A new index has revealed Europe’s worst cities for sleep – and where British holidaymakers might be able to enjoy a good night’s rest on their next short-haul trip.
The European Sleep Index 2026 compared sleep conditions across 25 cities to determine the best and worst locations for dozing off.
Using environmental and lifestyle data closely linked to night-time disruption, the index assessed noise, light pollution, air quality, smoking rates, alcohol consumption and average sleep duration for both residents and visitors in urban areas.
Each factor was then measured using a penalty-point system, with lower scores reflecting better sleep conditions.
Among the worst performers is London, which ranked 20th out of 25. It recorded a score of 36.12 out of a possible 70 under the index’s penalty-based scoring system.
Along with air pollution and late-night commuting, noise exposure was identified as a key factor reducing sleep quality in the capital.
These components, paired with high levels of traffic, nightlife and background noise, make sleep disruption inevitable for visitors and locals, especially in tourist-heavy locations with hotels and short-term rentals.
However, the index proves that city size does not dictate sleep outcomes, as evidenced by Paris, which performed better despite similar density, tourism, and transport pressures.
A new index has ranked Europe’s worst cities for sleep – and London has placed 20th out of all 25 locations assessed
Noise exposure was identified as a major factor reducing sleep quality in London, as well as high levels of traffic, nightlife and background noise
At the bottom of the table is Prague, followed by Warsaw and Barcelona, cities that are characterised by extended night-time noise, concentrated areas of late-night activity, and higher traffic levels.
Prague ranked poorly due to high alcohol consumption and smoking rates, and notably higher levels of noise pollution compared with other cities.
Barcelona, ranked third worst for sleep on the list, recorded the highest noise pollution score out of 25 cities due to its high visitor numbers, booming nightlife and dense residential areas.
On the flip side, Zurich emerged as the best European city for sleep, followed by Amsterdam and Stockholm.
These cities performed well due to lower noise levels and better management of night-time activities.
While Zurich boasts low light pollution and moderate air quality, both Amsterdam and Stockholm offer an approach to noise reduction through strategic urban planning, including green spaces and traffic management that help buffer sound.
Rodney Ryu, Managing Director, Coway Europe, which conducted the study, said: ‘Travellers often assume poor sleep is just part of visiting a busy city, but the data shows that some destinations manage night time conditions far better than others.
‘Noise exposure and air quality, in particular, have a direct impact on how well people sleep, whether they live in a city or are staying for a few nights.
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At the bottom of the table is Prague (pictured), which was found to have high alcohol consumption and smoking rates, and notably higher levels of noise pollution
Barcelona (pictured), meanwhile, recorded the highest noise pollution score out of 25 cities
‘Poor sleep is not an inevitable part of urban travel. Cities that take noise reduction, air quality and night-time planning seriously create better conditions not just for residents, but for visitors as well.’
In yet another blow for the UK capital, London has been crowned the world’s worst megacity for traffic – with average speeds of just over 10mph.
Drivers across the UK capital face significant delays, as a new report released by TomTom shows a six-mile trip averages 35 minutes and seven seconds, cementing London’s status as having the slowest-moving traffic in the world.
The report further found that average travel times in the capital are now 45 seconds longer than last year, resulting in the typical driver losing a whopping 136 hours annually stuck in rush-hour traffic.
