Traveling the world is no doubt one of the most tangible ways to bring the global community together. The unfortunate side effect is that tourism itself is reportedly responsible for 8% of greenhouse gas emissions, according to one study.
As travelers, there is a way to pivot power more effectively, by selecting destinations where your tourist dollars will feed local economies and support policies and strategies that help protect the planet for future generations.
Every year, the Global Destination Sustainability Movement releases the Global Destination Sustainability Index looking at criteria aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to determine which cities are leading the planet in their forward-thinking practices.
From planting vertical gardens to holding visitors responsible with a sustainability pledge, here are 12 destinations worthy of your travel budget.
Gothenburg, Sweden (No. 1)
From the moment you touch down in Sweden’s western coastal city, it’s clear that being green isn’t a goal but the bare minimum that’s embedded into Gothenburg’s way of life. Landvetter Airport (GOT) has been emission-free since 2020, and it’s completely powered by green energy. For example, all vehicles and the airport’s overall backup power supply run on hydrotreated vegetable oil.
Once inside the super walkable city, the public transportation options are plentiful and operate on 95% renewable energy. This includes trams, ferries, buses and bikeshares.
Eco certifications are a basic standard, both for restaurants and hotels. In fact, you can sleep easy knowing that 88% of the accommodations have that sustainable check of approval. They’re focused not only on recycling and renewable energy but on all the details, like how to use better detergents.
Many of the efforts are behind the scenes; for instance, Gothenburg became the world’s first green bond city back in 2013, marking a commitment through investments. As a whole, the city has impressively notched the top spot in the GDS ranking every year since 2016, seven years running. Still, it keeps pushing itself to go deeper, and Gothenburg is counting down six years until its goal of complete carbon neutrality by 2030.
Sustainable stay
Centered around three courtyards in a leafy nook in the city center, the 179-room Hotell Heden (rates from $240 per night) makes a convenient and eco-certified upper mid-scale accommodation.
Eco-friendly must-visit
Enjoy family fun without worries. Liseberg became the first amusement park in the world to score an ISO 20121 sustainability management certification.
Copenhagen (No. 3)
Ranked third in the GDS rankings, the Danish capital has long been in the race to become the world’s first carbon-neutral capital next year. It’s an especially lofty goal, as the city is expecting 20% population growth in the next decade.
With a longtime reputation as a bike-friendly city, it’s not just about the nearly 340 miles of bike paths but the entire cycling infrastructure. In the last decade, the city has invested more than 100 million Euros (about $1.07 million) to build architecturally stunning bike bridges (don’t miss Circle Bridge and Lille Langebro) and make biking a part of its culture. In fact, 70% of Danes are bike owners.
Also impressive: One-third of the city hotel rooms are cooled by Copenhagen Harbor’s water, marking a 70% reduction in emissions from air conditioners. The harbor itself has also found new life as a recreational zone with 10 swimming areas open all but 15 days of the year. It’s all a mark of the city’s longtime efforts; it was one of the first to be acknowledged as a European Green Capital by the European Commission back in 2014.
Sustainable stay
The luscious Guldsmeden Manon Les Suites (rates from $260 per night) oozes with a bohemian vibe and organic restaurant. It’s part of the sustainable and organically certified Guldsmeden brand.
Eco-friendly must-visit
One of the most tangible ways to see the city’s green initiatives in action is at CopenHill, an artificial ski slope and hiking area built on top of a waste management center.
Helsinki (No. 4)
Helsinki continues its upward climb in the GDS rankings. It went from the 16th spot two years ago to the 12th, and now, it has cracked the top five. After all, for a big urban capital, the city is just as rooted in nature. The best example is Helsingin Keskuspuisto, the 6.2-mile central park that runs the length of the city from Laakso to Haltiala, including conservation areas of herb-rich forests.
Recycling is also a priority in town, but not how we think of it (by putting unneeded items in designated bins). In Helsinki, recycling is instead about finding suitable second homes at a wide breadth of flea markets, where it’s not just about buying but selling as well. Even more forward-thinking, libraries lend items folks may just need for a short period, like drills and even petanque sets.
To encourage all tourism businesses to think eco-friendly, the city encourages them to participate in the free Sustainable Travel Finland program to implement green initiatives into their operations. The city as a whole is a participant, aiming to receive the designation next year.
Sustainable stay
Following both the EcoCompass system and Green Key certification, Hotel Helka (rates from $121) puts a focus on humanity first; I experienced this during my 2018 stay. It also minimizes waste from its local and organic food offerings.
Eco-friendly must-visit
In the Kansalaistori square, the eye-grabbing Oodi — designed by ALA Architects — is a nearly zero-energy building that opened in 2018.
Bergen, Norway (No. 5)
The Nordic countries no doubt lead the way in sustainability efforts, and Norway’s second-largest city is a beacon for its own nation. Coming in at No. 5 in the GDS rankings, Bergen is the only major Norwegian city to have the country’s own Innovation Norway’s label for Sustainable Destinations.
Its citizens’ commitment to lowering emissions is something to be lauded; in Bergen, 37% of private vehicles are electric — one of the highest percentages in the world.
Another of its standout efforts is the world’s largest purpose-built cycling and pedestrian tunnels: the Fyllingsdalstunnelen. Opened last April, the 5-mile pathway traces a light rail route, providing a safe zone for locals and tourists alike to get around electricity-free.
Sustainable stay
The 199-room Moxy Bergen (rates from $131 per night) merges the best of all worlds — a waterfront location and sleek design with a prestigious “excellent” rating from the Building Research Establishment’s BREEAM, thanks to its renewable energy use and heating methods.
Eco-friendly must-visit
Ride the Floibanen funicular up Mount Floyen for an aerial view of the harbor, and pay attention to how the counterweight of the opposite carriage going down the mountain helps pull the other one up.
Bordeaux, France (No. 9)
This southwestern region of France may be best known for its vineyards, but its long-standing commitment to sustainability is quickly catching up as well.
Perhaps nowhere is it more obvious than at Darwin. Former military barracks that were transformed into a multi-use space, every business and organization in this new community is vetted for its eco-consciousness.
That means the sustainable shoe community Vessi has an outlet with a test hub for recycling and repairing shoes. The outlet is across from Hangar Darwin, a warehouse-turned-skate park made out of all recycled materials. This is near a general store that recycles 80% of waste through 20 different channels.
All throughout the ninth-ranked Bordeaux, local foods are emphasized at restaurants and eateries (try the app Tookki to find them). Plus, choosing alternative travel options is simple thanks to electric buses and trams.
Sustainable stay
In a UNESCO World Heritage Site architectural complex, former villas have been converted into the luxury 28-key Villas Foch (rates from $285 per night), certified for its environmental management.
Eco-friendly must-visit
Of course, it wouldn’t be Bordeaux without wine. Head out to Chateau Paloumey, a family-run vineyard, thinking ahead to the future of climate change and experimenting with innovative techniques to get ahead of rising temperatures.
Zurich (No. 12)
The Swiss are first-rate secondhand shoppers. They have a particular love for shopping at brockenhauser — thrift shops that are lovingly nicknamed “Brockis” — for books, electronics, jewelry, clothes or even wacky souvenirs. (Don’t miss Arch Zuerich, which even has a slide between its two floors.)
After all, efficiency of every kind is built into the city’s DNA, from its compact city center and plentiful public transportation to its quality water, dubbed “Zuri water,” that’s drinkable from 1,000 fountains around town. Its energy performance has also been so efficient that Zurich nabbed a European Energy Award Gold Award. Travelers can join in by learning about their own footprints through the Zurich-based Myclimate foundation.
Sustainable stay
Right in the middle of Old Town, the 16th-century Hotel Adler Zurich (rates from $295) has sketches from Swiss animal and artist Rudolf Koller on the walls.
Eco-friendly must-visit
Outdoor public baths called badis are staples of Zurich summer life. Stop off at the women-only Frauenbad at Stadthausquai, men-only Mannerbad Schanzengraben or the family-friendly Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen.
Goyang, South Korea (No. 14)
The top GDS city outside of Europe, this South Korean city about 11 miles northwest of Seoul isn’t just committed to doing “less bad” for the environment. It’s truly focused on regeneration.
With an ideal location near Mount Bukhan and the Han River, nature steps into the forefront. You can experience this on the Goynang Nuri Trail, as well as the Janghang Wetland — a Ramsar site notable for its conservation and preservation of its biodiversity. Goyang has 68 neighborhood parks, as well as numerous ecology and cultural parks, so that its citizens and visitors are truly always surrounded by green.
Eco-friendly must-visit
Covering 245 acres, Ilsan Lake Park is one of the largest manmade freshwater lakes in Asia. It’s complete with artificial islands, more than 100 types of wildflowers and a forest with 200,000 trees.
Singapore (No. 17)
The Lion City has been holding true to its Singapore Green Plan 2030. Nearly 95% of the city’s energy comes from natural gas, and more than half of the island nation is covered with trees and foliage. That includes some of the city’s most iconic sites like Gardens by the Bay and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Singapore Botanic Gardens. Even the animals have taken note: Otters, migratory birds and the Raffles banded langur are common sites thanks to the plethora of green space.
Jetting around is quick and easy with more than 300 bus services and an efficient mass rapid transit system; there’s a green peace of mind reveling in sustainable architectural jewels like the Jewel Changi Airport and ArtScience Museum.
Sustainable stay
Double down on going green by staying at Equarius TreeTop Lofts, which works with Singapore’s Nature Society to record its flora and fauna counts, including two endangered bird species.
Eco-friendly must-visit
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve — the only one of its kind in the country — has more than 500 plant and animal species, including a mangrove forest.
Kerry, Ireland (No. 19)
For a nation that’s already so green, County Kerry ups the ante. Coffee shops and hotels in Killarney have banded together to aim to be the first city free of single-use cups, while Dingle’s famous food festival is determined to be completely waste-free this year.
Eco-friendly tourism options are made simple with Discover Kerry’s comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Guide; there are plenty of public bus and train transportation options and electric vehicle charging stations. There are plenty of community service opportunities, such as visits to Deenah Lodge Tea Room in Killarney National Park — which is run by people with Down syndrome — or participating in Maharees Conservation Association volunteer project.
Sustainable stay
Connect with the beauty of the Irish countryside at Killarney Glamping (rates from $120) with glamping suites and luxury lodges.
Eco-friendly must-visit
Join Atlantic Irish Seaweed on guided foraging walks to experience the diverse range of seaweed types and learn each of its benefits.
Songkhla, Thailand (No. 23)
The fresh water from many of Thailand’s canals flows into Songkhla Lake before heading out to the salt waters of the Gulf of Thailand. The result is a distinct lagoon lake, which is the largest in the Asian nation and touches three provinces.
With mixed waters comes a wide range of ecosystems, which can be seen along its Songkhla Lake Basin Ecotourism Route. The route includes stops at Songkhla City Pillar Shrine to better understand the Songkhla people’s two centuries of culture, the Muang Singkhara archaeological site and a boat ride out to the Songkhla Basin islands.
Eco-friendly must-visit
The 100-year-old Ban Nakhon Nai ancient house, which mixes Chinese and European architecture, is now a museum documenting local culture.
Melbourne, Australia (No. 27)
Among the trendy coffee shops and chic speakeasies, the Aussie city is actively turning the concrete jungle into a green oasis. That includes infusing vertical gardens and green walls through its Green Your Laneway program. Stroll down Guildford Lane and Coromandel Place, just two of the prime examples.
Also worth spotlighting: Melbourne’s trams run completely on solar power from the state of Victoria’s largest plant. Though it’s the only city in Australia that made the top 40, the entire country makes it easy to navigate through all the sustainable options by using its Green Travel Guide.
Sustainable stay
The Alto Hotel on Bourke (rates from $67) was the first Australian hotel to earn the EarthCheck Gold Certification. It has also eliminated plastic toiletries and is completely carbon neutral.
Eco-friendly must-visit
At Koorie Heritage Trust, learn about the world’s oldest continuous culture, the aboriginal Victorian peoples, who have long been stewards of sustainability.
Montreal (No. 33)
As the only city in the Americas to crack the GDS top 40, the French Canadian city leads by encouraging visitors to make sustainable choices during their stays through a visitor’s pledge. Among the elements are buying locally, welcoming diversity, using emission-free transportation and avoiding the use of single-use bottles.
All around town, look for Green Key-certified hotels of all classes, as well as plenty of locally sourced dining, such as at Reservoir Brasseur and Le St-Urban. Montreal also reminds visitors to offset their footprints through the Carbone Boreal program.
Sustainable stay
The minimalist Boxotel (rates from $158 per night) right in the Quartier des Spectacles practices waste and energy-minimizing efforts in a boutique setting.
Eco-friendly must-visit
Explore Canada’s largest nature and science museum, Space for Life, to better understand its unique biodiversity of flora and fauna.
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