10 World-Class City Hikes: Epic Urban Trails in Iconic Destinations
Discover breathtaking hikes lasting hours or days, all within the world's most vibrant cities. Adapted from Lonely Planet's 1000 Ultimate Adventures, these trails blend urban energy with natural wonders.
Tijuca Forest, Rio de Janeiro
Aerial shot of Rio de Janeiro surrounded by the Tijuca Forest. Image by Paddy Eckersley / Digital Vision / Getty Images.
Brazil’s first national park and the world’s largest urban forest lies at the heart of Rio de Janeiro. Replanted as Atlantic rainforest in the 19th century, it features cascading waterfalls, towering trees, and rugged peaks. Trails wind through this green oasis, leading to Tijuca Peak (1022m/3353ft)—the park’s highest point—via stone steps and an iron chain. For a quintessential Rio experience, hike to Corcovado summit and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.
Rio tour companies offer guided hikes to Tijuca Peak and Corcovado. Visit the national park website: www.parquedatijuca.com.br.
Great Coastal Walk, Sydney
Australia’s largest city boasts one of the world’s most stunning urban coastlines. Tackle the full 94km Great Coastal Walk in a week, starting at Barrenjoey on Sydney’s northern beaches. It traces sandy shores to Manly, crosses to the Harbour Bridge, and ends in Cronulla. Extend it by ferrying to Bundeena for another 26km along the cliff-top Coast Track in Royal National Park.
Accommodation dots the route, with easy city access. Details at www.walkingcoastalsydney.com.au.
Thames Path, London
London Landscape by Duncan Harris. CC BY 2.0.
The Thames Path follows England’s iconic river for 294km, with prime sections in London. From Kingston-on-Thames, reach Tower Bridge or the Thames Barrier in Greenwich over two days. Highlights include Kew Gardens, Battersea Power Station, Westminster, Big Ben, the London Eye, and Shakespeare’s Globe. Contrast serene riverbanks in Richmond with the bustling South Bank.
Explore at www.nationaltrail.co.uk/thamespath. Central London transport connects easily.
Hoerikwaggo Trail, Cape Town
This 75km trail starts at Cape Point on the Cape of Good Hope, traverses Table Mountain, and ends at the Cape Town cableway. Built by local workers, it offers intimate views of the city-defining peak over five days. Four tented camps provide facilities; pack your food. Use maps or a guide, as it's unmarked.
Book via South African National Parks: www.sanparks.org.
Berlin Wall Trail, Berlin
Trace the historic Berlin Wall on this 160km path for hikers and cyclists. Signposted with interpretive boards and memorials, it covers 14 sections (7-21km each), accessible by public transport. Relive Germany’s divided past while staying active.
Overview at www.berlin.de/mauer/mauerweg/index/index.en.php.
Seawall, Vancouver
View from Seawall Walk, Vancouver. Image by Ken Straiton / First Light / Getty Images.
Vancouver’s 22km seawall showcases the city’s best. From the convention centre, it circles Stanley Park, False Creek (Science World, Granville Island), and Kitsilano Beach. Shorten to the 9km Stanley Park loop for Third Beach sunsets.
Map at www.vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/seawall.aspx.
South Mountain Park, Phoenix
The U.S.’s largest municipal park spans 66 sq km of Sonoran Desert with over 80km of trails. Hike to Dobbins Lookout for panoramic city views from 300m up. Expect cacti and creosote, not manicured lawns.
10km from downtown. Maps at phoenix.gov/parks (Trails & Desert Preserves).
Coast to Coast Walk, Auckland
Auckland’s 16km coast-to-coast spans the isthmus from Pacific Ocean (Viaduct Harbour) to Tasman Sea (Onehunga), via city streets, parks, and five volcanoes.
Maps at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz (Parks & Facilities).
Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh
Salisbury Crags and the old town by Saskia Heijltjes. CC BY-SA 2.0
Edinburgh’s 8km Holyrood Park loop climbs Arthur’s Seat, the city’s volcanic peak. Views span the capital and Salisbury Crags. Start at Holyrood car park behind the Scottish Parliament.
Hong Kong Trail, Hong Kong
This 50km trail on Hong Kong Island descends from Victoria Peak to Tai Long Wan beach in eight sections (3-4 days). Take Peak Tram up; bus/MTR back.
Escape city limits with Lonely Planet's 1000 Ultimate Adventures. Book expert-recommended hotels and hostels to enhance your hike.
