Greece has already contributed quite a few ideas that changed history, but now it is adding a far more contemporary achievement: The most walkable travel destination in the world. According to a new international study, Athens was ranked as the leading walking city among dozens of cities across the globe.
The ranking was conducted as part of the Holiday Happiness Index by BookRetreats.com, in collaboration with Dr. Natalie Dattilo-Ryan, a Harvard clinical psychologist specializing in well-being and happiness. The research examined nearly 50 cities according to five key factors that influence the feeling of “I’m doing well” on vacation: Hours of sunshine, quality of sleep, nutrition, time in nature, and physical activity.
One of the most prominent parameters was walkability — that is, the distances between main sites and tourist attractions. The more a city allows travelers to reach important points on foot and in a short amount of time, the higher its score. In this respect, Athens left no doubt and received the maximum grade: 20 out of 20.
Between the Acropolis and vibrant street life
In the heart of the city’s historic center, you can walk — in only about thirty minutes — between the Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Hephaestus, and the Panathenaic Stadium. It’s not only the physical proximity — it is also the atmosphere. Car-free streets, pedestrian promenades, and lively street life make walking in the city an inseparable part of the experience.
True, there are challenges as well: The hot summer and the steep streets in neighborhoods such as Plaka and Anafiotika demand quite a bit of effort. But the views — white marble, ancient ruins, and glimpses of the Aegean Sea — generously reward every climb up the hill.
Alongside Athens, the list of the ten most walkable cities in the world also included Helsinki, New York, Zurich, Prague, Rome, Copenhagen, Santiago in Chile, Amsterdam, and Brussels.
With more than three million residents and over seven million visitors a year, Athens proves that even an ancient, history-packed city can be accessible, pleasant, and — above all — best discovered step by step.