Undeniably, it sounds very charming to be part of a metropolis, but in reality it is a daily struggle to find peace in the midst of the non-stop honking and reach our destination without being stuck in traffic, which makes us very easily costs our precious hours. To escape this daily bustle, the urban population often flees to hilly terrains or beaches, to spend a few quiet days and work off their exhaustion. And did you know that there are cities all over the world that are completely car-free and pedestrian-friendly? Yes, you heard that right.
While half the world contributes to increased air pollution, few cities are doing everything they can to address this situation by banning cars or bicycles. Honestly, these picturesque places should be at the top of your travel list. So let’s take a look at the list of cities that are car-free:
Venice will undoubtedly be at the top of this list. It is a much loved and most famous car-free city in the world as it attracts travelers from all over the world via its more than 170 canals and more than 410 bridges, as well as vibrant buildings. Both locals and visitors travel to this destination by boat or on foot.
Located in the canton of Valais in southern Switzerland, Zermatt is one of the most picturesque locations in the country. The beautiful place is completely car-free, and when it comes to private vehicles, they are only allowed up to Täsch, a charming town about 5 km from Zermatt. The location is easily navigable by horse and carriage or on foot.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site is popularly known as car-free. It is one of the largest contiguous car-free urban sites in the world. Another reason to go car-free is that the streets and narrow alleys are inaccessible for cars. And to navigate shops, schools and mosques, people rely on foot, donkeys or carts. Due to the strict no-vehicle policy in the area, the destination is said to be the largest surviving medieval city in the world.
This scenic location of Belgium is another addition to the list of car-free areas in the European country. Ghent was ahead all along because it banned cars in 1996. The sensible action was taken to improve air quality and deal with the constant traffic jams.
- Giethoorn, Netherlands
Affectionately known as the Dutch Venice, Giethoorn offers you boat-filled waterways and bike paths everywhere. Giethoorn is not only car-free, but completely road-free, raising the concept of sustainability to a higher level.
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