A new study has found that Paris is the most stressful city in the world, after being ranked for global search trends, crime data, tourist density, review sentiment, and humidity levels
Paris, often dubbed the City of Love, has hit a snag in its romantic reputation. Despite attracting millions of tourists each year who are eager to soak up the city’s vibrant atmosphere, not everyone leaves with fond memories.
New data from Ibiza Summer Villas reveals that Paris tops the list of the most stressful cities to visit. The study analysed 51 of the world’s most frequented cities, using factors such as global search trends, crime statistics, tourist density, review sentiment, and weather discomfort (humidity levels).
Each location was scored on aspects like safety, overcrowding, and overall comfort to determine where travellers are most likely to feel stressed and where they can truly unwind.
With over 47.5 million tourists descending upon its mere 105km2 each year, Paris sees a staggering 450,664 visitors per square km – a density more than ten times that of New York.
Although Paris didn’t rank highest for crime or weather discomfort (coming in 5th and mid-range, respectively), the sheer volume of people could mean that visitors don’t find the idyllic getaway they had envisioned, reports the Express.
The second most stressful holiday spot was Hanoi in Vietnam, which also claimed the title of the most physically uncomfortable city due to its extreme humidity.
It ranked 4th for reviews mentioning stress, with visitors commenting on not just the heat, but also the overwhelming sensation of the city.
Shanghai takes the third spot, attracting a whopping 300 million tourists each year. While it’s not as crowded as Paris, it still sees 47,318 visitors per km2 and ranks among the top 20 for crime and stress-inducing reviews.
However, don’t let the hustle and bustle deter you from exploring these vibrant locations.
There are strategies to navigate busy cities while maintaining a sense of tranquillity and safety.
The key is to do your homework about your accommodation – if you’re after some peace and quiet, ensure your lodging isn’t situated on the main thoroughfare.
Additionally, consider limiting the number of attractions you visit to prevent feeling overwhelmed. Stick to one or two destinations per day, and your holiday will be much more relaxing.