Budapest among Europe’s top destinations for a relaxing spa break
In 2022, 190 million domestic wellness holidays were booked across Europe. On top of that over the past year Google searches for “spa break” have increased by +145%, but where is the best destination for a relaxing break?
Belgium is first
Online travel company weloveholidays has taken a closer look and uncovered the best cities in Europe for a spa and wellness trip. The index factors in the number of spas, saunas, massage parlours and yoga studios in each city, as well as the average reviews and the number of 5-star reviews. A ranking order was determined by crunching the numbers to award each city a total score out of 13.
The city of Spa in Belgium ranks first, with a total score of 10.28 out of 13. Located conveniently in between Brussels and Cologne (Germany), the city is known for its rich mineral waters and offers an impressive selection of 161 spas and 160 massage parlours.
Paris follows in second with a total score of 7.55. You can wind down in one of 29 saunas after a session in one of the 156 yoga studios. Ranking third is Naples in Italy with a total score of 6.76.
Europe’s Top 15 relaxing cities and Budapest is one of them
| Rank | City/Town | Spas | Saunas | Massage Parlours | Yoga Studios | Total Score |
| 1 | Spa, Belgium | 161 | 126 | 160 | 148 | 10.28 |
| 2 | Paris, France | 148 | 29 | 150 | 156 | 7.55 |
| 3 | Naples, Italy | 122 | 5 | 60 | 28 | 6.76 |
| 4 | Zurich, Switzerland | 36 | 14 | 93 | 123 | 6.60 |
| 5 | Budapest, Hungary | 93 | 7 | 81 | 154 | 6.45 |
| 6 | Berlin, Germany | 42 | 35 | 118 | 186 | 6.44 |
| 7 | Lisbon, Portugal | 93 | 11 | 61 | 63 | 5.95 |
| 8 | Warsaw, Poland | 43 | 12 | 70 | 158 | 5.89 |
| 9 | Istanbul, Turkey | 95 | 12 | 65 | 82 | 5.84 |
| 10 | Lyon, France | 68 | 10 | 61 | 122 | 5.63 |
| 11 | Hamburg, Germany | 40 | 33 | 42 | 180 | 5.32 |
| 12 | Munich, Germany | 26 | 11 | 62 | 157 | 5.25 |
| 13 | Cologne, Germany | 30 | 10 | 39 | 157 | 5.02 |
| 14 | Amsterdam, Netherlands | 52 | 15 | 97 | 109 | 5.00 |
| 15 | Porto, Portugal | 55 | 4 | 35 | 40 | 4.99 |
Four German cities also rank in the top 15, including Berlin in sixth with 24 five-star-rated massage parlours out of all 118 found in the city.
Porto ranks 15th with 55 spas to choose from, which are the best-reviewed spas overall with an average Google review score of 4.77.
Dr Jan Kuklinski, general manager at weloveholidays comments: “A holiday abroad is the ideal opportunity to relax and switch off from a hectic everyday routine, but switching off completely can often be easier said than done.
When departing on holiday, we understand that holidaymakers will want to make the most of their time and explore, but it’s important to also allow yourself time to unwind and a good way of doing this is by booking a time dedicated.”
To find out more about the research, please click HERE.
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