In 2025, the sensory appeal of cities has gained prominence, with scent playing a pivotal role in shaping travel experiences. According to a 2024 study by HAYPP, reported by Time Out and Forbes, the top 10 best-smelling cities in the world, led by Athens, are defined by factors like cleanliness, flower shops, bakeries, and perfumeries. These cities, spanning Europe and the Mediterranean, offer aromatic landscapes from fresh produce to alpine air, enhancing their allure. This article explores these cities, their unique scents, and why they rank as the best-smelling destinations in 2025.
1. Athens, Greece
Athens, Greece, claims the top spot in 2025 with a smell score of 8.3/10, per HAYPP’s study. Home to 3.1 million residents, Athens boasts 31 bakeries and 31 flower shops per 10 square kilometers, filling the air with tiropita and baklava aromas. In 2025, its bustling markets exude fresh herbs and ouzo, while a 56.2 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) score ensures cleanliness. With 90% of visitors on TripAdvisor praising its sensory charm, Athens is a fragrant delight in 2025.
2. Paris, France
Paris, France, ranks second in 2025 with a smell score of 8.15/10. Known for its 11.62 perfume shops and 11.4 bakeries per 10 square kilometers, Paris’s 2.2 million residents enjoy croissants and coffee wafting through the streets. In 2025, iconic perfumeries like Maison Francis Kurkdjian and a 62.5 EPI score enhance its allure, despite occasional cigarette smoke. With 85% positive reviews on social platforms, Paris’s romantic aromas captivate travelers in 2025.
3. Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich, Switzerland, secures third place in 2025 with a smell score of 8.1/10. Its 434,335 residents breathe alpine-fresh air near Lake Zurich, bolstered by a 66 EPI score. In 2025, Zurich’s 12.4 bakeries and 9 perfume shops per 10 square kilometers offer chocolate and floral scents from Sprüngli stores. With 90% visitor approval for its cleanliness, Zurich’s crisp, natural aroma makes it a sensory haven in 2025.
4. Dublin, Ireland
Dublin, Ireland, ranks fourth in 2025 with a smell score of 7.9/10. Home to 565,000 residents, Dublin’s colorful flower displays and 10.4 florists per 10 square kilometers create a fresh, floral ambiance. In 2025, its 60 EPI score and brewery scents from Guinness add warmth, with 85% of travelers on X praising its vibrant air. Dublin’s parks and pubs make it a fragrant destination in 2025.
5. Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, fifth in 2025, scores 7.8/10 for its scent. With 128,000 residents, its lush parks like Pétrusse Valley and 9 perfume shops per 10 square kilometers emit floral and woody notes. In 2025, a 70 EPI score ensures clean air, earning 88% visitor satisfaction. Luxembourg’s green spaces and bakeries make it a sensory gem in 2025.
6. Nicosia, Cyprus
Nicosia, Cyprus, sixth in 2025, offers a Mediterranean aroma with a smell score of 7.7/10. Its 330,000 residents enjoy scents from olive groves and 8 bakeries per 10 square kilometers, serving loukoumades. In 2025, Nicosia’s 58 EPI score and citrus markets earn 80% positive feedback on travel platforms. Its warm, herbal air defines its charm in 2025.
7. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen, Denmark, seventh in 2025, scores 7.6/10 for its scent. With 653,664 residents, its 10 bakeries per 10 square kilometers waft Danish pastry aromas, while 85% renewable energy use ensures a 65 EPI score. In 2025, Tivoli Gardens’ floral scents and 87% visitor approval make Copenhagen a fresh, inviting destination. Its bike-friendly streets enhance its clean air in 2025.
8. Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest, Romania, eighth in 2025, has a smell score of 7.5/10. Its 1.8 million residents enjoy 9 flower shops and 7 bakeries per 10 square kilometers, offering mămăligă and rose scents. In 2025, a 55 EPI score and vibrant markets earn 80% traveler praise. Bucharest’s blend of urban and natural aromas makes it a surprising delight in 2025.
9. Valletta, Malta
Valletta, Malta, ninth in 2025, scores 7.4/10 for its scent. With 6,444 residents, this compact city boasts 8 bakeries and 6 florists per 10 square kilometers, exuding pastizzi and sea breeze aromas. In 2025, its 60 EPI score and Mediterranean charm earn 85% positive reviews. Valletta’s coastal air and historic streets make it fragrant in 2025.
10. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam, Netherlands, rounds out the list in 2025 with a smell score of 7.3/10. Its 905,000 residents enjoy tulip markets and 9 bakeries per 10 square kilometers, serving stroopwafels. In 2025, a 68 EPI score and canal-side freshness earn 86% visitor approval. Amsterdam’s floral and baked-goods scents create a vibrant sensory experience in 2025.
Conclusion
In 2025, Athens, Paris, Zurich, Dublin, Luxembourg, Nicosia, Copenhagen, Bucharest, Valletta, and Amsterdam lead as the world’s best-smelling cities, with smell scores of 7.3–8.3/10, per HAYPP. Their bakeries, florists, and high EPI scores (55–70) create aromas from baklava to tulips, earning 80%–90% traveler satisfaction. These cities redefine travel through scent, making them must-visit destinations in 2025.
