Maybe you’re looking to explore, experience new cultures, or even just enjoy a break away from home for the first time in a while. At the same time, you might be searching for that perfect city, one that balances calm and serenity with the ideal recipe for wellness.
You wouldn’t be on your own. Globally, travellers have spent $894 billion in 2024 on wellness tourism; that is, travel associated with the pursuit of maintaining or enhancing one’s personal wellbeing. [1] It is an industry predicted to be worth around $1.35 trillion in 2028. [2]
In a bid to ensure that wellness-seekers can put their money where it’s deserved, we compiled a comprehensive index of the best wellness cities in Europe. The analysis ranks 100 of the highest-populated European cities in four key areas: travel, environment, refreshments, and wellness attractions, taking into account aspects such as noise and air pollution, the number of 4-star restaurants and spas per square mile, along with green spaces available.
Cities received high scores out of a possible 100 when conditions were ideal for relaxation.
Key findings:
- Geneva, Switzerland is the best European city for a wellness break with the highest overall score of 73.7 across environmental, travel and wellness factors.
- Following Geneva is Paris (71.7), Bordeaux (62.6), Athens (59.1) and Lisbon (56.5).
- Geneva is also home to the highest number of 4*+ rated spas per square mile of the city (8.06), followed by Paris (6.93) and Barcelona (5.27).
- Spain is home to five of the top 20 stress-free destinations, followed by three in France, three in Germany and two in the UK.
- Paris, France is home to the most choice of quality restaurants (rated 4*+) with 235.9 per square mile of the city.
- Sheffield, UK, ranks as the least relaxing city, scoring the lowest overall (24.6) due to limited green space, few wellness centres and higher pollution levels.
- The bottom five also include Basel, Switzerland (29.3), Padova, Italy (29.9) and Bristol, UK (30.0), all of which struggle with limited wellness infrastructure or challenging environmental conditions.
What is wellness tourism?
Wellness tourism refers to travel associated with maintaining or enhancing one’s personal wellbeing, according to the Global Wellness Institute, [1] and has grown following the increase in people concerned about their health and wellbeing since the pandemic. [3] Today, some travellers are no longer just looking for places to visit, they are actively seeking destinations that help them relax, reset and restore balance.
Is a wellness break just a spa break?
No, wellness travel is no longer solely dependent on being able to get a massage or a facial. [3] Many factors impact a traveller’s wellness, from how populated a city is, to the green space available, environmental aspects like pollution and then the more traditional wellness ideas such as access to quality restaurants or spas.
That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive wellness city break index, bringing all of these elements together to identify the destinations that offer the most stress-free city escapes in Europe.
Our research assessed a range of factors to evaluate each destination and produce an overall index score. These factors included travel convenience, measured by the average journey time from the airport to city centres and key tourist areas, and environmental quality, based on air, noise, light and water pollution levels, as well as annual sunshine hours.
We also analysed refreshments options, considering the number of 4* and above rated restaurants per square mile and the average cost of a mid-range meal for two, alongside attractions such as the availability of public green spaces per square mile and the number of 4* and above rated spas per square mile.
Each factor was given a score out of 100, allowing destinations to be compared on a like-for-like basis. These scores were then averaged to create an overall index score, which was used to rank each destination in the table below.
The top cities for a wellness break
From the serene streets of Geneva to refreshing breaks in Paris, these are the cities that stand out for their strong overall wellness offering, combining ease of travel, environmental quality, dining options and access to relaxing green spaces and spas. Below are the top cities for a wellness holiday, based on our overall index scores.
| Top 20 European Wellness City Breaks | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | City | Country | Travel Score | Environment Score | Refreshments Score | Wellbeing Attractions Score | Final score out of 100 |
| 1 | Geneva | Switzerland | 90.9 | 75.0 | 36.1 | 100.0 | 73.7 |
| 2 | Paris | France | 54.5 | 80.9 | 79.8 | 53.7 | 71.7 |
| 3 | Bordeaux | France | 82.9 | 83.7 | 48.5 | 24.4 | 62.6 |
| 4 | Athens | Greece | 65.9 | 70.2 | 59.4 | 33.5 | 59.1 |
| 5 | Lisbon | Portugal | 88.6 | 66.2 | 56.2 | 21.5 | 56.5 |
| 6 | Lyon | France | 77.2 | 68.9 | 52.2 | 24.9 | 56.3 |
| 7 | Bremen | Germany | 97.7 | 76.3 | 34.8 | 3.8 | 53.4 |
| 8 | Zaragoza | Spain | 93.2 | 73.1 | 42.6 | 2.3 | 52.8 |
| 9 | Gothenburg | Sweden | 88.6 | 82.1 | 25.1 | 3.0 | 52.6 |
| 10 | The Hague | Netherlands | 70.4 | 77.3 | 28.2 | 12.7 | 51.3 |
| 11 | Murcia | Spain | 85.2 | 68.3 | 43.1 | 5.0 | 50.5 |
| 12 | Leipzig | Germany | 81.8 | 71.4 | 36.6 | 6.1 | 50.3 |
| 13 | Essen | Germany | 88.6 | 73.1 | 30.9 | 4.0 | 50.1 |
| 14 | Glasgow | United Kingdom | 92.0 | 72.0 | 27.8 | 6.2 | 49.8 |
| =15 | Vienna | Austria | 86.3 | 73.4 | 27.5 | 4.7 | 49.4 |
| =15 | Nottingham | United Kingdom | 92.0 | 64.7 | 39.3 | 7.4 | 49.4 |
| 17 | Helsinki | Finland | 77.2 | 76.0 | 21.4 | 6.1 | 48.5 |
| 18 | Malaga | Spain | 94.3 | 64.6 | 37.0 | 4.5 | 48.4 |
| 19 | Valencia | Spain | 82.9 | 60.5 | 44.1 | 7.5 | 47.6 |
| 20 | Madrid | Spain | 73.8 | 66.2 | 38.0 | 5.9 | 47.4 |
The European cities that ranked as the most stress-free destinations overall combined low pollution, strong transport, ample green space and offered high access to quality wellness facilities. The locations you should consider if you’re looking for a European city to slow down and recharge are:
1. Geneva, Switzerland
With a final score of 73.7, Geneva claims the top spot as Europe’s most relaxing wellness city break destination. The Swiss city offers the highest number of spas rated 4* and above per square mile at 8.06. Not only that, but Geneva provides access to 20.3 public green spaces per square mile in the city, including Parc de l’Ariana and Parc Mon Repos for the perfect wellness environment. [4]
2. Paris, France
Paris ranks second in the wellness destination index thanks to its excellent environmental performance and high-quality wellness facilities. With 6.93 spas rated 4* and above per square mile and milder air and noise pollution scores, Paris offers a calming city environment ideal for unwinding. With beautiful spots like the Eiffel Tower gardens perfect for a picnic, Paris is perfect for a relaxing break.
3. Bordeaux, France
Another French location, Bordeaux takes third place, scoring 62.6 overall and maintaining a strong performance across a wide range of wellness indicators.
The city benefits from low air, noise and light pollution, access to 46 spas rated 4* and above (2.41 per square mile) and 1,349 restaurants rated 4* and above. With 2,696 hours of sunshine each year, Bordeaux enjoys a reliably pleasant climate that encourages both indoor and outdoor relaxation, from spa retreats to unhurried walks through the greenery of Bordeaux Park, where visitors can enjoy the sunshine alongside the city’s notably clean air.
4. Athens, Greece
Athens ranks fourth overall, performing well across air pollution levels, annual sunlight hours (2,919), and 122.5 restaurants rated 4* and above per square mile of the city. Although Athens is a busy capital city, its vast number of spas rated 4* and above (4.73 per square mile) and warm climate help with its relaxing offerings.
Some of the most relaxing activities to enjoy in Athens include a stroll along the coastal stretch of the Athens Riviera, home to beautiful sandy beaches surrounded by idyllic palm trees. [5]
5. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon completes the top five, scoring 56.5 in our index. Pushed higher in the rankings with 84.6 4*+ restaurants per square mile of the city and 99 different 4*+ rated spas, Lisbon offers a calm, coastal environment ideal for unwinding. With a number of stunning beaches along the coastal road, Lisbon is perfect for a relaxing break. [6]
Which European cities are the best for spa breaks?
As part of the research, we analysed the number of spas rated four stars or higher in each city and calculated their density per square mile.
| The best European cities for spa breaks | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | City | Country | Number of 4*+ rated spas per square mile |
| 1 | Geneva | Switzerland | 8.06 |
| 2 | Paris | France | 6.93 |
| 3 | Barcelona | Spain | 5.27 |
| 4 | Athens | Greece | 4.73 |
| 5 | Lyon | France | 2.86 |
| 6 | Porto | Portugal | 2.63 |
| 7 | Lisbon | Portugal | 2.56 |
| 8 | Bordeaux | France | 2.41 |
| 9 | Zurich | Switzerland | 1.86 |
| 10 | Nice | France | 1.80 |
Not only is Geneva in the top spot for overall best city for a wellness break, but it also appeared as the best destination for a spa break. Here, visitors will be able to choose from 50 different 4*+ rated spas, meaning there’s 8.06 for every square mile of the city.
Close behind Geneva is Paris, with 6.93 4*+ rated spas per square mile, followed by Barcelona (5.27), Athens (4.73) and Lyon (2.86). Overall, France stands out in the rankings, with four of the top ten cities for spa breaks located there, underlining the country’s appeal as a leading spa destination.
On the other hand, Duisburg, Toulon, Dublin, Padova and Dortmund were home to some of the lowest numbers of 4*+ rated spas per square mile (between 0.1 and 0.3).
Worst wellness city break destinations
At the other end of the index sit the cities that are a bit more stressful to visitors; those with high pollution and limited access to green nature and wellness facilities.
| 20 Worst European Wellness City Breaks | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | City | Country | Travel Score | Environment Score | Refreshments Score | Wellbeing Attractions Score | Final score out of 100 |
| 1 | Sheffield | United Kingdom | 1.0 | 38.0 | 32.6 | 1.4 | 24.6 |
| 2 | Basel | Switzerland | 96.6 | 38.9 | 2.0 | 4.0 | 29.3 |
| 3 | Padova | Italy | 97.7 | 27.3 | 29.4 | 1.4 | 29.9 |
| 4 | Bristol | United Kingdom | 82.9 | 35.5 | 20.0 | 2.4 | 30.0 |
| 5 | Milan | Italy | 54.5 | 32.7 | 34.1 | 9.2 | 30.2 |
| 6 | Bournemouth | United Kingdom | 89.8 | 31.4 | 25.7 | 4.7 | 30.7 |
| 7 | Marseille | France | 77.2 | 31.4 | 33.3 | 3.8 | 30.8 |
| 8 | Antwerp | Belgium | 88.6 | 41.1 | 11.9 | 4.8 | 31.8 |
| 9 | Verona | Italy | 90.9 | 32.6 | 30.5 | 2.6 | 31.9 |
| 10 | Brussels | Belgium | 92.0 | 29.6 | 32.8 | 6.6 | 32.1 |
| 11 | Tirana | Albania | 56.8 | 32.8 | 41.3 | 10.4 | 32.4 |
| 12 | Krakow | Poland | 70.4 | 32.8 | 41.8 | 7.2 | 33.3 |
| 13 | Thessaloniki | Greece | 81.8 | 34.2 | 39.1 | 1.9 | 33.4 |
| 14 | Pristina | Kosovo | 69.3 | 32.6 | 51.0 | 1.8 | 33.9 |
| =15 | Naples | Italy | 94.3 | 30.3 | 40.9 | 4.6 | 34.1 |
| =15 | Busto Arsizio | Italy | 92.0 | 33.2 | 30.4 | 10.8 | 34.1 |
| 17 | Palermo | Italy | 65.9 | 37.7 | 43.2 | 3.4 | 34.4 |
| 18 | Liverpool | United Kingdom | 77.2 | 39.7 | 28.8 | 8.4 | 34.5 |
| 19 | Munich | Germany | 60.2 | 47.6 | 26.9 | 3.7 | 34.6 |
| 20 | Sofia | Bulgaria | 65.9 | 38.9 | 42.4 | 3.1 | 34.7 |
1. Sheffield, UK
Sheffield, UK, ranks as the worst European city for a wellness break due to being shaped by challenging noise/light pollution levels and modest green space availability compared to cities that perform well in the index. While Sheffield benefits from nearby countryside, the city itself offers only 13 4*+ rated spas, and 17 designated public green spaces leaving visitors with limited opportunities for relaxation within the urban area.
2. Basel, Switzerland
Basel, Switzerland, appears in the bottom five due to a combination of environmental issues and lack of wellness infrastructure. With 20 green spaces (just 0.3 per square mile) and relatively few quality spas (0.4 per square mile), travellers have fewer options for rest and recuperation. Pollution scores also place Basel below many other European cities, resulting in a less favourable wellness profile.
3. Padova, Italy
With the lowest environmental score in the study (27.3) and scoring just 29.9 overall, Padova, Italy, appears on the list of worst European destinations for a wellness break. With 29 public green spaces and four 4*+ rated spas, it becomes a much more stressful environment than those at the top of the list.
4. Bristol, UK
Bristol, another UK city, has a final score of 30 with noise and light pollution figures among the highest in the dataset, alongside less annual sunlight hours of just 1,852 (917 less than Geneva). Despite offering 769 4*+ rated local restaurants (5.7 per square mile), the city provides only 21 quality spas, which is just 0.16 per square mile.
5. Milan, Italy
Rounding out the worst five locations for a wellness break, with a score of 30.2, Milan records challenging environmental conditions as well as offering only 0.8 public green spaces and 1.05 4*+ rated spas per square mile of the city.
Changes over time
This new index reveals dramatic changes from our previous rankings in 2021 as this year sees Geneva, Paris and Bordeaux take the lead. At the opposite end, places such as London and Rome, previously ranked among the least relaxing, now sit comfortably in the mid tier, while new entries including Sheffield, Bristol and Basel appear among the lowest-scoring destinations. These shifts reflect broader changes in wellness infrastructure, environmental conditions and public investment across European cities.
As wellness tourism continues to grow, choosing a destination that genuinely supports rest and recovery is becoming more important than ever. Whether it’s the clean air of Helsinki, the sunshine of Valencia, or the green spaces of Vienna, Europe offers a wide range of city breaks that cater to different styles of relaxation.
Methodology
Between November and December 2025, we analysed 100 of the most highly populated European cities from World Population Review across a broad set of environmental, travel and wellbeing indicators. Cities in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus were excluded due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
These included:
Travel Score
- Average time from the airport to the city centre or main tourist destination out of 100
Environment Score
- Air, noise, light and water pollution levels out of 100
- Average annual sunshine hours out of 100
Refreshments Score
- Average cost of a meal for two in a mid-range restaurant out of 100
- Number of 4*+ rated restaurants out of 100
Wellbeing Attractions Score
- Number of public green spaces out of 100
- Number of 4*+ rated spas out of 100
These were gathered from public data, including Numbeo, Google and Weather and Climate.
To ensure fair comparison between cities of different sizes, several metrics, including wellness facilities, restaurants and green space, were calculated per square mile.
Each metric was assigned a score out of a possible 100. The final overall relaxation score was calculated using the averages of each metric in each city, out of a possible 100 points, where a higher score represents a more relaxing environment.
Sources
[1] Global Wellness Institute, ‘What is Wellness Tourism?’, 2025
[2] Forbes, ‘Global Wellness Trend’, 2025
[3] National Geographic, ‘Wellness Travel’, 2023
[4] Geneva, ‘Stroll through the parks & gardens’,
[5] Visit Greece, ‘Athens Riviera’
[6] Visit Portugal, ‘Lisboa Region’
