Time Out Ranks World's Most Walkable Cities for 2026, Seoul and Edinburgh Top List
In its tenth-anniversary city survey, Time Out evaluated the most walkable cities globally for 2026, gathering opinions from 24,000 residents. Tying for the top spot, Seoul and Edinburgh both achieved a remarkable 93% approval rating. Seoul boasts the Seoullo 7017, an elevated garden walkway, and a scenic path along Cheonggyecheon Stream. Meanwhile, Edinburgh's attractions, such as Calton Hill and Edinburgh Castle, are conveniently located within a 15-minute stroll. New York City secured third place, thanks to its easy-to-navigate grid layout and the pedestrian-friendly Brooklyn Bridge. Copenhagen, with a 90% approval rating, features Strøget, Europe’s inaugural pedestrian-only street. Oslo's Car-Free Livability Program has effectively decreased traffic since 2017-2019. Other noteworthy cities include Stockholm, Paris, Singapore, Helsinki, and Kraków, each reflecting unique urban design strategies.
Key facts
- Time Out's tenth-anniversary city survey polled 24,000 urbanites.
- Seoul and Edinburgh tied for first with 93% walkability approval.
- Seoul's Seoullo 7017 is an elevated sky garden stretching 1,074 meters, transformed from an old highway.
- Edinburgh's major attractions are within a 15-minute walk, including Arthur's Seat.
- New York City's grid system was planned in the 19th century.
- Copenhagen's Strøget is Europe's first pedestrian-only street.
- Oslo's Car-Free Livability Program phased out cars between 2017 and 2019.
- Paris car traffic fell by more than half between 2002 and 2023 under Mayor Anne Hidalgo.
Entities
Institutions
- Time Out
Locations
- Seoul
- South Korea
- Edinburgh
- Scotland
- New York City
- United States
- Copenhagen
- Denmark
- Oslo
- Norway
- Stockholm
- Sweden
- Paris
- France
- Singapore
- Helsinki
- Finland
- Kraków
- Poland
Sources
- Quartz —