Many travelers choose to rent a car when they travel, but there are also destinations where having a car is simply unnecessary.
A car can certainly offer freedom and flexibility, but it isn’t essential for every trip.
There are cities with excellent public transportation, historic centers that are best explored on foot, and beautiful places that can be easily reached by train, tram or bus.
There are also people who don’t drive, especially when traveling abroad — like me. So, whenever I plan a trip, I always make sure that my destination is somewhere I can get around easily without relying on a car.
Below, you’ll find some destinations that are perfect for exploring without a car.
10 places you can visit without a car
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is one of the best European destinations for travelers who want to explore without a car. The Portuguese capital has an excellent network of metro, trams, buses and trains, while many of its most beautiful neighborhoods are best explored on foot.
From Alfama and Baixa to Chiado and Bairro Alto, much of the city is perfect for walking.
At the same time, public transportation makes it easy to reach places that are a little further away from the city center.
And if you want to take a day trip, you can easily catch a train to the enchanting town of Sintra, without having to rent a car.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is perhaps one of the cities that best proves you don’t need a car to explore a destination.
The historic center is ideal for walking, while the extensive network of trams, buses and metro services makes getting around particularly easy. Of course, there is also the option of cycling, which is an integral part of everyday life in the city.
You can wander along the picturesque canals, explore its distinctive neighborhoods and move from one place to another without worrying about traffic or parking.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is a paradise for those who love cycling. In fact, you often seem to see more bicycles than cars around the city.
The city center is compact enough to explore on foot, while the metro, buses and trains efficiently connect its different neighborhoods.
If you want to experience Copenhagen like a local, you can rent a bike and use the city’s dedicated cycling lanes.
From Nyhavn and Tivoli Gardens to Rosenborg Castle and the neighborhoods surrounding the city center, many of the main sights are located within a relatively short distance of one another.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is one of Europe’s most beautiful destinations for a car-free trip.
Its historic center is perfect for walking, and many of the city’s most impressive sights can be discovered simply by wandering through its charming cobblestone streets.
You can start in the Old Town, walk across the famous Charles Bridge and continue towards Prague Castle, taking in the city’s beautiful architecture and atmosphere along the way.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is a destination that is particularly well suited to exploring on foot. The Old Town, the Royal Mile and many of the city’s most important sights are all located relatively close to one another.
The hills and stairs are part of the experience, but the city rewards travelers with impressive architecture and a wonderful atmosphere.
For places further away from the center, you can use the city’s buses, which cover a large part of Edinburgh. So, even without a car, you can easily discover the Scottish capital.
Ghent, Belgium
Ghent is one of those European cities that can make you completely forget that cars even exist.
Its historic center is relatively compact and can be explored mostly on foot. The picturesque canals, medieval buildings, Gravensteen Castle and the city’s beautiful squares are all within a short distance of one another.
For longer journeys, trams and buses are available, while Ghent is also very well connected by train to other Belgian cities.
Another advantage is that you can easily combine Ghent with a trip to Brussels or Bruges, using the train.
Lucerne, Switzerland
Lucerne is an excellent choice for travelers who want to combine city sightseeing and nature without renting a car.
The historic center is perfect for walking, with the famous Chapel Bridge, picturesque streets and the lakeside all within easy reach.
The biggest advantage, however, is Switzerland’s excellent railway network. From Lucerne, you can organize day trips to spectacular mountains and lakes using trains, buses and boats.
In other words, you can enjoy a trip filled with breathtaking Alpine scenery without having to drive a single kilometer.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana is one of the easiest European destinations to explore without a car. Much of the city center is pedestrianized, and the main sights are all within walking distance of one another.
You can stroll along the Ljubljanica River, explore the Old Town and make your way up to Ljubljana Castle without ever needing a car.
The city is also an excellent base for day trips. By bus or train, you can visit some of Slovenia’s most famous natural attractions without having to worry about driving.
Hydra, Greece
If there is one Greek destination that isn’t simply suitable for a car-free trip but is actually made for it, that destination is Hydra.
Cars and motorbikes are not allowed on the island, which is one of its most distinctive features. Getting around the main town is done on foot, while water taxis and boats are available for reaching more distant beaches and other parts of the island.
The stone mansions, cobblestone streets, picturesque harbor and unique atmosphere make Hydra ideal for travelers who want to leave the car behind and enjoy their vacation at a slower pace.
Nice, France
Nice is an excellent base for exploring the French Riviera without a car.
The Promenade des Anglais, the Old Town and many of the city’s main sights can be explored on foot, while the tram and bus networks make getting around even easier.
The best part, however, is that Nice is connected by train to several popular destinations along the Côte d’Azur. This means you can easily plan day trips to places such as Monaco, Menton or Cannes without having to rent a car.
