Walkable cities generally make a holiday more exciting as tourists are able to discover hidden areas and local secrets on foot.
But not all the world’s cities are pedestrian-friendly. The USA isn’t generally an easy destination to explore on foot, although there’s one city that bucks the trend.
Luckily, it’s much easier to find walkable cities in Europe. In Germany, the country’s most walkable city looks like it belongs inside a fairytale.
According to a study by Compare the Market AU, Munich isn’t just Germany’s most walkable city but Europe’s.
The Bavarian city grabbed the top spot due to its pedestrian-friendly city centre, safety levels and car-free areas.
Munich’s Fussgangerzone, or pedestrian zone, in the heart of the city’s Old Town is probably one of the best places to start your walk.
The area became pedestrianised ahead of the 1970s Olympics and it’s one of the most popular parts of Munich.
Wander the Marienplatz square, known as Munich’s front parlour and admire the architecture. Even if it’s not Oktoberfest season, grab a beer at one of the city’s infamous beer halls.
Visit the Frauenkirche or the Rathaus (town hall) or stroll to the Residenz palace in under 10 minutes.
From Marienplatz, it’s under five minutes walk to Viktualienmarkt, the city’s famous food market.
Look out for local delicacies such as white sausage, salt-crusted pretzels and deep-fried Bavarian doughnuts.
If the weather’s good, go for a stroll in the Englischer Garten, a huge public park in the city centre.
It stretches from the city centre to the northeast of Munich and it’s one of Europe’s biggest city parks.
Look out for the Chinese Tower, the Japanese teahouse and the artificial stream that’s used for surfing in summer.