Top 10 Cities Embracing Car-Free Zones

Montreal is one of North America’s leaders in embracing car-free streets, particularly in its historic Old Montreal district. The cobblestone streets and European-style architecture make walking the best way to explore this area. In summer, streets like Sainte-Catherine are transformed into pedestrian-only zones filled with festivals, outdoor dining, and performances.

The city’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its expanding bike network, public transport, and car-free events. Tourists benefit from a safe and lively environment, where walking through neighborhoods reveals hidden cafes, art galleries, and local boutiques. The Plateau-Mont-Royal area, known for its creative energy, is also highly walkable and welcoming to those without cars.

Travelers should take advantage of Montreal’s BIXI bike-sharing program, which provides easy access to both central districts and scenic routes along the Lachine Canal. Montreal demonstrates how even large North American cities can successfully embrace car-free policies, creating urban spaces that feel both modern and people-focused.

Bogotá stands out in South America for its dedication to car-free initiatives. The city is famous for Ciclovía, a weekly event where over 120 kilometers of streets are closed to cars and opened to cyclists, joggers, and pedestrians. This tradition, held every Sunday and on holidays, brings the entire community together and has inspired similar programs worldwide.

For travelers, experiencing Ciclovía is unforgettable. You can rent a bike and join thousands of locals riding through the city, stopping at food stalls, parks, and cultural performances along the way. It’s a celebration of community, health, and sustainable transport.

Beyond Ciclovía, Bogotá continues to expand its TransMilenio bus rapid transit system and pedestrian-friendly zones. This makes the city increasingly accessible without a car. For visitors seeking a unique cultural experience, Bogotá proves how car-free initiatives can transform urban life while fostering social connection.

Berlin has long been a progressive city, and its car-free initiatives continue to expand. While the entire city is not car-free, many central areas, particularly around Alexanderplatz and Museum Island, are heavily pedestrianized. The city also supports cyclists with hundreds of kilometers of bike lanes and traffic-calmed zones.

One of Berlin’s standout projects is its commitment to becoming climate-neutral by 2050, which includes expanding car-free spaces and reducing emissions. Tourists benefit from wide open squares, bustling flea markets, and green parks that are easy to enjoy without cars dominating the scene.

Berlin also has excellent public transportation, with U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses connecting every part of the city. For visitors, this means effortless exploration of both iconic landmarks and hidden neighborhoods. Renting a bike is also highly recommended, as it allows travelers to discover Berlin’s street art, beer gardens, and historical sites at their own pace.

Barcelona is pioneering an innovative approach to car-free living with its concept of “superblocks” or “superilles.” These are multi-block areas where car traffic is restricted, and streets are redesigned for walking, cycling, and public gatherings. The result is quieter neighborhoods, improved air quality, and more vibrant street life.

For tourists, superblocks provide an excellent opportunity to experience Barcelona beyond its famous attractions. Walking through neighborhoods like Eixample reveals outdoor seating, playgrounds, and cultural events happening in car-free streets. Combined with Barcelona’s already extensive public transport, it’s easy to navigate the city without ever needing a car.

The city’s commitment to sustainability also extends to its beaches and waterfront, which are easily accessible by metro, tram, or bike. Travelers who want to enjoy Barcelona like a local should spend time exploring these pedestrian-friendly zones, where the lack of cars creates a more relaxed and community-focused environment.

Tokyo may be a sprawling metropolis, but certain districts highlight how a car-free policy can transform city life. Areas such as Ginza and Akihabara regularly close streets to vehicles, allowing pedestrians to stroll freely through shopping and entertainment hubs. These pedestrian paradises turn busy streets into lively public spaces where families, tourists, and workers mingle without traffic.

Public transportation is the backbone of Tokyo’s car-free culture. With one of the most efficient train and subway systems in the world, residents and tourists rarely need a car. From the famous Shibuya Crossing to the peaceful gardens of Ueno, the city is built to be explored through trains, walking, and cycling.

Travelers should take advantage of Japan Rail passes and local metro systems to move seamlessly through the city. Experiencing Tokyo’s car-free streets, even temporarily, reveals the benefits of reducing vehicle traffic in one of the world’s busiest urban environments. It’s a powerful reminder that even mega-cities can carve out space for pedestrians.

Venice is perhaps the ultimate example of a car-free city, as cars are completely banned within its historic center. The city’s unique design, with its winding canals and narrow alleys, means that walking and water transport are the only options. This has created a distinctive urban experience unlike any other, where the absence of cars contributes to a timeless, romantic atmosphere.

For travelers, exploring Venice means relying on vaporetto water buses, gondolas, or simply walking. The city is incredibly walkable, and every turn offers charming views of bridges, squares, and centuries-old architecture. Without cars, Venice has preserved its character as a city where people can move at a slower, more mindful pace.

Visitors should be prepared for a lot of walking, but the reward is worth it. From St. Mark’s Basilica to the Rialto Bridge, Venice’s car-free design ensures that every corner feels like an open-air museum. While modern conveniences may be limited, Venice’s complete rejection of cars makes it one of the most inspiring examples of urban life shaped around people rather than machines.

Paris has made headlines for its ambitious push toward a car-free future. Mayor Anne Hidalgo has led initiatives that restrict cars in central areas, expand cycling lanes, and introduce monthly car-free days where major boulevards like the Champs-Élysées are open only to pedestrians and cyclists. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this transformation, as temporary bike lanes became permanent fixtures.

For visitors, Paris is increasingly best enjoyed on foot or by bike. Iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre-Dame are easily accessible without relying on cars. The Seine’s riverbanks, once clogged with traffic, are now vibrant pedestrian promenades lined with pop-up bars, art installations, and family-friendly spaces.

Paris’s long-term vision includes eliminating diesel cars by 2024 and all gas-powered vehicles by 2030, making it a global leader in sustainable transport. Travelers should take advantage of Vélib’ Métropole, the city’s expansive bike-sharing system, to glide through neighborhoods from Montmartre to Le Marais while experiencing firsthand the benefits of a car-free city.

Oslo has taken bold steps toward becoming a car-free capital, especially in its city center. Since 2019, the city has gradually removed parking spaces, closed streets to cars, and invested heavily in public transport and cycling infrastructure. Today, the heart of Oslo feels more open and accessible, with squares and streets reclaimed for pedestrians and outdoor activities.

Tourists benefit from a safer, quieter environment while exploring landmarks such as the Oslo Opera House and Akershus Fortress. The city’s modern waterfront developments, including the popular Aker Brygge, are completely walkable, filled with cafes and shops where pedestrians dominate the scene.

The city has also expanded its tram and electric bus network, making it easy to travel further without a car. For eco-conscious travelers, Oslo represents a forward-thinking city that puts sustainability and livability at the forefront. Walking through its car-free streets offers a glimpse into what the future of urban life might look like.

Amsterdam’s reputation as a cycling capital is well-earned, and its commitment to reducing cars in the city continues to strengthen. The historic canals and narrow streets are naturally suited for pedestrians and bikes, which is why the city has steadily expanded its car-free policies. Efforts include reducing parking spaces, restricting diesel vehicles, and creating more dedicated cycle paths.

For travelers, this means a more relaxed and enjoyable city experience. You can wander through charming neighborhoods like Jordaan or take in the museums of Museumplein without worrying about traffic. Public ferries across the IJ River are free and designed for cyclists and pedestrians, further highlighting the city’s dedication to alternative transportation.

Amsterdam also has a Green Agenda aiming for a fully emission-free city by 2030. This means even more areas will shift toward pedestrian and bike access in the coming years. For those new to the city, renting a bicycle is practically a rite of passage, and it’s the best way to immerse yourself in Amsterdam’s car-free lifestyle.

Copenhagen is often hailed as one of the world’s most bike-friendly cities, and its dedication to car-free living makes it a standout. The city center has long prioritized pedestrians, with Strøget, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets, serving as a model for urban planners worldwide. Cycling is deeply ingrained in Copenhagen’s culture, with more than half of its residents commuting by bike daily.

For visitors, exploring the city is effortless thanks to extensive cycling lanes, safe pedestrian areas, and efficient public transit. The harborfront areas have been redesigned into lively public spaces free from car traffic, where locals and tourists gather for food markets and open-air swimming spots. A stroll or ride across the city highlights how seamlessly urban design and sustainability can merge.

Travelers should take advantage of the Bycyklen bike-sharing program, which includes electric bicycles equipped with GPS navigation. Exploring areas like Nyhavn or the Meatpacking District becomes not just convenient but deeply enjoyable without the interference of heavy traffic. Copenhagen proves that a car-free environment can lead to cleaner air, healthier citizens, and a thriving social atmosphere.