Getting around in Singapore via public transport is easy peasy, so it’s no surprise that we recently made our way onto a list of cities with the world’s best public transport. But let’s just say you choose to skip the trains and buses, and rely on your own two feet instead – depending on where you’re headed to, that’s an entirely possible alternative as well thanks to our neat, well-paved roads.
In a new list of the 20 most walkable cities in the world, Singapore ranks 16th – based on favourable opinion by our locals themselves. In a Time Out survey that was sent out to 18,500 people from over 50 countries, 80 percent of Singaporeans selected ‘amazing’ and ‘good’ in answer to the question, “How easy is it to get around your city by foot?”
At top place is Abu Dhabi (91 percent), followed by Boston, USA (89 percent) and Brighton, UK (88 percent). These are followed closely by New York (87 percent) in fourth place.
Asia-wise, Shanghai and Hong Kong are ranked the most walkable – both cities rake up a total walkability score of 82 percent, and are tied at 10th place together with Paris, France and Cardiff, UK. Shanghai, Hongkong, and Singapore are the only cities in Asia that are named in the list.
Though the questionnaire doesn’t go into detail on what defines this walkability, let’s delve into the facts: Singapore isn’t walkable just because it’s small and tightly packed. In fact, with a bulk of offices cluttered in town or certain industrial areas, most of us heartland dwellers can’t walk to work on the daily even if we wanted to. However, our streets are wide and nicely maintained without uneven bumps and cracks, which makes getting around from station to destination a hassle-free experience. That’s coupled with general safety on the streets both during the day and after sundown, where you typically don’t have to worry about things like pickpocketing or snatch theft incidents.
Once you’re in the city centre, navigating your way around is real easy on foot. For example, when on a shopping expedition, you can easily get from one end of Orchard Road all the way to Dhoby Ghaut in a single long, straight path. From there, it’s possible to walk to Bras Basah, Bugis, City Hall or Little India in just 15 to 20 minutes. If you’re at Marina Bay Sands, you can go on a scenic waterside stroll towards Fullerton and subsequently Boat Quay and Clarke Quay, otherwise there’s also the option of heading to Gardens by the Bay for a dose of sprawling greenery.
This sort of convenience extends to Singapore’s outskirts as well, thanks to an ever-growing park connector network linking our various parks and green spaces. Technically, you could walk from one end of Singapore to the other via the Coast-to-Coast trail, starting at Jurong Lake Gardens and ending at Changi Bay Point. No guarantees on whether your legs will turn to jelly for a few days after, though. For something less intense – and more sane – focus on a specific area in Singapore, such as the Rail Corridor or Greater Southern Waterfront.
It’s just too bad that our weather is usually scorching hot most of the time, which makes a 10-minute journey on foot feel twice as long. And when it’s not sunny outdoors? That’s when it’s probably pouring. Speaking of which – stay dry and safe during this period with our monsoon season survival guide, with tips including how to check for live flood updates.
Check out the full list of the world’s most walkable cities in 2025.
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