Have you ever noticed how many steps you clock when traveling? Suddenly, you’re strutting down cobblestone streets, strolling through bustling markets, and hiking to panoramic vantage points — and your phone goes from scolding you for 7,000 steps a day to applauding 27,000. It’s like it’s saying, “Aren’t you missing the adventure?”

Why is it that when traveling, we walk for hours and never give it a second thought? It’s simple: walking is the best way to experience a place. It’s an effortless workout wrapped in sights, sounds, and stories. It’s about exploring, getting lost, stopping for lunch, ice cream, or a drink (perhaps doing all three), and making memories one step at a time.

Why Walking Is the Best Way to Explore Cities

Walking allows you to:

• Discover hidden gems that guidebooks miss.
• Pause for that perfect Instagram moment.
• Connect deeply with the city and its culture.
• Stay active naturally, making every step part of the adventure.

Sample Itinerary: A Walking Tour in Prague

• Start at Old Town Square — Greet the Astronomical Clock and soak in its history.
• Stroll across Charles Bridge — Admire the statues and panoramic river views.
• Pause for a Trdelník — Enjoy this cinnamon-sugar treat in a cozy café.
• Climb up to Prague Castle — The walk rewards you with sweeping city views.
• Check out the John Lennon Wall — An iconic, colorful symbol of peace and creativity.
• Rest for lunch at Lokál for traditional Czech dumplings and crisp Pilsner.
• Finish your afternoon by strolling down to the Vltava River and relax with a drink as the sun sets.

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Sample Itinerary: A Literary Walking Tour in London

• Start at the British Library — See priceless manuscripts and timeless treasures.
• Walk through Bloomsbury — The heart of literary London, where writers like Virginia Woolf roamed.
• Break for lunch at a cozy café — Try a classic British lunch in a bookshop café.
• Visit the Charles Dickens Museum — Travel back in time in the author’s own home.
• Stroll to the Thames — End your walk with a view of the Globe Theatre and a drink by the river.

5 Must‑Visit Cities for Walking Tours (Best in Fair Weather)

If you’re looking for more ways to get those steps in, here are five beautiful places that truly shine when explored by foot — especially in warm, dry weather:

1. Paris, France — Stroll along the Seine, wander through Le Marais, and marvel at sights like the Louvre and Notre Dame.
2. Florence, Italy — Get lost in its winding streets, explore the Duomo, and soak in its Renaissance charm.
3. Edinburgh, Scotland — Enjoy a walk from the Royal Mile to Holyrood Park, or hike up Arthur’s Seat for a view like no other.
4. Kyoto, Japan — Discover serene temples, quaint alleyways, and beautiful Zen gardens as you walk this timeless city.
5. Lisbon, Portugal — Wind your way through colorful neighborhoods, past tiled facades and hidden cafés. Enjoy a luxury escape in its quieter corners like Príncipe Real or Alfama for an intimate experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is walking the best way to experience a new city?
Walking allows you to slow down and notice details that a taxi or bus would miss. It’s immersive, enriching, and gives you the freedom to explore spontaneously.

How many steps is ideal when traveling?
There’s no magic number, but many travelers walk 15,000–30,000 steps per day when exploring a new city — making every step an adventure.

What if I get lost?
That’s the best part! Getting lost can lead to discovering hidden gems, cozy cafés, or unexpected sights you’d have overlooked otherwise.

Want a Free Walking Itinerary? Let’s Make It Happen!

Love the idea of exploring Prague or London by foot? Email me at info@solkissescapes.com for a FREE downloadable walking itinerary, complete with hidden gems, favorite cafés, and must‑see sights that you won’t find in guidebooks. It’s the best way to walk like a local… and make every step an adventure!

Final Thoughts

Remember, it’s not about how many steps you take, but about the stories you create along the way. So, next time your phone reminds you that you’re falling short of those 27,000 vacation steps, take it as an invitation. An invitation to wander more, explore more, and live more intentionally — at home and abroad.