If you're about to relocate to a new city, you're probably wondering how you'll get around every day. Not everyone likes taking the bus or the metro daily, whether for the work commute, grocery shopping or leisure. Having a car may not be the ideal solution in your new city. To help you make the best choice, here is an overview of the world's best cities for walking or cycling.
Copenhagen – Denmark
Copenhagen is home to a large bikers' community. Nine people out of ten own a bicycle. Also, at least one-quarter of the inhabitants use their bikes every day, even to commute to work. Thanks to the huge cycling network, known as the “Cycle Super Highway”, you can even cycle safely from the city centre of Copenhagen to 25 other municipalities. Bike rental is part of city life in Copenhagen, so if you want to be part of it, you just have to register to the Bycyklen network which is available 24/7. With more than one hundred stations across the city, you can pick up your bike at one point and drop it off at another. With its beautiful, simple and extravagant streets, lined with shops, markets and cafes, Copenhagen is also a pleasant city for walking around in your free time.
Munich – Germany
If you're staying in Munich, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the sunny afternoons and long weekend. Would you rather ride a bike or walk around? Starting from the city centre, you can tour the different neighbourhoods through the British Garden and Marienplatz to the Frauenkirche cathedral and the Glockenspiel mechanical clock. For shopping, head to the Kaufinger Straße or Maximilian Straße shopping malls which are famous for their high fashion stores. Munich is truly a city where you can get around faster by bike than by the bus or tram, both for work and for leisure. There are more than 200 two-way cycle paths with clear directions. Are you looking for a relaxed experience? Cycle along the Isar River to enjoy the amazing landscapes. With the Call a Bike app, you can easily locate the nearest bike rental stations and book a bike.
Paris – France
Paris needs no introduction. To enjoy its wonders such as the Eiffel Tower or the Champs-Élysées, walking and cycling are your best options both after work and at the weekend. You can walk or bike around the Latin neighbourhood, the Luxembourg Gardens, the Tuileries Gardens, the Bastille and many other historical monuments. Head to Pigalle for markets where you can buy fresh produce and art pieces. How about walking along the Seine to enjoy its beautiful landscapes? Throughout your stay in Paris, you will be able to enjoy its charming little shops, bars and cafes and pastry shops daily. Vélib' is the bike rental service in Paris, so make sure to register to book your bike.
Barcelona – Spain
A true paradise for party lovers and foodies, Barcelona is a city where it's best to get around by bike or on foot. You will not only find plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants but also markets where you can buy fresh food. There are also many historical monuments and museums in Barcelona, including the Sagrada Familia, Santa Maria del Mar, Casa Battlo. Head to Park Güell to walk and relax, alone or with your family. You can also enjoy the afternoon, after work, by strolling along the Ramblas or beaches before heading to a club and get the most of the vibrant nightlife. The Bicing network has many bike rental stations throughout the city, so making your way back won't be an issue.
Boston – USA
If you're looking to relocate to the USA, you will be surprised by Boston's pretty pedestrian streets. The Freedom Trail is arguably the most popular trail, but you will also be able to enjoy pleasant walks in and around the city centre. From Harborwalk to Dorchester, via Charlestown and South Boston, you will be able to contemplate the local “street art” and relax in parks and gardens. After work, head to a café to watch the passers-by and grow your network. Like most major American cities, Boston is also home to monuments and museums with magnificent architecture, so you'll never get bored no matter how much you walk around.
São Paulo – Brazil
As one of the mega-cities in Latin America, São Paulo has plenty of surprises in store for you. A walk through the city centre can take more than a day. From the historic centre to the rest of the neighbourhoods, there is plenty to see. You will enjoy walking past the historic buildings, monuments and museums before heading to the shops and markets. Rua 25 de Março is a famous shopping street in São Paulo. At the Mercado Municipal, you will be able to buy fresh produce and spices. Even though Sao Paulo is one of Brazil's largest transport hubs, the best way to get around the different neighbourhoods is to walk. Besides, most of the streets are pretty safe. Foodies will be delighted to find restaurants, cafes and food stalls on every street corner.
Manchester – UK
Manchester, the third-largest city in the UK, has an extensive transport network. However, the best way to get around is on foot. As you tour the neighbourhoods, you will come across splendid monuments, such as the Royal Exchange Theatre and the Town Hall. Canal Street is famous for its nightlife and LGBT bars. You can also head to China Town for its small traditional shops. As you stroll, you can take a break at one of the cosy cafes and then continue your journey safely until the night falls. On your way to the restaurant for dinner, you will be able to enjoy live music in the streets performed by local artists. If you're an amateur of street art, head to the Northern Quarter.
Moscow – Russia
You will probably be surprised to learn that Moscow is home to more than 430 bike rental stations with more than 4,000 bikes, including electric bikes. So unless you prefer walking, you should definitely try to book a bike. From the city centre, there are also plenty of beautiful places to explore on foot, ranging from the Red Square to the Moskvoretsky Bridge, to Saint's Basil's Cathedral and Lenin's Mausoleum. Moscow's metro station is also worth a visit with its large halls decorated with marble, mosaics, stained glass art, and impressive chandeliers. The Bolshoi Theater, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and Alexander Garden are other amazing places you can walk around.
