Abu Dhabi Ranks #1 Among World's Most Walkable Cities

Let’s be honest, cities are incredible. They’re buzzing with culture, amazing food, endless entertainment, and always something to see or do. But they can also be... well, a bit much. The crowds, the traffic, the packed subways, it’s enough to make you want to teleport from A to B.

That’s exactly why walkable cities are such a game-changer. Being able to get around on foot isn’t just convenient, it’s actually a win for your health, your wallet, and even the planet.

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Why Walkability Matters

First things first: walking is the ultimate free mode of transport. No traffic jams, no hunting for parking, no waiting on the train that’s “just two minutes away” for the last 10 minutes. Walkable cities let you hop from your home to your local café, to the museum, to the park, all without breaking a sweat (okay, maybe a little one).

But the benefits don’t stop there. Research shows that pedestrian-friendly streets make us happier, strengthen communities, and boost local businesses. In fact, pedestrianised town centres tend to see more sales than car-heavy areas. So, good for your mood and your local economy? Sign us up.

Then there's the air. Cities like Paris and London are going all-in on cleaner, quieter streets, banning cars from hundreds of roads to cut down emissions. Cleaner air, fewer honks, more birds chirping. Sounds dreamy, right?

So... Which Cities Are the Most Walkable?

Time Out decided to find out by asking 18,500 people across the world one simple question: how easy is it to get around your city on foot? The results are in, and the top 20 cities for walkability have been revealed and guess who’s at the top?

Abu Dhabi Takes the Crown

Yes, the capital of the UAE is officially the most walkable city in the world. With 91% of residents rating the city’s walkability as “good” or “amazing,” Abu Dhabi proves that you don’t need to be a European capital to nail pedestrian vibes.

The city is mostly flat (always a plus), and areas like Downtown Abu Dhabi are packed with wide pavements and pedestrian zones. Then there’s the iconic Corniche Beach, which offers 8km of beachfront promenade complete with playgrounds, cafes, and picture-perfect views of the Arabian Gulf. It's no wonder residents love strolling here.

Boston and Brighton Round Out the Top 3

Coming in second is Boston, where 89% of locals praised the city’s walkability. Historic charm meets convenience here, everything’s close together, and even the sightseeing is built for walking (hello, 4km Freedom Trail!).

In third place? Brighton in the UK. Despite being a bit hilly, 88% of residents rate the seaside city highly for getting around on foot. With the Royal Pavilion, Brighton Palace Pier, and North Laine all within a five-minute walk, it’s a walker’s paradise, complete with beach views and brilliant pubs.

The World’s 20 Most Walkable Cities

Here’s the full list of the top walkable cities and the percentage of locals who gave them glowing walkability ratings:

1. Abu Dhabi, UAE - 91%
2. Boston, US - 89%
3. Brighton, UK - 88%
4. New York, US - 87%
5. Bilbao, Spain - 86%
6. = Chicago, US - 86%
7. Edinburgh, UK - 85%
8. = Marrakech, Morocco - 85%
9. San Francisco, US - 83%
10. Cardiff, UK - 82%
11. = Shanghai, China - 82%
12. = Hong Kong - 82%
13. = Paris, France - 82%
14. Oslo, Norway - 81%
15. = Stockholm, Sweden - 81%
16. Singapore - 80%
17. = Melbourne, Australia - 80%
18. London, UK - 79%
19. = Lyon, France - 79%
20. = Washington DC, US - 79%