“Soft travel”: Europe’s Most Relaxing City Breaks
As temperatures across Europe drop, many will switch a fortnight beach holiday for long weekends exploring new cities across the continent. With so many destination options, it can be difficult to decide where to go, especially if you are still looking to relax while away.
To determine the most relaxing city breaks, Lotus Car Rental analysed multiple metrics that could determine a sensory overload, including noise pollution, light pollution, population density, and air quality. Each city was then scored for each metric with the lower the score, the less sensory overwhelming the city.
Alexander Haraldsson, CEO of Lotus Car Rental, said: “With the growing awareness around mental well-being and the impact of our surroundings, we wanted to help travellers make informed decisions. Our research into the most sensory overwhelming countries aims to guide those looking to avoid environments that might feel too chaotic, so they can focus on enjoying a more serene and enjoyable travel experience.”
Top 10 least sensory overwhelming cities in Europe
| Rank | City | Country | Score |
| 1 | Stockholm | Sweden | 17.8 |
| 2 | Copenhagen | Denmark | 18.5 |
| 3 | Prague | Czech Republic | 18.7 |
| 4 | Vienna | Austria | 18.7 |
| 5 | Zurich | Switzerland | 19.0 |
| 6 | Dublin | Ireland | 20.5 |
| 7 | Budapest | Hungary | 20.6 |
| 8 | Lisbon | Portugal | 20.9 |
| 9 | Munich | Germany | 21.1 |
| 10 | Brussels | Belgium | 21.4 |
- Stockholm, Sweden
Topping the list as the least overwhelming and most relaxing city is Stockholm, Sweden. Stockholm is a Scandinavian gem set across 14 islands connected by 57 bridges. The city’s air is one of the cleanest in the world, ranking fourth on our list.Stockholm also ranked low for sound pollution (seventh lowest), light pollution (ninth lowest) and airport passengers (sixth lowest). With the average 10km journey across the city taking 15 minutes 30 seconds, the eighth fastest time.
Visitors looking for a slower sensory experience can stroll across this wondrous city, exploring open-air museums and locally sourced food without too many distractions.
- Copenhagen, Denmark
Our second least overwhelming city, Copenhagen, is the capital of Sweden’s neighboring country, Denmark. Ranking in the top 10 least air polluted, built-up and densely populated cities, the Danish capital also ranked within the top 10 best hearing population and the least light polluted location. Visitors to this city can explore at a calmer pace for a more relaxed break.
- Vienna, Austria
The capital of Austria, Vienna, ranks as our third least overwhelming city. Vienna also ranked in the top 10 least densely populated, built-up, light-polluted and humid locations, Vienna also takes the title as the location with the best rates of hearing among the population.
For holidaymakers looking for an altogether cultural yet serene escape, Vienna could be the perfect spot.
Top 10 most sensory overwhelming cities in Europe
| Rank | City | Country | Score |
| 1 | Paris | France | 27.9 |
| 2 | London | United Kingdom | 27.6 |
| 3 | Milan | Italy | 24.9 |
| 4 | Rome | Italy | 24.0 |
| 5 | Madrid | Spain | 24.0 |
| 6 | Antalya | Turkey | 23.8 |
| 7 | Athens | Greece | 23.3 |
| 8 | Barcelona | Spain | 23.1 |
| 9 | Berlin | Germany | 22.4 |
| 10 | Warsaw | Poland | 21.8 |
You can find the full study into the most overwhelming cities to visit, including those with the most noise and traffic here: https://www.lotuscarrental.is/blog/the-cheapest-and-most-expensive-car-parking-at-european-tourist-attractions