I love discovering a new place on foot. It’s how I find the best coffee shops, hear the local chatter, and stumble into unexpected beauty. But not every city makes it easy to walk. In some places, just crossing the street felt like a mission, and in others, sidewalks were either missing, broken, or packed with scooters and vendors.
These are the cities where walking tested my patience and where I had to rethink how to get around. Whether you’re planning a trip soon or just curious, here’s what walking looked like in these 11 places, plus the transportation tips I wish I’d known sooner.
1. Manila, Philippines
Manila has so much going for it the energy, the food, the history. But walking here? That was a completely different story. I remember trying to explore a local neighborhood on foot, but every few steps I had to dodge something: a broken slab of pavement, a street vendor’s cart, a tangle of wires, or a line of cars parked halfway on the sidewalk. The noise from jeepneys and tricycles filled the air, and at times I felt like the only person trying to walk somewhere instead of ride.
Even in busy areas like Makati or Ermita, it was tough to find a clear, uninterrupted path. The concept of a “pedestrian zone” just doesn’t really exist in most parts of the city, and crossing the street can feel like a game of chance.
Still, despite the walking difficulties, there were moments where the city surprised me a quiet church courtyard, a street food stall selling delicious taho, or locals who offered help when I clearly looked confused.
2. Cairo, Egypt
Cairo is electric there’s no other word for it. But its intensity isn’t always friendly to those on foot. The roads are wild, with traffic that rarely stops and drivers who seem to operate on intuition rather than rules. I remember standing at a crosswalk near Tahrir Square, waiting for the cars to slow down, only to realize that no one was going to stop.
Sidewalks, when they existed, were either crowded with parked cars or street vendors, and walking often meant sharing the road with everything from scooters to donkeys. There were areas where I found some calm like parts of Zamalek, where the leafy streets and quieter vibe made for a more peaceful stroll. But for the most part, Cairo tested every ounce of my pedestrian patience.
The thing is, once you accept that walking here is more of an obstacle course than a leisurely stroll, it becomes part of the experience. Chaotic, yes. But also oddly fascinating.
3. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
This was one of the most visually stimulating cities I’ve ever visited every street buzzing with motion. But as someone who loves to walk, I quickly learned that sidewalks in Ho Chi Minh City are more of a suggestion than a rule. In District 1, I tried walking from a coffee shop to a nearby park and ended up weaving between motorbikes that were parked shoulder-to-shoulder along the path.
Crossing the road was a whole other adventure. I was told by a local that the trick is to walk slowly and steadily so the scooters flow around you. It worked, but every crossing still felt like a test of nerves.
What made up for the chaos were the little moments you can only experience on foot a grandmother making bánh tráng trộn on the corner, children playing in narrow alleys, locals inviting you to try something new. The walking may be rough, but the street life is unforgettable.
4. New Delhi, India
Delhi is layered chaotic yet colorful, overwhelming but somehow welcoming. I stayed near Connaught Place, which has wide avenues and a circular layout that’s easy to navigate. But outside of that central area, walking became a challenge.
Some sidewalks turned into dust paths, others disappeared entirely, replaced by construction sites or sudden drops into traffic. In Old Delhi, the narrow lanes were packed with people, scooters, cows, and handcarts. You’re not really walking in a straight line here you’re flowing with the current of the crowd, sidestepping everything from puddles to papaya peels.
The pollution also hit me hard, especially in the evenings when traffic peaked. I started choosing my walking routes based on where I could avoid major roads and find some shade. Despite all that, Delhi has a rhythm, and when you catch it, the chaos becomes part of the charm.
5. Jakarta, Indonesia
Jakarta tested me in a way few cities have. The first time I tried walking to a cafe just 10 minutes from my hotel, I ended up stranded on a sidewalk that simply vanished replaced by a drainage ditch with nowhere to go but into the road.
Distances here are deceiving. What looks like a short walk on the map turns into an endless journey thanks to underpasses, fenced highways, or just the lack of a safe pedestrian route. Add the humidity and heavy traffic fumes, and walking became something I actively avoided.
Yet, oddly enough, I still had some walking highlights. A quiet morning in the Menteng area, where trees lined the streets and I finally felt like I could breathe. But those moments were rare. For the most part, I relied on Gojek to get around and saved my steps for indoor malls or parks.
6. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is one of those cities where walking feels different block by block. One minute, you’re strolling past sleek cafes on Sukhumvit Road, and the next, you’re hopping over potholes and squeezing past food stalls spilling onto the sidewalks. In some areas, the path just ends abruptly or narrows so much that you have to step onto the street to keep going.
The humidity didn’t help either. I found myself constantly on the lookout for shaded spots or little air-conditioned shops to duck into. Despite that, there were moments I loved walking here especially at night, when the city lit up and the chaos felt a little more cinematic than stressful. Exploring local night markets on foot was one of the highlights of my trip.
7. Los Angeles, USA
It’s almost a travel cliché to say LA isn’t made for walking, but it’s true. I stayed in Hollywood, thinking I could walk to a few places on my list, but the sidewalks quickly gave way to huge intersections and long blocks with very little shade. Everything looked close on the map, but it rarely felt that way in real life.
Public transportation exists, but it’s not nearly as connected as you’d expect in a major global city. After one attempt to walk from Melrose to West Hollywood in 90-degree heat, I gave up and started relying on ride-shares. That said, there are pockets of walkable charm if you know where to look Venice Beach, Downtown LA’s Arts District, and parts of Santa Monica all had a much more pedestrian-friendly vibe.
8. Lagos, Nigeria
Lagos has a reputation for being intense, and that includes the walking experience. The infrastructure varies wildly from one neighborhood to the next. In some areas, sidewalks are more like rough dirt paths with open drainage ditches running alongside them. I often found myself zigzagging between street vendors, puddles, and groups of people just trying to get through their day.
Traffic congestion also means that walking often feels faster than driving if you can do it safely. I didn’t always feel secure walking alone, especially in unfamiliar neighborhoods, but in spots like Victoria Island or Lekki Phase 1, I found it easier to move around and explore on foot.
9. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Riyadh isn’t built for walkers and the heat makes sure you don’t forget it. During the day, temperatures soar so high that even a short walk feels exhausting. But beyond the weather, the city’s layout is another barrier. Highways and wide boulevards dominate, and pedestrian crossings are few and far between.
I found that walking wasn’t really part of the local culture. Most people drove even short distances, and I quickly understood why. Still, places like the King Abdullah Financial District or some modern shopping centers were exceptions well-designed, clean, and surprisingly walkable for a change of pace.
10. Johannesburg, South Africa
Joburg is sprawling, and the distances between neighborhoods make walking impractical unless you’re staying in a specific area. Safety was also a big consideration. There were parts of the city where I didn’t feel comfortable walking alone, especially after dark.
But it wasn’t all bad. In neighborhoods like Rosebank and Maboneng, walking felt not just doable, but actually enjoyable. I joined a local walking tour and found it was a great way to explore with context and confidence. The city has a creative energy that’s best discovered up close just maybe not on your own, and not everywhere.
11. São Paulo, Brazil
São Paulo is one of those cities where the walkability depends entirely on where you are. Some areas are full of life and perfect for pedestrians, while others feel completely inaccessible without a car. The sidewalks often felt uneven or broken, and crossing wide avenues during rush hour was a stressful experience.
One afternoon, I tried walking from a museum to a nearby café, only to realize there was no pedestrian crossing for several blocks. I ended up backtracking more than once. Still, Avenida Paulista offered a refreshing contrast especially on Sundays when it turns into a car-free zone full of music, art, and people strolling with their dogs. That felt like a small gift after a week of navigating the city’s concrete sprawl.
Final Thoughts
Every city has its challenges, and while these destinations weren’t easy to walk around, they still offered incredible experiences. I just had to adapt and plan ahead. If walking is important to your travel style, map out pedestrian-friendly areas in advance, and always have a backup transport plan.
