All of these wonderful cities are green destinations where cutting-edge urban culture can be enjoyed alongside the outdoors. Interestingly, almost all of them are water-linked cities.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen has won so many awards for its eco-credentials over the years that it is becoming almost boring. However, with its extensive cycling infrastructure and the option to swim in pristine harbour waters right in the center of town, it is difficult not to be impressed. Queen Louise’s Bridge is the busiest cycling route in the West, with an estimated 35,000 cyclists during rush hour. Green in Denmark equals cool and hip.
Vancouver
Facing the Pacific Ocean and a step away from the wild mountains of British Columbia, Vancouver has a natural advantage in the green city stakes. Its use of renewable energies and hydropower means it has super clean air. Also, unlike many North American cities, Vancouver actively promotes urban living, meaning its central neighbourhoods are buzzing with life, hip bars and restaurants. And then there are the 200 parks where you can breathe Vancouver’s fresh air to your heart’s (and lungs’) content. The big one is Stanley Park, occupying its very own island with a West Coast rainforest, beaches, and the Seawall.
Amsterdam
With its hundreds of cyclists and open spaces among the canals, it’s no surprise that Amsterdam is classified as one of the world’s greenest cities. Visit the regenerated former industrial area of Amsterdam Noord to relax by the waterfront areas or explore the rural landscapes. Noord has become a creative hub with galleries, restaurants, and quirky shops in former factories and hangars. Explore the cutting-edge EYE Film Museum and its terraced cafe, or the Tolhuistuin, a former toll house with a live music venue, a restaurant, and cinema.
Stockholm
Spread across a 14-island archipelago, Stockholm’s green credentials are well-established. Join the locals in their commute to work and explore the islands by ferry, or rent a kayak for a more active afternoon. Stockholm has built up a reputation for innovative restaurants using fresh, local ingredients from the city’s several iconic market halls. The best are Östermalms Saluhall located in the Östermalm district, Hötorgshallen in the Norrmalm district, and Söderhallarna located on Södermalm.
Singapore
More often associated with gleaming skyscrapers, Singapore is Asia’s greenest city. As a small, dense, and resourceless island, it has found ways to innovate with an eco-first approach. For locals, rooftop gardens are a way of life. The huge SkyPark on top of the Marina Bay Sands complex, with its dramatic infinity pool, is the most famous. Awe-inspiring Supertree structures that ascend up to 165ft (50m) in the Gardens by the Bay have come to symbolize Singapore’s commitment to sustainability. The city also created its own equivalent of New York’s High Line – a 15mi (24km) stretch of parkland along old railway tracks.
Portland
Portland is consistently rated the greenest city in the USA. The Oregon capital is known for its friendly and relaxed vibe. So pack your outdoor gear to blend in and deal with the frequent drizzle. Forest Park, on the western hills of the city, overlooks Willamette River. It contains over 70mi (113km) of trails. Hire a bike to discover Portland’s eight bridges. The most interesting is Steel Bridge, a unique double-decker vertical lift bridge, and Hawthorne Bridge, the USA’s oldest operating lift bridge. After all that activity, it’s best to relax in one of Portland’s many microbreweries to enjoy a local brew.
Cape Town
With its numerous nature reserves, miles of dramatic coastline, and an efficient public transport system, Cape Town is considered Africa’s greenest city. Take the cable car up and, if you’re feeling brave, abseil down Table Mountain before heading to peaceful Oudekraal Beach, still inside Table Mountain National Park. For a beautiful beach with a difference, explore the aptly named Boulders Beach, which is home to 2,000 endangered African Penguins. Groot Constantia, the oldest wine-producing estate in South Africa, about 20 minutes outside of Cape Town, provides the perfect setting to toast your trip.
