In a world where most travelers are searching for the ultimate way to unwind, it’s Sydney, Australia, that takes the crown as the planet’s most relaxing city. This new global ranking, released by travel insurance company PayingTooMuch, studied 50 cities across a range of “chilled-out” factors including noise and light pollution, the number of walking trails, happiness scores, and the quality of green spaces. The findings reveal that when it comes to taking a deep breath and truly relaxing, Sydney stands out above the rest.
According to the study, Sydney’s reputation as a city that blends urban energy with calm, natural beauty is well deserved. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the most walking trails of any city in the ranking, with highlights like the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk a stunning path that meanders between some of the city’s most famous beaches. Sydney also boasts nearly 400 parks, offering endless options for peaceful escapes amid palm trees and ocean breezes. The city’s happiness score of 1,567 out of 2,000 is the fourth-highest in the study, proving that locals are just as content as the travelers who flock here for a dose of sunshine and serenity.
Second place went to Vienna, Austria, which stands out for its exceptionally low noise and light pollution, as well as the high quality of its green spaces. Although Vienna has fewer parks and trails than some other cities, its parks are celebrated for their lush beauty, and the Vienna Mountains nearby provide plenty of opportunities for scenic hikes through valleys and forested ridges.
Melbourne, Australia, joined Sydney in the top three, thanks to its high happiness scores and abundant green spaces. Honolulu, Hawaii, took the fourth spot with 75 walking trails and its laid-back island lifestyle, while Amsterdam rounded out the top five with its famously cheerful residents and scenic urban parks.
For travelers seeking the ultimate place to unwind, these cities prove that relaxation is just a plane ride away.
