1 Berlin, Germany

Berlin is a spectacular city to explore by foot but it is also big and very spread out. The good news is the public transport is pretty straightforward and reliable, so getting from one destination to the next shouldn’t be a hassle once you've done it a couple of times. I highly recommend joining up one of the many Berlin walking tours that are available. Running daily, these tours are led by knowledgeable local experts and take you to some of the most interesting sights around the city. It's a great way to get an insight into this incredible city's rich and fascinating history and enjoy entertaining commentary along the way.

2  Amsterdam, Netherlands

Flat as a Dutch pancake, Amsterdam is a winner for those with bad knees! To be honest, it’s a winner for anyone, captivating travellers with its vibrant culture, welcoming locals, and picturesque buildings and scenery. While it may be most famous for its “special” coffee houses, the sordid red light district, and the UNESCO-protected canals, Amsterdam offers so much more. Wander through the quaint and colourful neighbourhoods and you’ll discover everything from art museums to flower markets, antique stores to fashion boutiques, plus all manner of restaurants, bars and cafes. A forward-thinking liberal society that embraces modernity and change without forgetting its history or destroying it. If you need to take a break and rest the legs, there are plenty of benches dotted around the streets, the perfect place to sit down and soak up the atmosphere. There are also more than 30 parks to lay out a picnic reg, recharge the batteries, and plan the next part of your adventure. Amsterdam also offers a fantastic guided walking tour. The tour is free, and runs for about three hours.

3  Vientiane, Laos

This mainly flat, quite contained capital city doesn’t always make it onto travellers’ radars when in Asia, often overlooked for its larger and louder counterparts. The fact it’s one of the least populated capitals in Asia makes it ideal for walking, with plenty of space to comfortable explore the city and sights. It’s also a great place for some down time during a larger trip through Southeast Asia. Vientiane is diverse and unique, and has an array of Buddhist cultural attractions, museums and temples. Be sure to check out the Xieng Khouan Buddha Park – it’s part weird, part captivating. Almost as magical as the Buddhist culture that permeates throughout Vientiane is the French colonial influence that’s alive and well in the city. Enjoy a croissant for breakfast and a crispy baguette for lunch, before wandering the tree-lined streets to for a pic with the Patuxay Monument, known as the Arc de Triomphe of Asia. The older part of town is where you’ll find the real gems of French Colonial architecture, particularly along the river. Some buildings are crumbling, while others have been restored to their former glory. Just beyond the city you’ll find the Phou Khao Khouay National Park, populated with colourful flora and host of animal life, including gibbons, langurs, civets and native birds. Be sure to pay a visit to the Tad Leuk and Pha Xay waterfalls. They’re pretty spectacular, particularly if you’re visiting during the rainy season.

4 Canberra, Australia

A holiday doesn’t have to mean leaving the country. Canberra is super flat, it’s very well laid out and there are way less cars on the road than other major cities throughout Australia. All of this makes it a walker’s dream and a great getaway destination for older travellers or people with bad knees. That’s without mentioning the reasons to visit. Once simply seen as the place between Melbourne and Sydney where politicians go to battle, Canberra has now hit its stride. More and more award-winning restaurants and bars are opening their doors in the capital, while the list of things to do would excite most culture vultures. Just some ideas include the National Museum of Australia, National Portrait Gallery, Australian War Memorial, and Old Parliament House. Plus, if walking is your thing, a stroll around Lake Burley Griffin at sunrise is a great way to start the day.

5 Paris, France

The heart of Paris is relatively flat, making it fantastic to explore on foot. In fact, part of the Parisian magic is wandering down the narrow cobblestone laneways and traversing the bustling squares. However, what makes Paris even more wonderful for those with bad knees is the ease of the Metro, trains and buses. If ever you need a break from the pavement, or if you need to head out to the hillier outskirts of popular places such as Montemarte, public transport is readily available and easy to use.