List of car-free places

The areas in this list of car-free places make up a sizeable fraction of a city, town, or island; public transport connections do not in themselves constitute a car-free area.

The main square of Siena, Italy

Color-coding is used as follows:

Place nameMost or all of the area is essentially car-free
Place nameLarge area that is nearly car-free
Place nameA limited number of vehicles intrude

Austria

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
ViennaCentral parts of Innere Stadt are a sizable car-free zone around St. Stephens Cathedral16 944 peopleThe historic center of Vienna including the main shopping streets, Graben and Kärntner Straße. Stephansplatz, Freyung, Minoritenplatz and Judenplatz are among the most important medieval squares of the area.
Autofreie Mustersiedlung Floridsdorf housing project250 unitsNew car-free residential project, organized by Green party
The rather broad main shopping street Mariahilferstraße is in large part a Begegnungszone20 km/h-slow cars on a narrow middle lane meet pedestrians; expansion realized 2015 after dispute under Maria Vassilakou (Green Party)
Columbusplatz in a southern outer district20 km/h-slow cars on a narrow middle lane meet pedestrians; expansion realized 2015 after dispute under Maria Vassilakou (Green Party)
Linzcentral axis and shopping street Landstraße to Hauptplatz interrupted by several crossing streetscarrying the streetcar, cycling (partially?) allowed after decades of prohibition
GrazSeveral streets in the old townSignificant pedestrian zones and car-free shopping areas; streetcar in main axis Herrengasse–Hauptplatz–Sackstraße cycling prohibited in Herrengasse (but allowed from 20 to 08 o clock since about 2013) and some small streets, parallel Schmiedgasse is narrow official cycle main route
part of Europaplatz in the south and east of the main entrance to railway main stationforecourt is partially sheltered by a ring "Golden Eye" used by pedestrians to trains, local to international buslines, streetcars underneath, general food store (6 am to 10 pm) and other stores in the main station, cycle path with roofed cycle storage facility, all the construction work finished in about 2014
Welshalf of central historical Stadtplatz, rectangular axis Schmidtgasse–Bäckergasse crossed by the street Ringstraße and leading to Kaiser-Josef-PlatzOldest and central part of the town since the Romans, three parallel shopping streets connected by a comfortable walkable smaller axis, the importance of gastronomy is rising
FeldkirchHistoric centerOldest part of Feldkirch bordering the Ill river includes hotels, shopping, St. Nikolas Cathedral, City Hall, the Katzenturm, and the historic castle Schattenburg
SalzburgA number of streets in the medieval center are car-freeLovely old town with significant car-free shopping areas
KlagenfurtAlter Platz in the old center and a network of surrounding smaller streets and places, the rectangular area in the middle of the large Neuer Platz following in the souththe big space around monument Lindwurm on Neuer Platz is paved or sanded, Kramergasse is said to be the first pedestrian zone of Austria
other towns:the country (Bundesland) capitals: Bregenz, Eisenstadt, Innsbruck, St. Pöltenfurther: Amstetten, Baden, Bludenz, Bruck/Leitha, Gmünd (NÖ), Kitzbühel, Krems, Landeck, Leoben, Lienz, Mödling, Mürzzuschlag, Tulln, Villach, Wr. Neustadt, Wolfsberg, Zell am See.[1]

Belgium

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
AntwerpSome of historic centreShopping district in historic centre is car-free; see Meir, the main shopping street
BrusselsMost of historic centreThe second-largest car-free area in Europe; most streets surrounding Grand Place and Brussels Stock Exchange area are car-free, as well as major shopping street Rue Neuve
LiègeMost of historic centrethe oldest car-free area in Belgium, see Liège § Main sights
Louvain-la-NeuveMost or all of the city29,521University town; surface is car-free; streets and parking are below pedestrian streets
GhentEntire city heart260,341Second-largest car-free area in Belgium; public transport, taxis and permit holders may enter but not exceed 20 km/h
HasseltMost of the historic centreMost streets inside the "Groene Boulevard" are car-free or very low traffic.
KortrijkShopping areaFirst car-free shopping street in Belgium; nowadays extended with parts of the centre
LeuvenLarge parts of centreTwo types of pedestrian zone. Some exceptions (at certain time periods) for suppliers, public transport, medical vehicles, residents...

Bosnia and Herzegovina

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
BaščaršijaOld part of Sarajevo100% of the Old City is entirely free of motorized vehicles.

Bulgaria

In Bulgaria almost every city or town has pedestrians-only zone, usually in downtown.

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
BlagoevgradDowntownThis small university town of 60,000 contains a quite substantial pedestrian area, with one long walking street and several smaller ones, in addition to two large and one extremely large car-free squares.
BurgasDowntownAn important coastal city (roughly 200,000 inhabitants), Burgas has two main pedestrian boulevards perpendicular to each other.
PazardzhikDowntownA medium-sized Bulgarian city (roughly 80,000 inhabitants) contains a proportionately large pedestrian network, where in one instance five pedestrian streets intersect.
PlovdivDowntownBulgaria's second-largest city (roughly 340,000 inhabitants in the city and 600,000 in the urban area) contains one of the largest pedestrian streets in Europe.
RuseDowntownThe "Little Vienna", as it is called, has a significant pedestrian-only zone with streets and squares.
SofiaDowntownThe capital of Bulgaria's central thoroughfare, Vitosha Boulevard, was transformed into a vibrant pedestrian-only zone in the 2010s.
Sunny BeachBeachfrontSunny Beach's main beachfront promenade, as well as its central street, are pedestrian zones.
Sveti VlasDowntownSt. Vlas's main street is closed to traffic during the summer tourist season.
SlivenDowntown95.000Sliven's main street is a pedestrian-only and includes several squares.
YambolDowntown75.000Yambol has two parallel closed for all types of vehicles streets (bicycles are only allowed), connected with small streets, parks and squares between them. The main one, starts from a city park, which is located on an island in Tundja river. The city park is also pedestrians only zone.
VelingradDowntownA small spa resort, Velingrad features a pedestrian-only main street.

Croatia

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
DubrovnikOld City100% of the Old City is entirely free of motorized vehicles.
SplitOld CityDiocletian's Palace and adjoining areas to the west are free of cars.
ZlarinEntire island (8.19 km2)276Only service vehicles and tractors are allowed.[2] Several electrically powered golf carts are also used.[2]
PrvićEntire island (2.37 km2)453Only service vehicles and tractors are allowed. Approximately two electrically powered golf carts are also used.
KoločepEntire island (2.3 km2)120-200Approximately two electrically powered golf carts are used apart from a few mopeds.
SilbaEntire island (15 km2)292Only service vehicles and tractors are allowed. Mailman also uses a moped.[3]

Czech Republic

Location Area Population Character
Prague Large car-free area starting at Old Town Square and extending across the river Medieval quarter
Tábor Modest network of car-free streets Old town
Poděbrady Town center is free of cars and bicycles Spa town with mineral water

Denmark

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
Strøget, CopenhagenLarge downtown car-free shopping areaCentral Copenhagen is one of the largest and oldest examples of auto-free zones, heavily used, much tourist traffic. Street lights are hung from cables attached to building walls which leaves the walks unimpeded by obstructing posts. The city's bicycle paths are extensive and well-used.
Christiania community, Copenhagenformer Bådsmandsstræde barracks and part of city ramparts850Several streets with recycled and ad-hoc buildings.
Ertholmene, BornholmEntire island is car-free96Easy for walking. Passenger car-free ferry arrive to there, from Bornholm.

Finland

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
Suomenlinna0.8 km² island850car-free fortress in Helsinki, service traffic allowed.
TurkuSeveral streets in the heart of the cityShopping street Yliopistonkatu and large parts of the streets siding the Aura River are only for pedestrians and bicycles, service traffic allowed during low-traffic hours. Riversides connected with several pedestrian-only bridges and the free-of-charge pedestrian-only ferry Föri.

France

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
AvoriazCar-free ski resort
Mont Saint-Michel4 km² islandabout 60Car-free fortress/abbey
Île-d'AixEntire island (1.19 km²) is car-free.219Easy for walking/biking[4]
Île de Porquerolles, near ToulonEntire island is car-lite and many areas car-free.5000 (summers)Resort. Non-residents are not allowed to have cars.
Île de Sein, BretagneEntire island (0.58 km²) is car-free214 (summer:1.500)Easy for walking[5]
Île de Bréhat, BretagneEntire island (3.09 km²) is car-free444 (summer:10000)Easy for walking/biking[6]
Île de Hoedic, BretagneEntire island (2.08 km²) is car-free111Easy for walking/biking[7]
Île de Houat, BretagneEntire island (2.91 km²) is car-free311Easy for walking/biking[8]
Île de Batz, BretagneEntire island (3.05 km²) is car-free594Easy for walking/biking
Île-Molène, BretagneEntire island (0.75 km²) is car-free211Easy for walking[9]
Archipel du Frioul, near MarseilleAll four islands (400 ha) are car-free86Easy for walking[10]
Île d'Yeu, VendéeLarge car-free center5000 (summer:40000)Easy for walking/biking
LilleArea near the Grand PlaceShopping district
LyonRue de la République, Rue Victor-Hugo, and side streets17th-18th-century mixed-use six-storey area
LyonPart of Vieux LyonMedieval quarter
Nice Almost all of Vieux Nice and other adjacent areas Historic city centre and it surroundings
Port GrimaudLarge car-free centerResort
Quartier de l'horloge, ParisArea north of the Pompidou Center (1.2 ha) built in the 1980s + the parvise of the Pompidou Center, car-free200?Modern large-scale development
Les Halles, ParisRedeveloped market area
Quartier Montorgueil, Paris
DijonSmall car-free centerOld buildings on narrow streets
StrasbourgPart of the old townMedieval core
ColmarTown CenterLarge historic pedestrian area in center of town
ChambérySignificant car-free areaMedieval quarter
MontpellierMany car-free streets11,000 in the medieval quarterCenter of medieval university town
La RochelleCar-free area and anti-car policies80,000 (entire city)
ToursSeveral blocks of the medieval old town are restricted to pedestrians onlyOld medieval center
BordeauxSome streetsMorning truck deliveries permitted; limited car access for residents
SarlatOld part of cityReportedly car-free and pedestrian friendly except for central main street
LauzertePlace des CornièresCar-free; bike and pedestrian only
YvoireOld part of cityMedieval quarter

French cities planning to ban diesel and petrol vehicles: Paris (diesel by 2024 and petrol by 2030).[11]

Germany

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
AugsburgSections of the centreMain shopping areas of downtown Augsburg
BerlinSpandauAltstadt Spandaupedestrian shopping area with access via ubahn.
CologneOld cityArea around the cathedral and main shopping areas. Access to the riverbank as well.
DüsseldorfAltstadt and the banks of the RhineSome shopping, many bars and restaurants
DüsseldorfSchadowstrasse and WehrhahnShopping. Wehrhahn still under construction at time of writing
EssenCity center, Kettwiger Straße, Limbecker Straße and many smaller Streets in the Center of the CityLarge shopping area connecting the train station to Limbecker Platz, with its shopping mall
ErfurtHistoric center
FrankfurtCity centerArea around the Zeil and the old opera house. Extends down to the river with pedestrian bridges to the large parks on the other side
Freiburg im BreisgauLarge car-free center (610 x 720 m)perhaps 10,000Medieval university town; minimal car traffic is permitted on some streets; trams provide access. Progressively pedestrianised since 1971.[12] Widely seen as a pioneer of "car-free"/people oriented development.
Freiburg im BreisgauVauban district5,000New district converted from a military base; car parking distributed, trams provide access
ErlangenFormer US-Army area/Hartmannstrassesome 2.000Car parking concentrated in some multi-storey car parks
ErlangenBonhoefferweg-Siedlungsome 200Car parking outside the residential area
LeipzigPetersstraße
LindauHistoric center
Munich7 km of car-free streets
Nürnberg9 km of car-free streets
PotsdamHistoric center
Rothenburg ob der Tauber13,000Nearly the entire city
RostockHistoric center
Wittenberg (Gartenstadt Piesteritz)1,200Development c. 1915; newly car-free (1994—1999)[13]
Nürnberg - Langwasser3,180New development (1978–1987)
Hamburg (Stadthaus Schlump)Small45 dwelling unitscar-free mixed-use conversion of an old hospital
Hamburg (Saarlandstraße)210 dwellingsNew development (2000)[14]
Bremen (Grünenstraße)800 m²23 dwellingsNew development
SchwerinHistoric center
Stuttgart6.9 km of car-free streets
NiederrathenEntire village500Village in Saxony
Lechbruck am Seeresort facilitiesSmall part of village in Bavaria (car allowed on Saturday)
HayingenEntire village105 housesVillage in Swabia
Tübingen (French Quarter)Some parts of redevelopment car-free
Tübingen (converted military base)6000 residents, 2000 jobs
Frauenchiemsee15.5 ha300 residentsisland in lake Chiemsee, historic abbey
Munich (Messestadt Riem)41 dwellingscar-free part of a larger new development[15]
Münster (Geist) Gartensiedlung Weissenburg184 dwellingsNew development (2001)[16]
Heligoland
Hiddensee
East Frisian Islands
Gröde
Nordstrandischmoor
German car-free islands
Map of the East Frisian Islands

German islands and resorts

(Residents are allowed cars on some islands)

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
HeligolandEntire island1650North Sea Island. In addition to cars, bicycles are banned.
BaltrumEntire island510East Frisian Island
SpiekeroogEntire island730East Frisian Island
LangeoogEntire island1970East Frisian Island
WangeroogeEntire island1180East Frisian Island
JuistEntire island1790East Frisian Island
HiddenseeEntire island1200Baltic Sea Island
Gröde and NordstrandischmoorNorth sea islandstotal of 30 inhabitantsNorth Frisian Islands

Greece

Hydra Island
Rhodes
Mount Athos
Spetses Island
Athens
Thessaloniki
Greek car-free places
LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
Hydra IslandEntire island (50 km²)3,000No motorized vehicles on the entire island
Lindos/RhodesEntire TownMotorized traffic impossible due to narrow streets
Mount AthosEntire Peninsula1,400Motorized traffic of non residents is prohibited. Local traffic is extremely limited with only some vehicles used by the monastic community for essential communication, and transportation needs

Hungary

Margaret Island
Vörösmarty Square and Váci Street
Car-free places in Budapest
LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
BudapestMargaret Island3Entry by cars forbidden except for a single bus line and taxis; service traffic of local stores and restaurants are allowed to enter

Italy

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
VeniceEntire city, except at the bus station squareEstimated at 50,000Medieval city, today highly focused on tourism; transport on foot or by water
CapriEastern part of the island, about 20% of overall areaIsland resort, car-free area includes the main city centre with shopping roads and major high-class hotels
SienaHistorical city centerMost streets have little traffic
Cinque Terre
(5 towns on the Gulf of Genoa)
Most of each townTowns are car-moderated
ComoWithin the medieval city walls6,200[17] Areas of the historic center inside the medieval walls. Delivery trucks and residents can apply for permits. Enforced by means of cameras automatically verifying plates of cars both at the entrance and at exit at permitted gates.
Lipari IslandsStromboli, Ginostra, parts of Lipari village centre, other remote places
ChamoisEntire village96
Orta San GiulioEntire town is car-free; visitors may park in lots above the town and continue down by foot1177Medieval village on the shore of Lake Orta in the Piedmont region
Monte IsolaEntire village1.768
LuccaWithin the city walls mainly car-freeMedieval town

The Netherlands

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
Amsterdam GWL project600 unit car-free residential areaAbout 1,500Modern architecture on the site of a disused waterworks; some car parking at the edge
DelftMost of the old centerMedieval center
Giethoornold part of townAbout 2,500Transport by canal boat, bicycle or by foot in this area
GroningenMost of the old city center16,551 within the City Centre[18]Much of the City Centre is pedestrianized. The City Centre has no through routes for motor traffic; much of it is pedestrianized
HoutenEntire town designed to favor cyclists38,062Sustainable urban design encourages people to travel by bike and train. Chosen as Dutch "Bicycle-city 2008"
Kalverstraat/Nieuwendijk, AmsterdamLong main shopping street with many narrow side streetsUnknown; primarily commercialShopping district; delivery vehicles allowed in AM
Islands of Schiermonnikoog and VlielandEntire islandsAbout 1,000 residents on each plus many tourists in seasonOnly residents are allowed to bring cars onto the islands
TiengemetenEntire islandAbout 10Island that is almost entirely given back to nature, only some vehicles of staff and residents allowed
OrvelteEntire townAbout 230This is a town and museum in one. The 230 residents live inside the museum village. Parking is on the outskirts of the village.

Poland

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
KrakówA large area of the Old Town Square encircled by a park known as Planty is accessible by automobile only to residents, taxis, police, service vehicles, and delivery vehicles (so that, in fact, plenty of motor traffic occurs).5,345 (Old Town in 1998)Old town
PoznańSections of the Old Town
ToruńOld townOld town, a World Heritage Site, is mostly car-free
WarsawOld Town, New Town, Krakowskie Przedmieście, and Chmielna are largely closed to private cars (except for residents, for example)
WrocławSections of the Old Town
Zakopane
Zielona Góra
Złotów

Portugal

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
ÓbidosEntire area of walled townAround 3,100Medieval walled hill town (now tourist area); only residents permitted to drive into the town, although cars are a nuisance
AveiroMany small streets75,000Praça do Peixe, a large pub area and the judicial city
Baixa, LisbonOne long shopping street, with a few side streets18th-century 5-story mixed use
SantarémMost of the streets in the oldest part of town64,124three-storey, old, mixed use area
FaroSome of the downtown area6 to 8 old streets that form a small network in the center of town
TaviraSome of the old downtownNarrow, winding streets in the old part of town.
ÉvoraSeveral streets and a couple of squares in the old walled city8500 (in the walled city)The squares of Giraldo and Sertório plus a number of commercial streets.
CoimbraMany small streetsOld medieval quarter
ViseuA number of narrow streets in the town centerLargely intact medieval city; on Fridays, the entire old center is car-free
PortoA number of streets downtownStreets are only closed to cars on the weekends [19]

Romania

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
Băile Felix Central area around the hotels and thermal lakes Thermal spa resort. The whole central area hosting parks, thermal lakes, churches and hotels is closed to vehicular traffic.
CraiovaThe historic centre.Pedestrian shopping street, cafes, restaurants, bars.
MamaiaAbout 5 km car-free esplanade on the Black Sea shore.The biggest beach summer resort on Romanian Black Sea shore featuring shops, art galleries, cafés, festivals, restaurants, beach bars, night clubs, pools.
OradeaRepublicii StreetPedestrian shopping street with many restaurants, cafés, statues
Central square, Alexandri Street and surrounding areaTourist area with some of the city's main attractions, many cafés, restaurants and night clubs. It includes an indoor pedestrian walkway in the Black Eagle Palace that is a landmark of the city.
TimișoaraSome of the central areaPedestrian shopping street, cafés, restaurants, bars.

Russia

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
MoscowOld Arbat Street is a picturesque pedestrian street.Tourist area
Moscow Kremlin - UNESCO World Heritage Site, Entire area of walled town.Cars are allowed only during parade
Luzhniki Olympic Complex.about 10000 in non-transit areaThree areas: walled pedestrian transit area nearby Luzhniki Metro Bridge (24 hours access except events), another walled area open 10 to 22, access most times free of charge, authority area to cars northern to the stadium (northern border is transit road – Khamovnichesky Val) with public transport. Also, there is a non-transit area nearby to the metro Sportivnaya.
White House, Moscow - after 1993 building zone, pedestrian zone and car zone were divided, transit cars were diverted to embarks, local cars to adjustment streets.N/A
VDNKH - On the week days cars may go only with special permission, like big yard mode (speed limit 10 km/h, to service and buses 20 km/h). On the weekends only public transport is allowed unless any car is in zone with pavilions 69-70-75.N/A
Saint Petersburg Large parts of the city. City with numerous canals running throughout its centre with equally numerous car-free zones in and around those areas.
Nizhny-Novgorod Large central street near the Kremlin, as well as parts of the Kremlin itself.
Kazan Kazan Kremlin, and a large main street (Bauman Street, pedestrian-only since 1986) going from the Kremlin to the city centre.
YekaterinburgWeiner Street is a picturesque pedestrian street.Shopping and tourist area

Serbia

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
Knez Mihajlova1 kmKnez Mihailova Street features a large number of impressive buildings and mansions built during the late 1870s. It was declared Spatial Cultural-Historical Units of Great Importance in 1979, and it is protected by Republic of Serbia. Location of Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, and numerous other institutions.
Tešnjarone street that follows the river course Kolubara and several smaller streets below the hillOld Serbian urban settlement, mostly originated in the 19th century. Unique example of old architecture in the interior of Serbia. Located on the right bank of Kolubara a long time was a trade center of Valjevo.
Tinkers Alleyone short street in the city centerAlso known as Coppersmith alley (Serbian: Kazandžijsko sokače, Казанџијско сокаче). An old urban downtown which was built in the first half of the 18th century. It was a street full of tinkers and other crafts, together with craftsmen houses deriving from Turkish period.[20]

Slovenia

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
LjubljanaSlow-moving taxis ("Kavalir") provide free rides for the elderly, pregnant people, and others.

Spain

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
Málaga3,900 m² car-free and limited access streetsMoorish and 19th-century historic center
SevilleSanta Cruz district has many narrow, car-free streetsMedieval/Renaissance quarter
BilbaoCasco Viejo (Old Town) district has narrow streets with limited car accessMedieval quarter
Vitoria-GasteizMost of the old walled city, as well as most of the "Ensanche" streetsMedieval quarter and 19th-century center
Madrid Puerta del Sol6 blocks square (limited car access)Busy central area
SalamancaEntire Medieval city including old Roman bridgesPlaza mayor and entire old city.
SegoviaLarge parts of the old, walled cityMedieval area
PontevedraLarge central pedestrian zoneWhole old town, narrow streets and small squares. Almost no cars.
LeonLarge central pedestrian zoneWhole old town, narrow streets and small squares. Almost no cars.
BurgosLarge central pedestrian zoneMost of the old town, narrow streets and some squares. The old town is entirely car-lite, and much of it is carfree except for deliveries.
Santiago de CompostelaLarge central pedestrian zone
Ayamonte (in S.W. corner)Downtown commercial districtOld medieval quarter with very narrow streets; river town on the flanks of a hill
Barri Gòtic, BarcelonaA number of car-free streets, others car-light27,946[21]Medieval center
GironaRambla (promenade and shopping street) and network of narrow residential streetsHistoric centre
GranadaAlbaicin neighborhood (limited car access on a few streets)Historic Moorish quarter
Laguardia (Biasteri) photos
ValladolidCentral square and surrounding streets.Historic centre, although most buildings are now modern.

Sweden

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
Gamla stan, Stockholm (Old Town)Most of the old heart (c. 0.3 km²)3000Oldest part of the city; medieval area; low traffic in central parts of the Old Town during part of the day, AM deliveries allowed and taxis allowed 24 h; there is no supervision and no control, so in reality and for all practical considerations the area can't be considered car-free.
MalmöLarge pedestrian precinctCity center; further expansion planned
Växjö, SwedenEntire city centercar-free district in fossil-fuel reduced city (external link)
JakriborgEntire village2000-5000Newbuilt suburb/village in old style, connected to Malmö and Lund via rail.
Southern Göteborg ArchipelagoArchipelago including Vrångö, Brännö, Styrsö, and Vargö5,000 permanent, another 6,000 summerWest of Gothenburg

Switzerland

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
ZermattEntire town5687car-free Alpine resort with prototype "Utility Area" at the entrance; slow electric taxis and freight vehicles used, although these are sometimes driven at higher speeds
BettmeralpEntire townAlpine resort, sometimes considerable traffic of utility vehicles
BraunwaldEntire town398Alpine resort
RiederalpEntire town555Alpine resort
RigiEntire mountainMountain resort, some utility vehicles
Saas-FeeEntire town1607Alpine resort; small electric utility vehicles
StoosEntire townAlpine resort; small electric utility vehicles, mainly from the resorts hotels.
WengenEntire town1400Alpine resort
ZürichLarge parts of the old townCar-free medieval urban core. (Taxis and cars with special permits are allowed)
LausanneLarge parts of the old townThe lower mediaeval part of the old town is car-free. Cars are allowed but uncommon in the upper ancient part. Taxis are allowed.
GenevaTen streets10,000car-free areas in the heart
BaselParts of the medieval town are car-freeThe city is heavily dependent on an excellent tram system and most of the center city is highly car moderated if not car-free
St. GallenOld centercar-free
NeuchâtelOld centercar-free
AppenzellOld centercar-free
GstaadVillage centercar-free
GruyereVillage centerReportedly significant car-free area
RapperswilMedieval centercar-free center
BrigPerhaps ten blocks in downtownOld part of the city, mixed use
WinterthurHistoric center
LuganoMost of the old quarter
MürrenEntire town450Alpine resort; some utility traffic
GimmelwaldEntire town130Small village
Bern - Halen79 apartmentsTerraced neighborhood; built 1961; parking at edge
Siedlung Burgunder (german overview & ZDF-clip)40 apartmentshousing estate, built until 2010
Boll-Sinneringen (Vechigen) - Wohnanlage Schloßpark73 apartmentsBuilt 1996; parking at edge

Turkey

The Prince's Islands near Istanbul do not permit cars (aside from public service and emergency vehicles such as police, garbage, electricity etc.), meaning the only other forms of transport are by foot, bike, or horse carriages. Four of these islands can be reached by ferry from Istanbul, which takes about an hour.

Map of the Princes' Islands in Istanbul
LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
Büyükada7,320Almost entirely car-free.
Heybeliada3,000Almost entirely car-free.
Burgazada1,500Almost entirely car-free.
Kınalıada1,500Almost entirely car-free.

UK and Channel Islands

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
Island of Sark (Channel Islands)Whole island560Entirely car-free (only motorized vehicles are tractors)
Island of Herm (Channel Islands)Whole island60Cars and bicycles are both banned (quad bikes are allowed, but only for maintenance)
BirminghamCity centreVictoria Square, Chamberlain Square, Centenary Square, Brindleyplace, New Street, High Street, Needless Alley, Cannon Street, Temple Row. Cherry Street and Union Street.
ChesterSome of city centreSome central streets pedestrianised in the 1990s, proposal for expansion as of 2014[22]
CambridgeCity centre and university campusSeveral thousandUniversity town with heavy tourism; cars banned most of the day from centre
OxfordSome areas in city centre11,786 (city centre wards)Medieval university town with heavy traffic through it. Cornmarket Street, Radliffe Square surrounding the Radcliffe Camera and University Church of St Mary the Virgin, and Brasenose Lane are pedestrian only; Queen Street is bus only; many surrounding streets have restricted vehicular access. Pedestrian streets are surrounded by heavy traffic, including many buses, and pavements are at times no wider than a metre. There are plans to extend this to the entire city centre (with the exception of electric vehicles) by 2035.
SalisburyCity centre and cathedral close40,302Parts of the town centre are car-free, including some of the Cathedral Close
CanterburyCity centre (approx. historic, walled city area)several thousand (historic centre)Canterbury's historic city centre has been closed to most motor vehicle traffic for several decades. A ring road which was built in the 1960s, when Canterbury saw rapid growth in buildings and population, is used as the perimeter for the boundary. Cars are allowed only during certain times of the day and the city's road system is designed to discourage "rat runs".
YorkPart of the city centre is car-free (approx 400 x 400 m) during the dayRestricted access for deliveries; disabled car access and parking is maintained.
LeedsEntire city centre shopping district centred on Briggate (approx 400 x 400 m)Pedestrian precinct (access for delivery to some areas allowed between 23:00 and 06:00 hours).
LincolnSeveral cobbled streets around Lincoln CathedralCar-free area near the centre.
Isles of ScillyGroup of islands off Land's EndCombined population of 2000Islands of Bryher, Tresco, St Agnes and St Martin's are car-free
ClovellyVillage in North Devon1600Entirely car-free
ShrewsburySeveral streets in town centreMedieval town enclosed within loop of River Severn. Pride Hill entirely motor-vehicle free except limited access for loading in mornings. The Square, Fish St (2m width restriction), Butcher Row allowed for access and delivery only. 2009 closure of Music Hall removed much access/delivery traffic from The Square. Grope Lane and the "shuts" too narrow for traffic.
EdinburghSome of city centreSlateford Green car-free development, High street on the Royal Mile between George IV Bridge and South Bridge. Rose Street is also pedestrianized.
EasdaleWhole island59Entirely car-free
CardiffMost of the city centre (approx 500x500m)Most of Central Cardiff is car-free, including Queen Street, The Hayes, High Street and parts of St Mary Street. Around 2.7 km of connected pedestrian streets. There are also several arcades (covered streets) in the city centre.

Ukraine

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
LvivOld townOld town, a World Heritage Site, is mostly car-free
KievKontraktova squareKontraktova square and two blocks of Sagaidachnogo street are car-free since August 2017. Reconstruction of the area is planned for 2018 in order to make it pedestrian friendly.
OdesaDerybasivska Street
PoltavaSobornosti streetCentral 350m stretch of the street is pedestrian
ZhytomyrTeatralna streetHalf of the street is pedestrian

Baltic and Balkans

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
Dubrovnik, CroatiaThe old walled cityNearly car-free
Rovinj, CroatiaThe old town is reported to be largely or entirely car-freeUndoubtedly medieval
Vilnius, LithuaniaLarge car-free area reportedOne of the largest surviving medieval quarters in Europe
Kaunas, LithuaniaLaisves AlejaA double tree-lined five-block pedestrian shopping street car-free other than intersections
Riga, LatviaOld townThe walled old town is nearly car-free, requiring enough permits and entrance fees for motor vehicles that cars are seldom seen
Tallinn, EstoniaOld town4,457A sizeable portion of the medieval Old Town is car-free. Entry is allowed for residents and for business owners for servicing (between 6am-10am only). Permits are necessary to enter the busy pedestrian streets at other times.
Kotor, MontenegroThe old town is car-free.23,481The old Mediterranean port of Kotor, surrounded by an impressive city wall, is well preserved and protected by UNESCO.

Argentina

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
Buenos AiresDowntown pedestrian circuit [Microcentro]The pedestrian circuit in the city centre is composed by Florida Street, about 12 blocks, 5 blocks of Lavalle Street, one block of Diagonal Norte, two blocks Tres Sargentos Street and one block of the Pasaje Carlos Discepolo, very vibrant area with many restaurants, theatres, shopping, etc., a short walk from the obelisk, people throng here, streets are entirely car-free, but crossing streets are not. Access by bus and the Metro (subte) Line C. Buenos Aires, for the most part, is a very walkable city.
Puerto Madero, Buenos AiresCity centre waterfrontPart of cityVery successful waterfront redevelopment area. Highly pedestrianized and car-free mixed-use district which includes corporate headquarters, luxury condos, residential and business lofts, five star hotels, exclusive restaurants, parks and an ecological reserve.

A recently inaugurated 2 kilometre modern tramway (Tranvía del Este) line serves the area.

La Boca, Buenos AiresSeveral blocks of main streetPart of cityBarrio La Boca is a colourful working-class neighbourhood where descendants of Italian immigrants once settled, El Caminito, its main street, is pedestrianized and touristy.

An extension of Puerto Madero's light rail tram system to Retiro Station and Barrio La Boca is contemplated.

Greater Buenos AiresTren de la Costa, car-free arteryA unique suburban modern leisure tramway artery that stretches for 15 kilometres by the River Plate from Olivos to the village of Tigre, each of its eleven "turn of the [19th to 20th] century" picturesque stations have a charm of its own with its plazas, cafes, antique shops, movie theatres, boutiques, restaurants and regional product markets. You can get on and off during the day as many times as you wish. Good sample of Transit-oriented development. Tren de la Costa website.
Tigre, Buenos AiresDeltaSeveral thousandThe village of Tigre is the starting point of the magnificent Delta where commuter mahogany launches reminiscent of the roaring twenties travel its web of connecting rivers and streams dotted with week-end homes, English style rowing clubs, countless marinas, large mansions from the Belle Époque and a variety of recreational complexes which offer food, lodging and entertainment. Total absence of cars.
MendozaSeveral blocks, centre of townWide tree-lined streets, many parks and plazas, ceramic-tiled sidewalks, pedestrianised "Peatonal Sarmiento" adjacent to Plaza Independencia features many outdoor cafe's, restaurants, wine bars and shops. City is served by antiquated trolleybus lines. Mendoza is the capital of the wine producing Mendoza Province.
RosarioCentral business districtAlmost 2 kilometre of retail area, system of parks that line the riverfront area.
Córdobavarious pedestrian circuits120.000 peopleThe city's downtown includes 2 kilometres of pedestrianized areas with theatres, shops, outdoor cafes, restaurants, parks and plazas, and an active nightlife. Trolleybus and bus provide access.
La Cumbrecita, CórdobaFirst pedestrian village in ArgentinaSeveral hundredA beautiful small picturesque secluded alpine-like village in Córdoba Province settled by central Europeans. Focused on eco-tourism, no paved roads, transport on foot.

Excursions to La Cumbrecita can be taken from nearby Villa General Belgrano, not car-free, but pedestrian friendly.

Brazil

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
Curitiba, Brazilcar-free area in downtown, 24 linear blocksTwenty blocks in the heart of the city are paved with decorative tile in which vehicular traffic is restricted to delivery trucks at set hours, part of this area was pedestrianized in the 1970s. It includes much of the historic district. photos Much of the pedestrianized space permits the passage of cross traffic at each block. It is served by a unique bus system running on dedicated streets and providing excellent, low-cost service.
Ilha do Mel, Paraná, BrazilSmall island offshore of ParanaguáThe island has two small fishing villagesThe entire island is car-free, and even cattle-free. All goods and materials are carted around by big wheel barrows. The economy is traditionally fishing but Ecotourism is now a big part of economy. 95% of island is now an ecological reserve. Villages are connected by 2 meter wide sandy walking paths
Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro, BrazilEntire island177,832[23]Large car-free island off the coast of the state, part of Angra dos Reis municipality. Only allowed vehicles are bicycles, tractors and rentable jeeps.
Paquetá Island, Rio de Janeiro, BrazilEntire islandAbout 7000Extremely peaceful, car-free island in Guanabara Bay, an hour by ferry from downtown Rio. Residents ride bikes, which they park neatly along the curbs of the island's tamped sand streets. Bikes are never locked and tend to congregate on downtown streets or at the foot of the stairs leading to the hillside slums. Not as popular with city residents and tourists as it used to be, you can still rent bikes from a handful of bike shops. In the south portion of the island, Danke de Mattos Park is cycle-free.

Canada

NB: Much of Canada's near north (the subarctic or boreal forest) and virtually all of the area north of the tree line is trackless, containing no roads. However, there are few large settlements in this area. In the towns and villages which do exist, motorized vehicles, in the form of ATVs and snowmobiles are commonplace. Most of the isolated fishing villages on the North Atlantic coast called Newfoundland outports are car-free.

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
Calgary, Alberta7th & 8th Avenue MallsNon-Residential7th Ave. is a transit mall; 8th Ave. is a retail pedestrian mall for several blocks.
Toronto IslandsSeveral car-free islands just off downtown700Urban park, neighbourhoods, and ecological community. Accessible by ferry or private boat from downtown Toronto. Bicycles are permitted on ferries.
Victoria Beach, ManitobaRestricted area of resort municipality450 permanent. 16,000 summerCottage-lined sand streets (paths, actually) connect beaches, sailing club, tennis courts, golf course, grassy central square with adjacent bakery. The restricted area can only be used by pedestrians and cyclists during the summer months (from the week before Canada Day until Labour Day).
Toronto, OntarioDistillery DistrictHistoric industrial district; red brick streets and architecture, art galleries, shops, cafes, residences, various festivals, breweries, distilleries, winemaking, pubs, fresh beer, bicycle parking, adjacent to Don Valley bicycle trail network through the city.
Toronto, OntarioLeslie Street Spit0Wilderness on a 5 km-long man-made peninsula area near downtown. Access by bicycle, pedestrian or boat.
Ottawa, OntarioSparks StreetNon-residential6-block shopping street 1 block south of Canadian Parliament Building.
Montreal, QuebecRue Prince-ArthurPedestrian street lined with restaurants and cafés located west of Montreal in the borough of Plateau Mont-Royal.
Montreal, QuebecGay VillageThe main artery of St. Catherine Street, from Berri in the west to Papineau in the east is car-free from May 26 to September 13.
Montreal, QuebecMcTavish StreetLower part of the street, on McGill University campus.
Mont-Tremblant, QuebecSki resort built as an Auto-Free European-style village.
Quebec City, QuebecVieux-QuébecMany streets in the oldest part of Quebec City are car-free as is Rue Saint-Jean for most of the day during the tourist season.
Digby Island, British ColumbiaDodge Cove50Artisan and commuter community on an island near Prince Rupert, BC. Accessible by ferry.
St. John's, Newfoundland and LabradorGeorge StreetHistoric street dotted with pubs, car-free every night after 8:00 pm with the exception of taxis and emergency vehicles.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward IslandVictoria RowOne-block section of Richmond Street adjacent to Confederation Centre of the Arts, fronting on cafes, restaurants and artisan shops, pedestrianized during the summer months. Street remains open for emergency vehicles, as well as delivery vehicles which operate outside of heavy pedestrian activity.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward IslandVictoria ParkSection of the Park Driveway permanently converted to pedestrian use; remains accessible for emergency vehicles. The inside lane of another street in the park—the Park Roadway, which follows the shoreline of Charlottetown Harbour—is converted to a bicycle and roller blading path during the summer months.
Halifax, Nova ScotiaGranville Street Pedestrian MallOne-block section at the north end of Granville Street converted to pedestrian use, fronting on NSCAD University studios, cafes, restaurants and artisan shops. Pedestrianized year-round, remains accessible for emergency vehicles.

Chile

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
Santiago, ChileThree interconnected streets in downtown squareAhumada, Huerfanos & Estado Streets around Plaza de Armas, the city's main square and historical centre. Shopping, office and cultural activities. Santiagos ultra modern line 5 metro station is located under the plaza.

Colombia

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
Bogotá, ColombiaThe Ciclovía, 110 kilometers of roads throughout the cityThe Ciclovía roads are closed to traffic Sundays and holidays for seven hours, from 0700 to 1400, when more than 1.5 million people practice various sports, visit the recreational facilities, or go to cycle-mass. The city also plans to become largely car-free during rush hour by the year 2015.[24][25]

Costa Rica

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
Parismina, LimónEntire Village600Small coastal village has no paved roads and one tractor for trash collection.
Tortuguero, LimónEntire Island500A small village located near the Tortuguero National Park, it is located on a small "island" that is bordered on one side by the ocean and on the other by a river canal. The island is only accessible by boat or airplane.

Cuba

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
HavanaHavana Central and parts of Old HavanaParts of Old Havana are car-free. Large swaths of Central Havana are devoid of cars. The population, is not yet a car culture. The cars in use are mostly taxis taking multiple passengers. In Central Havana, cars generally stick to just a few thoroughfares. In other parts of Cuba, in many small towns, bicycles and pedicabs are the main source of transportation.

Mexico

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
HolboxThe whole island1,486Only sand roads with golf carts and very few cars
Guanajuato, GuanajuatoMost of the historic town70,798One main narrow street running through town; the few remaining streets run underground
Guadalajara, JaliscoZona Peatonal, Downtown15 streets dedicated to pedestrians. Surrounded by civic, touristic and commercial areas
Mexcaltitán de UribeOne large island in a lagoon in Nayarit818The island is completely car-free. Access is by small boats.
Historic center of Mexico CityMadero, Moneda, Motolinía, Gante, Alhóndiga, Roldán, Talavera, and Regina Streets[26]61,229 in Colonia CentroLarge areas are car-free except for cross streets. Several other streets are transit and parking only.
XochimilcoDozens of islands, some densely urbanized, in Laguna del Toro, San Lorenzo, La Santísima, and Xaltocan415,000 in Delegación Xochimilco but only a few of the urbanized islands are completely car-freeThere is no access to most islands of Xochimilco by car, though pedestrian bridges or informal ferry services exist to most of the urbanized islands.
Yelapa, JaliscoEntire village1,500some quads, no cars, very narrow alleyways, village access by water taxi not car.

Nicaragua

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
Little Corn IslandEntire Island495Small Caribbean island with no roads, only footpaths. The island is accessible by taking a motorboat at Big Corn Island.
SolentinameEntire ArchipelagoSeveral islands in Lake Nicaragua - access by boat only no cars on the islands

Norway

In Oslo, cars are completely banned in some streets, and it also removed more than 700 curbside parking spots and replaced them with bike lanes, plants, tiny parks, and benches. It sees this as a major step toward a vision of a car-free city center.[27][28][29]

United States

This is a list of populated car-free areas. For uninhabited car-free area in the US, see inventoried roadless area. With a few notable exceptions, most US cities have only relatively small car-free zones.

StateLocationAreaPopulationCharacter
CaliforniaSacramentoK Street MallCovers 12 blocks (1 mile) of K Street, including an outdoor shopping mall, a pedestrian freeway underpass to the city's historic district, shopping, entertainment, and a business and mixed-use residential district.
CaliforniaSanta MonicaThird Street Promenade, 1/2 mile (800 m) of 3rd StreetCar-free shopping district, with further expansion planned.
CaliforniaVeniceVenice Canals30,000 (pop. of Venice)A small portion of a large canal system created by Abbot Kinney to be the "Venice of America" still exists. A majority of the canals were filled in 1929 to make way for the automobile, though a square roughly 1,000 ft (300 m) still exists on one side.
ColoradoAspenPedestrian mallsThree blocks of E. Hyman Ave., S. Mill St., and E. Cooper Ave. in downtown, adjacent to Wagner Park, have been pedestrianized.
ColoradoBoulderPedestrian mallAt the city center; there is some debate as to whether this really is a car-free area or not. The Pearl Street Mall is absolutely car-free, and extends through several blocks of the center of the city.
ColoradoDenver16th Street Mall, about a mile (1.6 km) longTransit mall with pedestrian-only extensions. However, electric buses and police cars drive throughout the area at all times, alongside pedicabs and horse-drawn carriages. It is forbidden to ride ordinary bicycles along the mall except on Sundays, and bicycles parked on the mall are impounded by police after a few hours' notice.
ColoradoFort Collins1 streetOld Town Square commercial district
ColoradoFort CollinsColorado State University, four long streets25,000 studentscar-free area of university campus, to be expanded
FloridaMiami BeachLincoln Road Mall, seven blocks or 0.5 mile (800 m)Shopping, socializing, cafes, dining al fresco in the heart of the Art Deco district
FloridaSt. AugustineSt. George Street, four blocks or 0.4 mile (600 m)Pedestrian only street, historic structure, shopping, dining, attractions,
IndianaIndianapolisCanal WalkOne-and-a-half mile section of the Indiana Central Canal through downtown Indianapolis. Features sidewalks on either side and is lined by apartments, museums (with cafés), hotels, and the White River State Park. Opportunity to rent kayaks, Segways, bicycles, paddleboats, etc. Completely car-free.[30]
IowaIowa CityPedestrian mallSeveral blocks of the Iowa City-Ped Mall, located near the University of Iowa campus in the Old Capital district, are completely car-free.
LouisianaNew OrleansSeveral blocks between the French Quarter and the riverCar-free mixed-use area served by Vintage Streetcar Line.
MassachusettsBostonSeveral blocks of the Downtown Crossing shopping district--Washington Street, Winter Street, and alleys442-unit luxury residential tower abutting the areaCar-free except for emergency vehicles and taxis.
MichiganMackinac IslandPersonal automobiles banned on island; construction, police, and emergency vehicles allowed492Personal automobiles banned on small island and tourist destination located between Michigan's Lower and Upper Peninsulas; accessed via ferry or flight.[31]
MinnesotaMinneapolisNicollet Mall Central E/W downtown street; access to motor-vehicles limited to Metro Transit bussesWide street-level sidewalks give access to popular retail and dining establishments as well as many of downtown Minneapolis's office towers. There is a Hiawatha Line light-rail station.
MinnesotaMinneapolisskyway 5 miles (8.0 km) of enclosed overhead passageways1,500 residences; 4,000 hotel roomsCommercial/retail heart of the city. 200 million square feet (19 km²) of office space, and 2.5 million square feet (230,000 m²) of retail space.
MinnesotaSaint Paulskyway a grid of enclosed overhead and underground passagewaysCommercial/retail heart of the city.
MissouriBransonBranson Landing districtcar-free riverfront condos, shopping, dining, and nightlife
New JerseyCape MayWashington Street from Ocean Street to Perry Street (pedestrian mall)Downtown car-free area of one street, four blocks long
New YorkBeaver RiverEntire hamlet8 permanent; more in summer monthsSmall hamlet, also lacking electric power, at east end of Stillwater Reservoir in the Adirondacks can only be reached by hiking trail, boat or electric rail car; in winter, only overland access is possible. One of only two permanently inhabited places in the entire eastern U.S. inaccessible by road.
New YorkBuffaloMain Street Mall (Buffalo), Downtown light-rail "main street" mallTheater district, retail, restaurants, pedestrian/LRV mall
New YorkFire Islandmost of Island491 permanent; summer peak estimated at 15,000Most of the island is accessible only by passenger ferries, or by foot or bicycle from the parking lot at the western end (which is reachable by a cars-only bridge); wagons used for transport. Residents can get car access permits for non-summer months. The community of Cherry Grove has boardwalk streets only five feet wide and is completely inaccessible to conventional motor vehicles. It may be the most populous truly car-free area in the USA.
New YorkIthacaIthaca Commons (pedestrian mall)Downtown car-free area of one street, two blocks long
New YorkNew York CityBroadway in Times and Herald Squares
New YorkGovernors Island
(New York City)
entire Island0Cars and trucks are only allowed for specific purposes. Electric golf carts and minibuses are in limited use by park staff and contractors. Bicycles and human-powered quad vehicles are allowed and available for rent. Access is via ferry or private, human-powered boat.
New YorkRoosevelt Island
(New York City)
most of Island9,500Cars are allowed on one bridge and on spine road, but long-term parking is only available at one central parking garage. Access is via subway, tram, or riverfront footpaths.
NevadaLas VegasFremont Street Experience6,489 hotel roomsCar-free 5+ block pedestrian mall with 60 restaurants, 10 casinos, 2 stages, overhead light show and a brewery. Pedestrian-friendly three-block extension with extra wide sidewalks and many small clubs. The main casino strip also has pedestrian bridges over the streets. Room numbers for FSE only.
OhioClevelandE. 4th StreetApproximately 350 along the street (several thousand in adjacent streets)Public street about 170 m long, entirely car-free; Mixed use historic conversion of five- to eight-story buildings, primarily into upscale restaurants and apartments. E. 4th Street has developed into a noteworthy culinary district; among others, the street is home to Iron Chef Michael Symon's restaurant Lola.
OregonPortlandPortland Center, two pedestrian streets run parallel through the development, which includes two parks (car-free streets total about 1-mile (1,600 m) length)1200Mixed-use development with apartments, retail, and offices
OregonPortlandRiverPlace. pedestrian promenade about 1/2 mile (800 m) long (the only large car-free area); pedestrian alleys connect other buildings to the promenade; the site is 30 hectares (73 acres) in area.1,200Mixed-use development along the riverfront including apartments, retail, restaurants, a small market, and a waterfront pedestrian promenade
South CarolinaHarbour Town, Hilton Head, South CarolinaArtificial harbor with promenade and shopsFew hundredCar-free resort community from the 1960s and 70s
South CarolinaShelter Cove Harbor, Hilton Head, South CarolinaArtificial harbor with promenade and shops, larger than Harbour TownSeveral hundredCar-free resort community 1980s
TennesseeKnoxvilleMarket Square, (150 m)One-block pedestrian mall in Knoxville's historic downtown, surrounded by shops and restaurants and used year-round for various outdoor events
TennesseeMemphisMain Street Mall, 3/4 of a mile (1200 m)5000Car-free mixed-use district in the heart of the city
TexasAustinSixth StreetTraffic is generally blocked on East 6th Street and most crossroads from I-35 to Brazos Street on weekend evenings, and football home games (depending on pedestrian traffic), as well as holidays and special events, to allow the crowds to walk unfettered to the many venues that line the street.
TexasSan AntonioRiver WalkMixed-use development along the riverfront including apartments, retail, restaurants, a small market, and a waterfront pedestrian promenade; Entertainment and shopping district (similar to Venice, Italy-tourist boats)
VermontBurlingtonChurch Street MarketplacePedestrianized main downtown shopping street, four car-free blocks. Bicycles must be walked.
VirginiaCharlottesvillePedestrian mall120 shops, 30 restaurants, outdoor concert space in historic brick paved downtown area, free Trolley to University of Virginia grounds
VirginiaColonial WilliamsburgFive blocks plus side streets (from 09:00 to 17:00)100 families of workersRestored Colonial-era village
VirginiaWinchesterLoudoun Street MallPedestrianized main downtown shopping street, four car-free blocks.
WisconsinMadisonState StreetSix-block car-free retail street connecting the university and the capitol. Traditional street & sidewalk layout; the street is used by buses, bicycles, police cars, taxicabs, and numerous delivery (motor) vehicles; pedestrians and the occasional delivery vehicle (parked) on the sidewalks.
WisconsinRock Islandentire Island0State park, ferry access from nearby Washington Island. No cars or bicycles allowed.

Uruguay

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
Montevideo, UruguayPeatonal Sarandí, 9 blocksN/AThe Peatonal Sarandí is the main pedestrian street of Ciudad Vieja in Montevideo, Uruguay, and the most frequented tourist venue of the city. It starts from the Ciudadela, runs along Plaza Constitución (commonly called Plaza Matriz) and ends at the Rambla (the coastal avenue), at the eastern end of Ciudad Vieja. As an extension of this street is the long southern breakwater of the Port of Montevideo, which has taken on the name "Escollera Sarandí".

Africa


Ouagadougou
Bonthe
Lamu
Tripoli
Car-free places in Africa outside of Morocco
Fez
Essaouira
Marrakesh
Meknes
Casablanca
Chaouen
Tangier
Car-free places in Morocco
LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
Ouagadougou, Burkina FasoCity center960,100Until very recently (2004), most of the city saw very little cars on the street, and transport within the city basically consisted of the bicycle or by foot. This was because of the cities' urban planning (mostly boulevards planted on both sides with green trees or baobabs), yet presumably also because of the villager's low income. At present, more mechanized transport is seen on the streets such as motorcycles and small cars.[32]
Bonthe, Sierra Leone Entire City and Surrounding Island 10,206 Bonthe is a densely populated, compact coastal town and hosts the government's headquarters for the District of Bonthe, Southern Province. It is a former British colony, and all but three streets (Heddle Rd, Medina St, and King St) are only about 1 meter wide. Aside from some concrete portions of Heddle Rd, which also serves as a seawall, there is no tarmac in the town. Most people walk on the grid network of sandy footpaths to move about, but there are also about 100 bicycles and 10 motorbikes in the town. The town is served daily by passenger boats with a capacity of 50 persons or less from Matru Jong and Yagoi. These boats cannot accommodate cars.
Lamu, KenyaEntire IslandSeveral thousand but exact population unknown.Lamu town is an old, Swahili settlement where only foot, cycle and donkey traffic is allowed.
Fes el Bali, Fez, MoroccoThe Medina of Fes-el-Bali156,000 (2002), making it the most populated car-free district in the worldFes-el-Bali, the larger of the two medinas of Fes, is a nearly intact medieval city. The entire medina was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, with 13,380 historic buildings since enumerated in the course of a thorough GIS survey of the medina. There are reputed to be 10,539 retail businesses in the medina, which remains a prime commercial center of the city of Fes (population about 1,000,000). Fes-el-Bali's medieval streets are entirely inaccessible by automobile. Only foot, cycle, donkey and cart traffic is even possible. A few access streets for emergency vehicles are being built.[33]
Fes-el-Jdid, Fez, MoroccoThe Medina of Fes-el-Jdid>100,000Fes-el-Jdid was originally an extension of Fes-el-Bali, the larger of the two medinas of Fes, and therefore is structured very similarly. Alongside Fes-el-Bali, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, under the name 'Medina of Fez'. Fes-el-Jdid's streets tend to be narrower and less used than those of Jes-el-Bali, and similarly, only foot, cycle, donkey and cart traffic is seen within the medina.
Essaouira, MoroccoThe Medina of Essaouira (formerly Mogador)<77,000 (2014)The Medina of Essaouira, formerly called Mogador, is a well-looked-after walled city on the coast of Morocco, and was built in the 17th Century. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. While the medina's gates are wide enough to allow cars in, most of the narrow streets are inaccessible by car, and there is a ban on automobiles within the walls of the city. However, this rule is ignored by many, with mopeds being a fairly common sight and sound, and as a result, crashes involving pedestrians in the narrow streets are not uncommon. The few main streets wide enough to accommodate cars allow donkey and cart traffic as well as emergency vehicles, in addition to the bicycles and foot traffic permitted throughout the city.

The streets in Essaouira outside of the medina all accommodate for cars, being built far more recently.

Marrakesh, MoroccoMarrakesh SouksSimilarly to the other Moroccan cities on this list, only old sections of the city are car-free, namely the souks, or marketplaces located in the centre. The streets are only narrow enough for pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists, although it is not clear if motorcycles are permitted within the souks or not. The surrounding medina was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

The streets in Marrakesh outside of the souks, including some in the medinas, accommodate for cars.[34]

Meknes, MoroccoThe Medina of MeknesAn aging walled city with narrow streets, Meknes Medina is car-free due to the fact that it is mostly inaccesible to cars. However, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians and even donkeys and carts can traverse it. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, under the name 'Historic City of Meknes', in 1996.

The streets in Meknes outside of the medina all accommodate for cars.

Casablanca, MoroccoThe Medina of CasablancaSimilarly to the other Moroccan cities on this list, only the medina in the city is car-free, as the streets are only narrow enough for pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists. The surrounding medina was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

The streets in Casablanca outside of the Medina all accommodate for cars.

Chaouen, MoroccoThe Medina of Chaouen<42,000Similarly to the other Moroccan cities on this list, only the medina in the city is car-free, as the streets are only narrow enough for pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists. The Medina is notably painted blue.

Most of the streets in Chaouen outside of the Medina, as well as a few within, accommodate for cars.

Tangier, MoroccoThe Medina of TangierSimilarly to the other Moroccan cities on this list, only the medina in the city is car-free, as the streets are only narrow enough for pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists.

Most of the streets in Tangier outside of the Medina, as well as a few within, accommodate for cars.

Tripoli, Libya Old City The old city is the most popular tourist destination in Libya, it consists of large number of traditional shops, and a national museum.

Kazakhstan

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
AlmatyZhibek ZholyShopping and tourist area

Lebanon

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
TripoliOld City100,000The old city of Tripoli consists of narrow alleys and stairs that do not accommodate cars. In addition to the old city, a group of activists has launched a campaign "Towards a CAR-FREE city in Mina Tripoli".
BeirutDowntown BeirutN/AThe area is filled with shops, restaurants and cafes.

Vietnam

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
Phú QuốcIsland90,000 (2013)[35]largest island in the Gulf of Thailand. Officially car-free, and the regulation is largely respected.[36]

Thailand

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
Islands in the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman SeaSeveral large and smaller islandThousandsSeveral island are not accessible to cars, but the large ones may have motorbike tracks.

Malaysia

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
Perhentian Islandstwo inhabited islandsseveral thousandpopular tourist destination

Indonesia

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
Gili IslandsInhabited islandsseveral thousandpopular tourist destination

China

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
Discovery Bay, Hong KongModern residential development set on the northeastern coast of Lantau Island14,300Private cars are prohibited on the road network in Discovery Bay; however buses and delivery vehicles as well as vehicles owned by the developer are allowed. Residents travel internally via the bus network or a controlled number of private golf carts; and commute externally via the ferry or external bus service which connects with the mass transit systems in Hong Kong.
Ma Wan, Hong KongEntire island dominated by Park Island residential development15,700Private cars are prohibited on the island, which has road connections to the Lantau Link; however buses and delivery vehicles as well as vehicles owned by the developer are allowed. Residents commute externally via the ferry or external bus service which connects with the mass transit systems in Hong Kong.
Cheung Chau, Hong KongEntire island30,000No full size automobiles allowed. A few miniature emergency vehicles exist as do small utilitarian vehicles. Residents walk, via an extensive and well-maintained network of trails. Ferries take residents to the rest of Hong Kong.
Lamma Island, Hong KongThird largest island in Hong Kong6,000No full size automobiles allowed, except for the area within the Hong Kong Electricity power station. A few miniature emergency vehicles exist as do small utilitarian vehicles. Residents walk, via an extensive and well-maintained network of trails. Ferries take residents to and from the two largest settlements to the rest of Hong Kong.
Dayan Old Town, Lijiang City, Yunnan, ChinaTourist area of Lijiang City?Cars are prohibited in this section of Lijiang; however, given the cobblestone paths, bridges and network of waterways, driving would be impossible anyway. Though tourism is the dominant economic activity, the residents here rely on foot, basket, and trike to keep the area functioning. Called the "Venice of the East" by some.
Gulangyu, Xiamen, Fujian, ChinaSmall Island near Xiamen16000All vehicles, including bicycles, are banned on the island, with some electric vehicles circulating for tourist transit and emergency services.

Japan

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
Pontocho & Nishiki Market, Kyoto, JapanCentral market district?Three covered pedestrian streets (Nishiki, Teramachi, Shinkyogoku) and several open-air, pedestrian-only streets, including main food market and shopping streets.
Heiwa-dōri, Naha, JapanOff Kokusai DoriNetwork of open-air, pedestrian-only streets, featuring restaurants, bargain shops aimed at locals as well as tourist-oriented shops.
Tokyo, JapanAsakusa, Sensō-ji, Nakamise-dōri?Pedestrian only shopping area in front of Sensoji temple.
Tokyo, JapanHarajuku, Takeshita Street?Pedestrian only shopping district near Meiji Shrine and Harajuku station.
Ehime, JapanAoshima60,49 km2 Island, Paradise for catlovers
Nagasaki, JapanSaganoshima1613,18 km2 Island without personal cars, only public Minibus service
Kyoto, JapanHigashiyama District?Preserved historic district near Kiyomizu-dera.

India

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
Fazilka,[37] IndiaCity Centre Clock Tower90,000Established in the year 1844, Punjab State's First Planned town on Grid Iron Pattern, has a City Centre Clock Tower. In the year 2008, the city center main commercial area declared 'Car Free Zone'". Fazilka is India's first car-free city.
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, IndiaMall Road?Automobiles, except emergency vehicles are not allowed on this road. Mall road is the main street of Shimla, a popular tourist spot in the town with a number of stores, cafés and restaurants.
Matheran, Maharashtra, IndiaHill Station5,139Automobiles are not allowed to keep the area pollution free.Residents and tourist both rely on horses or have to walk by foot. However the paths for walking being as wide as roads emergency vehicles like police cars, ambulances etc. are allowed.
Elephanta Island, Maharashtra, IndiaIsland1,200Automobiles are not allowed on island to keep the area pollution free. Residents and tourist reach island on boat and then have to walk by foot. There is small miniature train which takes tourists from pier to steps of historic caves.[38]

Israel

Shenkin Street
Sarona
Nahalat Binyamin
Car-free places in Tel Aviv
Ben Yehuda Street
Old City
Car-free places in Jerusalem
LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
East JerusalemOld City35,000Most of the old walled city is a maze of interesting alleys and narrow streets accessible only to foot traffic. Small motorised "mini-tractors" are permitted for goods delivery. Previously the area was truly car-free when donkeys were used for goods delivery, but they are now banned because of the associated hygiene problems.
Jerusalem, IsraelBen Yehuda StreetN/APart of this central thoroughfare was pedestrianized in the 1980s and has since become a major commercial center.
Tel Aviv, IsraelNahalat Binyamin Street432,900This is a pedestrianized street lined by shops and cafes, which hosts a weekly arts fair.
Tel Aviv, IsraelShenkin Street (from Allenby Street to Ahed HaAm)This is a pedestrianized street lined by shops and cafes, was closed to vehicular traffic in November 2011 and a Pedestrian Mall is under construction. Completion is expect by the Summer of 2012.
Tel Aviv, IsraelSaronaAn old German Templar colony restored into a car-free, well groomed park, with shops, restaurants and kids playgrounds.

United Arab Emirates

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
Masdar City, Abu DhabiNew, purpose-built sustainable city75,000Under construction in 2010, due to open in 2016. Home to the nation's new sustainability institute.

Nepal

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
Bhaktapur, NepalEntire townAround 70,000A brick-paved historical culture town and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Formally, motorized traffic is banned, but the law is not enforced. As a result, motorcycles and (to a lesser extent) larger vehicles are seen along the main streets.

New Zealand

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
TokelauPacific island1466 permanent residentsAlthough cars are allowed on the islands, due to its limited development, only 4 cars are present on the whole of the 4 islands.[39]

Australia

LocationAreaPopulationCharacter
Rundle Mall, AdelaideSection of Rundle Street, 320m long, in the heart of Adelaide's CBD. Largest urban pedestrian area in the southern hemisphere.No private or transit vehicles allowed, only the emergency or construction vehicles.
Rottnest Island, Western AustraliaTourist island300 permanent residentsNo cars allowed on island, all transport is on foot, bicycle or the regular bus service.
Maria Island, TasmaniaTourist island15 permanent residentsNo cars allowed on island, all transport is on foot or bicycles. Park rangers are only permanent residents.
Shield & Lake Street, Cairns City Centre, Queensland Shopping area & Transit hub No private vehicles allowed in Shield Street area: intersects Lake Street (which allows all traffic). Bus lines run through Lake Street, bicycle stands throughout.
Esplanade, Cairns, Queensland Recreation & Transit hub No private vehicles allowed, dedicated cycling lanes & pedestrian boulevards, with a public swimming pool and multiple exercise stations. Transit hub for bus & marina.
Green Island, Queensland Tourist island & National Park 1 semi-permanent resident (park ranger) No cars allowed, helicopter access via helipad on southern side of the island, for transit and emergency access. Island contains a resort: majority of transport is on foot (few electric carts are used for emergencies and maintenance work).
Elizabeth Street Mall, Hobart, TasmaniaShopping area.No cars allowed, all transport is on foot.
Brisbane Street Mall, Launceston, TasmaniaShopping area.No cars allowed, all transport is on foot.
Rooke Street Mall, Devonport, TasmaniaShopping area.No cars allowed, all transport is on foot.
Lord Howe Island, New South WalesTourist island350 permanent residentsA small number of resident permits, however most transport is on foot or bicycles.
Melbourne city centre (some areas)Bourke Street Mall and large number of city laneways including Block Arcade, Royal Arcade, Degraves Lane, QV, City Square and Federation Square. Home to growing residential population.[40][41]20,000 permanent residents. Thousands of workers and tourists.No private cars, some exemptions for Swanston Street. Bicycles not allowed on Bourke Street Mall.
Civic Square, Canberra ACTCentral shopping area from Civic Bus Interchange, all the way down to Glebe Park, Canberra. Includes Garema Place and Petrie Plaza. Until recently, Civic Bus Interchange was also a Shared Zone, however shared zone signs have now been removed and replaced with standard 20 km/h speed limit signs, thus removing right of way for pedestrians.No private cars. An area frequented by tourists, students and shoppers. Plenty of bike parking exists.
Queen Street Mall, Brisbane QueenslandCentral shopping area, connects with King George SquareNo private cars. Underground busway.
Sydney central business district (some areas)Central shopping area. Pitt Street Mall, Martin Place and tourist precinct Darling Harbour, New South Wales. Much of George Street, Sydney soon to become car-free.[42]Some ferries and trams.
Dangar Island, New South WalesIsland.303No private cars allowed, most transport is on foot, bicycle or wheelbarrow.
Falls Creek, Victoria (winter only)Snowsports resort252Roads in the town area are closed to cars during the snow season, but open to snowmobiles and snowcats. Snowsport riders often use the roads to access pistes.

See also

References

  1. "Portale Istituzionale del Comune di Parma - Comune - Dati statistici". www.comune.parma.it. Retrieved 2017-04-10.
  2. "Urbanistički plan uređenja Zlarina" (PDF) (in Croatian). City of Šibenik. April 2009. Retrieved 2013-06-05.
  3. "silba.aventin.hr" (in Croatian). Retrieved 2014-05-29.
  4. Carfree France
  5. Carfree France
  6. Carfree France
  7. Carfree France
  8. Carfree France
  9. Carfree France
  10. Carfree islands
  11. "Un plan climat met Paris sur la voie de la neutralité carbone".
  12. Monheim, R. (1997). "The Evolution from Pedestrian Areas to 'Car-free' City Centres in Germany". In Tolley, R. (ed.). The greening of urban transport : planning for walking and cycling in Western cities (2nd ed.). Chichester: Wiley. pp. 253–265.
  13. "Topography: The Garden City Piesteritz". BR Online (in German). November 26, 2000. Archived from the original on November 6, 2001.
  14. "THE CARFREE SETTING ON THE SAARLANDSTRASSE". autofreieswohnen (in German). Archived from the original on August 4, 2004.
  15. "Living without a car in Munich". Wohnen Ohne Auto (in German). Archived from the original on August 18, 2004.
  16. "The car-free settlement Weißenburg in Münster". Gartensiedlung (in German). October 14, 2011. Archived from the original on May 5, 2012.
  17. "Statistics on Como population" (PDF).
  18. Gemeente Groningen, 2008. Statistisch Jaarboek
  19. http://www.porto.pt/assets/misc/documentos/2020/Mobilidade/Zonas%20pedonais%20tempor%C3%A1rias.pdf
  20. Kazandžijsko sokače Archived 2011-03-20 at the Wayback Machine
  21. Barcelona city council webpage - data from 2007
  22. "Members to vote on enlarged Chester pedestrian zone". Place North West. 12 February 2014. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  23. Mapa Turístico - Ilha Grande Archived 2009-01-23 at the Wayback Machine
  24. Bogotá's green revolution Archived 2007-03-21 at the Wayback Machine
  25. The Politics of Happiness Archived 2006-11-30 at the Wayback Machine
  26. "Una calle más para peatones del Centro Histórico - Animal Político". www.animalpolitico.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 2018-01-17.
  27. What happened when Oslo decided to make its downtown basically car-free?
  28. What happens when a city bans cars from its streets?
  29. Oslo Is (Almost) Car-Free — And Likes It That Way
  30. "Canal Walk". Visit Indy. Retrieved 2014-08-20.
  31. McManus, Melanie Radzicki. "No cars allowed: Michigan's Mackinac is an island of bicycles". Star Tribune. Retrieved 5 August 2020.
  32. The book of cities by Philip Dodd
  33. carfree.com by J.H. Crawford
  34. carfree.com by J.H. Crawford
  35. "Phu Quoc Island: Trouble in Paradise". The Ecologist. Retrieved 2018-01-17.
  36. Planet, Lonely. "Phu Quoc Island travel - Lonely Planet". Lonely Planet. Retrieved 2018-01-17.
  37. "Fazilka: Come Without Your Car – Carbusters". carbusters.org. Retrieved 2018-01-17.
  38. Elephanta island on Lonely Planet
  39. "Tokelau looks to independence". The Sunday Star-Times. October 21, 2007. Retrieved October 15, 2011.
  40. "Melbourne: A Pedestrian Paradise". Streetfilms.
  41. The Age, January 27, 2010
  42. "George Street - City of Sydney". www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved 2018-01-17.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.