Top 18 Scenic City Routes to Train for a 5K as a New Runner
Lacing up your running shoes for the first time is a thrilling mix of excitement and intimidation. The goal of conquering your first 5K is a fantastic motivator, but let's be honest: the early days of training can feel like a grind. Pounding the same boring pavement around your neighborhood or staring at a gym wall on a treadmill can quickly zap your enthusiasm.
But what if your training runs felt less like a chore and more like an adventure? The secret to staying motivated, especially as a new runner, is finding a route that inspires you. A path with a stunning view, a peaceful atmosphere, or a vibrant city buzz can transform your mindset, making you forget about the burn in your legs and focus on the beauty around you. A great route makes you want to run.
That's why we've curated this list of the top 18 scenic city routes from around the world, specifically chosen with new runners in mind. These spots are not just beautiful; they are generally flat, safe, well-maintained, and offer a perfect 5K distance or an easily adaptable loop. Get ready to turn your 5K training into a sightseeing tour.
1. The Lakefront Trail, Chicago, USA
Why it’s great: Imagine running with the vast, sparkling expanse of Lake Michigan on one side and Chicago's iconic, towering skyline on the other. This 18-mile paved path is a runner's paradise, offering some of the most breathtaking urban views in the world. For a new runner, the trail is a dream come true. It's almost entirely flat, clearly marked with mileage, and dotted with water fountains and restrooms.
Pro-Tip: Start your 5K training near the Museum Campus. You can create a simple out-and-back route heading north. This section provides an unparalleled view of the skyline, especially during sunrise or sunset. The path is wide and bustling with fellow runners and cyclists, creating a safe and energetic atmosphere that will carry you through your toughest miles.
2. Marina Bay Waterfront, Singapore
Why it’s great: This is urban running at its most futuristic and spectacular. A 5K loop around Marina Bay takes you past architectural marvels like the Marina Bay Sands, the ArtScience Museum, and the Gardens by the Bay. The entire route is a flat, immaculately maintained promenade, perfect for a smooth, distraction-free run. It’s a feast for the eyes, especially at night when the city lights up.
Pro-Tip: The classic loop around the bay is just over 3.5km, so adding a short detour over the Helix Bridge and back is a perfect way to hit your 5K goal. As our own Goh Ling Yong will tell you, the best time to run is early in the morning to beat the heat and humidity. You’ll be rewarded with a serene atmosphere and a stunning sunrise behind the cityscape.
3. Central Park Reservoir Loop, New York City, USA
Why it’s great: Running in Central Park is a quintessential NYC experience. While the park has many hills, the 1.58-mile (2.54km) loop around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir is almost perfectly flat. The soft, cinder path is easy on the knees, and the views across the water to the Midtown and Upper West Side skylines are simply iconic.
Pro-Tip: Two laps of the reservoir gets you right to the 5K mark. The path has a designated direction for runners, which helps with traffic flow and makes it less intimidating for beginners. After your run, you have the entire park to cool down and explore. It’s a slice of tranquility in the heart of the world’s busiest city.
4. Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens, London, UK
Why it’s great: For a dose of royal scenery, there's no better place than a run through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. These two connected Royal Parks offer a vast network of flat, wide paths, allowing you to create a beautiful 5K route that takes you past landmarks like the Serpentine Lake, Kensington Palace, and the Albert Memorial.
Pro-Tip: A fantastic 5K route is to start at Hyde Park Corner, run along the south side of the Serpentine, cross into Kensington Gardens, loop around the Round Pond in front of the palace, and head back. The lush greenery, manicured gardens, and peaceful atmosphere make it a perfect escape from the city bustle.
5. Stanley Park Seawall, Vancouver, Canada
Why it’s great: The Stanley Park Seawall is legendary among runners for a reason. This paved path offers a stunning panorama of the Pacific Ocean, the mountains of the North Shore, and the Vancouver skyline. The section from the Vancouver Rowing Club to Third Beach is relatively flat and provides non-stop, jaw-dropping views.
Pro-Tip: The full seawall is 10km, but you can easily craft a 5K out-and-back route. Start near the entrance at Georgia Street and run towards the Brockton Point Lighthouse. The path is divided for cyclists and pedestrians, making it safe and organized. The fresh sea air and awe-inspiring scenery are the ultimate motivation.
6. Charles River Esplanade, Boston, USA
Why it’s great: This stretch of parkland along the Charles River is the heart and soul of Boston's running community. The paved, flat paths offer beautiful views of the river, with the Cambridge and Boston skylines as your backdrop. You'll see sailboats and rowers on the water and run across charming footbridges.
Pro-Tip: A simple 5K can be achieved by running from the Hatch Shell towards the BU Bridge and back. The path is well-lit and always populated with other people exercising, making it feel very safe. In the spring and summer, the route is lined with blooming flowers, adding another layer of beauty to your run.
7. Vondelpark, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Why it’s great: Amsterdam's most famous park is a green oasis perfect for beginner runners. A full loop of Vondelpark is about 3.3km, making it easy to measure your distance. The paths are flat and weave through beautiful gardens, past ponds, and under shady trees. The vibe is relaxed and quintessentially Dutch.
Pro-Tip: To make a 5K, complete one full loop and then add a smaller inner loop or an out-and-back spur. The park has several cafes where you can grab a post-run coffee. It’s a wonderful place to soak in local life while getting your miles in.
8. Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, Australia
Why it’s great: It doesn't get more scenic than this. Situated right on the Sydney Harbour, a run through the Royal Botanic Gardens provides world-class views of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. The paths wind through exotic plants and manicured lawns, offering a peaceful and visually stunning experience.
Pro-Tip: Create a route that follows the water's edge from the Andrew "Boy" Charlton Pool towards Mrs Macquarie's Chair. This vantage point offers the definitive postcard view of Sydney. The terrain has some gentle, rolling inclines, which are perfect for introducing a little bit of challenge as you get stronger.
9. The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, USA
Why it’s great: Yes, you can actually run across it! Running across the Golden Gate Bridge is a bucket-list experience. The pedestrian path on the east side of the bridge is 1.7 miles (2.7km) one way. The view of the city, Alcatraz, and the bay is simply unparalleled.
Pro-Tip: An out-and-back run across the bridge is just over a 5K. Be prepared for the wind and fog, which are part of the classic San Francisco experience. The path can get crowded with tourists, so going early in the morning on a weekday is your best bet for a smoother, more enjoyable run. The incline on the bridge is very gradual, making it manageable for new runners.
10. Tempelhof Field, Berlin, Germany
Why it’s great: Where else can you run down an airport runway? The former Tempelhof Airport is now a massive public park, offering a unique and incredibly spacious place to run. The main runway and taxiways provide a perfectly flat, wide-open surface. It’s a surreal experience running on the vast expanse of tarmac, with the historic terminal building in the background.
Pro-Tip: A loop around the entire perimeter of the field is about 6km, so you can easily cut a corner to create a perfect 5K. The sheer size of the park means it never feels crowded. It’s an ideal spot for focusing on your pace and form without worrying about obstacles.
11. East Coast Park, Singapore
Why it’s great: For a run with a sea breeze, East Coast Park is the go-to destination in Singapore. This coastal park features a dedicated, flat, and well-paved track that stretches for over 15km. You'll run under the shade of palm trees with beautiful views of the Singapore Strait.
Pro-Tip: Pick any of the car parks as your starting point and just run 2.5km out and 2.5km back. The park is equipped with numerous restrooms and water coolers, making it incredibly convenient for runners. We find it’s a favorite spot for many local running clubs, so the supportive atmosphere is a great bonus.
12. Jardin des Tuileries & River Seine, Paris, France
Why it’s great: Feel like you're running through a movie set with this Parisian route. Start in the formal, beautiful Jardin des Tuileries, with its gravel paths and stunning fountains. Then, continue along the pedestrianized quay of the River Seine. You’ll run past the Louvre, under romantic bridges, and get a fantastic view of the Eiffel Tower in the distance.
Pro-Tip: A run from one end of the Tuileries to the other and then along the Seine towards Pont Neuf and back is an easy and incredibly scenic 5K. The paths are flat and offer a mix of garden tranquility and vibrant city energy. An early morning run here, before the city fully wakes up, is pure magic.
13. Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail, Austin, USA
Why it’s great: This trail is the heart of Austin's active culture. The 10-mile loop around Lady Bird Lake (a reservoir on the Colorado River) offers a fantastic running experience. The path is mostly flat, with a mix of crushed granite and paved surfaces that are gentle on your joints. You get great views of the downtown Austin skyline reflecting on the water.
Pro-Tip: The 3-mile loop using the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge and the South First Street Bridge is a perfect, self-contained 5K route for beginners. You're never far from a water fountain or a great view, and you’ll be surrounded by the motivating energy of hundreds of other runners, walkers, and cyclists.
14. Imperial Palace East Garden, Tokyo, Japan
Why it’s great: Running around the perimeter of the Imperial Palace is a beloved ritual for Tokyo's runners. The 5km loop is a perfect, naturally measured course. The path is wide, well-maintained, and offers a fascinating contrast between the historic palace moats and walls on one side and the modern skyscrapers of Marunouchi on the other.
Pro-Tip: The course is marked, and there are unofficial rules of the road (run counter-clockwise!). The lack of traffic lights makes for an uninterrupted run. There are several runner-support facilities nearby where you can rent lockers and use showers for a small fee, making it incredibly convenient.
15. Alki Beach Trail, Seattle, USA
Why it’s great: This 2.5-mile paved path in West Seattle offers some of the best views in the city. As you run, you'll see the full Seattle skyline, including the Space Needle, across the glistening waters of Elliott Bay. On a clear day, the snow-capped Olympic Mountains provide a majestic backdrop.
Pro-Tip: A simple out-and-back run on the trail is a perfect 5K. The path is completely flat, making it ideal for beginners working on their endurance. The salty sea air and the sound of the waves create a calming, meditative running experience. Reward yourself with a coffee from one of the many cafes along the beach post-run.
16. The Bund, Shanghai, China
Why it’s great: The Bund is Shanghai's famous waterfront promenade, offering an incredible juxtaposition of history and modernity. On one side of the Huangpu River, you have the classic, European-style colonial buildings. On the other, the futuristic, neon-lit skyline of Pudong, including the Oriental Pearl Tower. Running here feels like time-traveling.
Pro-Tip: The main promenade is about 1.5km long. A couple of out-and-back laps will easily get you to 5K. Go at dawn to see the city come to life and share the space with locals practicing Tai Chi. It’s an unforgettable cultural and running experience rolled into one.
17. Griffith Park, Los Angeles, USA
Why it’s great: While known for its challenging hiking trails, Griffith Park also offers flatter options perfect for new runners. The Crystal Springs Drive loop provides a paved, relatively flat 5K route that takes you past the golf course, the zoo, and through beautiful, shaded sections. You get a sense of nature without ever leaving the city.
Pro-Tip: Park near the Merry-Go-Round and use that as your start and finish line. This route is a local favorite and is well-populated, so it feels safe. You might even spot the Hollywood Sign through the trees, reminding you that you're training in the entertainment capital of the world.
18. Mount Royal Park, Montreal, Canada
Why it’s great: Don't let the "Mount" in the name scare you. While the park does feature a mountain, the main path circling its base, the Olmsted Trail, is a wide, crushed-gravel path with a very gentle, manageable grade. It’s a beautiful, forested escape right in the middle of the city.
Pro-Tip: Start at the George-Étienne Cartier Monument and follow the main path. A simple out-and-back for 2.5km each way will give you a great 5K workout. The shade from the trees makes it a perfect place to run on a warm day, and the peaceful environment will make your training feel like a refreshing retreat.
Your Adventure Awaits
Choosing to train for a 5K is a fantastic first step on your running journey. The next step is to make that journey enjoyable, and the right route can make all the difference. Ditching the boring and embracing the beautiful will keep you motivated, inspired, and eager to lace up your shoes day after day.
Use this list as inspiration. Find a park, a waterfront, or a historic path near you that excites you. The goal is to build a habit you love, not one you endure.
Now we want to hear from you! What are your favorite scenic routes for a run in your city? Share your local gems in the comments below to help and inspire fellow runners
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
Stay updated with the latest posts and insights by following on your favorite platform!