Sunshine, Surfing, Spas and Stress-Free Living: These are the World’s Most Relaxing Cities for 2025
When you picture city life, chances are you think of skyscrapers, endless traffic and too much noise – not exactly the recipe for relaxation. But some cities are proving that urban living can be just as soothing as a beach escape.
To find out which cities truly deliver on the “chill” factor, international eSIM provider Holafly dug into the data. Their 2025 report ranked the world’s most relaxing cities, based on everything from sunshine hours and green spaces to spas, traffic levels and even how happy the locals are. The results? A global guide to the cities where slowing down comes naturally.
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Here are the top five most relaxing cities in the world for 2025
1. San Diego, USA
California dreaming made real. San Diego is sunshine, surfboards and a whole lot of stress-free living. With 266 parks and nature reserves, miles of gorgeous coastline, and 359 spas and wellness centres, the city is basically built for winding down. Locals live life outdoors – hiking trails at Torrey Pines, surfing at San Onofre, or simply soaking up those golden West Coast rays. No surprise it clinched the top spot.
2. Singapore
They don’t call it the “Garden City” for nothing. Singapore has transformed itself into a lush, futuristic oasis with 242 parks and 698 spas tucked among gleaming skyscrapers. Add its famously clean streets, forward-thinking green policies, and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, and you’ve got a city where even the busiest day feels surprisingly zen.
3. Vienna, Austria
Culture and calm go hand in hand in Vienna. The Austrian capital is packed with more than 100 museums and galleries, cosy coffee houses, and some of the cleanest air in Europe. It’s a place where “slow living” isn’t a buzzword – it’s baked into daily life. Spend an afternoon in a gallery, wander the Ringstrasse, or sip a melange in a café, and you’ll quickly see why Vienna is relaxation royalty.
4. Sydney, Australia
In Sydney, relaxation starts at sunrise. Locals hit the beach for surfing, swimming or coastal walks before most cities have even had their first coffee. With 239 parks, 2,468 hours of sunshine a year, and an unbeatable oceanfront lifestyle, this city is pure laid-back energy. Add world-class dining and an iconic skyline, and you’ve got a city break that doubles as a wellness retreat.
5. Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne may be Australia’s cultural capital, but it’s also a haven for anyone looking to switch off. The city boasts 215 parks, 249 spas, and more than 2,300 hours of sunshine annually – not to mention some of the best coffee on the planet. Pair that with a thriving food scene and laid-back neighbourhood vibes, and you’ve got a city that makes relaxation feel effortless.
The best of the rest
6. Berlin, Germany
7. Auckland, New Zealand
8. Portland, USA
9. Rome, Italy
10. Helsinki, Finland
11. Madrid, Spain
12. Barcelona, Spain
