Scenic Walks: Top Routes to Explore City Sights at a Leisurely Pace

From paved pathways that meander through city parks to narrow singletracks that wind along steep mountainsides, walking and hiking trails offer a fresh way to experience a destination. Moving at a slower pace lets smells, sounds and sights take on new meaning—you might stop to pat a friendly dog, watch a bird slip into the trees or savor a sunset from a hilltop.

Our favorite walks are close enough to cities for easy access, short enough to get you back in time for cocktails, and interesting enough to give you a strong sense of place.

THAMES PATH | LONDON, ENGLAND

This National Trail follows the Thames for 180 miles, passing riverside towns, quiet marshes, castles and historic sites. A rewarding slice of the route is the 8-mile stretch from lively Richmond to Hampton Court and Bushy Park. Along the way you’ll spot the white facade of Marble Hill House, riverfront gardens, and cows grazing in Petersham Meadows. Bushy Park’s 1,000 acres include formal gardens and roaming deer, making this an especially pleasant urban escape.

BROOKLYN BRIDGE | NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK

Walking beneath the Brooklyn Bridge’s gothic arches and pausing to view Manhattan’s skyline is a uniquely energizing experience. Reach the bridge from City Hall Park, follow the pedestrian walkway, then descend in Brooklyn’s DUMBO neighborhood to explore waterfront parks and cafes. For variety, return by walking back across the bridge or take the NYC Ferry from Fulton Landing.

MOUNT FLOYEN | BERGEN, NORWAY

You can ride the funicular to the top of Mount Floyen, but the hour-long walk—through residential streets and into fragrant forest—offers rewarding views and a satisfying climb. From the summit you can look down on Bergen’s historic harbor and enjoy activities such as canoeing, mountain biking, paddleboarding and visiting the local herd of cashmere goats. Multiple descent routes exist, or save time and knees by taking the funicular back down.

BERLIN WALL TRAIL | BERLIN, GERMANY

Established in 2006 along former border patrol routes, the Berlin Wall Trail traces roughly 96 miles of history; about 10 miles run through central Berlin. The path provides a moving lesson in Cold War history, with memorials to those who died crossing the border, fragments of the wall, Checkpoint Charlie, watchtowers, the Chapel of Reconciliation and several museums. Berlin’s efficient public transit makes it easy to tackle as much of the trail as you like and return to the city without retracing your steps.

COAST TO COAST WALK | AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

This 10-mile segment of New Zealand’s Te Araroa trail crosses the narrowest part of the North Island, tracing a route once used by Māori to transport canoes between waters. Highlights include Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill) with expansive views, the deep Mount Eden crater, Cornwall Park’s avenue of native puriri trees, and the fern-filled sculptures of Pukekawa (Auckland Domain).

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BONDI TO COOGEE COASTAL WALK | SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

Sydney’s beaches feel like distinct villages, each with its own character. The nearly 4-mile Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk links several of them. Start at Bondi to watch surfers and visit Icebergs ocean pool, then climb to Mackenzie’s Point for coastal views before descending to Mackenzie’s Bay, Tamarama and Bronte Beach. After passing Waverley Cemetery you enter Gordon’s Bay, known for calm waters and an underwater snorkeling trail. Round Dolphin’s Point and you’ll arrive in Coogee, where cafes and bars line the waterfront.

RIGI PANORAMIC TRAIL | ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND

Less than 40 minutes by train from downtown Zürich, the 5-mile Rigi Panoramic Trail delivers sweeping views of Lake Lucerne, Lake Zug and the distant Alps. A mountain train takes you to the trailhead, where restaurants and viewpoints await. From there a gravel path crosses green hills, skirts cliffs and leads into alpine meadows toward Rigi Scheidegg, where a tram returns you to the start.

THE LAKE COMO GREENWAY | COMO, ITALY

As morning mist lifts from Lake Como and church bells drift across the water, the 6-mile Lake Como Greenway feels especially magical. The path follows the lakeshore while dipping through small villages, olive groves and historic cemeteries, passing villas and old churches. For a strenuous side trip, climb the nearly 2-mile route to the 16th-century Church of San Martino for spectacular views of the lake as it winds into the mountains.

PEAK CIRCLE WALK | HONG KONG, CHINA

This 2-mile paved loop circles Victoria Peak, Hong Kong’s highest point at about 1,800 feet, and offers dramatic views of Victoria Harbour, Kowloon and nearby islands. The route surprises with towering trees, lush greenery and park-like spaces that support butterflies, black kites and even wild pigs. Time your walk to watch the harbor glow at sunset for a memorable finish.

NATIONAL MALL AND TIDAL BASIN | WASHINGTON, D.C.

When you need a break from the city, the National Mall offers a mile-long, tree-lined stroll between the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument, passing Smithsonian museums and a carousel. From the monument, head toward the Tidal Basin to visit the Jefferson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Martin Luther King Jr. memorials. Continue around the waterfront or walk toward the Lincoln Memorial, passing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Ellipse near the White House along the way.