A recent study by DIPNDIVE has identified the top 10 most stressful cities for travelers worldwide. According to the ranking, six of the cities are in the United States, while the remaining four are in Europe.
The cities were evaluated based on several factors, including the number of visitors, urban noise levels, air quality, food and transportation costs (including taxis), and crime rates. The rankings were assigned on a scale from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating cities that are less tourist-friendly.
Las Vegas Tops the List
Las Vegas was ranked the most stressful city for tourists, scoring 95 points. The city experiences extreme overcrowding, with 187,000 tourists per 100,000 residents. It also has a high noise level, scoring 94 in this category. While food and transportation are relatively affordable, navigating the city can be challenging due to its overwhelming atmosphere.
San Francisco ranked second, followed by New York City in third place. Notably, New York was found to be the most expensive city on the list, with an average restaurant meal costing around $30.
Crime and Overcrowding Impact Tourist Experience
Portland, which ranked ninth, was identified as the city with the highest crime rate, scoring 57.4 in this category. While it has a moderate number of tourists, safety concerns make moving around the city more challenging.
Paris rounded out the top 10, with the highest tourist density among the ranked cities—273,000 tourists per 100,000 residents. It also recorded a high noise level (79). However, the French capital offers relatively affordable restaurant prices, with meals averaging around €15.
The 10 Most Stressful Cities for Tourists:
- Las Vegas, USA – 95 points
- San Francisco, USA – 93 points
- New York, USA – 83 points
- London, UK – 82 points
- Los Angeles, USA – 79 points
- Zurich, Switzerland – 77 points
- San Diego, USA – 76 points
- Milan, Italy – 73 points
- Portland, USA – 72 points
- Paris, France – 71 points
This study highlights the challenges travelers may face in these cities, from overcrowding and high costs to crime and noise pollution. However, while these destinations may be stressful, they remain popular due to their cultural and entertainment attractions.
