Tourists reveal the worst cities for pedestrians
For many keen travellers, walking is the best way to explore a new city and take in everything a new destination has to offer.
However, not every corner of the world is easily accessible by foot, with some cities prioritising cars and bikes over the humble pedestrian.
Tourists on social media site Reddit have revealed the least pedestrian friendly cities they have encountered on their travels abroad, with one person asking in a travel forum: “In what city/country did you have the ‘worst experience’ as a pedestrian?”
Cairo, Egypt
The largest city and capital of Egypt has left some pedestrians feeling distressed, with one person describing the city as “hell on foot”.
One person wrote of the historic city, “Drivers often drive on the opposite side of the road and most don't seem to follow any rules. Plus we got hassled so much by people trying to make money off us when walking around the city. They would follow us and wouldn't leave us alone.”
Another traveller added, “In Cairo, I spent so much money on taxis, the lack of sidewalks, being constantly harassed to buy stuff, the heat, the trash, the smell.”
Hanoi, Vietnam
The capital city of Vietnam is home to 9 million people and 7 million motorbikes and scooters, making crossing the road a logistical nightmare for many, as lots of travellers pointed out.
One person wrote, “Hanoi is by far the worst walking experience I ever could have imagined. Any sidewalks are literally covered with motorbikes or pop-up restaurant seating that they hide when the police come by since it's not allowed. You can't go a single block without having to walk into the extremely busy streets.”
“To be fair, it does add to the experience and I would like to note it's a good city and great country, but I'm convinced there is no worse walking experience in a city.”
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
While there are many walkable streets in Amsterdam in an attempt to cut down on streets overrun with cars, the city makes up for this traffic with a surplus of bicycles.
One traveller wrote, “Amsterdam was stressful to me as a pedestrian. The bikes will run you down. We stayed a little outside of the city centre so that probably exacerbated things as our daily walk to see the sights often shared the paths with cyclists on the faster parts of their commutes.”
Another person said, “I'm from Southeast Asia and Amsterdam made me very anxious as a pedestrian.”
The Philippines
The entire country of The Philippines was a sore spot with many keen travellers, as lots of tourists had issues crossing the busy roads.
One person wrote, “Manila was my knee-jerk response. The Philippines is gorgeous and the people are so incredibly friendly, but trying to cross those massive roads (that have no crosswalks) is literally taking your life in your hands to play frogger.”
Another agreed, saying “Crossing traffic in the [Philippines] should be a sport. Could've died so many times out there.”
Another traveller wrote, “I once had to take a taxi just to cross the road because there was no way for pedestrians to do it.”
Bali, Indonesia
Despite being a popular tourist destination for many, many claimed the Indonesian paradise does not cater to pedestrians.
One person wrote, “Bali is barely walkable at all in touristy areas - no sidewalks or at 90 percent of places. And so much traffic.”
Another agreed, writing, “Bali gets my vote too. In Ubud, I was constantly like, ‘Where's the footpath?’ Every building and shop seems to have its own makeshift strip of narrow disjointed tile, concrete or dirt, but most of the time, it's easier to walk on the road.”
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