Whether you prefer to pedal through charming streets or take leisurely strolls, walking and biking tours are the perfect way to immerse yourself in the culture of a city.
Visit London has compiled a list of the top cities with the best walking and biking tours in the world. The ranking considers five main metrics:
- Number of walking and biking tours available
- Number of five-star walking and biking tours
- Number of points of interest and landmarks that can be seen in each city
- Average price of walking and biking tours (in GBP £)
- Average rainfall (in mm) to account for driest conditions for walking and biking
Read on to discover the best walking and biking tours in the world and where London ranks in Europe, and the iconic landmarks to spot on the tours along the way!
Highest rated European cities for walking and biking tours and what landmarks to see
Applying an index scoring system across the five main metrics, Visit London has compiled the 10 best cities for walking and biking tours in Europe.
Read on to discover the top three European cities with the most five-star rated walking and biking tours that make for an unforgettable trip.
Rome
A city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and historical attractions, Rome ranks in position #1 as the best European city with 1169 five-star rated walking and biking tours. Whether you’re strolling the historic streets or pedalling along scenic routes, must-see sights in Rome include the spiritual and architectural St. Peter’s Square, the beautiful Trevi Fountain and the largest standing amphitheatre in the world, the Colosseum.
It’s a city that beckons travellers to explore its ancient alleyways, uncover hidden delights and immerse themselves in its intriguing history. Rome’s landscape allows you to explore at a leisurely pace along the cobblestone streets, charming piazzas and quaint courtyards, allowing for peaceful exploration by bike or on foot.
London
London is a remarkably bike-friendly and walkable city, so it’s easy to see why it’s rated the second-best European city with the most top-rated walking and biking tours!
The city sits proudly in second place thanks to 619 of the 1,460 tours scoring a five-star rating. With centuries of fascinating history and cultural wonders to discover, the highly rated walking and London biking tours are a perfect way to see as much as the city as possible in a convenient way. The city’s layout and infrastructure are designed to support walking and biking tours, so it’s easy to see why the beautiful city tops the charts in second place.
The city boasts more than 470 iconic landmarks, from Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London to St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. Not forgetting the world-class museums and galleries, such as Tate Modern and the British Museum, that add another layer of exciting places to experience, making London the perfect destination to explore on foot or by bike.
London is renowned for its abundance of parks and green spaces to enjoy, offering residents and visitors alike a chance to enjoy nature within the bustling city. According to data obtained by london.gov.uk, the city has more than 3,000 parks, including the eight Royal Parks and large areas like Hampstead Heath and Clapham Common, and a vibrant network of canals, reservoirs and riversides to explore. Additionally, around 20 per cent of London is public green space, and the city is working towards becoming 50 per cent green by 2050 as part of its National Park City status.
Paris
Sitting in third position is Paris, known for its beautiful Haussmann buildings, scenic boulevards and world-famous landmarks. Walking and biking tours allow you to soak in the beauty of Paris at a leisurely pace. The city is brimming with more than 1,000 iconic landmarks to explore including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame Cathedral and many more.
Paris will host the Olympics in 2024, with the city set to welcome between 2.3 and 3.1 million visitors to the city during the Games, adding to the city’s already buzzing atmosphere.
The landscape of Paris is relatively flat, which makes it easy to explore without having to worry about steep hills. The city has also made a conscious effort to improve cycling infrastructure to make it safer for cyclists, such as bike lanes and traffic regulations to prioritise cyclists’ safety.
Top 10 cities with the best walking and biking tours
.jpg?h=705&w=1250&rev=c453e336f29f4a44a6b1c4ada5f64e6c&hash=F9159EBD977A91F21CC480A2778667D5 "Top ten cities ranked the best for walking and bike tours. Image courtesy of London & Partners.")
Applying an index scoring system across the five main metrics, Visit London has compiled the 10 best cities for walking and biking tours in the world.
Barcelona
The cool, cultured and vibrant capital of Spain’s Catalonia region is #1 for the best walking and biking tours in the world, scoring a comfortable 86.1 out of 100.
With 870 walking and bike tours and an impressive 50% of them with a five-star rating, it’s easy to see why Barcelona tops the list. Tourists flock to Barcelona for its unique architecture, vibrant cultural scenery and delicious food.
The city benefits from a typically Mediterranean climate with an average annual rainfall of 614mm. The lower average rainfall in Barcelona means a higher chance of being able to explore this enchanting city by foot or bike in glorious weather conditions.
Paris
Brimming with iconic attractions, picturesque neighbourhoods and hidden gems, Paris sits at #2 with a score of 82.7 out of 100.
Walking and biking tours in Paris are a great way to explore the city to experience its charm and history in unique ways. 1,400 walking and biking tours are available to book here, with 41% of them rated five-star. The city is dominated by more than 1,000 points of interest and landmarks, including the world-famous Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Louvre Museum.
When visiting, you can expect to experience a variety of weather conditions throughout the year, with an average annual rainfall of 720mm. June, July, August and September are the hottest and driest months on average, with temperatures usually hitting more than 30 degrees.
Rome
Rome, otherwise known as the Eternal City, makes it to #3 with a score of 82.6 out of 100.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, history buff or food lover, Rome has something to offer everyone. Famed for its rich history, stunning architecture and mouthwatering cuisine, Rome has more than 2,900 walking and biking tours, with 39% of them receiving a five-star rating. The Italian capital offers a pleasant Mediterranean climate year-round, with an average annual rainfall of 878mm.
London
As a city with many layers of history, mystery and hidden stories, London ranks #4 for the best cities with walking and biking tours with a score of 82.2 out of 100.
London’s landscape is perfect for walking and biking, with many top attractions to see within a short distance of each other. Start your day at the Houses of Parliament, hop on a bike to St Paul’s Cathedral (13 minutes) and then walk along the river Thames to the Tower of London (24 minutes).
Take your pick from more than 1,400 London walking tours and biking tours and immerse yourself into London’s captivating culture, hidden corners and vibrant energy. 42% of the walking and biking tours scored a five-star rating, which can be enjoyed year-round with London receiving an average annual rainfall of 690mm.
Cities scoring in positions 5-10:
Lisbon ranks #5 for best walking and biking tours with a score of 81.3 out of 100. Out of 461 tours available, 53% of them scored a five-star rating. Whilst it scored well for tour rating, there are fewer tours available here and therefore less attractions and landmarks to see on these tours.
Prague sits in #6 position with a score of 80.3 out of 100. 53% of 737 tours received a five-star rating, however the average tour price of £163 per person hindered the overall score.
Famous for its canals, vibrant atmosphere and unique culture, Amsterdam ranks #7 position with a score of 80.1 out of 100. 45% of the 506 walking and biking tours scored a five-star rating.
The only entry outside of Europe in the top 10 is New York, in #8 position, scoring 79.7 out of 100. Of the 828 tours available, 49% scored a five-star rating. Despite the vast range of attractions and slightly lower average price point of £129 per person, the average annual rainfall of 1139mm heavily affected the cities overall score.
In #9 position is Madrid, with a score of 79.5 out of 100. 47% of 582 tours received a five-star rating. The walking and biking tours in Madrid have an average tour price of £188 per person, with the city experiencing a lower-than-average annual rainfall of 415mm.
Finally, Budapest is in #10 position, scoring 76.5 out of 100. Out of the 409 walking and biking tours available, 54% have received a five-star rating. With a relatively low average annual rainfall of 661mm, the city slips down the ratings based on a much lower average of 171 landmarks to see.
Top 20 cities in the world for walking and biking tours
| Rank | City | Overall score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Barcelona, Spain | 86.1 |
| 2 | Paris, France | 82.7 |
| 3 | Rome, Italy | 82.6 |
| 4 | London, UK | 82.2 |
| 5 | Lisbon, Portugal | 81.3 |
| 6 | Prague, Czech Republic | 80.3 |
| 7 | Amsterdam, Netherlands | 80.1 |
| 8 | New York, US | 79.7 |
| 9 | Madrid, Spain | 79.5 |
| 10 | Budapest, Hungary | 76.5 |
| 11 | Berlin, Germany | 75.3 |
| 12 | Athens, Greece | 74.2 |
| 13 | Tokyo, Japan | 74.0 |
| 14 | New Delhi, India | 72.5 |
| 15 | Venice, Italy | 72.2 |
| 15 | Florence, Italy | 72.2 |
| 16 | Seville, Spain | 71.8 |
| 17 | San Francisco, California | 71.5 |
| 18 | Istanbul, Turkey | 70.0 |
| 19 | Marrakech, Morocco | 69.9 |
| 20 | Dubai, UAE | 68.7 |
Popular London walking tours
Feeling inspired to book a tour in London? Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of literary giants in Bloomsbury or admiring the Thames from the South Bank, London’s walking tours offer an intimate and memorable way to explore the city!
- Retrace the infamous murderer’s footsteps on the Jack the Ripper Walking Tour. Explore London’s East End, venturing from Whitechapel to Spitalfields, and learn about one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of all time.
- Journey through the heart of London on the guided Royal Walking Tour Changing of the Guard and uncover the secrets of royal London.
- Encounter street performers, wander the cobbled streets and marvel at fascinating architectural history on a Walking Tour of Covent Garden.
- Indulge in mouthwatering foodie delights on the Borough Market Food Tour, including a classic bacon and egg bap, award-winning fish and chips and a real London ale or cider.
- Marvel at vibrant urban street art on a guided Shoreditch Street Art Tour. See pieces from leading local artists and learn the techniques behind the inspiring street art displays.
- Explore London’s historic pubs and sample some of the city’s top beers on the Historical London Pub Walking Tour. Visit some of the city’s oldest inns, taverns and gin palaces with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.
- Visit filming locations and discover amusing tales about the adventures of the beloved Paddington Bear on the Paddington Bear Walking Tour.
- Discover the homes, studios, hangouts and inspirations of music legend David Bowie on the David Bowie Walking Tour. Tour Brixton and Soho and learn why Bowie adored these buzzy locations in London.
- Uncover the London life of iconic rock band Queen on a unique Queen London Walking Tour. Hear anecdotes, snap photos at plaques and memorials, stop outside Freddie Mercury’s beloved Garden Lodge and more.
- See hidden gems, celebrity homes, quiet mews and more on the Notting Hill Walking Tour. Experience the buzz of Portobello Road Market and learn about the regeneration of the trendy urban village.
- Follow in the footsteps of William Shakespeare and discover hidden memorials, the locations of his two known London houses and more on the Shakespeare Walking Tour.
Conclusion
Walking and biking tours offer a unique blend of health benefits and immersive cultural experiences and provide a sustainable way to explore and discover a city.
Feeling inspired to book your own trip to London to experience its top-rated walking and biking tours? Check out even more sightseeing tours for more inspiration and plan your trip with the inspirational itineraries and guides on Visit London.
Methodology
To determine the cities with the best walking and biking tours, we used a seed list of the top 100 most visited city destinations in 2023 (a report created by Euromonitor) and analysed these cities using multiple data points to create a weighted index. We collected data on five key metrics for each city, including:
- Number of walking and biking tours available
- Number of five-star walking and biking tours
- Number of points of interest and landmarks that can be seen in each city
- Average price of walking and biking tours (in GBP £)
- Average rainfall (in mm) to account for driest conditions for walking and biking
This data was obtained from various sources, including an online review platform and a meteorological database. Our seed list was obtained from the 'Top 100 Most Visited City Destinations in 2023' report by Euromonitor. Cities currently experiencing conflict or unrest, such as Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, were excluded from the analysis. For cities where data was presented in a different format or structure, such as Mugla and Mecca, alternative methods were employed to ensure accurate representation. Despite these variations, the average price data for walking and biking tours in these cities remains reliable.
To determine the cities with the best walking and biking tours, an index score was applied. Cities with higher numbers of tours, five-star rated tours and points of interest and landmarks were scored the higher the better. Cities with low average prices per tour and volume of rainfall (mm) were scored lower the better. Cities have then been ranked based upon their higher overall score.
All data is correct as of 17/05/2024. The ranking data shown has been compiled from multiple sources and may not be representative of real life. All data has been accurately collected from each individual source.
Infographic text transcripts
The 10 best cities for walking and biking tours infographic
A world map with the top 10 best cities for walking and cycling tours, showing Barcelona in Spain with an overall score of 86.1; Paris in France with a score of 82.7; Rome in Italy with a score of 82.6; London in the UK with a score of 82.2; Lisbon in Portugal with a score of 81.3; Prague in Czech Republic with a score of 80.3; Amsterdam in the Netherlands with a score of 80.1; New York in the US with a score of 79.7; Madrid in Spain with a score of 79.5 and Budapest in Hungary with a score of 76.5.
The European cities with the most top-rated walking and biking tours infographic
A map of Europe with the top 10 cities with the most five-star rated walking and biking tours, showing Rome in Italy with an overall score of 1169; London in the UK with a score of 619; Paris in France with a score of 581; Florence in Italy with a score of 488; Barcelona in Spain with a score of 436; Prague in Czech Republic with a score of 391; Istanbul in Turkey with a score of 374; Athens in Greece with a score of 328; Madrid in Spain with a score of 278 and Lisbon in Portugal with 245.
