🔖 4 min read

In a world where bustling metropolises often dominate the landscape, finding a peaceful retreat can be a rare luxury. While some cities pride themselves on their vibrant nightlife and 24-hour energy, others offer a quieter, more tranquil atmosphere—perfect for travelers seeking a calm escape from the fast pace of daily life. But which cities around the world offer the most peace and quiet?

To answer this question, Preply, an online language learning platform, conducted an in-depth analysis of major global cities. By examining factors like population density, traffic congestion, noise pollution, and nightlife options, Preply identified the 10 quietest cities in the world. Here’s what they found.

 

The 10 Quietest Cities in the World

Rank City Country Population Density (per km²) Annual Visitors Average Time in Traffic (mins) Noise Pollution Level Number of Bars & Pubs Reviews Mentioning ‘Noisy’ or ‘Loud’
1 Frankfurt Germany 3,000 2.5M 23 45.70 54 10
2 Munich Germany 5,000 3.5M 30 37.41 63 65
3 Amsterdam Netherlands 5,000 6.5M 23 36.43 126 321
4 Florence Italy N/A 4.8M 29 43.57 79 117
5 Lisbon Portugal 6,000 3.3M 35 38.67 128 125
6 Berlin Germany 4,000 5.8M 34 43.97 147 75
7 Kyoto Japan N/A 3M 33 41.67 479 124
8 Sydney Australia 2,000 3.8M 43 40.14 106 109
9 Prague Czech Republic 4,000 8.5M 32 45.38 262 183
10 Toronto Canada 4,000 4.4M 45 47.83 88 112

Key Insights From the Study

1. Frankfurt, Germany – The World’s Quietest City

Topping the list is Frankfurt, Germany, which boasts an incredibly low noise pollution score of 45.70. With just 54 bars and pubs and only 2.5 million annual visitors, it’s no surprise this city is an oasis of calm. Short traffic times (an average of 23 minutes) and a low population density (3,000 people per km²) add to the serenity.

2. Kyoto, Japan – Tranquility Amidst Tradition

two women in purple and pink kimono standing on the streets of Gion in Kyoto

Image Credit: Sorasak

Kyoto, Japan ranks as the 7th quietest city in the world, with an average traffic time of just 33 minutes. Famous for its ancient temples, Zen gardens, and traditional tea houses, Kyoto’s cultural atmosphere is as peaceful as its streets. The city’s noise pollution score is relatively low at 41.67, even with 3 million annual visitors. While it’s a popular tourist destination, Kyoto’s emphasis on tradition and respect for quiet spaces keeps the noise to a minimum.

3. Munich, Germany – Quiet, But Not Boring

With a population density of 5,000 people per km², Munich is still one of the quietest places to visit. It’s the 2nd quietest city in the world, thanks to its limited noise pollution score of 37.41. Though it’s a hub for Oktoberfest and beer culture, Munich’s everyday atmosphere remains calm and orderly.

4. Florence, Italy – Art and Tranquility

Known for its art, history, and architecture, Florence, Italy, ranks as the 4th quietest city. With no data on population density, its quiet charm is attributed to the city’s moderate tourism and low traffic times (just 29 minutes on average).

5. Lisbon, Portugal – Calm by the Coast

Lisbon, Portugal, takes the 5th spot, offering scenic views, historic trams, and a serene coastal vibe. It welcomes 3.3 million visitors annually, but its noise pollution score of 38.67 indicates a peaceful atmosphere.

How Does Noise Affect Tourists?

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According to Sylvia Johnson, a language expert at Preply, noise can impact travelers in significant ways. For those visiting a bustling city, unfamiliar sounds (including voices in another language) can add to feelings of overwhelm. Her advice includes:

  • Limit time in noisy areas and build in moments of calm.
  • Learn basic local phrases to feel more at ease in a new environment.
  • Practice mindfulness to stay present and avoid sensory overload.

How Was the Study Conducted?

To identify the quietest cities, Preply considered six main factors:

  1. Population Density – How crowded a city is (people per km²)
  2. Annual Visitors – How many tourists visit each year
  3. Traffic Time – Average time spent in traffic daily
  4. Noise Pollution – Sound pollution score from 0-100
  5. Bars & Pubs – Number of nightlife venues listed online
  6. Noisy Reviews – Reviews mentioning “noisy” or “loud” for popular tourist attractions

The Noisiest Cities in the World

Not all cities are peaceful. On the other end of the spectrum, Paris, France, ranks as the noisiest city in the world, with a population density of 21,000 people per km² and the highest number of tourist attraction reviews mentioning noise.

Rank City Noise Pollution Level
1 Paris, France 58.62
2 New York, USA 68.91
3 Hong Kong, China 65.86
4 London, UK 55.03
5 Barcelona, Spain 63.30

Final Thoughts

Inari Shrine, Kyoto

Image Credit: David Emrich

If you’re looking for a tranquil escape, the world’s quietest cities offer a reprieve from the chaos of everyday life. From Frankfurt’s calm streets to Kyoto’s Zen-inspired charm, these destinations prove that serenity is never too far away. If you’re planning a peaceful getaway, consider these hidden gems where tranquility reigns supreme.