Most relaxing city break in the world is a ‘stunning’ European capital
Cities across the world appeal to tourists for an array of different reasons, but Reykjavik has been deemed the top destination for travellers looking to relax.
City breaks are great for quick trips to new places and offer a number of different benefits for travellers with varying needs, depending on what type of holiday they are after.
Some places will have you walking upwards of 10 miles a day, which is ideal for budding hikers, whilst some destinations offer tourists a much more relaxing escape - perfect for those seeking a reset.
To determine which city is the most relaxing, the travel experts at MoneySuperMarket examined 75 of the world’s most popular city break destinations.
Each city was ranked across nine factors, including the happiness and friendliness of their residents, light and noise pollution, traffic congestion, and air quality to determine an overall Serene Cities Index Score.
British holidaymakers in search of a tranquil trip will be pleased to know that the top 10 most relaxing city break destinations are all in Europe, meaning you won’t have to break the bank on expensive long-haul flights.
1. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, has topped the list as the most relaxing city break destination in the world with a Serenity Index Score of 85.5/100 thanks to its high air quality, abundance of green space, low pollution levels, happy population and low traffic levels.
The stunning city is easy to navigate thanks to its modest size and is home to a number of unforgettable attractions including whale watching, the breathtaking Golden Circle, and the once in a life opportunity to experience the Northern Lights.
However, the perks of this picturesque place don’t come cheap, as Iceland’s prices are notoriously expensive.
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2. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is one of the most underrated cities in the world, with its UNESCO-listed Old Town one of the prettiest places on the planet.
Coming in at second place with a Serenity Index Score of 82.3/100, Tallinn is a clean and quiet city perfect for visitors looking to recharge their batteries.
It is also an incredibly affordable destination, so budget-constraints shouldn’t get in the way of holidaymakers looking to relax and unwind.
3. Bergen, Norway
Finishing in third place is a city home to some of the cleanest air and lowest light pollution levels of any city on the list - Bergen, Norway, with an overall Serenity Index Score of 80.8/100.
Located between Norway’s spectacular mountains and fjords, Bergen offers visitors awesome views of vast natural landscapes and the North Sea, as well as being home to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf.
Like most of its Scandinavian neighbours, Norway is a relatively expensive country to visit - which potential tourists should bear in mind when planning a trip. Another thing to consider is packing an umbrella, as Bergen is known as the ‘City of Rain’ thanks to it experiencing some of the highest rainfall in Europe.
The top 10 most relaxing city break destinations in Europe:
- Reykjavik, Iceland
- Tallinn, Estonia
- Bergen, Norway
- Vienna, Austria
- Stockholm, Sweden
- Vilnius, Lithuania
- Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Munich, Germany
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Dubrovnik, Croatia