Beautiful European city named one of the most relaxing places to visit this year

Munich, the Bavarian capital known for its beer gardens, historic architecture, and laid-back charm, has been ranked as one of the most relaxing cities to visit this year, according to new research by Ibiza Summer Villas. The study analysed 51 of the world’s most visited destinations, comparing them across five stress-related factors: tourist density, crime rates, humidity levels, online search trends, and the proportion of visitor reviews that mentioned stress.

The German city of Munich’s combination of safety, mild weather, and manageable crowds helped it secure the second spot, just after Dubai. With a low crime index of 21.1, the city offers a sense of security that’s increasingly hard to find in major urban destinations.

Tourist traffic remains relatively modest at 8.5 million visitors annually, and with a density of just 27,357 people per square kilometre, Munich feels calmer than many of Europe’s most famous capitals. Even online indicators suggest a quieter year ahead, with search interest for the city down 16% compared to last year.

One of the standout findings was how few visitors reported feeling stressed during their stay, just 0.0148% of reviews mentioned it, indicating that Munich’s charm comes without the chaos often found in other travel hotspots.

For travellers, that means more time strolling through the sprawling English Garden, browsing art at the Alte Pinakothek, or lingering over a stein of locally brewed beer in the Marienplatz without having to navigate overwhelming crowds.

This calm atmosphere makes Munich an appealing alternative for those who have experienced the all-too-common “Instagram vs. reality” travel disappointment, arriving at a picture-perfect location only to find it swarming with tourists and uncomfortably hot.

While the research identified a number of cities that can leave visitors feeling frazzled, Munich stood out for offering the rare mix of cultural richness, urban sophistication, and genuine breathing space.

Whether exploring its Baroque palaces, cycling along the Isar River, or simply soaking in the relaxed Bavarian lifestyle, the city delivers a refreshing antidote to overcrowded travel spots.

For 2025, it seems Munich isn’t just a stop on the way to Oktoberfest but a destination in its own right for travellers in search of peace, beauty, and balance.