I first heard about the concept of a “15-minute city” while here in Bogota. It’s a concept I look for in every city I visit. A 15-minute city is essentially a city where you can walk to any everyday necessity – like a gym, supermarket, shopping mall, restaurant, nightlife spot – in 15-20 minutes. Bangkok, NYC, and London are some of the best examples of this concept.
But what about other cities that are walkable and still affordable to live? Montreal, Canada is one of the best cities in North America to experience a 15-minute city. Laureles in Medellin, Colombia is another great option. Mexico City has many neighborhoods like this, although it has become more expensive. Las Palmas in Gran Canaria is a great 15-minute city, as is Thessaloniki in Greece, Nice in France, Budapest, Split, Hanoi, Da Nang, Montevideo, and Yerevan in Armenia.
The best part about living in a 15-minute city is that you don’t have to spend time in traffic or waiting for public transportation. You can walk to the places you need to go and get there quickly. Plus, these cities are often much more affordable than their western counterparts, making them perfect for travelers who want to experience a different culture without breaking the bank.