Want to join in European Car Free Day? The aim of this initiative held every 22 September is to raise awareness about climate change by encouraging people to make their routine journeys on foot, by bike or by public transport. This year, as well as leaving your car at home, we invite you to inject some fun into it: get away to the European cities that are implementing policies to favour pedestrians and take a quiet stroll through the streets without worrying about the traffic.

• Oslo

In 2019 Oslo will become the first car free city. Only residents will be allowed to drive into the city centre. The aim is not only to reduce pollution but to improve the quality of life for citizens by making the city more inclusive and increasing the number of green spaces. The tram and underground systems are already powered with renewable energies. Oslo wants to become the European benchmark in sustainable mobility.

• Dubrovnik

Known as the pearl of the Adriatic, this city is regarded by many as the great treasure of the Balkans. It has lovingly preserved all the charm of its old town: the red roofs, the stone and marble-paved streets, and monuments like the Clock Tower and Onofrio Fountain. And one of the reasons why this conservation has been so successful is undoubtedly the ban on vehicles inside the area protected by the city's famous walls.

• Venice

A picturesque city to discover on foot or by taking a ride on a gondola through the canals (tradition never goes out of style). But if you were thinking of driving into the city centre, you'll have to think again because cars are banned. Leave your vehicle at the large car park in Piazzale Roma.

• Freiburg

The old part of this medieval city in southern Germany (just 50 minutes from Basel airport) has banned the use of cars and most of the residents get around on foot or by bike. The Vauban district in the south of the city was planned around policies to preserve the environment, with energy-efficient buildings, pedestrian streets and a firm commitment to public transport.

• Amsterdam

As everyone knows, the Dutch capital is a cyclist's paradise, with bikes providing the most popular means of transport for getting about the city. According to a recent study, 75% of all journeys in the city are made by bike. Optimal geographical conditions with smooth, flat expanses and mobility policies to encourage the use of public transport have turned Amsterdam into a model for many other cities.