The 8 Best Cities in the World For Well-Being

In the past, cities have been made popular by their fundamental energy — one that makes it a fun place to live, work, or play. In recent years, there has been a switch from this buzz to balance. There's an increasing number of cities around the world that are gaining popularity for their ability to maintain mental, physical, and emotional health. With juice bars, health-food cafes, yoga studios, and quality of life in mind . . . we've rounded up the top eight cities that are all over the wellness scene.

01
London, United Kingdom
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London, United Kingdom

It may come as a surprise, but London is quickly becoming a vegan's dream, filled with juice bars and raw eateries. Though, it's not just about the food here . . . The city has caught onto today's idea of well-being, offering wellness-centered services that had once been a mystery to the UK. Detox centers, cranio sacral therapy, gemstone facials, food doctors, and holistic treatments are aplenty.

02
Bali, Indonesia
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Bali, Indonesia

Flowing with eco-conscious resorts, wellness retreats, and some of the world's tastiest clean eating, Bali is a dream for ultimate well-being. As if its lush beauty wasn't enough to ease your mind and refuel your body, there are endless spots to do yoga and meditate. Finding your bliss and understanding what makes you feel well is almost too easy here.

03
Sydney, Australia
Flickr user Ryan Wick

Sydney, Australia

If there's any city that embodies healthy outdoor culture to its fullest, it's Sydney. The Australian metropolis has an overwhelming number of parks, beaches, sports clubs, and fitness studios. The gorgeous weather lasts year round and the people are a bit wellness-obsessed. With its endless healthy cafes and lovely yoga studios, this city knows how to balance nourishment with relaxation.

04
Copenhagen, Denmark
Flicker user John Anes

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is the jewel of Denmark's wellness crown. Driving has been replaced by a walking and cycling culture, health and happiness are at a constant high among the rest of the world's major cities, and hygge is a way of life. This famous coziness can be found everywhere from the city's restaurants and bars to its streets and museums.

05
Tokyo, Japan
Pexels | Ben Cheung

Tokyo, Japan

Japan's life expectancy is one of the highest in the world. Its public transport system is also one of the best, with a healthy lifestyle and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Peaceful people are everywhere, and there's a deep-rooted sense of understanding when it comes to well-being.

06
Los Angeles, California
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Los Angeles, California

From crystal shops, cafes, and trendy meditation studios to clothing brands, festivals, and retreats focused on well-being, Los Angeles knows wellness, and it knows it well. The city is marked by its avocado-eating, juice-craving, toned-up, blissed-out locals. Clean eating, superfoods, alternative exercise, and positive energy are no strangers here.

07
New York, New York
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New York, New York

While it may be the city that never sleeps, New York is actually full of opportunities to better yourself — mind, body, and soul. Whether you want to have an ancient Roman bath experience, try a dairy-free or gluten-free diet, or practice meditation morning and night, NYC dwellers love to take care of their bodies and the city, as a whole, continues to redefine wellness.

08
Stockholm, Sweden
Flickr user Pedro Szekely

Stockholm, Sweden

With more than 100 museums in the city, one of the highest concentrations in the world, Stockholm scores relatively high for mental stimulation. There's a focus on personal safety and being green just as much as there is an interest in personal health. The city's bike rental program keeps things active while the many spas and wellness centers maintain the calm.