13 World Places Where You Won’t See a Car on the Street

In a world where cities are often gridlocked with traffic and the sound of honking horns fills the air, some places have taken a different approach. These destinations embrace a simpler, quieter way of life, where pedestrians, bicycles, boats, and even donkeys take the place of motor vehicles.

Whether it’s for historical preservation, environmental conservation, or just a desire to maintain an old-world charm, these spots offer a unique travel experience unlike anywhere else. Let’s take a journey through 13 remarkable places where cars are left behind.

1. Mackinac Island, USA

Tucked away in Lake Huron, Michigan, Mackinac Island is a place where the clip-clop of horse hooves replaces the roar of engines. Since 1898, motor vehicles have been completely banned, preserving the island’s peaceful, old-fashioned charm.

Visitors navigate its scenic streets by bicycle, on foot, or via horse-drawn carriages, making every trip feel like a step back in time. The absence of cars means cleaner air, quieter roads, and an atmosphere unlike any other tourist spot.

From Fort Mackinac to the stunning Arch Rock, exploring the island without traffic is a treat. Whether it’s pedaling past Victorian-era homes or taking a carriage ride through lush landscapes, this no-car haven is a true gem of the Great Lakes.

2. Venice, Italy

Venice isn’t just known for its romantic canals—it’s one of the world’s most famous car-free cities. Built on a network of over 100 small islands, its labyrinth of narrow streets and winding waterways makes cars impractical, if not impossible.

Here, boats, water taxis, and the iconic gondolas rule the roads—or, more accurately, the water. The lack of automobiles preserves the city’s historic beauty, allowing visitors to soak in the ambiance of grand palazzos and charming bridges without the din of modern traffic.

Instead of traffic lights, Venice has gentle waves lapping against the docks. Getting lost in its maze-like streets is part of the magic, leading to hidden cafés, cozy piazzas, and stunning views around every corner.

3. Zermatt, Switzerland

Nestled at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt is a Swiss Alpine dreamland—and a car-free one at that. The town has strictly banned cars, keeping its air pristine and its charm intact.

Instead of gas-guzzling vehicles, the streets are filled with electric taxis, bicycles, and even horse-drawn carriages. This commitment to sustainability makes Zermatt one of the cleanest and most tranquil mountain destinations in the world.

Visitors can access world-class ski slopes, breathtaking hiking trails, and cozy Swiss chalets—all without the stress of traffic. The result? A town where the only thing rushing by is the occasional avalanche of fresh snow down the mountainside.

4. Lamu Island, Kenya

On the Kenyan coast lies Lamu Island, a UNESCO-listed treasure where donkeys, rather than cars, rule the streets. This ancient Swahili settlement has kept motor vehicles out entirely, ensuring its rich history and culture remain untouched.

Walking through Lamu feels like stepping into a different era, with its narrow alleys, traditional Swahili architecture, and vibrant marketplaces. Local transport consists of boats, bicycles, and the trusty donkeys that have served the island for centuries.

Beyond its streets, dhow boats glide across the crystal-clear waters, offering travelers a chance to experience a lifestyle where the ocean is the highway. Without cars, the island retains its laid-back atmosphere and close-knit community spirit.

5. Sark, Channel Islands

If you ever wanted to visit a place where modern noise pollution is practically non-existent, head to Sark, a tiny island in the English Channel. No cars, no streetlights, and no rush hour—just nature at its finest.

Residents and visitors get around using bicycles, horse-drawn carriages, or by simply walking. Even tractors, one of the few permitted vehicles, are used sparingly. The result? A tranquil, postcard-perfect destination with spectacular sea cliffs, hidden coves, and starry night skies untouched by light pollution.

Sark isn’t just charming—it’s one of the world’s only truly car-free inhabited islands, making it an idyllic retreat for those craving pure peace and quiet.

6. Giethoorn, Netherlands

Dubbed the “Dutch Venice,” Giethoorn is a fairytale village where roads are swapped for serene canals lined with charming thatched-roof cottages. There are no cars here—just whisper boats gliding through the water and bicycles rolling along narrow pathways.

This dreamy spot is one of the most peaceful places in Europe, with its lack of motor traffic adding to its storybook appeal. Wooden footbridges connect the homes, creating a cozy, slow-paced atmosphere that feels worlds away from city life.

For those looking to explore, renting a silent electric boat or a bicycle is the way to go. With every turn, there’s a picture-perfect view waiting to be captured.

7. Hydra, Greece

A trip to Hydra, one of Greece’s most picturesque islands, means leaving cars—and all motorized vehicles—behind. Here, donkeys, water taxis, and your own two feet are the only ways to get around.

The island’s steep, cobbled pathways wind through whitewashed houses and breathtaking sea views, leading to hidden cafes and historic mansions once home to Greek revolutionaries.

Without the rumble of engines, Hydra feels timeless and tranquil—a place where life moves at a leisurely pace, and the only sounds you’ll hear are waves lapping against the docks and the distant bray of a donkey.

8. La Cumbrecita, Argentina

Tucked in the Sierras de Córdoba, La Cumbrecita is Argentina’s first entirely pedestrian-only village. This charming town strictly prohibits cars, making it a haven for hikers and nature lovers.

The streets here are lined with alpine-style chalets, lush forests, and scenic mountain trails, offering a peaceful retreat into nature. Visitors can explore its crystal-clear streams, waterfalls, and quiet plazas, all without worrying about traffic.

La Cumbrecita is a paradise for those who prefer their vacations with a side of fresh mountain air and the kind of silence that lets you hear the wind rustle through the trees.

9. Fire Island, USA

Just off the coast of New York, Fire Island is a summer escape where cars are banned, and bicycles and wagons reign supreme. This beachy paradise is the kind of place where barefoot walks replace busy commutes.

With no traffic noise to drown out the sound of crashing waves, Fire Island offers a laid-back atmosphere that makes visitors feel like they’ve stepped into a simpler, more carefree world.

Ferries bring guests in, but once you’re on the island, it’s all about walking, biking, or hopping on an old-fashioned wagon to get around. The slower pace of life here is part of its enduring charm.

10. Medina of Chefchaouen, Morocco

In the heart of Morocco’s famous “Blue City,” Chefchaouen’s medina is strictly pedestrian-only. Its narrow, winding alleyways, painted in brilliant shades of blue, are too tight for cars, preserving the city’s timeless charm.

With no honking horns or rush-hour traffic, visitors can leisurely wander through vibrant markets, admire the stunning blue buildings, and soak in the city’s unique culture.

The lack of vehicles only adds to Chefchaouen’s dreamlike quality, making it one of the most magical destinations in North Africa.

11. Gulangyu Island, China

Just off the coast of Xiamen, China, Gulangyu Island is a peaceful retreat where cars are not allowed. This pedestrian-friendly island is known for its stunning colonial architecture, tranquil gardens, and lively cultural scene.

Since there are no motorized vehicles, the only way to explore is on foot or by bicycle, making it a haven for those seeking a slower pace of life. The island’s cobblestone streets, charming cafes, and historic mansions create an atmosphere straight out of a storybook.

With no car fumes or traffic noise, visitors can fully immerse themselves in Gulangyu’s beauty, enjoying ocean breezes and the sound of piano melodies drifting through the air—fitting, as the island is also known as China’s “Piano Island” due to its deep musical heritage.

12. Monemvasia, Greece

Perched on a massive rock off Greece’s Peloponnese coast, Monemvasia is a place where cars have no place—and that’s exactly how it should be. This ancient, walled town is only accessible via a single stone bridge, and once inside, it’s just narrow pathways, stone archways, and breathtaking sea views.

With no modern vehicles disrupting its medieval charm, visitors can wander through Byzantine churches, Venetian fortresses, and old-world tavernas, all while soaking in the untouched beauty of this coastal fortress.

Without cars, Monemvasia retains its enchanting, historical atmosphere, making it feel like a place frozen in time, where every street tells a story and every sunset over the Aegean is pure magic.

13. Auroville, India

Deep in the heart of southern India, Auroville stands as a fascinating experiment in utopian living, where cars are kept to a minimum in favor of a more sustainable and harmonious way of life. This unique township was designed to be a global community focused on peace, self-sufficiency, and ecological consciousness.

Instead of busy highways, Auroville’s streets are lined with lush greenery, solar-powered homes, and pathways made for walking and cycling. Residents move around using bicycles, electric scooters, or simply by foot, emphasizing a deeper connection to nature and community.

The centerpiece of Auroville is the Matrimandir, a stunning golden meditation dome, symbolizing the town’s vision of spiritual and environmental balance. Without cars crowding the streets, Auroville remains an oasis of calm, proving that a world less dependent on automobiles is entirely possible.