3 of the top 5 most walkable cities in America are in New England, according to USA Today readers
Also, one of the best free attractions in the nation is in Boston.
New England visitors, lace up your comfy shoes.
USA Today recently released a list of the 10 best walkable cities for tourists in the U.S., part of its 2025 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, and three New England cities ranked high: Providence, R.I. ranked No. 2; Burlington, Vermont ranked No. 3; and Boston ranked No. 5. The No. 1 most walkable city is Philadelphia.
“Visiting a walkable city in the United States offers a lot of benefits for travelers who want to explore different attractions, enjoy the local culture, stay healthy, and especially save some money,” wrote USA Today.
USA Today called Providence “a creative, charming, and modern city.”
“Enjoy a stroll along the Providence River and snap a photo by the pedestrian bridge, go shopping and meander through cobblestone streets, and check out the murals and public art on display throughout downtown,” wrote the publication.
In Burlington, where “walking and biking are the norm,” according to USA Today, there’s the popular Church Street Marketplace outdoor mall with more than 100 shops and restaurants.
When in Boston, tourists on foot should check out Beacon Hill, the North End, and Back Bay, wrote USA Today.
“Beacon Hill is easily enjoyed by pedestrians, and it’s the neighborhood where the real Cheers — aka the bar that inspired the eponymous TV series — is located,” wrote the publication.
While walking in Boston, it’s also well worth checking out the Freedom Trail, which ranked No. 6 on the publication’s list of 10 best free attractions in the U.S. The No. 1 free attraction in America is Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, Florida.
For the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards lists, USA Today travel experts select 20 nominees in topics from food to lodging, destinations to things to do. Then the publication asks readers to cast votes to determine the top 10.
Check out USA Today’s 10 best walkable cities for tourists in the U.S.
