included Milan, Warsaw, Helsinki, and Paris. Notably, Tokyo was the only non-European city to make the top ten, landing in sixth place.

For visitors, Munich offers a variety of scenic walks, such as a stroll through the historic old town, passing the iconic Marianplatz. This central square, dating back to 1158, is home to the famous Glockenspiel, a mechanical clock on the Town Hall’s facade that reenacts historical scenes twice daily with life-sized characters.

The city also offers bike tours through its old town and the expansive Englischer Garten, a public park covering 3.7 square kilometers (1.4 square miles). The Eisbach canal runs through the park, where an artificial wave attracts surfers.

Munich’s vibrant culinary scene is another highlight, with its renowned Bavarian dishes served in traditional beer halls like the Hofbrauhaus, where bands in lederhosen entertain the crowds. Nearby, the Viktualienmarkt offers a variety of market stalls selling food, drinks, and unique items.