7 most impressive walking streets in the world

According to Matador Network, a website specializing in introducing destinations and advising on itineraries at tourist destinations around the world, walking streets are a trend at global destinations.

Many cities are looking to widen sidewalks and ban vehicles on some streets to create space for outdoor activities and dining. However, not all pedestrian streets are renovated with beautiful, neat landscapes, providing visitors with a comfortable space.

There are many walking streets in the world that have existed for a long time, before becoming a tourist trend. Matador Network lists 7 famous streets that attract tourists from all over the world.

1. Buchanan Street, Glasgow, Scotland

Buchanan Street was named Scotland’s favourite street in 2003 and continues to be recognised today. It is Glasgow’s most impressive pedestrian street. It is lined with Victorian and Edwardian commercial buildings and is considered one of Scotland’s best preserved 19th century streets.

Since 1978, the street has been closed to traffic to accommodate monthly farmers' markets and street theatre performances. It is also home to boutiques, museums, libraries, design centres and, most notably, the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

Not only a commercial and cultural center, Buchanan Street is also the "heart" of Glasgow city. This place not only attracts tourists but also serves as a place for daily cultural activities of local people. Photo:Barry O'Neil

2. Rue Mouffetard, Paris, France

Rue Mouffetard is located in the heart of Paris' Latin Quarter and is a living part of the city's history. The street dates back to the 12th century, and is the remains of an ancient Roman road, and today still bears a distinct medieval architectural mark. Rue Mouffetard has a small market, which is also one of the most famous in Paris, always crowded with shoppers every morning.

Restaurants along the cobbled streets are synonymous with Parisian cuisine. Visitors can spend a day getting lost in the colorful markets and shops. The family of French writer Denis Diderot lived on Rue Mouffetard in the late 1700s, and the street has been mentioned in literary works such asThe Sun Also Risesby Ernest Hemingway. Photo:Unsplash

3. Qianmen Pedestrian Street, Beijing, China

Qianmen is a famous pedestrian street in Beijing, China, with a history of more than 570 years. The street was originally called Zhengyangmen during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and was renamed in 1965.

During the Qing Dynasty, Qianmen Street was filled with butchers, fabric and jewelry shops; nearby alleys housed many artisan workshops, warehouses and theaters. Today, it is a popular nightlife destination with a rich culinary scene. One of the popular stops here is the Lao She Teahouse. Photo:china dragon tour

4. Third Street Promenade, Los Angeles, California, USA

Just two blocks from the Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade is located in Los Angeles, USA. The street is a classic California style and represents the best of Los Angeles. It has been pedestrianized since 1960. Photo:Tripadvisor

5. Stroget, Copenhagen, Denmark

One of the longest pedestrian streets in the world, Stroget stretches for 1.2 km through the heart of Copenhagen. It has been closed to traffic since 1962. Today, Stroget is a popular shopping street for both tourists and locals. It also intersects with Copenhagen's Old Town, making it one of the city's most important, busiest and most crowded streets.

When it was opened to pedestrians in 1962, the Stroget marked a significant shift in Denmark’s urban culture, from a focus on car traffic to more pedestrian and bicycle-friendly streets. Many cities around the world have looked to Copenhagen as a blueprint for similar urban transformations. Photo:Unsplash

6. La Rambla, Barcelona, ​​Spain

La Rambla is a 1.2 km tree-lined street in the heart of Barcelona, ​​Spain. It is a place where street performers gather, ideal for enjoying coffee and shopping. One of the most interesting things for visitors to do is to explore the indoor market La Boqueria in the early morning.

In the late morning, enjoy a coffee and pastry at Escribà, then stop by the colorful Gaudí-esque church. In the afternoon, walk less than a minute from La Rambla to Bar Lobo for tapas and a cold beer. Photo:Conde Nast Traveler

7. Rue du Petit - Champlain, Quebec, Canada

Named after Samuel de Champlain, who founded Quebec City in 1608, the street was also North America’s first commercial district. Many visitors say that when they set foot here, they feel like they are walking in 17th-century Paris, partly because the people here speak French.

To get here, visitors follow the Breakneck Stairs - Quebec's oldest staircase, built in 1635. Rue du Petit is lined with shops and galleries displaying local crafts. There are also famous murals along the street. The mural on the side of the house at 102 Rue du Petit-Champlain colorfully depicts the history of the neighborhood, including the bombing of 1759, the landslide of 1889 and the fire of 1682. Photo:Expedia