As the planet continues to heat up with each passing year, many of us are striving to make greener choices in our daily lives. For some, this may mean switching to paper straws; for others, it may involve vacationing at eco-friendly destinations.
If you’re looking to embrace sustainability in your travels, the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index can serve as a valuable guide. Each year, GDS evaluates data from cities around the globe to discern which tourism boards excel in four essential areas: effective destination management—balancing visitor experiences with environmental needs; commitment to sustainable suppliers within the local tourism industry; social progress aimed at improving local communities; and robust environmental policies and infrastructure.
Once the data has been analyzed, GDS publishes a report highlighting the 40 cities that not only meet but exceed these criteria. Impressively, one city has emerged victorious for two consecutive years.
Helsinki proudly holds the title of the “world’s most sustainable city” for the second time. In this Finnish capital, renewable energy accounts for 54% of its power supply, and every single venue boasts a sustainability certification. The city aims to cut its carbon footprint by a staggering 80% within the next five years, and it has received high marks for inclusion on the social progress index, ensuring accessibility for a broad range of tourists.
According to the GDS Index, Helsinki aspires to be a global leader in sustainable tourism and events. With its second consecutive win, it appears to be well on its way to achieving that goal.
In second place is Gothenburg, and Copenhagen follows closely in third, maintaining their rankings since last year. Gothenburg held the top spot from 2016 until its recent slip to Helsinki; it achieved similar sustainability metrics, with 100% of its venues certified and 60% of its energy sourced from renewables. However, it fell slightly short in terms of social progress.
Copenhagen, on the other hand, boasts the highest environmental score among the top three, with 69% of its energy renewable and a bold commitment to eliminate carbon emissions by 2030. Yet, the city faced challenges with its supplier side, which hindered its overall ranking.
Top 10 Most Sustainable Destinations for 2025
Here are the leading sustainable destinations as determined by the GDS Index for 2025:
- Helsinki, Finland
- Gothenburg, Sweden
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Aalborg, Denmark
- Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Tampere, Finland
- Aarhus, Denmark
- Lyon, France
- Belfast, United Kingdom
- Reykjavik, Iceland
For a comprehensive look at the full index, including how your city stacked up, visit the GDS website.
This also comes amid news that locals in Amsterdam are taking the city to court over the pressures of unchecked mass tourism.
Additionally, don’t miss out—2026 is shaping up to be the ideal year in a decade to plan a Northern Lights holiday. Stay updated by signing up for our free Time Out Travel newsletter, where you can find the latest travel news and exciting happenings worldwide.