From Japan to Uzbekistan, Malaysia to Mongolia, these are the best walkable cities in Asia – as recommended by travel writers.
There’s nothing quite like exploring a city on foot. While many of the world’s most renowned walking cities are in Europe, Asia also boasts its fair share of walkable cities, districts, and neighborhoods. You might be surprised to find that even some of Asia’s largest metropolises have pedestrian-friendly areas.
Walking through a city is a fantastic way to fully immerse yourself in a new environment. In Asia, where street culture thrives in many places, walking allows you to experience the local side of a city in a way that’s both intimate and authentic. Whether it’s old towns, pedestrian zones, bustling shopping streets, captivating street art, or the irresistible allure of street food, there’s so much to discover when you explore Asia on foot.
I have my own favorite walking cities in Asia, but I’m always eager to find new pedestrian-friendly spots to explore. So, I asked travel bloggers to share their top walkable cities in Asia, and here’s the list: 31 cities that span from East to South, Central to Southeast Asia.
Walkable cities in Asia: Southeast Asia
1. The Old Quarter in Hanoi, Vietnam
Walking through Hanoi, a city of 7.5 million people and almost as many motorbikes, can be a real challenge. But I love wandering around Hanoi’s Old Quarter, one of the city’s oldest areas, filled with French colonial architecture and other heritage buildings.
The best time to explore the Old Quarter is in the early morning. Start your walk at Hoan Kiem Lake, which comes alive around 5 a.m. with locals exercising. The lake sits at the southern end of the Old Quarter, but it’s considered the heart and soul of Hanoi.
As you move north of Hoan Kiem, you’ll find mango-colored buildings lining leafy streets, with narrow lanes branching out in every direction. Here, you can visit churches, temples like Bach Ma Temple and St. Joseph’s Cathedral, local markets, ancient houses, as well as modern boutiques and cafes.
Toward the northern end of the Old Quarter, the area around Dong Xuan Market and Long Bien Bridge is among the most vibrant and lively in Hanoi.
2. Singapore
When Sir Stamford Raffles laid out his plan for Singapore in 1822, he divided the city into ethnic enclaves, which are still evident today in Little India, Chinatown, and the Arab Quarter.
Raffles couldn’t have known that he was creating compact areas perfect for future visitors to explore on foot! Another of Raffles’ contributions to Singapore are the ‘five foot ways,’ sheltered walkways that line the buildings, protecting pedestrians from both sun and rain.
Chinatown is one of Singapore’s most popular areas, known for its beautifully preserved shophouses, souvenir stalls, and the many temples worth admiring. Another fantastic area for walking is Little India, the most vibrant and colorful part of Singapore, home to spectacular temples and bustling shops selling everything from gold jewelry to Hindi music CDs, affordable clothing, and souvenirs.
For some amazing architecture, take a walk around the Colonial District, where the towering skyscrapers of the Central Business District stand in contrast to the neo-Palladian colonial buildings. This juxtaposition highlights how the city embraces both its colonial past and its energetic, modern-day identity.
Don’t forget to cap off your walk with a Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel!
3. Malacca, Malaysia
Malacca (or Melaka) is one of Malaysia’s most relaxed destinations, known for its cultural significance as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is easy to explore on foot, with most of its highlights within walking distance of each other.
Start your journey at Jonker Street, where you’ll find everything Malacca is famous for: old architectural houses, temples, restaurants serving traditional Malay and Chinese dishes, and a variety of souvenir shops.
At night, Jonker Street transforms into a bustling night market, offering a wide array of local delicacies, including Malacca specialties like coconut ice cream and shakes. Beyond Jonker Street, you can explore museums and other religious sites.
The Malacca River, particularly stunning at night, is another must-see. You can take a river cruise to see more of the city or simply walk along the riverbank, where street art and quaint cafes and restaurants add to the charm. Strolling through Malacca’s alleys and old streets is both easy and enjoyable.
4. Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)
Yangon, Myanmar’s former capital, offers a fascinating blend of Southeast Asia and the Indian Subcontinent. With its colonial architecture, golden pagodas, unique cuisine, and history-rich streets, Yangon is a perfect city for walking.
Traffic in Yangon can rival that of other Southeast Asian cities, making walking the quickest and most enjoyable way to explore. Downtown Yangon is a treasure trove of colonial architecture, all neatly contained within a few kilometers. The area southeast of Sule Paya (Sule Pagoda) is particularly easy to navigate, thanks to its grid-like street pattern.
A stroll through Mahabandula Park offers glimpses of the High Court clock tower as you make your way along Pansadan Street and Mahabandoola Road, hunting for heritage buildings. The golden Sule Paya stands as a central attraction, drawing all eyes in the vicinity.
A walk along the riverside provides insights into daily life on the Yangon River. Food lovers will enjoy exploring Chinatown’s 17th Street fresh market or the 19th Street night BBQ stalls. Walking in Yangon is an adventure that will keep you entertained at every turn.
5. Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang in northern Laos is one of the most charming, relaxed, and walkable small cities in the world. Most of the city’s attractions are located in the historic center, the old town of Luang Prabang, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The old town is situated on a small peninsula formed by the confluence of two rivers and is home to beautiful architecture and over 30 Buddhist temples.
Most of Luang Prabang’s top attractions are close to each other and best explored on foot. I recommend starting your day early with a visit to the morning market to try local food and witness orange-robed monks walking around town collecting alms, both time-honored traditions.
Another must-do is climbing the stairs to the top of Mount Phousi, a hill in the city center that offers panoramic views at sunrise or sunset.
Every evening, a part of the main street is closed off to cars for the night market. Besides being compact and full of attractions, the center of Luang Prabang is also known for its low crime rate and minimal traffic, making it a pedestrian’s paradise.
6. The Old Town in Phuket, Thailand
Phuket’s Old Town is a historical area that predates the island’s fame as a tourist and beach destination. Originally, the area was a bustling tin trading hub where Portuguese and Chinese traders met and exchanged goods.
This rich heritage is reflected in the traditional shophouse architecture, with their signature painted facades, which can also be seen in other cities like Malacca and Singapore.
The best way to explore Phuket Old Town is on foot, allowing you to wander under the shophouses and uncover hidden gems. For a royal meal, check out the Blue Elephant Restaurant, located inside the Phra Pitak Chinpracha Mansion.
You can also visit the On On Hotel, featured in the opening scenes of the movie “The Beach,” or chat with artists at The Drawing Room. Phuket Old Town is filled with cafes, hipster joints, and local food stalls offering incredible dishes.
The most picturesque houses in Phuket Old Town are on Soi Romanee, perfect for those Instagram-worthy shots.
7. George Town (Penang), Malaysia
Penang, located in northwestern Malaysia near the Thai border, is often described as the cultural hub of the country. George Town, Penang’s capital, features a charming historic city center that is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Despite the region’s typical humid climate, George Town’s old town is easy to walk through, thanks to the covered walkways that line each street. As you stroll through the shaded streets, keep an eye out for colorful, shuttered townhouses, classic examples of the Peranakan architectural style unique to the Malaysian peninsula.
As you admire the architecture, make your way to the Little India neighborhood, an ethnic enclave filled with elaborate Hindu temples, Indian eateries, sari shops, and more.
Next, take a short walk down Armenian Street to view some of George Town’s famous street art.
Finally, escape the heat by visiting the bayside in the breezy, floating neighborhoods known as Clan Jetties. The most well-known of these is the
Chew Jetty, a favorite spot for sunset views and photos.
8. Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Bali is generally not known as a walkable island, but the town of Ubud in the island’s interior is one major exception. Ubud is considered Bali’s cultural capital and is famous for its terraced rice fields, palaces, temples, and vibrant art scene.
It’s a relatively small town, so walking is the best way to experience its charms. Start by exploring Ubud Palace and its beautiful garden, and then cross the street to visit Ubud Market. The market features a wide variety of handicrafts, including Batik, jewelry, and handmade clothing.
Nearby, the Saraswati Temple is a quiet, picturesque place to walk around and enjoy the lotus ponds in front of the temple.
For something more adventurous, hike up the scenic Campuhan Ridge to take in views of the rice fields and surrounding nature.
If you’re looking for a peaceful walk, I recommend starting early to avoid crowds. In the late afternoon, stop by one of Ubud’s excellent cafes for a coffee or smoothie bowl to recharge.
Walkable cities in Asia: East Asia
9. Higashiyama District in Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is one of Japan’s most famous cities, and it’s an incredible destination for walking. Though modern-day Kyoto is much like other Japanese cities, it’s home to several well-preserved historic districts, where you can catch a glimpse of what life was like hundreds of years ago.
One of these areas is Higashiyama District, which is known for its charming, narrow lanes filled with old wooden houses and traditional merchant shops. Most shops in the district have been converted into cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops, while the wooden houses are often adorned with paper lanterns and curtains.
The Higashiyama District is nestled at the foot of the eastern mountains, with Kiyomizu-dera, a famous Buddhist temple, towering above. The area is best explored on foot, and if you start early, you might have these streets almost entirely to yourself.
If you have time, continue to the nearby Gion District, which was once the city’s traditional entertainment center and remains a great place to spot geishas or maikos.
10. Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
Although Tokyo is an enormous city, many of its neighborhoods are surprisingly walkable. This is especially true of Shibuya, which is easily one of the most famous neighborhoods in the world.
Shibuya is best known for its massive, chaotic scramble crossing, one of the most recognizable and busiest intersections globally. Walking across Shibuya Crossing is a must-do for any visitor to Tokyo.
From there, you can head to the area’s back streets, known as Ura-Harajuku, a quieter and less commercial area with unique shops, cafes, and street art.
Shibuya is also home to Yoyogi Park, one of Tokyo’s largest green spaces, where you can take a leisurely walk or have a picnic. The park is also the site of the Meiji Shrine, a beautiful, peaceful Shinto shrine nestled in the middle of the city.
Whether you want to experience the hustle and bustle of the crossing or find a quieter spot to enjoy nature, Shibuya has something for every type of pedestrian.
11. Nara, Japan
Nara is a small city located just outside of Kyoto and Osaka in Japan’s Kansai region. It’s one of the best day trips you can take from either of these larger cities, and it’s one of the most walkable places in the country.
Most of Nara’s attractions are located within walking distance of Nara Park, a large green space in the center of the city. Nara Park is known for its friendly, free-roaming deer, which have become a symbol of the city. The deer often walk right up to visitors to ask for food, which you can buy at nearby stalls.
Besides the deer, Nara Park is home to several historical sites, including Todaiji Temple, a massive wooden structure that houses one of Japan’s largest Buddha statues. The park also features the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a Shinto shrine known for its thousands of lanterns that are lit during special festivals.
From Nara Park, you can take a leisurely walk through the city’s old town to visit traditional shops, cafes, and sake breweries.
12. Seoul, South Korea
Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a massive, sprawling metropolis. Yet, many of its neighborhoods are perfect for exploring on foot. With its ancient temples, bustling markets, and modern skyscrapers, Seoul offers a fascinating mix of old and new.
One of the best places to walk in Seoul is Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village in the heart of the city. The village is known for its well-preserved hanok (traditional Korean houses), which are now home to museums, tea houses, and guesthouses.
From Bukchon, you can walk to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most famous of Seoul’s five grand palaces. The palace is a great place to learn about Korea’s history and take in the beautiful architecture.
Another excellent walking area is Insadong, a lively neighborhood filled with art galleries, antique shops, and street food stalls. Insadong is a great place to buy traditional Korean crafts and souvenirs.
If you’re looking for something more modern, head to the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a futuristic building known for its unique architecture and design exhibitions.
13. Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong
Hong Kong Island is a small but densely packed area that’s perfect for walking. The island is known for its steep hills, winding streets, and towering skyscrapers, which make for an exciting and challenging walking experience.
One of the best places to walk on Hong Kong Island is Central, the financial heart of the city. Central is home to many of Hong Kong’s most famous landmarks, including the IFC Tower, the Bank of China Building, and the Hong Kong Observation Wheel.
From Central, you can take a short walk to the Mid-Levels Escalator, the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator system. The escalator takes you up through the Mid-Levels, a residential area with some of the best views of the city.
Another great walking area is Sheung Wan, a neighborhood known for its mix of old and new. Sheung Wan is home to traditional Chinese temples, trendy cafes, and street art, making it a great place to explore on foot.
For a more peaceful walk, head to Victoria Peak, the highest point on Hong Kong Island. The Peak is a popular spot for hiking and offers stunning views of the city and Victoria Harbour.
14. Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, is a city that’s easy to explore on foot. Despite being a large, modern city, Taipei has many pedestrian-friendly areas, including parks, shopping streets, and night markets.
One of the best places to walk in Taipei is Ximending, a bustling shopping district known for its trendy shops, street performers, and food stalls. Ximending is a great place to try local snacks like bubble tea, fried chicken, and stinky tofu.
Another excellent walking area is Daan Forest Park, a large green space in the city’s Daan District. The park is a popular spot for jogging, picnicking, and bird-watching, and it’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
For a more cultural experience, head to the historic district of Dadaocheng, where you can walk along Dihua Street, a traditional market street lined with old shophouses. Dihua Street is known for its Chinese medicine shops, tea houses, and fabric stores.
If you’re looking for a scenic walk, take a stroll along the Tamsui River, where you can enjoy views of the river and the surrounding mountains. The riverside area is also home to several parks, cafes, and bike paths.
15. Macau
Macau, a small Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, is a fascinating blend of Portuguese and Chinese cultures. The city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is best explored on foot.
Start your walk at Senado Square, a large public square known for its wave-patterned pavement and colonial buildings. From there, you can walk to the Ruins of St. Paul’s, the iconic facade of a 16th-century Portuguese church.
As you explore the historic center, you’ll come across a mix of European and Chinese architecture, including temples, churches, and traditional shophouses. The area is also known for its food, and you can sample local specialties like Portuguese egg tarts and pork chop buns at the many cafes and bakeries.
For a more modern experience, head to the Cotai Strip, a stretch of land reclaimed from the sea that’s now home to some of the world’s largest and most luxurious casinos. The Cotai Strip is a great place for a night walk, with its bright lights and lively atmosphere.
Walkable cities in Asia: South Asia
16. Fort Cochin, India
Fort Cochin, also known as Fort Kochi, is a historic neighborhood in the city of Kochi (Cochin) in the southern Indian state of Kerala. The area is known for its colonial architecture, Chinese fishing nets, and vibrant arts scene.
Fort Cochin is a small, walkable area with narrow streets lined with colonial-era buildings,
churches, and art galleries. Start your walk at Vasco da Gama Square, where you can see the famous Chinese fishing nets in action.
From there, you can explore St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and the nearby Dutch Cemetery, a reminder of the area’s colonial past.
Another great place to walk is Princess Street, one of the oldest streets in Fort Cochin. The street is lined with shops, cafes, and guesthouses, and it’s a great place to pick up souvenirs or enjoy a cup of tea.
For a more cultural experience, visit the Kerala Folklore Museum, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of Kerala through its collection of artifacts, costumes, and traditional art.
If you’re looking for a peaceful walk, head to the nearby beach, where you can relax and enjoy the sunset.
17. Colombo, Sri Lanka
Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, is a bustling city with a mix of modern and colonial architecture, busy markets, and serene parks. While it may not be as walkable as some other cities on this list, certain areas of Colombo are best explored on foot.
One of the best places to walk in Colombo is the Fort area, the city’s historic center. The Fort is home to several colonial-era buildings, including the Old Parliament Building and the Dutch Hospital, which has been converted into a shopping and dining complex.
From the Fort, you can walk to the nearby Pettah Market, one of Colombo’s busiest and most colorful markets. The market is a great place to experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere and pick up souvenirs, spices, and street food.
Another excellent walking area is Galle Face Green, a long stretch of lawn along the coast. The promenade is a popular spot for locals to relax, fly kites, and enjoy the sea breeze. In the evenings, the area comes alive with food stalls selling snacks like fried seafood and fresh fruit.
For a more cultural experience, visit the Gangaramaya Temple, one of Colombo’s most important Buddhist temples. The temple is a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city and is known for its eclectic mix of architectural styles and its collection of religious artifacts.
If you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten-path walk, head to the Diyatha Uyana Park, a former wetland area that has been transformed into a park with walking paths, gardens, and a floating market.
18. Kandy, Sri Lanka
Kandy, located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, is a city steeped in history and culture. It’s a small, walkable city surrounded by lush hills and tea plantations.
One of the best places to walk in Kandy is around Kandy Lake, a man-made lake in the city’s center. The lake is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, and it’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the views of the surrounding hills.
Nearby, you can visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most important Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka. The temple is said to house a tooth of the Buddha and is a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists from around the world.
From the temple, you can walk to the nearby Royal Palace of Kandy, which was the residence of the last king of Sri Lanka. The palace is now a museum that showcases the history of the Kandyan Kingdom.
For a more adventurous walk, head to the Udawattakele Forest Reserve, a large forested area just outside the city center. The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and deer, and it’s a great place to explore if you’re looking for a more nature-oriented walk.
