You can undoubtedly enjoy your life more if you are healthy. But, unfortunately, while our bodies have a remarkable ability to recover from injury and illness, sometimes the constant bombardment of the environment wears us down. That’s why you may want to consider travelling to one of the world’s healthiest cities for vacation. These cities (and, in some cases, entire countries) have policies in place that reduce pollution, encourage physical activity, and promote citizen participation.
Affiliate Disclaimer: Our blog posts may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we receive a modest commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us fund our team of travel writers, allowing us to continue providing you with the latest travel news, tips, and inspiration. Your support keeps this blog alive and thriving, and we appreciate it immensely. Thank you!
Healthiest cities for vacation in the US
Seattle
Seattle may not have an abundance of city parks, but it makes up for that with many outdoor sports and activities. Residents and visitors enjoy kayaking, hiking, biking, or skiing. In addition, many people in Seattle are vegans, so you’ll find some of the best organic produce in the country. A steady diet of fish freshly caught from the ocean, pure water, and surprisingly clean air make Seattle a great place for your vacation.
Minneapolis
The Minneapolis-St. The Paul area in Minnesota is remarkably healthy to travel to and live. The park system provides walking paths, dog parks, bike paths, golf courses, and playgrounds. Many natives ride bikes to work, making Minneapolis one of the cleanest, least polluted cities in the U.S.A. More people in this beautiful city are physically active than in most other U.S. cities. There are many farmers’ markets and a low incidence of heart disease.
New York
Believe it or not, New York is one of the healthiest cities for vacation – if you don’t try to cross the street. What makes New York City healthy is that public smoking is not allowed. It has been banned in the city workplaces for nearly 20 years and recently has been banned in public places such as bars, restaurants, and beaches.
Napa
Napa is probably most well known for its wine industry. However, you may not know that this city is also one of the healthiest, with an abundance of hiking trails and bike lanes. In addition to grapes that fuel the wine industry, Napa also has a bunch of locally grown produce, making fresh foods available in plenty of local markets. People pride themselves on knowing not only where their food came from but they know the farmers as well.
Healthiest cities for vacation in Asia
Singapore
If you want to live for a long time, live in Singapore. At least travel there. They have the 4th longest life span on the planet and one of the best healthcare industries. You can be ticketed for spitting on the sidewalk in a spotless city. A great mass transit system keeps traffic and pollution to a minimum. And over 100km of walking trails and parks.
In Japan
- Tokyo: Residents of Tokyo have a lifespan of about 84 years, and the public health system gets some of that credit. People living in and visiting Tokyo typically have an excellent and fresh diet consisting of vegetables and fish. In addition, a state-of-the-art mass transit system keeps pollution to less than ½ that of other cities of similar size.
- Okinawa: While residents of Singapore and Tokyo have a lifespan of about 84 years, natives of Okinawa live, on average, 86 years. Overall, residents of Okinawa enjoy a healthy, lean diet rich in soy, fish, and fresh vegetables. In addition, vigorous exercise is valued and part of the daily routine. Strong family lives are also a hallmark of Okinawans, and low pollution makes for a better lifestyle.
Hong Kong, China
Togetherness is the theme in Hong Kong. With limited space, the residents of Hong Kong are people who enjoy spending time with family and friends, and communities are robust. While Hong Kong does not have many of its own parks, it has easy access to nearby islands and the ocean, plenty of outdoor activities for tourists and residents alike, and a cuisine based on fresh fish.
Healthiest cities for vacation in Europe
Copenhagen, Denmark
In Copenhagen, you will find picturesque history living arm in arm with one of the most upwardly mobile populations in the world. Only about 2% of the population work 40-hour work weeks. Free activities are provided to encourage residents to participate in family time and to get out of the house. Most citizens walk or ride a bike to work, the store, the park, and just about anywhere else they want to go. Plus, there is a park within a 15-minute walk of just about any place. If you need another reason to plan a trip there, one of the most famous restaurants in the world, Noma – is also in Copenhagen. And Nordic cuisine is notable both for its savour and freshness.
In Sweden
- Stockholm: Mental health, physical health, and intellectual stimulation are hallmarks of your visit to Stockholm. They have more museums than any other place in the world. The people who live there prefer walking, which makes for a healthy population and higher air quality.
- Jonkoping: In southern Sweden, you will find the postcard-perfect city of Jonkoping. The city administrators have modelled it to fit the needs of an imaginary 88-years-old woman dubbed “Esther”. With the deeds of this older woman in mind, they have built a streamlined routine for taking care of the elderly, making it a much better place to live for everyone.
Helsinki, Finland
The people of Helsinki are committed to green living and work to keep their city pristine. Their heat comes from a particular, eco-friendly generation system, reducing pollutants, and the residents walk and bike everywhere – even in the winter. In addition, this excellent vacation place has year-round outdoor activities, beautiful sights, and delicious healthy foods.
Zurich, Switzerland
You can heal both body and mind in Zurich. Friendly competition makes sports participation a mainstay of life in this picturesque, modern city. Sporting arenas and organisations abound, giving people of all ages and physical conditioning a chance to participate. The mind is not neglected, though, with several superb museums and universities. Health care tops the list for quality and availability.
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Monte Carlo is more than a famous vacation spot. This beautiful city has some of the best health care in the world. In fact, it has the lowest infant mortality rate in the world. Monaco also has 3 times more doctors per 100 people than any other country. People who live in this tiny little kingdom of 2 square kilometres have a life expectancy of 89 years. The wealth of the people in this country means that they can afford top-rate health care. Green initiatives have helped keep this gem pure and clean, and the many entertainment opportunities make it a great place to vacation.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik has been documented as a city with one of the cleanest sources of water and air on the planet. They have the fewest cars per capita and work to keep themselves environmentally conscious. They are very active physically and have healthy diets, so visiting this city will be great for your healthy vacation.
Sardinia, Italy
Not a city per se but an entire region, Sardinia is a blue zone of a little over 1 million people. In fact, taverns in the area have Centenarian calendars featuring various citizens who are 100 years old or older. Most people who live here walk around 5 miles every day, and have a diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, grains and beans. Older people often eat meat only on Sunday.
Healthiest cities for vacation in Australia
Sydney
You can enjoy broad horizons and good weather all year in Sydney, Australia. An abundance of parks, walking and bike trails, gyms, and sports arenas provide plenty of opportunities to get outside. The residents ride bicycles as much as possible, and the city plants thousands of trees to keep the air clean.
Perth
Perth is among the healthiest cities because of its healthcare, education and infrastructure. For example, the transit system minimises pollution, and many people take their bikes everywhere. In addition, most people enjoy a healthy diet in this city, and the climate certainly encourages people to enjoy the outdoors.
Melbourne
One of the top 10 liveable cities in the world in 2022. It has a low crime rate, great healthcare, cultural and sports activities, and beautiful architecture. It also has a lot of park space and a temperate climate. So your vacation to Melbourne, regardless of the time of year, will be pleasant and restful, with as much activity as you want it to have.
Healthiest cities for vacation in New Zealand
Auckland
Auckland has terrific healthcare and a lot of sunshine. Watersports rule in this modern city, and sailing tops the list of fun activities. People in Auckland are more likely to own a boat than a car. But they don’t neglect the arts, with the Auckland Festival bringing international artists to town to participate in art, theatre, dance, and music.
Wellington
33% of Wellington residents use public transit to and from work. The pollution is low, making it a great place to visit if you want a healthy atmosphere. Physical activity is every day, considering the stunning countryside that surrounds the city.
Healthiest cities for vacation in Canada
Calgary
It is a city of physically active people who take advantage of the beautiful outdoors, regardless of the seasons. Summertime encourages hiking, biking, golf, and water skiing. In the winter, skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports reign supreme making the city a perfect escape for outdoor lovers.
Ottawa
If you love the outdoors and healthy food, Ottawa is for you. This is actually the site of an international Biosphere project sponsored by UNESCO. The city has clean air, pristine water, and plenty of reasons to spend a great deal of time outdoors. So whether it is summer or winter, if in Ottawa, you can find numerous activities to enjoy.
Vancouver
“The Most Walkable City In Canada” has miles of bike lanes and walking paths. It also has a terrific public transit system. This emphasis on foot traffic and mass transit helps Vancouver to maintain some of the cleanest air of any big city. Ocean breezes and air freshened by the nearby pine forests also improve the air quality, and the residents have worked hard to keep pollutants to a minimum.
Healthiest cities for vacation in Central and South America
Vilcabamba, Ecuador
The coastal city of Vilcabamba, Ecuador, offers a sense of belonging, low stress, and an active lifestyle. Many people retire to Vilcabamba because of the great climate and ocean. You can enjoy produce and delicacies from local farms and markets and spend your time in the sunshine. Go beach combing or surfing, or, if you’re more into zen holidays, enjoy the sun and how the city connects you to your inner self.
Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
Same for the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica, which is also recognised as an international blue zone. This means that it is known to be where residents live the longest. The diet is full of corn, beans, and fish, and the water has plenty of calcium, which builds strong bones. In addition, the natives are focused on family, making them mentally sound, and they actually eat fewer calories than most people.
Havana, Cuba
While Havana, in fact the entire country of Cuba, is quite poverty-stricken, they have a very high level of health. This is because the efforts toward disease prevention are of primary concern. As a result, Havana has a 100% vaccination rate for children, and small, inexpensive clinics populate every neighbourhood.
Curitiba, Brazil
You wouldn’t think that nearly 2 million people would be able to agree on anything, but the citizenry of Curitiba certainly does. They are committed to cleanliness and recycling, not allowing hardly anything to go to landfills. As a result, Curitiba is seen as a model of ecological living across the rest of the world. So if you haven’t heard about this city, then it’s about time to plan a trip there.
