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'Vibrant' city named worlds 'most walkable' with great markets and cafes

One UK city narrowly missed out on the top ranking.

[Seoul]

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Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul, South Korea

Summer is here, and whilst many people flock to the beach for their holidays theres just as much joy in a city break. City breaks are buzzing with excitement, and theres so much to explore - especially if the city is walkable. According to Time Outs 2026 global survey, Seoul in South Korea has topped the list as the worlds most walkable city.

Despite it being a huge city, Seoul has excellent infrastructure for pedestrians with almost 3,000 kilometres of pavements, wide pedestrian walkways and efficient crosswalk systems. According to Time Outs survey, 93% of Seoul residents rated its walkability as good or amazing - the highest in the survey.

The city has some truly amazing walking paths, including the Cheonggyecheon Stream. This is a 10 km restored urban stream lined with a well-maintained walking path that links multiple metro stations and major attractions, making it the perfect place to wander and explore the city.

One visitor described the walk as an oasis in the city on Tripadvisor.

[South Korea's Seoul Cheonggyecheon Stream at night]

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South Korea's Seoul Cheonggyecheon Stream at night(Image: Getty)

They wrote: You can walk along its banks, which are below the main street, watch the ducks in the water and relax. When you get tired, you can also eat at the cafes.

Another person said: A stroll along the stream starting at Gwanghwamun where the stream emerges is a must do activity in Seoul.

"It is particularly vibrant in the early evening when locals take their evening exercise or simply sit alongside the steam, perhaps reading a book or talking with friends accompanied by the sound of moving water. Located below street level, sounds of the city become quickly muted.

Theres also Seoullo 7017, a 1,074-metre elevated park converted from a former highway, that you can wander above the city. The walkway is best at night when the city lights are on, according to visitors.

One person wrote on Tripadvisor: A pleasant walk over the hustle of the city. Markets are sometimes held at the weekend. It has a nice view of Seoul station, especially if you want to watch the sunset over the city.

"It's also nicely lit after dark. Usually, a few people walking about and taking photos, but it never feels too busy.

Although Seoul took the top spot, another UK city was a very close second on the ranking.

[Tourists and locals throng the Royal Mile as Edinburgh and many parts of Scotland enjoy fine spring sunshine, on April 24, 2025 in Edinburgh, Scotland.]

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Edinburgh was a close second(Image: Getty Images)

The Scottish capital of Edinburgh was ranked as the second-most walkable city in the world, with the almost same percentage of people rating the city's walkability as good or excellent.

Edinburgh lost the top spot by only 0.08 percentile points.

Despite its hills and cobbled, winding streets, a lot of tourists visit Edinburgh specifically for its walks. Famous walks like Arthurs Seat or Carlton Hill are popular choices, but the city is equally as enjoyable to walk through and dip into the many pubs and cafes on every corner.

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