The buzzy European city crowned the world’s most walkable — with £4 beers

Sayonara to crammed buses, delayed trains and expensive taxis — the world’s most walkable destination is just a short flight from the UK.

Beating out stiff competition from Paris and Milan, Munich, Germany, has been crowned the easiest city to explore on foot.

A study by Compare the Market found that 86% of Munich’s population lives within 1km of a car-free space. A further 85 % of residents live within 1km of healthcare and education facilities, and the city boasts hundreds of miles of bike trails.

Its public transport is quick and efficient, but with pedestrian-friendly streets that rank high in safety, it’s easy to see why many prefer to walk around the buzzy Bavarian capital. 

It’s a far cry from Johannesburg in South Africa, which rounds out the list as the least walkable city. There, just 8% of the population lives within 1km of a car-free space. 

From sprawling parks to sensational beer, what can travellers look forward to while wandering Munich’s charming streets?

What to do and see in Munich 

There’s plenty to explore in Munich, and many of the city’s top attractions are within walking distance of each other. 

At Marienplatz, the city’s central square, you can watch the famous Glockenspiel clock chime from the New Town Hall.

From there, it’s a five-minute walk to Frauenkirche, a restored Gothic church, known for its mysterious ‘Devil’s Footprint’, a large black footprint on one of its floor tiles.

Just a short stroll from there is the Viktualienmarkt, an open-air food market where you’ll find all sorts of Bavarian delicacies. 

If you fancy a scenic wander, the Englischer Garten stretches from the city centre to the northeastern city limits.

It’s one of the largest urban parks in the world and comes to life during Oktoberfest. It’s also home to the famous Eisbach river, which surfers flock to. 

And, if you need some time off your feet, there are plenty of places to enjoy an affordable snack. According to Introducing Munich, the average cost of a beer is just £3.40, while a pretzel costs less than £1.30. 

The city is known for its beer halls, where travellers can enjoy Steins filled to the brim with local beer. 

Its most famous location is Hofbräuhaus München, a 16th-century beer hall and Bavarian restaurant spanning three floors. 

It’s popular among tourists and locals alike, with a 4.3-star rating on Google based on 93,000 reviews. One reviewer, Wesley Wong, dubbed it ‘one of the most famous dining spots in Munich’, and praised its ‘classic and lively atmosphere’. 

She wrote: ‘The restaurant itself is massive, with a beautifully designed traditional Bavarian interior that transports you back in time.’ 

If you can’t find a seat at Hofbräuhaus, there’s no shortage of other beer halls. You can enjoy a pint or two at Lowenbraukeller Biergarten, which has a huge outdoor beer garden or, Augustine-Keller. 

All are centrally based and within 30 minutes of each other, but you’ll likely stumble on another beer hall on the way.