Rome takes absolute first place in the “Top 100 Walking Cities 2026”, the international ranking drawn up by GuruWalk, the world’s leading platform in the sector of free walking tours with local guides. The Capital wins the title of best city in the world to discover by walking, overtaking leading European metropolises such as Madrid and Budapest, ranked second and third respectively.
How the ranking was born
The result is not the result of an aesthetic evaluation or a subjective judgment, but of an in-depth analysis based on the real behaviors of the users of the platform. GuruWalk examined a twelve-month period, from April 2025 to April 2026, collecting and processing a particularly significant volume of data: over 467,000 verified reviews, relating to more than 3,600 tours organized in around 800 cities around the world.
The final score that determines the ranking comes from the combination of two main factors, weighted differently. The volume of travelers who actually participated in the tours represents the most relevant component, accounting for 65% of the overall score. The remaining 35% is instead determined by the level of satisfaction expressed by users through reviews. This double criterion allows us to photograph not only which cities attract the most tourists interested in discovery experiences on foot, but also how much these experiences are truly appreciated by those who experience them firsthand.
The podium and the first positions
Behind Rome, on the virtual podium of the ranking, Madrid is in second place and Budapest in third. Prague, Lisbon, Amsterdam, Porto, Barcelona, London and Berlin complete the top ten. A fact that clearly emerges from this ranking is the dominance of the European continent in the sector of urban tourism on foot: all the first ten positions are in fact occupied by European cities, confirming how the Old Continent remains the privileged destination for those who wish to explore historic centres, monuments and characteristic neighborhoods walking in the company of local guides.
Italy is the protagonist, but with lights and shadows
Our country stands out for the presence of five cities in the world’s Top 100. In addition to Rome’s record, Florence comes in 15th place, Naples in 40th, Milan in 51st and Venice in 91st.
The data relating to Venice deserves particular attention, as it signals an alarm bell. The lagoon city, which in the previous edition of the ranking occupied 15th position, has in fact slipped to 91st place, with a drop of 76 positions in just one year. According to GuruWalk’s analysis, this drastic downsizing would be directly linked to the critical issues linked to the phenomenon of overtourism, which would be compromising the visitor experience and, consequently, the satisfaction expressed in the reviews.
What does the ranking really measure?
It is important to underline that the GuruWalk Top 100 does not represent a technical measurement of urban walkability, understood as the quality of pedestrian infrastructure, presence of sidewalks, green areas or accessibility. Rather, it is an indicator that reflects which cities offer the most requested walking tour experiences, frequented and appreciated by international travellers.
From this perspective, Rome’s primacy finds a precise explanation: the Capital boasts a unique concentration in the world of millenary history, iconic monuments, monumental squares and characteristic neighborhoods that lend themselves perfectly to being discovered step by step. From the Colosseum to the Pantheon, from Trastevere to Campo de’ Fiori, Rome offers a widespread heritage capable of transforming every simple walk into an authentic immersion in history and culture.
