This Midwestern City Was Just Named the Most Walkable Destination in the U.S.

While European cities are often praised for their walkability, the vast expanses and car-centric culture of the U.S. may seem daunting for those seeking to explore American destinations on foot. Yet, several U.S. cities offer the same ease and convenience as their European counterparts but with a distinctly American flair. 

A new study by Preply, an online language learning platform, unveiled the most pedestrian-friendly cities in America. Preply analyzed the top 30 most-visited cities in the U.S., incorporating Tripadvisor reviews to highlight five top attractions per city and using factors such as distance, walking time, and number of steps between attractions.

According to the rankings, Chicago is the most walkable city in the U.S. With a mere 28 minutes needed to journey between iconic attractions such as the Art Institute of Chicago, Cloud Gate, and Magnificent Mile, tourists and locals can easily experience the best of the “Windy City” on foot.

For those seeking a more scenic route, Chicago is also home to more than 600 parks and 26 miles of picturesque shoreline, including 29 beaches and the marvelous 18-mile Lakefront Trail. Just be sure to stop at one of the city's renowned pizzerias, like Lou Malnati's, for a slice of the famous deep-dish pizza while strolling through the city streets.

Given the city’s legacy as the birthplace of the skyscraper, it's no wonder that Chicago boasts a bevy of luxurious high-rise hotels, including some of the top hotels in the U.S. Sip absinthe-inspired cocktails at the ultra-chic Château Carbide, the impressive rooftop bar at Pendry Chicago, a 364-room Art-Deco gem on Chicago's famed Michigan Avenue.

Another of the city’s most-coveted properties is the Peninsula Chicago, crowned the best city hotel in the continental U.S. by Travel + Leisure in 2023. But beyond its opulent design, the property has a medley of wellness offerings, including a multi-level, 15,000-square-foot spa and an extensive selection of plant-based menu items. 

Nashville and Dallas claim the second and third spots on the list, respectively, allowing visitors to cover the must-see attractions in less than an hour. The remainder of the top 10 includes Santa Fe; New Orleans; Portland, Oregon; Boston and Boise (both tied for seventh place); Austin; Washington, D.C.; and Savannah.

For more information on the rankings, visit preply.com.