Digital detox: ranking of the best cities in Europe for gadget-free vacation
The life of a modern person is impossible without smartphones, social networks, and work-related correspondence. But it's so important to put your phone on “do not disturb” mode at least sometimes and take a break from the frantic pace of life. Learn more about the TOP 5 cities in Europe for digital detox
It's hard to imagine the modern world without smartphones, social networks, and work chats. The fast pace of life makes us constantly distracted by the screens of our mobile devices. However, there are places where you can easily put your phone on “do not disturb” mode. On average, we check our smartphone every 12 minutes and spend about 3 hours a day in front of its screen. One of the ways to spend a vacation is a digital detox, when you limit the use of gadgets and enjoy life here and now.
Experts have identified the best locations for a digital detox, taking into account factors such as population density, peace and relaxation, activity, safety, and internet access. These places are ideal for taking a break from the frantic pace of life and switching to enjoying nature and local beauty.
Such cities include locations where you can feel real peace and comfort, escape from the daily routine and enjoy moments without digital interference. Vacationing in such places helps to restore energy and enjoy life without constantly looking at your smartphone.
To learn more about the TOP 10 countries with the most Blue Flag beaches, please follow the link.
How was the research conducted?
The travel insurance company InsureMyTrip has created a list of the best cities in the world for digital detox. The study took into account such indicators as the level of relaxation, availability of activities, security, and Internet access. For example, crowded streets in big cities can be stressful when visiting popular places, especially when people are constantly using smartphones.
InsureMyTrip also analyzed the amount of entertainment that can distract tourists from social media and the level of security in these cities. The lack of Wi-Fi in some places means fewer temptations to use your phone. Each destination was given a score from 1 to 10.
Interestingly, all five of the top cities for taking a break from the Internet and social media are in Europe. This ranking shows that Europe offers many places for a relaxing vacation without digital distractions, where you can fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere and enjoy the local beauty.
Planning a trip or move abroad? An important part of a successful trip is an insurance policy, as it guarantees high-quality medical care anywhere in the world and can protect you from unnecessary expenses while travelling. You can buy insurance from trusted agents on the Visit World portal.
Top 5 cities in the world for digital detox
Prague, Czech Republic
Score - 7.96 points
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, received high scores in all indicators. The main reason is the lack of traffic jams: the average travel time here is only 16 minutes. It is a great city for walking, where you can enjoy the unique architecture and beautiful streets.
Prague is known for its quiet and unhurried atmosphere. Although Internet access is available in many cafes and coffee shops, you won't want to pull out your phone to browse the news or solve work issues. You will only want to use your smartphone to update Instagram with new photos from Charles Bridge.
Rome, Italy
Score: 7.65 points
The Eternal City, Rome, offers many opportunities for recreation. Thanks to the large number of parks, tourists can enjoy the fresh air and keep their phones away. The food, scenery, and historical culture of Rome are so fascinating that you simply won't have enough time to browse the Internet.
Rent a scooter to explore the city better, or take a stroll through its narrow streets. Turn off the sound on your smartphone when you enter temples and Italian palaces to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of peace and beauty.
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Score: 7.60 points
Amsterdam offers tourists many popular and modern spa centers for complete relaxation, allowing them to forget about the Internet. Despite the availability of Wi-Fi in numerous coffee shops in the Dutch capital, the variety of activities makes it hard to be tempted to connect to the digital world.
Take a stroll along the canals with stops at local cafes and street food stalls. But the best way to explore the city is to take a bike for a day and enjoy Amsterdam to the fullest. Your phone will get in the way during a bike ride, so you can safely leave it behind for a few hours and enjoy the beauty of the city without digital interference.
Lisbon, Portugal
Score: 7.58 points
Lisbon is famous for its excellent spa centers that guarantee perfect rest and relaxation. This is one of the main factors that raises the city in the rankings of the best places for digital detox.
Besides, Lisbon has a lot of interesting things to keep tourists busy: museums, historical monuments, and lively markets. The city also offers a wide range of walking routes. You can choose any route and not even use the navigator on your phone, because the locals are always ready to help and show you the way.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Score: 7.53 points
Copenhagen ranks fifth in the ranking of cities for digital detox, mainly due to the lack of public Wi-Fi in the city. It is a quiet city on the water, where no one is in a hurry.
Not everywhere in the Danish capital you can find Internet access on the street, so you can leave your smartphone in your pocket while walking. Take it out only for photos against the backdrop of ships in the New Harbor to preserve vivid memories of this picturesque area.
We remind you! The European tourist season of 2024 is under threat due to the heat wave. However, do not despair, we have selected the best cities for you to escape from the heat even in the peak season. Read more about the coolest European destinations for summer 2024.
Are you planning to travel or move abroad? An important component of a successful trip is a travel insurance policy, because it guarantees the provision of high-quality medical care in any corner of the world and is able to protect you from unnecessary expenses during the trip. You can buy insurance from verified agents on the Visit World portal.
Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:
Travel guide for 200 countries;
Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;
Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);
Medical insurance all over the world.
We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.
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