Walkable Cities for Slow Travel
Places that reward you for not having an itinerary
Ghent
Ghent removed cars from its centre years ago and the city is now one of the most pleasant walking experiences in northern Europe. Three rivers, two cathedrals, the Van Eyck Altarpiece, and a network of small streets where every block has at least one good cafe or chocolate shop. Pick a small hotel near the Graslei. Walk in any direction. You won't go wrong.
Salamanca
Salamanca's Plaza Mayor at sunset is the colour of toasted bread, and the rest of the city matches it. The 800-year-old university gives the place a steady young population and keeps prices honest. Walk the Roman bridge across the Tormes. Eat tapas at the Mercado Central. Don't plan beyond that.
Bath
Bath is a small city built almost entirely from honey-coloured limestone, walkable end to end in 20 minutes. The Roman baths, the Royal Crescent, the Holburne Museum, and the Bath Skyline walk on the hills above town add up to a complete long weekend. Add a Sunday roast at a Georgian pub.
Tartu
Tartu is Estonia's second city and university town. The old quarter is compact, the cafe culture is strong, and the Estonian National Museum on the edge of the city is one of the best new museums in the Baltics. Two hours by bus from Tallinn.
Suggested itinerary
- Slow long weekend: Pick one. Don't make a plan beyond the first morning coffee.
Local highlights
- Ghent's car-free centre
- Girona's compact old town
- Salamanca's sandstone plazas
- Bath's Royal Crescent walk
- Tartu's old quarter and student cafes
Nearby destinations
Other places worth combining with this trip: Bruges, Figueres, Ávila, Bristol.
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