10 Greenest cities in the world you should visit in your lifetime

huibing

25 Jul 2017

1/10
Oslo, Norway

With hopes to be a carbon-neutral city by 2050, Oslo is a city you have to visit. Not only does it have more electric cars per capita than any other city, there has also been plenty of environmentally-friendly projects up in store for this capital. There are plenty of green accommodations, green dining options, as well as green activities to partake in. So, drop by to find yourself indulging in a truly green vacation, in a beautiful location to boot!
2/10
Barcelona, Spain
Densely populated, Barcelona might also come as a surprise to many looking for a green destination. But, a re-greening program is put into place that will truly bring nature back to this city. Besides being populated with pedestrians and cyclists, there are many large parks across the city that makes it beautiful spot to visit.
3/10
Edinburgh, Scotland
With nearly 50% of the land filled with greenery, how can Edinburgh not make the list? Filled with privately-owned gardens and public green spaces, this city has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which means it is absolutely beautiful, both culturally and environmentally. There’s plenty of eco-friendly tours and resorts around, which means you get a true green experience.
4/10
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is also known as the Mother City within South Africa, and is known to be one of the greenest cities on the continent. Not only does it boast green initiatives for locals, the number of tourists seeking eco-friendly destinations when travelling has also been steadily on the rise. With a biodiversity that will impress, and many nature reserves found around the city, this is definitely a city that should not be missed.
5/10
Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver is surrounded by harbours and two parks: the Pacific Spirit Regional Park, as well as Stanley Park. This makes it the perfect spot for a green city, enclosed by the beauties of nature. Many initiatives are being helmed across the city, ranging from zero-waste to climate change. With hopes to create a fully-renewable city, they have been a leading name for their reduction of carbon emissions and their commitment to sustainability.
6/10
New York, USA
For a city known for never sleeping, it might seem strange that New York is on this list. With its fast-talking and fast-walking people, their transport system has been lauded for being environmentally friendly. There have also been efforts in replanting trees and growing green lots, improving air quality with less emissions from harmful gases.
7/10
Copenhagen, Denmark
With its brightly coloured buildings and The Little Mermaid statue, Copenhagen has been a popular spot for tourists for many years. On top of their amazing sights, this city also boasts plenty of green accolades to its name, marking its spot solidly as a city that truly cares about sustainability. After all, with over 70% of their hotels having eco-friendly certifications, it really shows in the actions of their community.
8/10
Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland has been a leading country when it comes to reducing global emissions, so of course it’d make sense that their capital has done remarkably well amongst cities worldwide. At the same time, their volcanoes have also made a name for themselves, with places like the Blue Lagoon that has won the hearts of many. So, the next time you’re seeking a place to vacation in, this geothermal city should definitely be on your list.
9/10
Freiburg, Germany
Freiburg might not have the Berlin Wall, but what it does have is a sustainable movement that practically defines the city. Large open spaces frame the gothic architecture found throughout the city, and biking has become one of the most convenient ways of travelling, other than their efficient public transport system. Much of the establishments pride themselves on being low (and even zero) emission, so having a green vacation is definitely possible.
10/10
Curitiba, Brazil
Brazil might be most known for São Paulo and Brasilia, but Curitiba is rising up the list for travellers, and for good reasons too! One of the world’s most sustainable cities, Curitiba has set a standard for how environmentally-friendly cities should look like. In its city centre, a pedestrian mall helps to reduce traffic congestion, and little parks are scattered around for some added greenery. And that’s only touching the surface for what they have accomplished!

Don’t forget to enjoy the fresh air when vacationing in these cities!

Sometimes, you just want to get away from it all. The sound of cars zooming by in the middle of the night, the flickering of lights from the skyscrapers, and the smell of exhaust and smoke. No matter how much you love the city life, it can get tiring — and it can get tiring fast. Not only is it bad for the environment, it can also be bad for your health as well. Studies have shown that increased pollution can have a detrimental health impact, and this can often be permanent. So, if you have been living in bustling cities for your entire life, there’s truly no better time than now to escape to another city where the air is fresher and the leaves are greener. But, where exactly?

Well, if that’s the question on your mind, you’ve come to the right place. This list has a selection of 10 of the greenest cities in the world, which means you are guaranteed a breath of fresh air. From landmarks specifically made to promote the growth of grass and greenery, to laws implemented to ensure the skies are cleaner, these cities are the best places for some rest and relaxation. So, sit back and scroll through our gallery of the cities that you absolutely need to visit!

Lee Hui Bing

Photos: Getty Images

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