Running in the footsteps of riverside towns
Since the dawn of civilisation, rivers have formed the cradle of great cities. Whether as trade routes, sources of wealth, natural boundaries or simply features of the landscape, they have accompanied the development of cities and continue to shape their identity. From the two rivers that converge in Lyon to the banks of the Chao Phraya in Bangkok, each one tells a different story. For this new episode of our series ‘Running in the Footsteps of…’, JOOKS takes you on a journey through eight major cities where water plays a central role. A journey across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, set to the rhythm of the rivers.
Lyon
Two rivers, two atmospheres: in Lyon, the Rhône and the Saône frame the city and define its skyline. Since ancient times, their courses have been integral to trade and commerce, whilst their banks have gradually changed in character. The former port and industrial areas have given way to promenades and facilities ideal for both walking and running. From the quays of the Saône to the banks of the Rhône, the JOOKS routes allow you to discover this special relationship with the water, against a backdrop of the slopes of the Croix-Rousse, the silhouette of Fourvière and, further south, the Confluence.
Budapest
It is impossible to separate Budapest from the Danube. The river has historically divided Buda, situated on the hills, from Pest, which developed on the opposite bank, before the two were united in 1873. From the quays, the view sweeps from one side of the city to the other: the Parliament Building, Buda Castle, the Chain Bridge and other landmarks tell this shared history. For runners, the riverbanks also offer a superb route through the heart of the capital, whilst Margaret Island provides a greener respite in the middle of the river. It’s a way of exploring Budapest by following its true thread.
Cairo
Long before flowing through today’s vast metropolis, the Nile enabled people to settle and thrive in a valley surrounded by desert. The river remains an integral part of Cairo’s landscape today, contrasting with the density of the city that stretches along its banks. From the Corniche or Gezira Island, the water lends a different rhythm to the Egyptian capital. The JOOKS routes therefore allow you to discover Cairo from a different perspective, amidst the hustle and bustle of city life, the remnants of a history stretching back millennia, and the silhouettes of feluccas gliding along the river.
Bangkok
For centuries, Bangkok developed around the Chao Phraya River and a vast network of canals, the khlongs, which have profoundly shaped the city’s layout. Water was used for transport, trade and everyday life, to the extent that it contributed to the nickname ‘Venice of the East’ once given to the capital. Even today, boats and ferries bustle along the river, passing between temples, working-class neighbourhoods and skyscrapers. A boat trip in Bangkok thus offers striking contrasts: Wat Arun may come into view behind a traditional boat, only to give way to the modern skylines of the metropolis.
Osaka
Once known as the ‘kitchen of Japan’ due to its major role in the rice trade, Osaka owes part of its growth to its network of waterways. The River Yodo and the numerous canals criss-crossing the city once facilitated the transport of goods and linked the various neighbourhoods. This presence of water remains particularly evident around Nakanoshima and the River Okawa, where the quays now offer pleasant spaces for a run. Along a JOOKS route, the bustling metropolis thus reveals a more peaceful side, set against a backdrop of contemporary architecture, historic buildings and tree-lined banks.
Belgrade
At the tip of Belgrade, the Danube and the Sava converge before continuing their course eastwards. This strategic location partly explains the city’s historical importance, having been dominated for centuries by its fortress. Today, the confluence remains one of the city’s most iconic sights. From Kalemegdan, the two rivers stretch out before you, leading the way to the quays and leisure areas. To extend this connection with the water, some JOOKS routes also allow you to explore the banks of the Sava and their many areas dedicated to sporting activities.
Washington D.C.
The Potomac has been an integral part of the history of Washington D.C. and the US federal capital since its earliest days. Today, its banks offer an interesting contrast to the city’s vast, monumental vistas: from Georgetown or the riverside parks, the water opens up the landscape and allows you to view the Washington Monument or the Lincoln Memorial from a different angle. The paths running alongside the river are particularly popular for running and walking. It’s another way to explore the capital with JOOKS, leaving the main roads behind for a moment to follow the Potomac and its more natural scenery.
São Paulo
The Tietê tells a very different story from that of the other rivers in this selection. As São Paulo has grown, its course has been profoundly transformed and integrated into a metropolis dominated by road infrastructure. The river remains a prominent feature of the urban landscape today, even though its restoration is a major environmental challenge. Further south, the Rio Pinheiros is also undergoing development aimed at restoring a place for sustainable transport and recreational spaces. Exploring São Paulo with JOOKS therefore offers a glimpse of a city that is gradually seeking to reconnect with its waterways.
Find all these cities and over 500 other destinations on the JOOKS app!
Comments