These are the world’s most relaxing cities

The Serene Cities Index from MoneySuperMarket scores cities on factors including air, light and noise pollution, traffic congestion, average sunshine hours, and the happiness and friendliness of residents. 

Whether you’re looking to escape your high-stress job, you’re a parent looking to recharge, or you prefer a quieter destination to manage sensitivities to noise and crowds, the Serene Cities Index reveals the best cities in the world to relax and recharge.

MoneySuperMarket’s travel experts looked at 75 of the most popular city break destinations across the world to find the most de-stressing cities to relax and unwind.

Top 5 most serene cities

Reykjavik, Iceland

Serenity Index Score: 85.5/ 100

When it comes to a relaxing city break, Reykjavik in Iceland topped the list thanks to its high air quality, abundance of green space, low pollution levels, happy population and low traffic.

Full of rich cultural heritage, the modestly sized city is home to a range of attractions, including stunning sights across the nearby Golden Circle, whale watching, and the ability to experience the Northern Lights.

Scoring an impressive 85.5 out of a possible 100, the capital city performed strongly in every ranking factor in the index. However, its perks don’t come cheap, especially for those looking to sample Iceland’s nightlife where alcohol prices are some of the highest in Europe.

Tallinn, Estonia

Serenity Index Score: 82.3/ 100

Something of a hidden gem, Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, intertwines its UNESCO-listed Old Town’s medieval charm with Estonia’s modern, tech-driven society, giving visitors the best of both worlds overlooking the Baltic Sea.

Placing second on our list, Tallinn is a clean, quiet city which offers a vibrant cultural scene, efficient infrastructure, and thriving nightlife. Compared to Reykjavik, Tallinn is a more budget-friendly destination which provides stunning views and easy access to nature for those looking to relax and unwind on a city break.

Bergen, Norway

Serenity Index Score: 80.8/ 100

Boasting some of the cleanest air and lowest light pollution levels of any city on our list, Bergen is one of three Scandinavian countries to make the top five on our list of most serene city breaks.

Nestled between mountains and fjords, the city offers incredible vistas of both the sea and landscapes and is also home to UNESCO World Heritage site, Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf.

Like most of its Scandi neighbours, Norway is a relatively expensive country to visit. However, one thing would-be visitors to this serene city should bring is an umbrella, as Bergen is known as the “City of Rain”, boasting some of the highest rainfall in Europe.

Vienna, Austria

Serenity Index Score: 80.6 / 1000

Vienna, Austria’s urban jewel, marries its rich imperial legacy with a forward-looking tech scene. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town allows city breakers to explore modern art hubs like MuseumsQuartier, or dive into its musical history as the home of Mozart and Beethoven. Efficient transport makes sightseeing a breeze. From Baroque palaces to avant-garde galleries, Vienna delivers a cultured and diverse city break.

Vienna boasts grand palaces, including Schönbrunn, and historical landmarks such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Yet, it’s not just history, like Tallinn Vienna is a tech-savvy hub with artistic flair. Museums, traditional coffeehouses, and lively markets make for a varied trip, all while enjoying clean air, low traffic and tidy streets.

Stockholm

Serenity Index Score: 79.4 

Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, is a masterclass in Scandinavian chic. Its historic Gamla Stan (Old Town) boasts cobblestone streets and colourful facades. Spread across 14 islands, with boat trips and island-hopping, Stockholm offers diverse experiences, from trendy neighbourhoods to maritime adventures.

Stockholm combines Nordic design excellence and a vibrant arts scene. Museums like the Vasa Museum and, for music fans, ABBA: The Museum celebrate culture and history, with a bustling food and coffee scene in the city. Scoring strongly across every aspect of the serenity index, Stockholm can make for a serene, if like most of its Scandi neighbours, an expensive retreat. 

The top 10 most Serene Cities: