Philadelphia tops national walkability rankings, surpassing other metropolitan areas like New York, Boston, and Chicago
PHILADELPHIA – For the second consecutive year, Philadelphia has been
voted the “Most Walkable City To Visit” [1] in the 2024 USA TODAY
10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards contest.
Walkability is a key factor for travelers when choosing a destination
and offers significant benefits for city residents. In Philadelphia,
visitors and residents can explore the city’s neighborhoods on foot,
enjoying sights ranging from public art installations to premier
cultural institutions, vibrant green spaces, and historic landmarks.
Philadelphia was nominated for its walkability by a panel of experts,
including editors from USA TODAY and 10best.com, who selected 20
cities with various activities, dining options, and accommodations,
all linked by pedestrian-friendly streets. The public then voted
Philadelphia is the No. 1 city on the list of the 10 most walkable cities
to visit in the U.S.
“Being recognized as the most walkable city in the U.S. for the second
year in a row is a testament to the accessibility and connectivity of
Philadelphia’s neighborhoods. It’s wonderful to see visitors and
residents exploring our city on foot, discovering local businesses, and
experiencing the vibrancy of our communities,” said Angela Val,
President & CEO of Visit Philadelphia. “As we move towards celebrating
America’s semi-quincentennial and the national Spotlight on
Philadelphia grows, this accolade reinforces our commitment to
maintaining a pedestrian-friendly environment.”
“This title underscores our city of neighborhoods, offering a
pedestrian-friendly environment where visitors can effortlessly
experience the charm, culture, and convenience that define
Philadelphia,” said Gregg Caren, president and CEO of the Philadelphia
Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Our walkable streets connect
international travelers and convention attendees [2] alike to an array
of hotels, restaurants, and attractions, making Philadelphia a standout
destination for visitors seeking an engaging and accessible travel
experience.”
Center City Philadelphia’s easy-to-navigate corridor spans 26 blocks
from the Delaware River on the east to the Schuylkill River on the west.
Only 2.4 miles separate Penn’s Landing and the Schuylkill River Trail,
with the ability to walk from one end of Center City to the other in
just 50 minutes.
Getting around Philadelphia with ease allows both first-time travelers
and returning natives to discover and rediscover the city’s history,
culture, cuisines, and hidden gems. Visitors can also take advantage of
self-guided walking tours [3] and tour experiences spanning a wide range
of interests.
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About the PHLCVB:
The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) creates
positive economic impact across the Philadelphia region, driving job
growth and promoting the health and vibrancy of our hospitality industry
by marketing the destination, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and
attracting overnight visitors. The PHLCVB’s work engages our partners,
the local Philadelphia community, as well as culturally and ethnically
diverse regional, national, and international conventions, sporting event
and tourism customers. The PHLCVB is also the official tourism promotion
agency for the city of Philadelphia globally and is responsible for
growing the number of international leisure visitors who come to the
region each year. To learn more, visit discoverPHL.com [4].
About Visit Philadelphia:
VISIT PHILADELPHIA® is our name and our mission. As the region’s
official tourism marketing agency, we build Greater Philadelphia’s
image, drive visitation, and boost the economy. On Greater
Philadelphia’s official visitor website, visitphilly.com, allows visitors can
explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries, and hotel
packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps, and
detailed visitor information make the site an effective trip-planning
tool. Visitors can also find inspiration on Visit Philly’s
social media channels. Note to Editors: For high-resolution photos and
high-definition B-roll of Greater Philadelphia, visit the Photos & Video
section of visitphilly.com/media-center [5].