10 quietest cities in the world named. All of them are in Europe
If you are looking for an opportunity to relax in a city without excessive noise, you should definitely go to Europe. According to a study by Avanti Travel Insurance, European cities lead a new ranking of the quietest places in the world to visit in 2027 and occupy all positions in the top ten. The top three consisted of Venice (Italy), Lisbon (Portugal), and Amsterdam (Netherlands). Besides Venice, two more Italian cities — Milan and Florence — were included in the top ten, Euronews reports .
Venice. Photo: vecteezy.com
Avanti experts analyzed Euromonitor International's 2025 ranking of the 100 best tourist cities in the world (Top 100 City Destinations Index). Destinations closed for free visiting, as well as positions related to entire regions rather than individual cities, were excluded from the list. Each city was evaluated within a two-kilometer radius from its official central point in OpenStreetMap or from the city hall building if such a point was absent.
Researchers then compared the length of highways and major roads with the length of pedestrian streets. A lower number of busy highways and a greater length of pedestrian zones were considered an advantage. In addition, the top ten cities were checked for the presence of "quiet zone rules": whether there are legally established quiet hours, night curfews, restrictions on night flights at the main airport, or a ban on shops operating on Sundays.
Lisbon, Portugal. Photo: André Lergier / Unsplash
Top 10 quietest cities in the world (according to Avanti Travel Insurance):
- Venice (Italy) — over 170 km of pedestrian zones and complete absence of cars in the historic center.
- Lisbon (Portugal) — low density of major roads and a ban on night flights.
- Amsterdam (Netherlands) — over 30 km of car-free streets and peaceful routes along canals.
- Barcelona (Spain).
- Brussels (Belgium).
- Athens (Greece).
- Zurich (Switzerland).
- Milan (Italy).
- Florence (Italy).
- Stockholm (Sweden).
Although European cities completely dominate the top ten, travel expert Sarah Rodriguez also named her favorite peaceful destinations on other continents for those willing to venture further. Her list included Hoi An (Vietnam), Lamu Island (Kenya), New Mexico (USA), Paraty (Brazil), and Nelson (New Zealand).
The Top Three
Venice topped the list, where analysts found only about two kilometers of busy roads within a two-kilometer radius of the center. Thanks to over 170 kilometers of entirely pedestrian streets, the city's quiet canals, historic squares, and winding alleys allow visitors to experience Venetian architecture and culture without the usual road noise.
According to Rodriguez, this city is ideal for those who want to escape the hum of cars, as most of it is free of vehicular traffic. And dawn walks allow one to see a peaceful side of Venice that tourists usually miss.
Lisbon takes second place, distinguished by one of the lowest densities of busy roads among the study participants. Additionally, the local airport has restrictions on night flights.
The capital of Portugal attracts with its architecture adorned with traditional azulejo tiles, historic trams, expansive views of the Tagus River, and numerous green areas. All this makes it easy to combine a cultural program with peaceful relaxation.
For this, Rodriguez recommends including the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation gardens in the itinerary, calling them an excellent place to relax and engage with art.
Amsterdam rounds out the top three, boasting over 30 kilometers of car-free streets, with canal-side routes allowing for exploration of the city at a relaxed pace.
Amsterdam. Photo: vecteezy.com
Beyond its famous waterways and museums, various districts of the Dutch capital offer independent shops, cozy cafes, and a chance to experience local flair in a relaxed atmosphere.
Rodriguez advises travelers to first explore the characteristics of different neighborhoods before choosing accommodation. Outside the very center, you can find much quieter and more suitable places to relax after long walks.