Philly continues to walk away with one of the country’s most coveted travel titles. For the fourth consecutive year, Philadelphia has been name the Most Walkable City to Visit in America in the annual USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, proving once again that the City of Brotherly Love is best explored on foot.
The honor comes after nominations from travel experts and votes cast by readers across the country.
The recognition places Philadelphia ahead of several major destinations that are often associated with pedestrian-friendly travel, including New York City, Boston, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco. Previous rankings have also seen Philly outperform many of the nation’s largest tourism hubs.
Why Philly is America’s most walkable city
Philadelphia’s highly walkable neighborhoods make it easy for visitors to experience a wide range of attractions without ever getting behind the wheel.
From strolling through Old City and Independence National Historical Park to shopping in Rittenhouse Square, grabbing a bite in Midtown Village, or exploring the museums along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, many of the city’s most popular destinations sit within walking distance of one another.
USA TODAY has repeatedly highlighted Philadelphia’s cultural attractions, historic sites, and charming neighborhoods as key reasons for its top ranking.
Philly beat out some major cities
Among the cities Philadelphia has topped in recent years are:
- New York City
- San Francisco
- Boston
- Chicago
- Washington, D.C.
- Savannah
- Burlington
- Providence
For travelers, that means less time navigating traffic and more time exploring everything from world-class museums and public art to award-winning restaurants and iconic landmarks.
A city designed for exploring
William Penn designed Philadelphia with pedestrians in mind long before walkability became a travel buzzword. His original city plan emphasized a grid layout, public squares, and connected neighborhoods. These features continue to benefit residents and visitors centuries later.
Indeed, this latest national recognition serves as another reminder of what locals already know: one of the best ways to experience Philly is simply by taking a walk.
