The world faces serious challenges regarding air quality. With millions of premature deaths caused by air pollution, clever travelers should keep to roads that lead to better breathing.
These cities are some of the most environmentally friendly in the world. Each has unique ways of reducing carbon emissions and large coarse particle pollution while lowering microparticle or chemical contaminants. Visiting and staying in a clean-air city ensures a great stay and avoids picking up harmful respiratory conditions.
Discover which cities are a breath of fresh air and also learn why you should visit them.
The Cities with the Best Air Quality Per Capita
When countries and cities measure air pollution, they look at certain metrics, including the particles in the air. Two readings give a good indication of how breathable it is.
The PM 2.5 rating refers to particles smaller than 2.5 microns, which is shown as a number for density. PM 10 ratings refer to larger or coarse particles of 10 microns and bigger, which usually refers to dust and debris. Some cities also indicate the ozone measurement (O3) and nitrous oxide number (NO), but these readings aren’t always present for all cities.
The readings here indicate an on-the-spot measurement of each city at the time of writing. However, remember that the season and nearby pollution events like fires affect these readings.
Global travel means cities’ populations fluctuate daily, so these numbers are based on each city’s national census count. To keep it consistent, a small population is less than 200,000, a medium-sized population is less than 900,000 and a large population is over 900,000 people.
1. Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich has a population of just over 420,000, and it’s commonly known to be one of the world’s cleanest cities, especially regarding air quality. One reason the air is so good in Zurich is the type of industry there. Banking, small businesses, and medical and biomedical industries largely dominate the business sector. It’s also a popular destination for those seeking top-tier quality of life relocation spots around the globe.
Fewer large industries or factories means fewer particles to pollute the air — the low PM 2.5 rating results in better quality respiratory health.
Reasons to visit Zurich:
2. Perth, Australia
Perth has a population of over two million, most of whom work in various offices for the mining, oil, tourism, medical, and engineering sectors. The air quality remains healthy throughout the year since limited industrial pollution sources exist in or near Perth.
Most of Perth’s pollution is seasonal and related to wildfires and dust storms.
Reasons to visit Perth:
- Exceptional weather
- Thriving tourism
- Ocean exploration
- Fabulous beaches
3. Uppsala, Sweden
Uppsala has a small population of around 230,000, most of whom are involved in the technology, cleaning, and life sciences industries.
Because heavy machinery and industrial complexes aren’t as plentiful as in other cities, it enjoys some of the best air quality in the region. Note the slightly higher PM 2.5 rating, which signals a larger volume of smaller microparticles in the atmosphere, potentially due to chemical pollution or seasonal contamination.
Reasons to visit Uppsala:
- Charming historic buildings
- Great tourism destination
- Top-notch universities for students
4. Reykjavík, Iceland
Iceland’s capital city only has a population of around 140,000, and most citizens work in the seafood industry, manufacture biotech and medical equipment, or participate in the arts.
Because of its location and the limited heavy industry in the area, Reykjavik has some of the best air quality in the world.
Reasons to visit Reykjavik:
- Exceptional scenery
- A hub for Northern Lights tours
- Tour the Viking heritage sites
5. Tampere, Finland
Tampere has a population of just over 250,000, many of whom work in various industries — earning Tampere the nickname of the industrial capital of Finland.
The area is popular with ICT companies, AI technology and analytics, and universities. Heavy industries are minimal, but the various sectors and rapid growth have increased the PM 2.5 particle pollution.
Reasons to visit Tampere:
- Sauna capital of the world
- Gateway to some of Finland’s stunning national parks
- Fascinating museums, like the Moomin Museum
6. Launceston, Australia
The Launceston area is home to only about 70,000 residents. While agriculture, businesses, and financial institutions contribute to the local economy, tourism is the primary driver.
Fine and coarse air particles remain low, ensuring the city has some of the best air quality in the world.
Reasons to visit Launceston:
- Architectural value
- Great parks and shopping experiences
- Fantastic natural scenery
7. Turku, Finland
Turku has a medium population of around 200,000 that is primarily involved in the data and educational industries. Turku also leads the fight against pollution with a city-level sustainability plan that reduces dust and noise contamination by lowering the speed limits. Introducing more park areas improves the city’s air quality as trees grow and help absorb carbon emissions.
With about 2,000 technology and gaming or audiovisual companies in Turku, there’s a strong focus on a digital economy. The city’s success in incorporating smart industrial centers is due to its intensive involvement with biotechnology companies, which promotes clean air, water and land.
Reasons to visit Turku:
8. Vancouver, Canada
The area of Vancouver is substantial, and while some neighborhoods have more pollution than others, the overall air quality is acceptable according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) parameters. The Vancouver metro area has a large population of just under 700,000, and most people work in building industries, technology, agriculture and marine activities, tourism, and the audiovisual industry.
The Vancouver metropolis launched a climate emergency action plan (CEAP) to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030, which is already paying dividends in clean air improvements. The plan includes changes in transportation, construction, land us,e and natural resource use.
Reasons to visit Vancouver:
9. Honolulu, U.S.
The island of Hawaii enjoys great natural beauty and the cleanest air in the U.S. throughout the year. Most threats to air quality come from wildfires and seasonal contamination. The city of Honolulu is home to around 350,000 residents, and the popular employment sectors include tourism, trade and professional services.
These industries contribute negligible amounts to the air quality, and microparticles and coarse particulate matter are restricted.
Reasons to visit Honolulu:
10. Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Edinburgh is home to just over 500,000. Most of the area’s industries involve finance, consulting, research and development, IT, and cybersecurity. Transportation is the main contributor to air quality reduction, but the city addresses this with public transit projects and awareness campaigns.
The botanical gardens are also an ideal place to hang out if you desire even better air quality — NASA agrees that plants absorb air pollution for better air quality.
Reasons to visit Edinburgh:
11. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn has a medium population of around 450,000, most of whom are involved in fintech, energy production, IT, and other data-based industries. The city is the headquarters of some of the energy and mining companies in the area.
Most air pollution in Tallinn comes from transportation in the inner city and wood-burning particle pollution from the suburbs and surrounding rural areas.
12. Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm is a bustling city with approximately one million residents living there.
Most people work in the law, science, technology, and finance sectors. These industries are not associated with large volumes of pollution, and Stockholm maintains clean air with low microparticle and coarse particle emissions throughout the year. Most of the city’s heating is sourced from fossil-fuel-free sources, which has reduced air pollution significantly.
Reasons to visit Stockholm:
- Wonderful merger of new and old, including the Stockholm archipelago
- Birthplace of ABBA
- Exceptional public transport
13. Funchal, Portugal
The agricultural hub of Funchal, Portugal, has a population of around 100,000. Most residents work in agriculture-related jobs, while the remainder contribute to handicrafts like wickerwork and needlework. However, tourism remains one of the biggest industries.
The overall air quality is outstanding, with an almost negligible production of chemicals and manufacturing-related particles.
Reasons to visit Funchal:
- Boating and amusement parks
- Monuments and a cable car ride to Monte
- Delicious local cuisine
14. Sydney, Australia
Despite housing over five million residents, Sydney enjoys clear skies and excellent air quality. Most citizens work in finance, education, IT, medical technology, science and engineering, and aerospace — all industries that contribute minimally to particulate pollution.
Sydney’s primary sources of pollution include transportation, advanced manufacturing, and seasonal events like wildfires and dust storms from rural areas.
Reasons to visit Sydney:
15. Trondheim, Norway
Trondheim is the fourth-biggest city in Norway, home to around 200,000 people. While Norway is one of the largest oil-producing countries in the world, it relies almost exclusively on sustainable energy sources for its own energy needs. Wind farms, tidal power stations, and solar plants produce most of the country’s electricity.
The largest industries in Trondheim are technology and IT-based, which produce almost no pollution. The city implements road cleaning strategies to reduce dust and chemical pollution.
Reasons to visit Trondheim:
- Historic city
- Exciting wharf area
- Discover folk traditions
16. Halifax, Canada
Halifax’s population is slightly under 500,000, and most residents are involved in logistics, finance, and technology. The city has a sizable marine orientation for research and startup development. The agricultural sector and mining and natural gas production are located near Halifax — making its zero rating for coarse particle matter pollution a significant victory.
The city pursues green hydrogen energy and sustainability projects to help reduce chemical particles in the air. The local government also needs to focus on improved transportation with a lower carbon footprint. Use public transit and take a water taxi on a geocaching adventure as you search for the Halifax Harbour Earthcache (GC17G8R) using your favorite app like GooseChase or AdventureLab.
Reasons to visit Halifax:
- Lively ocean culture and loads of seafood options
- Historic city with many festivals
- Natural beauty of the landscape
17. Portland, U.S.
Portland, Oregon, has a dynamic, community of around 630,000. Its industries span IT, health care, design and media, specialized metalwork and machinery, clothing manufacturing, and bioscience. These industries produce a lower carbon emission rate and produce less chemical pollution from their processes.
Most of Portland’s microparticle pollution comes from wood burning during winter and rising temperatures in summer, which create harmful ozone levels. The area’s wildfires and shifting winds may also carry contaminants from neighboring cities with heavier industries.
Reasons to visit Portland:
- Thriving local breweries
- Exceptional natural landscapes
- Shopping and culture
18. Burlington, U.S.
Burlington, situated on Lake Champlain, is the smallest city on the list, with a population of under 50,000. The primary industries in the area are education, health care, tech, small-scale manufacturing, and aviation. Thanks to the absence of heavy industries, large particle pollution is minimal.
Burlington is a popular tourist destination for aquatic adventures on Lake Champlain.
Reasons to visit Burlington:
- Lakeside activities
- Museums
- Educational opportunities
19. Rotterdam, Netherlands
The Netherlands generally experiences good air quality. Rotterdam has a population of just under 700,000, but it’s also part of the larger Randstad conurbation, which has a much larger population.
Most of Rotterdam’s population is employed in the IT, finance, maritime, energy, and logistics sectors, which are known to produce limited emissions. The higher fine particle emissions may result from traffic into Rotterdam’s port, which has a carbon footprint of 22.4 million tons or 16% of the Netherlands’ total carbon emissions. Most air quality measurements don’t include the port, so the city’s rating of clear air quality is somewhat ambiguous.
20. Santiago, Chile
Santiago is one of the biggest metropolitan areas in Chile, with almost seven million residents, though the consensus is that this number may be even more than what records show. Most people in Santiago work in agriculture, services, finance, and tourism. These industries are all known to produce less air pollution than mining and heavy manufacturing.
Since most Santiagoians rely on public transportation, trains, and electric cars are gaining popularity, and carbon emissions are steadily decreasing. Open-fire cooking is a pervasive cause of pollution in Santiago. The local governments are steadily increasing the electrification of neighborhoods for more sustainable cooking methods.
Reasons to visit Santiago:
- Proximity to the Andes for daily site-seeing
- Wine tours
- Beach holidays
Take a Breath of Fresh Air
Visit the cities with the best air quality in the world to avoid smog, pollution and unseen contaminants that could eventually cost your life. These cities are clean, organized and ready for an adventure if you travel there.
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Jack Shaw is the Senior Outdoors Writer for Modded Magazine. Driven by his passion for writing, Jack loves to traverse the wilderness, travel, and explore the unknown. He has over six years of experience writing professionally and loves engaging in new projects. His works have been published in The Travel Magazine, EcoHotels, Trekaroo, and more.
