Top 10 most tranquil cities around the globe for slow travel in 2023

Top 10 most tranquil cities around the globe for slow travel in 2023

A new study from Travelbag uncovers the best holiday destinations if you're looking for some peace and quiet.

• Stockholm takes the top spot for the most tranquil city, followed by Copenhagen and Wellington

• Juneau, Alaska is the best US destination for peace and quiet, with the best air quality and lowest noise and light pollution levels

• To avoid tourists, head to Perth which has the fewest tourist arrivals per year (30,516)

'Slow travel' is surging in popularity after more and more of us opt for a more meaningful approach to travel, choosing quality over quantity on our cultural escapes. While it can be tempting to try to soak up as much as possible, where can you find the best slow travel hotspots around the world for the perfect calm and quiet break?

To help plan your next trip, Travelbag analysed over 80 of the world's most popular cities, taking into account metrics including population density, tourist numbers, noise and light pollution, and air quality to reveal the best cities around the world for a tranquil holiday. 

Stockholm ranks as the world's most tranquil holiday destination

Boasting fantastic air quality, serene scenery and one of the best happiness scores, Stockholm ranks as the number one most tranquil city in the world. Perfect for slow travel in Europe.

While Stockholm does have a bustling city centre, it also possesses many quieter spots – including lakes, walking trails and smaller neighbourhoods to stroll around. Nacka is a great example; the island is just a stone's throw away from the capital and offers a stunning array of 12 different nature reserves for visitors to relax in.

Copenhagen ranks in second place for slow travel, followed by New Zealand's capital city Wellington.

Wellington, the charming capital of New Zealand, it is a tranquil oasis that promises to soothe the soul. Tucked between lush green hills, it offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It also has the second-best air quality and fifth-lowest noise and light pollution score (37.90 out of 100) of all cities we researched. New Zealand is a great place for slow travel.

For breathtaking views of the city, take a ride on the Wellington Cable Car. You can also unwind at the golden-sand Oriental Bay beach or embark on a picturesque hike along the Southern Walkway trail – just one of over 380 trails available. 

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city (and the tourists), Wellington is the place for you, with the third-lowest number of tourists (761,203) per year. With so much beautiful scenery to take in – as well as a thriving café culture and reputation as New Zealand's culinary capital – Wellington is a peaceful paradise that offers a feast for the senses. 

Alaska's capital boasts the lowest noise and light pollution levels of all cities, making it the most tranquil US holiday destination

If you're looking for a truly peaceful and quiet holiday, Juneau may be the place for you. Alaska's capital city has a population density of just five people per km², as well as the lowest noise and light pollution of all cities with a score of just 16.67 out of 100.

The American travel experts from Travelbag say: "Juneau is a great destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts, as it's one of the best places to spot humpback and orca whales. The area also boasts an impressive population of brown bears, with expert tours available to see them in their natural habitat."

Cities with low levels of noise and light pollution are a great indication of peaceful and quiet destinations. What better way to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life than in cities where low levels of light pollution mean you can experience beautiful starry nights. Take a look at the top five cities below:

Manila and Mumbai among worst destinations for a tranquil holiday

Among the worst-ranking cities for a tranquil holiday are Manila, Mumbai, Cairo and Lima – which are unlikely to come as a surprise. Manila and Mumbai have the highest population density of all cities with 44,000 and 21,000 people respectively per km². 

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam 

In addition to a high population density, Mumbai also ranks second for the highest noise and light pollution levels, following closely behind Lima in first. And while the Vietnamese city Ho Chi Minh also ranks poorly for a quiet holiday, it does benefit from affordable accommodation at just under £40 per night (the fourth lowest of all cities).

 All images from Canva