Education Abroad's Most Walkable Cities

Studying abroad in a big city usually means an equally big commute to match. Want to avoid the long commute between your housing and classes and live somewhere you can walk to class and walk to all the restaurants, bars, shops, grocery stores etc. for your day-to-day life? Below is a list of locations we recommend checking out!

Some these places are small to mid-size cities that are easy to cover entirely on foot while also providing more than enough to do that at the end of a semester, you'll still wish you had more time! Others on this list are large cities where the location of student housing and classes are close together and also put you in really walkable neighborhoods; you might have to use public transit to explore other parts of the city on the weekend, but everything you need for your daily life is within walking distance of your housing and campus.

Live up the Mediterranean lifestyle in this beautiful southern French city, home to five universities and known for its great food, cosmopolitan vibe, and landscape that has inspired painters throughout history. 30 minutes from Marseille's international airport, it makes a convenient home base for your European travels - that is, if you ever want to leave!

Dunedin is a vibrant college witha walkable, colorful city center full of cafes, restaurants, bars, boutiques, shopping centers, and entertainment venues that cater specifically to the college-aged community. Further, the city sits along the Otago Peninsula, which boasts heaps of beautiful beaches, rolling hills, and some of the country’s best hiking, camping, skiing, and surfing – so adventure is right outside your front door!

Galway is a coastal city with bustling streets, friendly locals, and a vibrant cultural scene. The city center is easily explored on foot, with many pedestrianized streets and charming architecture. Students can easily get between campus and town to take advantage of the thriving culinary scene and lively pubs.

Granada, Spain is a stunning blend of Moorish history and Spanish charm, nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The city is famous for the breathtaking Alhambra palace, lively tapas culture, and picturesque neighborhoods like the Albaicín. With a relaxed vibe, walkable streets, and stunning views around every corner, Granada feels both timeless and vibrant—perfect for students craving culture, adventure, and sunshine.

Once the capital of Japan before Tokyo, Kyoto remains very much the cultural capital. This city has it all, from meditative zen temples and teahouses to world-class game leaders like Nintendo and Q-Games. Studying abroad in Kyoto creates a unique experience for students in a picturesque city nestled in a valley with hiker-friendly hills dotted with World Heritage sites.

Located in the beautiful town of San Luis, Monteverde is a top destination for ecotourism and is famous for theCloud Forest that surrounds it -which is home tomore than 2,000 species of plants, 400 species of birds, and 100 different species of mammals within its 26,000 acres. This is a great program for students looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure!

At first, Perugia resembles many of the medieval hilltop towns in central Italy, but it's nicknamethe "University City" gives you a sense for its thriving student scene.Enjoy picturesque cobblestone streets and breathtakingviews (seriously, just google it and enjoy the photos) while you walk to one of the many restaurants, cafes, pubs, museums, and art exhibits that fill this college town.

Study in a city known for its winding cobblestone streets, diverse architecture, striking castles, and lively nightlife. With easy access to many parks and hikingin addition to a wide range ofmuseums and concerts, there's something for everyone here.Centrally located in Europe, Prague provides an affordable venue to enjoy all the perks of a European city with fewer tourists.

Another university town like Boulder, Regensburg nestles up to the Danube river rather than the Foothills. A twenty minute, downhill walk takes you from the University to the beautiful medieval city center which was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy all the Bavarian culture has to offer!

Rosario is a lively, student-friendly city with a busy downtown full of local cafes, artisan markets, museums, and green spaces. It’s a safe place for students who are still learning Spanish, and locals are known for being friendly and helpful. Rosario sits along the Paraná River, and you’ll find riverfront paths, islands to visit, and plenty of outdoor activities like picnics, biking, boating, and relaxing by the water. It’s also a great place to experience tango and Argentina’s rich mix of cultures!

Salamanca is home to the oldest university in Spain and is a gorgeous medieval city that is alsoa UNESCO world-heritage site. It's large student population give this city a vibrant college-town vibe and it's glowing sandstone buildings have earned it the nickname "La Ciudad Dorada” (The Golden City).

Seoul is by far the biggest city on this list - and in fact, one of the largest cities in the world. That being said, we felt it deserved a spot on this list because the neighborhoods aroundboth Yonsei University and Korea University (students live on or near campus)are vibrant student neighborhoods, with restaurants, shops, and more all within an easy walk. And with Seoul's great public transit system, you can easily zip across the city to catch that Friday night concert.

Sorrento is a charming coastal town with a population of around 16,000. Sorrento offers a small, welcoming atmosphere that's easy to navigate. Its walkable streets are lined with historic architecture, local shops, and stunning views of the Bay of Naples. Students can immerse themselves in Italian culture while enjoying a relaxed pace of life and convenient access to nearby destinations like Pompeii, Naples, and the Amalfi Coast.

Located on the shores of the Baltic sea, Tallin is the beautiful capital of Estonia. Walk from the front doors of Tallinn University to Viru Gate to snap your instagram-worthy pic as you enter the walled-city’s Old Towne. In fact, its Old Towne is a UNESCO World Heritage Site! A blend of old and new, Tallin is also a major hub for startup companies.

Fully immerse yourself in Swedish university life in this lively and picturesque college town. Roughly the size of Boulder and located only 20 minutes from the Stockholm airport, students never run out of things to do! Join a student nation, have fika in one of the many cozy cafes around town, or enjoy Sweden's "Allemansrätten"- akathe right to roamand enjoy Sweden'snature.

One of the world's oldest continuously-inhabited cities, Yerevan sits on the Hrazdan river, with gorgeous views of Mount Ararat to the south. Check out the singing fountain in Republic Square, discover the local markets and museums, or explore the nearby Caucausion Mountains!