The 10 Healthiest Cities In The World

By Your Health Magazine

Your Health Magazine

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The 10 Healthiest Cities In The World

200 years ago, cities were pretty unhealthy places to live in – they were overcrowded, polluted and rampant with diseases. Some are still pretty unhealthy today, but the majority of cities have massively cleaned up their act. 

In fact, some studies have found that life expectancy is now generally higher in cities thanks to factors like walkability and access to healthcare. Certain cities score particularly well when it comes to healthiness of residence as a result of lifestyle, quality of hospitals and relatively clean air. In this article, we’ll explore 10 examples that often come up on top of lists of healthiest cities in the world. 

Valencia

Valencia is sometimes seen as the benchmark for healthy urban living. The Spanish metropolis was crowned healthiest city in the world two years in a row by money.co.uk for its care towards residents and visitors. Along with being a very compact city, beautiful beaches and parks like The Turia Gardens help to encourage plenty of walking, running and cycling. The Mediterranean diet helps to further contribute to the city’s low obesity rate, with many residents living on fresh seafood and vegetables. On top of this, residents spend a high amount of time with family and friends, plus the city receives an impressive 300 days of sunshine annually. 

Copenhagen

Denmark’s capital is often hailed as the most bike-friendly city in the world, with dedicated lanes, safe infrastructure and a culture that treats cycling as the default mode of transport. It has an abundance of green spaces and also some of the cleanest air of any European city. In recent years, New Nordic cuisine has taken off, putting a focus on organic foods. The city is also renowned for its strong social support system and an emphasis on work-life balance (employees are entitled to 5 weeks of paid holiday), leading to a high quality of life.

Zurich

Ranked the least polluted city in the world, Zurich boasts immaculately clean air that is 10% above WHO guidelines. Its lakeside location in the Alps meanwhile encourages physically active pastimes like hiking, skiing and wild swimming.  An excellent healthcare system and low car dependence due to robust public transport also help to keep the populace physically and mentally healthy. Other benefits of living in Zurich include very clean streets and a low crime rate. 

Kyoto

Japan’s cities are known for their high life expectancy. In fact, men in Kyoto live to 82 on average, while women live to 87 on average! The city’s mix of tradition and tranquility naturally supports health – residents and visitors are encouraged to walk and cycle between attractions and neighbourhoods, and there are gardens and green escapes everywhere. A diet rich in seasonal vegetables and matcha tea helps to keep everyone healthy. For travellers, practical services like luggage storage in Kyoto meanwhile make it possible to explore on foot without strain, while the city’s famous tea ceremonies serve as meditative experiences to tourists for reducing stress. 

Canberra

Canberra, Australia’s capital, is an example of a relatively modern ‘planned city’ done right. It is filled with greenery, bike paths and open spaces. Lake Burley Griffin is a hub for rowing, cycling and jogging, while nearby reserves are popular spots for hiking and weekend adventures. Healthcare and education standards are high, and there is a growing local food scene around nutritious eating. The city also boasts clean air, low congestion, and much shorter commute times than other Australian cities.

Taipei

Frequently ranked #1 for healthcare worldwide, Taipei in Taiwan boasts a high life expectancy of 83 years. Its neighbourhoods are very walkable and local cuisine leans heavily on soups, greens and light dishes. Hiking in the surrounding mountains and trails is popular among residents and visitors, and there are numerous public hot springs that encourage relaxation. Efficient public services and a strong sense of local community all in all make it a city where wellness thrives.

Bogota

In recent years, Bogota has transformed itself into a surprising leader of urban health initiatives. The city’s Ciclovia program closes many streets on Sundays and holidays, turning them into safe and vast spaces for pedestrians and cyclists. The city’s high altitude also requires its residents to have a higher level of cardiovascular fitness. Combined with public transport improvements and a good number of public parks, Bogota ranks as the healthiest city in South America. 

Seoul

Seoul is an example of how technology and health conscious trends can blend well. While the South Korean capital boasts free public Wi-Fi to everyone, residents and visitors are encouraged to go outdoors and stay active thanks to the city’s many parks, riverside trails and pedestrian areas. Public baths, saunas and wellness cafes provide an additional escape from the hustle bustle. Korean cuisine is meanwhile incredibly healthy – built around vegetables and fermented foods like kimchi that support a healthy gut. On top of this, Seoul ranks highly for healthcare and safety.

Vancouver

Regularly topping lists of the most livable and healthiest cities, Vancouver in Canada benefits from stunning natural surroundings that allow residents to explore an array of outdoor activities including hiking, skiing and kayaking. Within the city, there are meanwhile over 250 parks. Many restaurants in Vancouver use locally sourced ingredients including fresh fish and locally farmed vegetables. The air is also very clean compared to many North American cities.

Singapore

Singapore has regularly claimed the title of ‘safest city’ due to its very low crime rate. Contrasting its soaring skyscrapers, it also has many green spaces woven within, leading to it often being referred to as a ‘city in a garden’. Air pollution is low and strict cleanliness standards keep the environment hygienic. It’s got an efficient public transport system and it’s very walkable. All of this culminates in Singapore being one of the healthiest cities to live in within Asia.