The most tranquil cities in the world

Coming up in first place is Juneau, Alaska. With a population density of just five people per km², this charming city offers plenty of solitude and natural beauty to rejuvenate your spirit. Juneau even has a perfect air quality score (100 out of 100), making it the ideal destination for a healthy, relaxing holiday.

You’ll be mesmerised by the glaciers in Juneau that surround the city.  Get up close by taking a canoe tour around Mendenhall Lake, or go on one of the 60 walking trails available.

Our Travel Specialists 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.”

In second place is 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.

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. 

Nestled at the top end of New Zealand's North Island, Auckland is slightly larger than Wellington, but ranks close behind as the world's third most tranquil city. 

Auckland is a must-visit destination if you're looking for a peaceful getaway that's big on natural beauty. In fact, with almost 700 walking trails to choose from (the third-highest of all cities), it's the ideal destination for those outdoorsy travellers looking to explore New Zealand's picturesque landscape. 

The city is also among the top 10 destinations with the lowest noise and light pollution, with a score of just 42.37, as well as fantastic air quality (79.30).

Whether you want to take a leisurely stroll around the Auckland Domain or embark on an epic hike of the Waitakere Ranges, this city is a true haven for nature lovers. Why not lose yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Auckland and experience the peace and tranquillity that only nature can provide?

Looking to soak up some sun as well as some peace and quiet? Then Perth is the perfect destination for you. Ranked as the world's fourth most tranquil city, Perth boasts a population density of only 342 people per km², as well as approximately 65,000 UK tourists per year. This makes it the perfect destination for those looking to relax and unwind away from bustling cities.

Nature lovers will be in their element with 242 walking trails to explore, including the popular Kings Park and Botanic Garden. The city's pristine air quality (79.45) and low pollution scores (36.46) also make it a perfect destination to bask in the beauty of the night sky with some stargazing.

There's plenty of opportunity to relax and soak up Australia's stunning coastal scenery here, too: relax at some of Perth's world-class beaches, or enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters.

Travel to Australia’s eastern coast and you’ll find the fifth most peaceful city in the world: Melbourne. With over 525 walking trails to choose from and a noise and light pollution score of just 39.95 – the sixth-best of all cities researched, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Take a stroll in one of the city's many botanical gardens, like the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria with its three meditative Wellbeing Gardens, or enjoy the Heide Museum of Modern Art's six hectares of heritage-listed gardens and sculpture parks. 

And if you're looking for some true peace and quiet, head to the State Library of Victoria, where you can lose yourself in the tranquil silence of the stacks. You can’t get much quieter than a library!

Despite being a bustling city, runner up Atlanta still manages to provide a serene and rejuvenating atmosphere. With a population density of just 1,423 per km², as well as only one million tourists per year, it ranks as the second most tranquil spot in the US after Juneau.

Check out the Botanical Garden, Georgia Aquarium, and multiple museums and cultural centres such as the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and the High Museum of Art.

For the ultimate blissful break, indulge in one of Atlanta's top spas, like the Four Seasons Hotel Spa or Iwi Fresh Garden Day Spa. 

Honolulu, Hawaii’s idyllic capital city, is the third-best destination in the US for a truly tranquil getaway. 

There's no shortage of magical experiences to be had in Honolulu. Snorkelling with tropical fish is an incredible way to experience the underwater world, while dolphin watching is guaranteed to soothe the soul. Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate Honolulu’s many beautiful trails, such as the stunning Manoa waterfall, which is just one of over 90. You might even recognise sections of the trail from famous films like Jurassic Park!

For those seeking ultimate relaxation, Honolulu boasts an array of picturesque beaches, where you can simply sit back and relax on the soft sand with a good book, listening to the sound of the ocean.

Dallas, Texas is a great destination for those looking to unwind and take in some southern charm. With a population density of 1,300 people per km² and just under 800,000 tourists per year, the city offers plenty of space to relax and explore. 

Visitors can take advantage of the many walking trails available (52), such as the Katy Trail, which runs through beautiful green spaces. The city also offers many excellent museums to explore, including the Dallas Museum of Art and the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza.

Las Vegas is known for its glitz and glamour, so it may come as a surprise that it's also the fourth most tranquil city in the US. But don’t be fooled by the bright city lights: there’s plenty of peace and quiet to be found in Vegas, if you know where to look.

Visitors can indulge in a luxurious spa treatment at one of the city's many hotels or take a peaceful stroll along one of the 184 walking trails available, such as the beautiful Red Rock Canyon trails. 

You can take a break from the bright lights and fast pace of the city and explore the serene desert landscape outside the city or unwind with a yoga class at one of the city’s many wellness centres.