Finding a moment of calm in the chaos of city life isn’t always easy. Skyscrapers, traffic jams and the daily grind don’t exactly scream “relaxation” – but some cities have managed to strike a balance. According to international eSIM provider Holafly, Singapore is one of them, earning second place on its list of the world’s most relaxing cities in 2025.
The ranking was determined by factors linked to physical and emotional well-being – this includes air quality, access to parks and nature reserves, the number of spas and wellness centres, average sunshine hours, public happiness levels and traffic conditions.
Topping the list is San Diego, celebrated for its laid-back lifestyle, stunning coastline and year-round sunshine. Singapore follows close behind – and is notably the only Asian city to make the cut. While locals may raise an eyebrow at the finding, given the nation’s famously demanding work culture, the city’s abundance of green spaces, relatively smooth traffic and clean air are some of the factors that helped secure its place on the list.
The most relaxing cities in the world in 2025:
- San Diego, USA
- Singapore, Singapore
- Vienna, Austria
- Sydney, Australia
- Melbourne, Australia
- Berlin, Germany
- Auckland, New Zealand
- Portland, USA
- Rome, Italy
- Helsinki, Finland
- Madrid, Spain
- Barcelona, Spain
View the full list here.
Did you know? These 4 Asian airports made Travel + Leisure’s list of the World’s Best International Airports for 2025
Plus: These are the most peaceful countries in Asia for 2025
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