Euronews: Rome tops walking cities list

Rome ranked first in GuruWalk’s 2026 list of the world’s best walking cities, according to a Euronews report published on May 15. Madrid placed second and Budapest third, while European destinations filled all 10 spots in the top tier of the ranking. Euronews said the list was based on research from walking tour company GuruWalk. GuruWalk published its “Top 100 Walking Cities 2026” ranking on April 21. GuruWalk said the ranking drew on activity across its platform over the 12 months through April 2026. The company said it analyzed more than 467,000 verified reviews from 3,600 tours in more than 800 cities worldwide. Euronews reported that the final score combined traveler volume with ratings and satisfaction, weighted at 65% and 35%, respectively. (euronews.com) ### Which cities were at the top of the list? Rome, Madrid and Budapest were the first three cities in the 2026 ranking, according to GuruWalk and Euronews. Prague ranked fourth, Lisbon fifth and Amsterdam sixth, GuruWalk’s published list showed. The ranking marked Rome’s third straight year at No. 1, according to GuruWalk’s Spanish-language version of the list. (euronews.com) Euronews said Europe “remains the world’s top destination for exploring on foot,” citing the fact that all 10 leading cities were in Europe. The outlet also said destinations in Asia and Latin America were rising in the broader ranking, though the top 10 remained entirely European. ### What exactly was being measured? (blog.guruwalk.com) GuruWalk said the ranking was built from “real activity” on its platform rather than from editorial scoring. The company said the data covered bookings, traveler reviews and satisfaction across walking tours offered by local guides. Euronews described the list as a measure of where tourists go and how they rate the experience of exploring a city on foot with a guide. (euronews.com) The methodology matters because this was not a city-planning index measuring sidewalk width, traffic safety or transit policy. GuruWalk’s ranking reflected demand for guided walking experiences and user satisfaction on its platform, based on the company’s own description of the project. (euronews.com) ### Why did Rome, Madrid and Budapest score so highly? Rome was described by GuruWalk as a city whose historic core rewards walking, with landmarks including the Colosseum, the Pantheon and baroque fountains spread through its streets. Euronews called the Italian capital the “Eternal City” and said its cobblestone lanes and concentration of major sites helped keep it at the top of the list. (discover.guruwalk.com) Madrid was presented by GuruWalk and Euronews as a city where major attractions are closely tied to walkable public space. Both cited Retiro Park’s 125 hectares and the Prado Museum among the Spanish capital’s main draws. Budapest was described in both accounts as a strong walking destination because of its riverfront setting, imperial architecture and thermal baths. (euronews.com) Euronews said 8 million tourists visited Budapest in 2025, while GuruWalk’s English post said more than 4 million tourists visit the city each year, a discrepancy the two outlets did not explain. ### How does this compare with last year’s ranking? GuruWalk’s 2025 ranking also put Rome first, but it listed Budapest second and Madrid third. In the 2026 edition, Madrid moved ahead of Budapest into second place, while Rome stayed at No. 1. The April 21 publication date on GuruWalk’s own blog suggests Euronews’ May 15 story was a report on an already released ranking rather than the first publication of the list itself. (euronews.com) Euronews identified the ranking as new research in its May 15 article. ### Where can readers see the full ranking? GuruWalk published the full “Top 100 Walking Cities 2026” list on its blog and discovery site in April. (blog.guruwalk.com) Euronews linked its May 15 report to that ranking and highlighted the top cities for readers looking at European urban destinations. April 21 is the date on GuruWalk’s English-language post, and May 15 is the publication date on the Euronews article summarizing the results. (blog.guruwalk.com) Those two pages name the same top three cities and describe the same review-based methodology. (euronews.com) (discover.guruwalk.com)