Here’s a look at some travel destinations that might cause unexpected stress.
While many cities are known for their charm and vibrant culture, they can also come with a fair share of travel-related stressors, ranging from large crowds to high crime rates and less-than-pleasant weather.
According to new research from Ibiza Summer Villas, a list of stressful cities to visit in 2025 has been compiled.
The study examined 51 of the most frequently visited cities worldwide, assessing factors like tourist density, crime rates, humidity, online search interest, and how often visitors mention feeling stressed.
Interestingly, New York City didn’t make it into the top ten. Instead, Paris, often referred to as the city of love, claims the number one spot.
Known for its bustling atmosphere, New York is reportedly less stressful compared to some of its flashier counterparts on the West Coast.
Paris, France
The romantic image of Paris can seem like a dream, but with 47.5 million tourists squeezed into just 105 square kilometers, there’s hardly space for anyone to breathe, let alone find romance.
This translates to about 450,664 tourists per square kilometer, which is, well, more than ten times what New York experiences.
Additionally, search interest in Paris has grown by 24% in the past year, adding to the chaos.
It’s not so much about crime or humidity that makes Paris stressful; it’s just that the sheer number of tourists can turn what should be a lovely getaway into a hectic experience.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi’s climate can feel overwhelming. With humidity levels soaring to 84%—the highest on the list—and notable crime issues, it can be a lot for any visitor to handle.
The city also ranks quite high in terms of reviews that mention stress. Interestingly, searches related to Hanoi have surged by 19%, suggesting that more people are curious about, well, their own discomfort.
For many, the atmosphere in Hanoi can be a mix of sensory overload and security concerns.
Shanghai, China
Shanghai rounds out the top three stressful destinations.
This bustling metropolis attracts around 300 million visitors annually, leading to a tourist density of 47,318 per square kilometer.
Recent searches have spiked by 64%, making Shanghai one of the most rapidly growing travel spots in the world.
Yet, to counter the stress, consider taking a trip to one of the more relaxing places below.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai shines as the most relaxing city to visit in 2025.
Despite being the largest city in the UAE, it boasts low crime rates and expansive urban landscapes, which help to lower visitor stress levels.
With around 17.1 million tourists each year, its wide-ranging layout keeps tourist density relatively low, ranking 43rd overall. It also enjoys the second lowest crime rate in the study, along with mild desert humidity at 60%.
Munich, Germany
If you’re looking for a balance of safety, pleasant weather, and manageable crowds, Munich is worth a visit.
Hosting about 8.5 million visitors, the city has a tourist density of just 27,357 per square kilometer, making it feel much more relaxed than many other European capitals.
Only a small percentage of reviews mention stress, and a drop in search interest indicates even lighter crowds ahead.
Melbourne, Australia
With ample space and a laid-back atmosphere, Melbourne boasts the lowest tourist density worldwide.
Travelers can truly unwind here, as reviews indicate comfortable humidity levels and low stress, making it feel like a breath of fresh air.
