Since you have been reading my emails over the years, you know how much we enjoy walking big cities, and interesting towns. There is no better way to discover the culture and beauty of a place, save for a walking tour by a local. But, since I am not a tour guy, exploring on my own, or with Mr. Mike is the best alternative. What might some of those cities be? Over the years, some cities we have walked and explored: Bangkok, Hanoi, Santiago, Prague, Budapest, Warsaw, Vienna, Berlin, Sydney, Hong Kong, Cape Town, Seville, Lisboa, London, Athens, Istanbul, Tokyo, Buenos Aires, Medellin, Montreal, Quito, Vancouver, Amsterdam, and lately, Dubrovnik, Split, Belgrade, and Frankfurt. TravelAwaits has listed their nine most walkable cities. Amsterdam Though this city is known for its bicycles, it is enjoyable to walk, use the tram, see the great museums, and shop in the eclectic sections of the city. After all, the four Cs are big here: cycling, cheese, cafes and canals. No matter how many times I have visited, I am always open for a return visit! Paris Though rather spread walking with the Metro works quite well. I have a bit more tolerant
of France, and can get around to the museums, favorite cafes, airport, train stations, and Roland Garros. For only 1.90 Euro each way, the Metro is a to BART. When I first visited in 1971, de Gaulle was in his prime, and they hated Americans! Just beware of the dog poop, the French are too good to pick up their dogs poop!! Florence Though I never really walked this city, there is plenty to see on foot. Leonardo and the other Ninja turtles would be proud of you! Rome Though I have not been to Rome in decades, it is a great walking city with a vibrant cafe culture. The bus system seemed to take us wherever we wanted, mostly. But it was a long time ago. Maybe I need to make a return visit? London Now, I love walking this city, using the Underground, and exploring the various neighborhoods. My two weeks attending Wimbledon were great for exploring this city. And if you get lost, everyone speaks English! Sort of. I made so many friends during the fortnight. Maybe some enemies too? Furthermore, London has a large Asian population, with many good places to eat something other
than pub food! Time to go back? Edinburgh Though we did not walk it, I have wanted to return here for the famous Tattoo. Perhaps I have missed out on the best walking city in the world? Vancouver Yes, this is a great walking city, with a great Metro system as well. Most neighborhoods are safe. Take the Hop On Hop Off Bus to get oriented, and you will be an expert city navigator. We tend to stay mostly on Robson, but there are many great neighborhoods here, including TWO Chinatowns. My Chinese friends tell me that Vancouver has the best Chinese food in the world! Zurich Mostly a cute old city, with narrow streets and some hills. I have tons of stories about my time in Zurich, but you would probably not believe them anyway! And I had the best Grand Marnier souffle here, my fondest memory of Switzerland. Venice Now, why would anyone walk here. First, it stinks, and second, it is much faster by boat!! They say the stench is not as bad, but I will never go back! As you can read, they left off many cities in Asia, South America, and Africa. My personal favorites:
Bangkok, Hanoi, Buenos Aires, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Athens, and Istanbul. In the US, I prefer Chicago, Washington, DC, San Francisco, and Seattle. I am sure you have your favorites.
