London has been officially recognised as Europe's leading wellness city according to comprehensive new research, securing the top position ahead of other major European capitals including Vienna, Lisbon and Helsinki.
Why London Tops the European Wellness Rankings
The detailed study conducted by Platinum Spas Hot Tubs evaluated multiple wellness factors across European cities, with London achieving the highest overall score of 468 points out of a possible 800. The capital's success was attributed to several key strengths that make it uniquely positioned for wellness-focused living and travel.
Key Factors Behind London's Wellness Success
London excelled particularly in two crucial areas that contributed significantly to its top ranking. The city demonstrated outstanding access to healthy and nutritious food options, ranging from plant-based restaurants and fresh food markets to neighbourhood cafés and farmers' markets that make wholesome eating increasingly accessible to residents and visitors alike.
Additionally, London showed strong demand for wellness experiences, reflecting a growing trend among Londoners actively seeking ways to incorporate wellbeing into their daily routines. This demand is being met by an extensive network of yoga studios, spa facilities, green spaces and wellness-focused establishments woven throughout the urban landscape.
Wellness Integration in Urban Living
Wellness travel expert Joanna Chiu, Founder of The Wellness Holiday Boutique, emphasised that London's greatest advantage lies in how seamlessly wellbeing can be integrated into busy city life. Rather than requiring extensive travel or special arrangements, wellness opportunities are embedded within the city's everyday fabric.
The research findings indicate that London residents are increasingly prioritising activities that promote physical and mental wellbeing, whether through mindful fitness practices, outdoor recreation, or simply taking restorative moments in the capital's numerous parks and dedicated wellness spaces.
Top Wellness Activities to Experience in London
London offers a diverse range of wellness experiences that cater to different preferences and needs. Some of the most recommended activities include:
- Outdoor yoga sessions in Hyde Park or Regent's Park, combining physical movement with fresh air and natural surroundings
- Thermal suites and holistic treatments at luxury spa hotels such as The Ned or Corinthia
- Ancient bathing rituals at AIRE Ancient Baths London, offering stress reduction and complete renewal through water-based therapies
- Cold water swimming at Hampstead Heath, popular for boosting circulation and building resilience
- Regular walks or runs through London's extensive park network, providing accessible outdoor exercise opportunities
European Wellness City Rankings
The comprehensive study ranked European capitals based on multiple wellness criteria, with London achieving a commanding lead. The complete top ten list reveals:
- London, United Kingdom – 468 points
- Bern, Switzerland – 364 points
- Vienna, Austria – 357 points
- Lisbon, Portugal – 320 points
- Helsinki, Finland – 302 points
- Reykjavík, Iceland – 293 points
- Oslo, Norway – 293 points
- Dublin, Ireland – 284 points
- Stockholm, Sweden – 275 points
- Berlin, Germany – 274 points
This ranking demonstrates London's significant advantage in wellness provision compared to other European capitals, with a substantial 104-point gap between London and second-placed Bern. The study highlights how wellness has become an integral part of London's urban identity, offering residents and visitors numerous ways to prioritise health and wellbeing without needing to leave the city.
