October 19th 2024.
If you're planning a trip to Europe, you'll want to make sure you've packed some comfortable shoes. While many cities are perfect for leisurely strolls along charming streets and historic areas, there are some places that are a bit more challenging to navigate. Yes, you may find yourself turning your relaxing vacation into a cardio workout after a day of sightseeing in cities like Hamburg and Oslo, which have recently been named as some of the least walkable cities in Europe. But the one that takes the cake for being the most hilly and strenuous? Lisbon, Portugal.
As the coastal capital of Portugal, Lisbon is known for its seven notable hills: São Jorge, São Roque, São Vicente, Santo André, Santa Catarina, Sant'Ana, and Chagas. These picturesque streets may be pretty, but they are also quite steep. In fact, according to a study by Preply, an online language tutor platform, Lisbon was ranked as the worst city in Europe for walking. The team at Preply researched the walking distance between the top five tourist attractions in Lisbon and found that visitors would need to take 31,500 steps to see them all, which is equivalent to walking 15 hilly miles. Ouch!
But don't just take our word for it. On Tripadvisor, many visitors have also attested to the city's challenging terrain. One reviewer compared it to San Francisco and another joked that even Chuck Norris wouldn't walk around Lisbon. And while the hills may be beautiful, they can take a toll on your feet and legs, as one person described their backside "screaming" for a break every half hour.
But don't let Lisbon's hills deter you from visiting. The city has plenty of public transportation options, including taxis, trams, funiculars, lifts, metro, and buses. And despite the terrain, Lisbon is still a popular destination for tourists, with its charming streets, historic sites, and affordable prices.
On the other end of the spectrum, Seville, Spain was ranked as the most walkable city in Europe, with five of its top attractions located within a short walking distance. Other cities that made the top five include Venice, Italy; Porto, Portugal; Florence, Italy; and Athens, Greece. And if you're looking for a quiet and peaceful vacation, consider visiting Macedonia, which has seen a 183% increase in tourism since 2013.
Whether you're wandering through the bustling streets of Lisbon or soaking up the peaceful vibes of Macedonia, Europe offers a variety of destinations for all types of travelers. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable European adventure!
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