Want to try a 'quietcation'? This surprise capital city is an ideal choice
Sometimes when you take a holiday, you end up leaving more highly-strung than when you arrived. Sure, New York and London are cool. But oh boy, they're chaotic places.
That's why I was so surprised by Edinburgh.
Though it's the capital of Scotland, it manages to maintain the energy of a small town in most areas.
And compared to many of the other cities I've visited in Europe, Edinburgh feels like a breath of fresh air.
Edinburgh feels more like a small town. Getty
In a recent study by Stasher, Edinburgh was crowned the third-best place in the world for 'quietcationing' - a new trend for travellers seeking genuine rest and mental recharge.
You don't have to escape to the countryside to find tranquillity - it's about seeking out cities that are less crowded, more laid-back, and allow you to 'switch off'.
And Edinburgh is definitely one of those places.
Sure, on the main street, there's plenty of hustle and bustle. But you don't have to wander far to find a pocket of quiet to yourself.
Within the city limits, you have heaps of options for accessible nature. The classic tourist activity is to hike to the top of Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano, for stunning views.
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You can walk right out of the city into nature. Getty
But if you don't want to break a sweat, the Royal Botanic Garden has a dedicated "Garden of Tranquillity" designed specifically to reduce anxiety and sensory overload.
There's also the Water of Leith walkway, a 20km "green corridor" which snakes through the city. Walking along the river, surrounded by trees and the sound of rushing water, makes it easy to forget you are in a major metropolitan area.
One morning I went on a run, and within 10 minutes of leaving the main road I found myself crossing a quaint bridge over a stream, surrounded by old cottages and cobblestones.
Even in the youth hostel where I stayed (notoriously rowdy places!), there was a cosy, high-ceilinged 'library' with floor-to-ceiling windows, cushy couches, and an unspoken rule of silence.
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Even cafes right in the city have cosy views. Supplied
Staying in the heart of the old town in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, I expected things to be busy and well-trafficked. Sure, there were tourists (especially as I was there just before Christmas), but things never felt chaotic.
Plus, it's literally one of the world's most walkable cities. Pretty much everything that you'll want to see while you're there is within a 20-minute walk.
Rhodes is another spot that's great for a quiet holiday. Getty
If the UK isn't on your list of places to visit, how about one of the other top quietcationing spots?
Rhodes, in Greece, claimed the number one spot, thanks to its low population density and minimal noise pollution.
The island is known for its golden beaches, medieval Old Town, and ancient ruins. The charming fishing village of Lindos is a nice and quiet place to base yourself for a relaxing holiday.
Vilnius is very quiet compared to other European hotspots. Getty
Second on the list is Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. This Eastern European city is nowhere near as highly-visited as some of its neighbours, so it remains low-stress and fun to visit year-round.
Considered something of a hidden gem, it has a stunning UNESCO-listed Old Town, a delicious and affordable food scene, plenty of green spaces, and most importantly, a relaxed atmosphere.
Top 10 destinations for 'quietcationing':
- Rhodes
- Vilnius
- Edinburgh
- Oslo
- Helsinki
- Tallinn
- Valencia
- Stockholm
- Kyoto
- Copenhagen
