The World's Best Urban Hiking Cities

Urban hiking doesn't mean going to the park that is closest to your house and sitting on a bench enjoying the nice weather and breathing fresh air; it is an adventure that takes you along a trail covering a lot of terrain, along which you get to see a lot of nature's beauty.

Imagine the iconic peaks in every hue of green contrasted powdered mountains and frozen lakes. Walking in Dublin, a city of character, and in the surrounding world-famous countryside is an adventure that will take your breath away. Visit the St. Stephen's Green Park. It is one of the nicest urban walks in the world. You'll pass the iconic St Patrick's Cathedral, Christ Church, the Brewery, and other splendors along the way.

Going on a walking tour during your stay in Prague will be one of the best decisions you'll make while on vacation. You'll explore many historical sites along the Royal Route, which follows the coronation route of Bohemian Kings. You'll pass the Powder Tower in Old Town going to the Old Town Square. Go on another tour walking on cobble stone streets to see the beautiful baroque and Gothic architecture amd one of the most gorgeous bridges in the world – the Charles Bridge.

Boston is home to some fantastic displays of changing leaves. The city has a lot to offer in the way of leaf peeping. Two big, bright venues in October are Boston's Public Garden and the Arnold Arboretum. Explore the Blue Hills Reservation, which encompasses over 7,000 acres. Hike along the Skyline Trail for the best views of the Boston skyline. The trail winds its way up several hills. Make time to also visit the unique Rose Kennedy Greenway, the only fully organic park in Boston and one of a few in the country.

If there is just one tourist attraction you have time for while in Sydney, it should be the Great Coastal Walk. Traversing the entire and absolutely stunning coastline – from Barrenjoey in the north to Cronulla in the south – is a week-long adventure. You can hike smaller portions of the trail if you really don't have the time. You're guaranteed to see sandstone cliffs, native bushland, and beautiful beaches wherever you are along the way.

Leave the hustle and bustle of the city and go on a walk to Rio's most iconic tourist attraction—Christ the Redeemer statue. You can walk the hiking trail there which winds up Corcovado Mountain. The views of the city along the way are breathtaking.  Another stunning hiking option is the Tijuca Forest surrounding the city. It is the world's largest urban forest. Marvel at the waterfalls, tall trees and rocky peaks.

Anywhere you go in Italy is perfect choice for hiking. Lake Como is absolutely spectacular. Start your adventure from the small town of Verenna on the banks the lake. Head out of the city towards the Castle of Verenna. You'll pass by several tiny charming villages. Another way of soaking up the great views is by ferry. You can also go on guided walks in the mountains of Lake Como.

Seattle has some wild refuges right in the city and plenty of nearby trails that can be hiked year round, according to the Washington Trails Association. Marvel at waterfalls, see gorgeous views of old-growth forests, or explore the Evans Creek Preserve, a 179-acre old farmstead. Hiking the Maple Valley is a must. The round trip is about 35 miles. This is a tree-lined trail with multiple access points from Lake Washington to Maple Valley.

Hike up Table Mountain, a unique mountain with a flat top that overlooks the city of Cape Town. It reaches approximately 3,558 ft. in elevation. Visitors enjoy hiking or using the cableway to reach the top. You can get to the trails from downtown Cape Town, either by public transit or taxi. Platteklip Gorge is the most direct way up. Table Mountain National Park is the most popular outdoor adventure in the area.

Celebrated for "coolness" and non-conformity, this city may be the biggest in all of Oregon, but its laid back vibe, walkability and access to the great outdoors make it feel more like a big town. Locals love to be outside which is why the city has detailed urban trails mapped out. Try the Alameda Ridge and Stairs route. Visit the renowned Japanese Garden and the Lone Fir Cemetery in the fall for colorful leaf shows.

Vancouver is a beautiful costal city with more than 50 parks to explore. Take the Seawalk trail to enjoy stunning views of mountains and the city's skyline. The trail runs along the edge of the famous Stanley Park, one of the best urban parks in the world. Walk to the end of the trail at Kitsilano Beach and stay there to catch the stunning sunset. Visit in October when the city celebrates its craft beer from all over British Columbia, which happens to be the birthplace of craft beer in the country.

Likely best known as an Olympic host, Salt Lake City also boasts some of the best access to the outdoors and one of the fittest populations in the country. The proximity to ski resorts and preserved areas draws many people out of city limits, but natural beauty can also be found minutes from downtown. Those in search of fall colors should visit either Sugar House Park or Dimple Dell Regional Nature Park. 

This is probably the very best coast-to-coast walk in the world. The 10-mile trail from the Pacific Ocean to the Tasman Sea never takes you outside of the city. You'll see landscapes shaped by 600 years of Maori settlement, natural and built heritage areas, woodland settings, windswept hills, charming parks and gardens, captivating architectural treasures and fascinating geological landforms.

Austin is like heaven on Earth for hikers, trail running enthusiasts, and for open water swimming. The city has warm weather nearly year-round, making recreational activities a favorite pastime for locals. With more than about 20,000 acres of parks in the city alone, you are certain to find routes that will take your breath away. The best place to see amazing colorful displays is the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail. You get 10 miles of fall paradise. 

See the third largest clock in the world, Big Ben; step inside one of the most famous bridges in the world; paddleboat in Hyde Park; and of course, take a ride on the iconic London Eye, the world's largest cantilevered observation wheel. Make time for the Thames Path, which stretches for a total of 183 miles. Start your walk in Kingston-on-Thames. You'll pass the famous Kew Gardens, Battersea Park and power station, Westminster, and Shakespeare's Globe.

Don't just walk around the city; experience a proper hill walk in the heart of it. You can also climb an extinct volcano. Arthur's Seat's rocky summit towers over Edinburgh, with fabulous views in all directions, and the extensive parkland surrounding it are an oasis of calm as a retreat from the busy city, according to Walk Highlands. You'll go about 800 feet in elevation.