Pound the Pavement, People!
What could be more budget friendly then walking? No transport costs, (or the headaches of figuring out how it works) the opportunity to stumble upon previously unheard of museums, monuments and cafes and best of all – a real glimpse of the city you are visiting. Here are three suggestions for foot-friendly cities.
Prague
Prague is an amazing, compact city that is actually better experienced walking. There’s no trams or buses through the Old Town, and unless you are in an a car (NOT recommended) using the feet is how to explore. You can easily begin your day in Old Town Square (Staromestske namesti) follow the signs on Karlova Street to Charles Bridge (Karluv most) cross the Vltava River and enter the Lesser Quarter of Mala Strana. Up through Malostranske namesti on Nerudova Street and into Prague Castle. And reward yourself with a beer.
Florence
Prague’s architecture is amazingly diverse – but the buildings in Florence are gawk-worthy as well. Here too the streets are narrow and clogged, so much the better for staying on your feet. Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecho and San Lorenzo are all good areas to explore. Building-wise (whether you go in or not, walk past!) check out the Gallerie dell’Accademia, Battistero, Duomo, Uffizi, Basilica di Santa Croce and the Santa Maria della Carmine. And reward yourself with a cappuccino.
Amsterdam
Here, it’s the pretty canals that are such a draw. Not to miss areas include both the Prinsengracht (Prince’s Canal) and Herengracht (Gentleman’s Canal) north from Leidsesraat, as well as the area around Leliegracht. What makes these destinations especially nice are the opportunities strollers have to turn up whichever street or canal catches their eye. During your wander in this area, be sure to visit the Jordaan neighborhood. It’s roughly bordered by the Prinsengracht and Singelgracht, and the Bloemgracht and Brouwersgracht canals. Both Bloemgracht and Egelantersgracht are relaxing canals, and a walk along Lijinbaans between Egelantersgracht and Lindengracht is a definite must. And reward yourself with…a nice smoke?