With its cobbled streets within the city walls, typically whitewashed Portuguese houses, and pretty tiles, Évora has inspired cities elsewhere, such as Salvador da Bahia in Brazil. It's also set to be the European capital of culture in 2027, and simply strolling around here is endlessly inspiring.

Yes, Évora, Portugal, is an exceptionally walkable city and is best explored on foot. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the city's historic center is contained within medieval walls, making it compact and easy to navigate. Most major sights—including the Roman Temple of Diana, the Évora Cathedral, and the famous Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos)—are within a 10-to-15-minute walk of each other. The streets are largely paved with traditional Portuguese "calçada" (cobblestones), which can be slippery when wet, so sturdy walking shoes are recommended. While the city has some gentle slopes, it lacks the grueling inclines found in Lisbon or Coimbra. In 2026, the city has further expanded its pedestrian-only zones, making it a peaceful and immersive environment for travelers who enjoy discovering hidden plazas and white-washed alleys.