The best way for a passionate traveller to explore a new city is on foot, so it’s obvious why there are so many fantastic walking tours all around the globe. Plus, some of the world’s most popular travel destinations actually require that you walk to see some of the iconic attractions. For instance, much of Rome, Italy and Croatia's world-renowned sights and landmarks can only be reached on foot. We don’t mind, though, since walking is how you can truly take in all of the smells, sights, sounds and culture that’s around you – all while getting great exercise.

Some of the best secret spots and hidden gems are only accessible by foot, which is why walking tours are often incredible, bucket-list worthy tours. There’s so much to see. For many of us, a walking tour is the ideal way to explore and learn. Since exercise boosts endorphins in the brain and outdoor activities are linked to happiness, walking tours ensure you'll be in great spirits while you explore.

Most of the popular walking tours are a few hours long, but some of the world's best walking tours are more than 7 days long. With walking tours, there’s time to stop and take photos and you're not stuck on a hot, cramped bus. You get close enough to touch and smell things. You absorb everything. You make friends easily with other tourists. You don’t have to worry about getting motion sickness. Now that I’ve convinced you why walking tours are the best way to experience a new city, here are 25 of the most amazing walking tours around the globe:

25 Get Your Guide, "Pena Palace Tour" In Sintra, Portugal - A Steep Up-Hill Walk That Is Well Worth it

Located in the gorgeous Sintra hills, the Palace of Pena is a colourful and beautiful castle that represents 19th-century romanticism in the gorgeous country of Portugal. The Palace of Pena is situated atop a high, rocky peak, which is the second highest point in the Sintra hills.

This walking tour from Get Your Guide will expertly guide you to the palace and around its walls, then back through the beautiful park that surrounds it.

The palace was built in such a way as to be visible from any point in the park, and is enveloped by over five hundred different species of trees. A perfect backdrop for photos, this palace is unique with its bright colouring of yellow with red accents. The castle showcases a quirky mix of various architectural styles and stained-glass windows.

The interior of the palace will impress you as you walk through and admire fancy furniture and incredible frescoes on the walls. You'll also get to see different viewpoints from all of the terraces of the palace, including the famous Queen's Terrace. Prepare yourself for a steep, uphill walk - but it's well worth it. The Palace of Pena was named a National Monument in 1910 and forms part of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, which has been classified by UNESCO as World Heritage since 1995.

24 Vancouver Food Tours, “Gastown Tasting Tour” In Vancouver, Canada - The Food Tour Of Your Dreams

Vancouver, Canada is one of the most beautiful cities in the world to explore, and Gastown is its most charming, idyllic and historic neighbourhood. In Gastown, you’ll find quaint Victorian architecture, one-of-a-kind restaurants, and some of the best culinary fare in Vancouver.

Gastown is known for being a popular filming location for many of your favorite movies and TV shows. It’s a mesmerizing neighbourhood to explore on foot with its whimsical vintage street lamps and cobblestone pathways - not to mention the famous Gastown Steamclock. Vancouver Food Tours incorporates a walking tour with a food tour in trendy Gastown if you join their “Gastown Tasting Tour.” Think of it as a progressive dinner where guests dine their way through the historic Gastown district, Vancouver’s most vibrant restaurant scene, and Canada’s craft cocktail capitol.

Take a stroll in the neighbourhood and become acquainted with the hottest restaurants and historical landmarks. Along the way, learn about this old neighbourhood’s legends and secrets. Expect award-winning restaurants, some of which are hidden away in side streets or back alleys which is why a walking tour is the only way to reach them. Craft beer tasting, cocktail bars with old-world charm, and wine tastings are included in the tour as well.

23 The Roman Guy Tours, "Colosseum Restricted Areas And Roman Forum" Tour In Rome, Italy - See The Ancient City Come Alive!

Since it's such an iconic landmark, walking through the Colosseum is a truly magical experience that should be on everyone's bucket list. The Roman Guy walking tour offers a special, restricted access tour where you get to walk to special access points of the Colosseum. From these high-up access points, you'll get spectacular views and perfect photos.

During this tour, you'll learn about the significance of social class in ancient Rome, and where people of various status enjoyed events at the Colosseum. Used for animal hunts, gladiator fights, mock sea battles, dramatic performances of mythology and even public executions,

The Roman Colosseum is a must-see attraction in Rome. You'll be walked to the fourth and fifth tiers of the Colosseum, which are the best spots for Colosseum photos and vantage points. The fourth level section is where emperors once enjoyed the best views in the Colosseum.

After the Colosseum, your guide will walk you through the ancient Roman Forum, where you'll get to walk through the ruins, also referred to as the "Ancient City". The Roman Forum is a famous archaeological site that was once the location of downtown Ancient Rome. As you walk through the ruins, you'll visit some of the most famous Roman Forum buildings, including the Temple of Julius Caesar.

22 LA Art Tours, "LA Graffiti And Mural Tour" In Los Angeles, California - Catch An Artist Red-Handed!

Street art is one of the most incredible sights Los Angeles has to offer, and it's something that requires a walking tour to properly appreciate. Sure, you've probably taken a photo for Instagram in front of a beautiful street art mural, but when was the last time you actually looked at, learned about and enjoyed street art?

That's why LA Art Tours offers a street art, graffiti and mural tour, which is basically a walking treasure hunt for unique urban art that is like nothing you've seen before. For the last few years, in downtown Los Angeles, the street art scene has been undergoing a renaissance brought to you by amazing, emerging local artists. Your local guides (who are all local artists themselves) are eager to introduce you to this vibrant world of hidden street art. Some of the impressive murals and graffiti pieces you will see might last only days before being covered, which is part of what makes this walking tour so special. Other murals have been preserved for decades. Your artsy, urban guide will give you history and insight.

During your tour, you might even spot one of the elusive artists at work - catching them red-handed during your tour. Your in-the-know guide will take you hidden spots with secret street art that other locals and tourists would never find. This cultural, artsy and trendy experience makes for a fantastic walking tour.

21 Macs Adventure, "Tour du Mont Blanc" In Les Houches, France - The Perfect Way To Mix Hiking And Comfort

Not every walking tour can be done in an afternoon. The Tour du Mont Blanc with Macs Adventure is an 11 day walking tour. It's a life experience you'll never forget, especially since this walk covers three countries in one trek.

This Alpine walking journey starts and finishes in the pretty village of Les Houches, France. The tour takes you through France, Italy and Switzerland.

The Tour du Mont Blanc takes you on a one-in-a-lifetime journey over 8 mountain cols and through 3 Alpine regions. Breathtaking mountain views are yours to take in at every turn of the trail. You'll stay in comfortable accommodations each night, and enjoy delicious meals featuring the local specialties of each country.

The famous Tour du Mont Blanc is a bucket list activity, perfect for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers who love to walk. It's a trek that promises incredible views from beginning to end, complete with picturesque mountain panoramas.

This walking tour finishes with two days of walking in the Aiguilles Rouges, which offers you the best views of the Mont Blanc Massif. There's absolutely no better way to get your daily outdoor exercise and fulfill all of your European sightseeing desires on one of the most popular trails of the European Alps.

20 Walks Of Italy, “Florence in a Day” Tour In Florence, Italy - Get Up Close With The Iconic 'David'

Florence is one of the most beautiful and most charming cities of Italy. Walks of Italy’s “Florence in a Day” tour is the best way to see the highlights of Florence in one day. On foot, you’ll explore the most famous sights of the city, along with the hidden nooks and crannies that make Florence so special.

Some of the sights you’ll get to see in this cultural walking tour include a guided walk through Uffizi Gallery for works by da Vinci, Raphael and Botticelli, the stunning Florence Duomo with its iconic dome, and Michelangelo’s ‘David’. Although many replicas of Michelangelo's iconic 'David' statue have been created, the original resides in Florence, and you will get to see the original 'David' created by one of the most famous artists of the Italian Renaissance. Be prepared, as its colossal size will astonish you. During this walking tour, you can also see an incredible view by walking up the Duomo's spiral staircase to its highest point.

Walks of Italy also offers fantastic food tours of Florence which combine a walking tour around Florence with various stops to enjoy local Italian cuisine at its finest. The 'Florence in a Day' tour, however, includes local cuisine as well.

19 Funlocity Tours, “Oahu Caves Tour” In Oahu, Hawaii - See The Secret Caves No Else Does

Located on the beautiful and exciting island of Oahu, Hawaii, this stunning walking tour is organized by Funlocity Tours with nature lovers in mind. Everyone goes to the beaches in Hawaii, but not everyone gets to see the hidden caves and natural wonders. Your guide will share some of the history of Oahu and enlighten you on the legends of the caves you will be exploring.

You’ll get up-close-and-personal with the Mermaid Cave, the Makua Cave and a few other surprise sights. The Mermaid Cave isn’t always easy to get to, but your guide will know when the tide is low, and, with their knowledge, you'll know how to best reach this mesmerizing cave.

Funlocity is one of the only tour companies that goes to the Mermaid Cave, as it's still considered to be an elusive, off-the-map treasure. The sun rays streaming through the cavern paint the cave walls a unique golden hue, which contrasts beautifully with the blue-green water.

It won't get too hot on this walking tour, since the area has a refreshing breeze and plenty of shaded parts. If you ever dreamed about being a mermaid, you will fall in love with the sites of this cave. The stunning rock formations contrast beautifully with Hawaii's turquoise blue Pacific ocean, and this tour promises to deliver unforgettable scenery.

18 Get Your Guide, "Secret Central Park" Tour In New York, New York - Discover The Places Even Locals Don't Know About!

Everybody knows that Central Park in New York is one of the world's most beautiful and iconic parks. However, the "Secret Central Park" walking tour with Get Your Guide takes you on a fully guided tour of the hidden and rarely visited northern section of Central Park.

On this Secret Central Park tour, you will visit waterfalls, ravines, bird sanctuaries, secret gardens, lochs, and willow-shaded pools. On foot, through hidden pathways, discover the secret wonders of Central Park that even some New Yorkers don't know about.

You'd be surprised that in the middle of one of the United States's most densely populated cities, there's a bird sanctuary. Expect to see robins, cardinals, hummingbirds and perhaps even a tufted woodpecker or a great horned owl. Your walk will also descend through the North Woods and emerge along the Harlem Meer, which is a picturesque lake surrounded by breathtaking trees. The trees include willows, oaks, bald cypress, beech and gingko trees. If that doesn't sound gorgeous enough, you'll also walk to the Conservatory Gardens. You'll see incredible magnolia trees, roses, and other exquisite plants.

This walking tour offers you much more than you'd typically see if you simply visited Central Park on your own.

17 Viator Tours, "Dubrovnik Old Town Walking Tour" In Dubrovnik, Croatia - See A Postcard Come To Life In This City!

Dubrovnik is one of the most historical, whimsical and other-worldly locations in Croatia and a walking tour to explore this ancient city is a must.

On the "Dubrovnik Old Town Walking Tour", you'll walk the medieval, limestone-covered streets of Old Town, with an expert guide who will tell you the secrets behind the palaces, plazas, cathedrals and fortresses. You'll walk through the entire Old Town while learning historical anecdotes and enjoying stunning coastal views of the clear blue Adriatic sea. You'll stroll through the charming, narrow streets of the Old Town and visit a famous cathedral, fountain, monastery, fortress and clock tower. You'll then walk to the Renaissance-era palace, which houses the state archives.

The ancient stone walls, the late medieval structures, and the early renaissance architecture create a romantic and enchanting ambiance. During this tour, you'll also get to see some of the filming locations from the hit HBO series "Game of Thrones" as it was partly filmed in Dubrovnik's old town.

The medieval walls of Old Town Dubrovnik contrast beautifully with the polished marble streets, orange-tiled roofs, copper domes, elegant bell towers and panoramic ocean views. The scenery and history makes for a walking tour you'll never forget.

16 Split Walking Tour, "Krka Waterfalls" Tour In Split, Croatia - Go Swimming In Emerald Waters

Very few things in this world will make your jaw drop in awe like the Krka waterfalls will. Krka is one of Croatia’s most famous national parks, where you'll see massive falls swoosh into a pool of vivid green, clear water. The water is a very unique colour, as it's as green as an emerald. Nature lovers will consider this a once-in-a-lifetime experience, since it's like walking into a painting.

Split Walking Tour guides will take you on a walk along the Krka river, to the 400-meter-wide cascading waterfall. There will be time allotted for swimming in the crystal clear water by the falls, and time to walk over wooden bridges and walkways with stunning nature and greenery all around you. Krka has over 800 species of flora and many rare species of fauna. The area is also home to Oziđana Pećina, a cave that contains a collection of archeological findings from the neolithic, eneolithic, and early and middle Bronze age. The park grounds have outdoor souvenir shops, a coffee shop and a restaurant. So, there will be cool mementos to buy and great food to eat while you walk around.

Krka National Park is one of the most stunning attractions in Croatia and its raw beauty must be explored by foot.

15 On Location Tours, "Sex and the City Walking Tour" In New York, New York - Become The Fifth Member Of This Iconic Group

It goes without saying that "Sex and the City" was filmed in some of the hottest locations in New York City. On this guided Sex and the City walking tour, you'll literally follow in the footsteps of Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda from HBO's "Sex and the City".

On the tour, you’ll walk where they walked, drink where they drank, eat where they ate and shop where they shopped. You'll get to see the famous Meatpacking District, where Samatha's apartment was and where Carrie got mugged.

This Sex and the City tour includes more than 40 locations from the show, all in a day's walk! Even if you're not a fan of "Sex and the City", this tour is still a fantastic way to see Manhattan’s hotspots and the trendiest neighbourhoods in New York.

You'll feel like you're living out an episode of "Sex and the City" when you see some of these famous locations: Carrie's brownstone apartment, the restaurant where Carrie and Big had their rehearsal dinner, the Greenwich Village boutiques where Samantha shops, the library which Carrie decides to use as her wedding venue, and much more. The New York Public Library (main branch) is the beautiful library is chosen by Carrie as a wedding venue because she wants to get married to Big in the place “that houses all the world’s great love stories.”

14 Country Walkers, "Portofino and Cinque Terre" Tour From Florence, Italy - The Stupendous Beauty Won't Even Feel Real

Cinque Terre is probably the screen-saver on several of your co-workers' computer screens. It's simply that picturesque - and it should be on everyone's bucket list. Cinque Terre, Italy, is a network of centuries-old seaside villages on the ruggedly beautiful Italian Riviera coastline. Fitting with its name, Cinque Terre is five towns. It is most famous for its range of colours as colourful houses are contrasted with the bright blue sea. These vibrant cliffside villages are comprised of steep hillside houses and restaurants. But, what is the best way to explore the unique area of Cinque Terre?

The Sentiero Azzurro cliffside hiking trail links the villages and offers sweeping sea vistas, and there's so much more to see on foot. It goes without saying that a walking tour is the best way to explore this world gem, so that you can walk through the five towns and walk above them for panoramic views.

Country Walkers offers a seven day tour that begins in Florence and embarks through the famous five towns of Cinque Terre. You'll walk along rugged coastal landscapes and vibrantly coloured villages of each of the five towns, witnessing views from high above and from down below.

If Cinque Terre weren't enough, this tour also offers you scenic walks in and around Portofino and Lucca. Portofino is a charming Italian fishing village known for its picturesque harbour. Lucca is located on the Serchio river in Italy’s Tuscany region. It’s known for its well-preserved, medieval Renaissance walls and its old cobblestone streets. All of the human senses will be satiated during this extraordinary walking tour.

13 Macs Adventure, "Cotswold Way" Walking Tour In Cotswold, England - Charm Becomes Tangible On This Walking Tour

Walking the Cotswold Way is one of England's finest National Trails, and Macs Adventure offers a 10-day, guided walking tour through Cotswold Way. This bucket-list worthy walking tour takes you through the quintessential English countryside from Chipping Campden all the way to Bath.

Almost the entire trail runs through the Cotswolds Area with extraordinary natural beauty all around you. You'll even walk through a section of enchanting English villages, featuring traditional Cotswold cottages that are as charming as they are beautiful. You can also expect to walk through rolling landscapes, stone walls, expansive hillsides, and magnificent architecture. The English countryside that you'll see is unspoiled; a rare sight to see. Wild meadows, rolling hills and gentle streams make it a dreamy landscape to take in. Your Cotswold Way trip includes accommodation in carefully selected B&B’s, guesthouses, country pubs and small hotels. If you're used to city life, this will be a very special treat.

You'll be walking several miles per day, but it's well worth it considering the gift of the scenery you'll be getting. You'll walk to Winchcombe, Seven Springs, Painswick, Dursley, Old Sodbury, and finally to Bath, an elegant town known for its Roman-built baths and restorative wonders.

12 Funlocity Tours, "Waterfall Walk and Zipline Combo" In Maui, Hawaii - An Amazing Mix Of Sightseeing And Adventure

Spend an exhilarating day on the island of Maui in Hawaii when Funlocity Tours takes you on a guided waterfall hike during this all-day walking tour.

A local guide will take you down the tranquil, private trails that you will reach by walking the back roads of Hana to the pathway entrance. From there, you will hike to see two enchanting, hidden waterfalls. At these secluded and incredibly stunning waterfalls, you'll get to swim in the clear pools beneath the falls, cliff jump, and watch the falls from the smooth rocks along its sides.

It's necessary to join a guided tour to get to Maui's hidden waterfalls, because these hidden gems aren't easy to find on your own. Plus, if you're bored of the typical white-sand beaches, exploring the unscathed back-country of Maui and its unique waterfalls will be perfect for you. As you walk through forests and lush plantation to get to the falls, you'll be in awe. This will be especially true once you finally see these waterfalls before you.

This walking tour surprises tourists with a treetop zip-line course, where you'll get to soar high above the trees for the ultimate views of the deep gulches and Hawaiian valleys below you.

11 The Roman Guy Tours, "Local Foodie Tour in Trastevere" In Rome, Italy - This Food Tour Is An Experience To Behold

The best way to eat well in Rome without the guilt is to join a walking tour, because by walking to the different local foodie spots, you won't feel as guilty about indulging in delicious Italian cuisine. The local foodie tour with The Roman Guy Tours takes place in one of Rome's most charming and idyllic neighbourhoods - Trastevere.

The scenery you'll get to take in while walking to different restaurants is almost as incredible as the food you'll be eating along the way. This local food tour introduces travellers to the best food districts in Rome and focuses on the typical Roman experience. Walking around the city is an excellent way to work up an appetite, and local food experts make sure that you'll eat much better than your average tourist would. In fact, tourists don't typically know where the best places to eat in Rome are. That's why local walking tours are perfect for discovering the best hidden spots.

You'll get to eat at a traditional open air food market in the center of Rome, and then you'll walk across the beautiful Ponte Sisto bridge with views of the river and city lights on either side. After walking across the bridge, you'll be in the quaint and colourful neighbourhood of Trastevere, where the walking food tour continues. You'll get to taste delicious Italian wine and famous Roman eats such as Roman pizza, antipasto, pasta, fish, salted codfish, and the best gelato in Rome.

10 Macs Adventure, "Algarve Coastal Trails" Tour In Lagos, Portugal - Treasured Memories Will Be Created

Natural wonders are all around you during this six day walking tour in Portugal. Follow the breathtaking cliffs, perfect beaches and turquoise ocean of Portugal’s Algarve Coast from Lagos to Cabo Sao Vincente.

During this walking tour, you'll come across secluded sandy beaches, quaint fishing towns, cobbled streets and charming villages. You'll begin in Lagos and head west towards the high cliffs of Ponta da Piedade and then to the cute town of Luz. If you look up, you'll likely spot beautiful appliqué tiles and intricately cast wrought iron balconies. Then, you'll walk through the cobbled streets of Salema, followed by an inland walk through small villages and rural Algarve. Your walk continues to Sagres before the final leg of your journey takes you to the lighthouse at Cabo Sao Vicente.

During this walking tour, not only do you get to stroll along cliff sides with views of the turquoise sea, but you also get to eat delicious local cuisine and stay at gorgeous hotels along the way.

Walking Portugal's stunning coastline is definitely a bucket list experience and a memorable adventure. The lighthouse at Cabo Sao Vicente, where your walking tour ends, is a one of the most powerfully lit lighthouses in Europe.

9 Walks of Italy, "Venice in a Day" Tour In Venice, Italy - Discover The Nooks And Crannies Of The Floating City

In a small group, Walks of Italy will show you Venice in a day on this full-day walking tour. Explore the best there is to see in the Floating City, complete with skip-the-line access to top attractions, an intimate Venice city stroll, and a gondola ride.

You'll walk through welcoming neighbourhoods and markets during this walking tour. You'll also walk to St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. Expert local tour guides will tell you the history and stories behind popular attractions while you walk, and lead you through hidden back-streets for a truly special experience in Venice. During this walk, you'll get to admire the marble architecture of the Rialto Bridge, and stroll through the bustling food markets and colourful neighbourhoods. Take in the atmosphere of idyllic Venice streets, and cross countless bridges and piazzas.

Walks of Italy guides will lead you off the beaten track to favorite local spots, but they'll also take you to the big name attractions, including an iconic gondola ride on the Grand Canal and quiet side canals. Duck under little bridges, take in the scenery of ornate palaces and watch the world go by as you sit back and enjoy that quintessential Venetian moment that every tourist needs to experience.

8 Get Your Guide, "Neuschwanstein Castle Full-Day Tour" In Fussen, Germany - The Real-Life Magic Kingdom Is Waiting For You

Of all the enchanting fairy tale castles in Europe, Neuschwanstein Castle in Fussen, Germany (near Bavaria) is one of Europe’s most legendary and it's arguably the most beautiful one. Set atop a rugged hilltop enveloped by the German Alps, you must walk to get to this iconic castle, which is why Get Your Guide has a popular walking tour devoted to visiting it.

The castle was built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, and the architectural design was actually inspired by the fairy tale operas of world-renowned composer Richard Wagner. Neuschwanstein is translated to mean "New Swan Castle" in reference to Wagner's ballet opera "Knight of the Swan".

It also inspired Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom at Disney World. When this castle was built in the 19th century, it was considered to be too extravagant (even for a king) but tourists love its extravagance. During this walking tour, you will partake in a short climb up to the Marienbrücke which offers picture-perfect views of the neo-romantic masterpiece, as well as the gorge beneath. 

You can also walk through the lavish interior of the castle. Although the castle is the main sight to see on this tour, the Bavarian countryside and snowy Alps that you'll see are almost as stunning.

7 Country Walkers, "South African Safari - The Cape & Kruger National Park" In Cape Town, South Africa - Become Acquainted With These Magnificent Beasts

A guided walking safari is a great option for those who prefer to walk instead of being in a safari vehicle. By walking with a trusty guide, you'll really get to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of Africa.

Walking in the bush allows you to experience animal tracking techniques from expert, naturalist guides and smell the flowers freshly in bloom while watching majestic, rare animals such as zebras, giraffes, and hyenas. Being on foot offers you a unique perspective on wildlife and changes how you see the animals. Getting up-close-and-personal allows you to truly appreciate an animal's speed, grace and beauty. You learn much more about the animals and their environment when you're on foot, especially when you have a knowledgeable guide. You'll see more details of the ecosystem and you might even get to see old bones in the bush! In general, you'll take in much more sensory detail than you would in a safari vehicle.

The South African walking safari from Country Walkers also takes you to the Southern Cape's penguin colonies, historic towns, botanical gardens and beautiful vineyards. Dramatic coastal walks are also part of this tour, where you'll see whales during migration and spot penguins. The wilderness, beauty, and wildlife of South Africa is best experienced on a guided walking safari tour.

6 Get Your Guide, "Eiffel Tower Walk" In Paris, France - You Won't Forget A View Like This

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, but instead of viewing it the regular way, why not climb it, walk through it and go up it? It's a stunning sight to view from afar, but it's a whole other experience to enter it.

Get Your Guide offers a walking tour that challenges you to climb the 704 steps to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower, and walk a vertigo-inducing glass walkway. It's worth the steps (and the vertigo) since you'll be rewarded with the most spectacular views of Paris, and you can even send a letter to a loved one that will be specially marked "Sent from the Eiffel Tower".

On this tour, you will also walk along a glass floor suspended 57 meters (187 feet) above the ground, and get a chance to see rare panoramic views of Paris. The glass floor walkway is a unique and special experience that will give you goosebumps. This tour also walks you to observation decks for unique bird's eye views of the Arc de Triomphe and other icons of Paris. This tour is one of the best ways to get up-close-and-personal with the Eiffel Tower, one of the most beautiful and iconic monuments in the world.