Slow travel is becoming one of the most popular travel styles in the world. Find out which cities topped Saily’s 2026 ranking and why they’re the best places for a long, comfortable immersion in local culture
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The “slow travel” concept continues to gain popularity among tourists who seek not just to visit as many attractions as possible, but to spend more time in one place, immerse themselves in the local culture, and experience the true rhythm of city life.
The Saily service has published a new ranking of the world’s best cities for this type of travel. During the study, experts analyzed 50 cities in various countries and evaluated them based on a number of criteria, including safety, comfort for long-term stays, transportation accessibility, opportunities to integrate into local life, and the number of cultural attractions.
Here’s a look at which cities ranked as the best for slow travel in 2026 and why they made the list.
Read also: Where Not to Go in the Summer of 2026 — 5 Popular Destinations That Could Ruin Your Vacation.
What is slow travel, and why is this travel style becoming increasingly popular?
Slow travel is an approach to travel that involves taking your time to explore a new country or city. Instead of packed itineraries that include visiting dozens of locations in just a few days, travelers opt for a longer stay in one place.
This approach allows for a deeper understanding of local culture, traditions, cuisine, and the daily lives of residents. Additionally, slow travel is often considered a more comfortable and less stressful way to travel.
That’s why the popularity of this trend has been steadily growing in recent years.
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How did Saily determine the best cities for slow travel?
When compiling the ranking, experts evaluated cities based on several indicators. Among the main criteria were:
● safety;
● comfort for long-term stays;
● transportation accessibility;
● the ability to easily integrate into local life;
● the number of cultural landmarks and tourist attractions.
Based on these indicators, a list of 50 cities best suited for slow travel was compiled.
Top 10 Best Cities in the World for Slow Travel in 2026
Kyoto (Japan) topped the ranking. The study’s authors highlighted the city’s numerous historic temples, traditional neighborhoods, museums, parks, and gardens, which allow visitors to immerse themselves more deeply in Japanese culture.
Fukuoka (Japan) took second place. The city received high marks for its affordable cost of living, modern infrastructure, and comfortable urban environment.
Porto (Portugal) came in third, with experts highlighting its well-developed cycling infrastructure, charming neighborhoods, and comfortable public spaces.
The top ten also included:
● Vienna (Austria);
● Hue (Vietnam);
● Tunis (Tunisia);
● Lisbon (Portugal);
● Kanazawa (Japan);
● Puebla (Mexico);
● Tainan (Taiwan).
According to the study’s authors, the main advantage of these cities lies not only in their abundance of landmarks. They provide comfortable conditions for extended stays: they have convenient public transportation, a safe urban environment, well-developed infrastructure, and ample opportunities to experience the local culture.
That is why they are best suited for tourists who want to do more than just take photos at popular spots—they want to spend several weeks or even months in a new place, soak up its atmosphere, and live at the same pace as the locals.
When planning a long-term trip abroad, it’s also important to prioritize your safety. Ukrainians can purchase travel insurance through Visit Ukraine in advance, which will help avoid unexpected medical expenses while abroad.
We remind you! A new ranking of Europe’s most beautiful cities has been released, based on a survey of 24,000 local residents. Read about which other cities made it into this picturesque top 6.
Photo: prostock-studio / Freepik
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Frequantly
asked questions
What does “slow travel” mean?
Slow travel is a style of travel that involves staying in one place for an extended period rather than visiting a large number of cities in a short time. Its main goal is to gain a deeper understanding of a country’s culture, traditions, and everyday life.
Which city was named the best for slow travel in 2026?
Kyoto, Japan, took first place in the Saily ranking, receiving the highest ratings thanks to its abundance of historical sites, temples, museums, and traditional neighborhoods.
Why is slow travel becoming increasingly popular?
This approach helps travelers avoid rushing, get to know the local culture better, organize their vacation more comfortably, and have a more mindful travel experience than during traditional short tourist trips.
AloJapan.com