Take it easy when visiting these capital cities because there is less pollution and excellent air quality.
This year, smog and orange sky have been brought to major urban centers by wildfires worldwide, from Athens to New York City. However, by controlling emissions, putting money into public transit, and switching to renewable energy, the cities with the cleanest air have been able to reduce air pollution and make them more sustainable and pleasurable travel destinations.
The Air Quality Index (AQI), which ranges from 0 to 500, is used to measure the general air quality of a location. An AQI of less than 50 is regarded as good, while anything above 300 is deemed harmful; lower scores suggest cleaner air, while larger scores indicate more pollution. Only seven nations—Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius, and New Zealand—met the WHO's air pollution standards in 2023.
Naturally, there are wide variations in air quality within a single nation, particularly one as big as the US. For this reason, the Swiss IT company IQAir continuously monitors the quality of the air in cities all over the world. In the world's top 10 cleanest cities, Minneapolis, Houston, and Chicago have the lowest air pollution in the United States as of November 20, 2024. The US cities with the poorest air quality at the time of publication were New York, Detroit, and Washington, DC, all of which had "moderate" pollution levels.
We've compiled a list of eight capital cities with the cleanest air, or AQI values below 50, according to IQAir, for people who want to go away from the smog of their hometowns while still enjoying the conveniences of the city. Throughout the day, these figures fluctuate. Check out the live ranking here for the most recent scores.) These nations have the world's cleanest beaches if you're looking for pure air and water.
Tokyo, Japan (AQI: 28)
Explore the lively neighborhoods of Shibuya and Shinjuku, the serene serenity of the Meiji Shrine encircled by a green forest, and the expansive vistas from the Tokyo Tower. Discover Tokyo's top sushi restaurants, stroll through the historic Asakusa area, and take in the smooth fusion of modern and traditional design. See our comprehensive guide on Tokyo's top attractions for additional suggestions.
Prague, Czech Republic (AQI: 18)
Go for: Some of the top things to do in Prague include strolling across the famous Charles Bridge, touring the fanciful Prague Castle, and exploring the cobblestone lanes of Old Town Square. In a traditional bar, savor a big Czech meal and great beer while seeing the magnificent Astronomical Clock.
Canberra, Australia (AQI: 33)
See: The famous Australian War Memorial and the expansive grounds of Lake Burley Griffin. Amidst Canberra's charming parks and gardens, explore the dynamic cultural landscape at Parliament House and the National Gallery.
Stockholm, Sweden (AQI: 20)
Choose between the historic Gamla Stan, with its cobblestone alleys and vibrant buildings, and the picturesque Stockholm Archipelago, which consists of more than 14 islands. Visit the Royal Palace, take in the city's many parks and seaside cafes, and explore Fotografiska's modern art scene.
Helsinki, Finland (AQI: 15)
Choose between the historic Gamla Stan, with its cobblestone alleys and vibrant buildings, and the picturesque Stockholm Archipelago, which consists of more than 14 islands. Visit the Royal Palace, take in the city's many parks and seaside cafes, and explore Fotografiska's modern art scene.
Warsaw, Poland (AQI: 38)
Choose: The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its magnificent Royal Castle and colorful buildings, which has been tastefully restored. Discover the history and resiliency of the city by taking a stroll around Łazienki Park, which is home to the famous Chopin Monument, and visiting the Warsaw Uprising Museum.
Taipei, Taiwan (AQI: 31)
Choose: The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its magnificent Royal Castle and colorful buildings, which has been tastefully restored. Discover the history and resiliency of the city by taking a stroll around Łazienki Park, which is home to the famous Chopin Monument, and visiting the Warsaw Uprising Museum.
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