In a world where we are now living with COVID-19, cleanliness and hygiene are more important than ever. This is especially the case for those travelling and staying in hotels and tourist accommodation, but also for families and those wishing to move abroad. But which European cities score top marks when it comes to cleanliness? What is the dirtiest city in Europe?
The experts at End of Tenancy Cleaning Service in London set out to answer this question by analysing the hygiene and cleanliness of the most popular European capitals. How? Through the average accommodation ratings published on Airbnb, Booking.com and Tripadvisor for cleanliness.
Lisbon is the cleanest city in Europe, with an average rating of 4.79 stars out of 5. Among the 3 websites analysed, Lisbon's Airbnb had the highest rating (4.89), followed by TripAdvisor with a rating of 4.87.
In second place in the list of the cleanest cities in Europe are Prague (Czech Republic) and Zagreb (Croatia), both with an average cleanliness rating of 4.74 out of 5. Zagreb took the medal for cleanest European capital in 2 of the 3 sites analysed, earning 4.93 stars on Airbnb and 4.67 on Booking.com.
In third place are Rome (Italy) and Vienna (Austria), both tied with an average of 4.73 stars. Russia's capital, Moscow, earns fourth place with a cleanliness rating of 4.71. Completing the top 5 are Warsaw (Poland), and Paris (France) with a combined 4.70 cleanliness score.
When moving abroad, others will also wish to consider factors such as air quality. In this aspect, the dirtiest cities in Europe are found in Poland and Italy. A recent report by IQAir shows that among Europe's top 100 most polluted cities, 29 are located in Poland and 24 are in Italy. Portuguese cities have cleaner air, and when it comes to pollution levels in Lisbon, the city has been and continues to be very active in tackling air pollution by introducing a Low Emission Zone in the city.
Living in Tomar: life in the Templar city
Tomar feels as if it’s been plucked from a medieval epic and set down gently on the banks of the Nabão River. Located in the Santarém district, about 140km northeast of Lisboa, the magnificent Convento de Cristo might dominate the skyline, but daily life unfolds at a much more human pace down below. With a population of around 43,000 in the municipality, it has the feel of a proper town without the anonymity of a major city. Getting to grips with living in Tomar means understanding this bala
Living in São Miguel: life on the Azores' Green Island
As the largest and most populated island in the Azores, this speck of Portugal in the middle of the Atlantic offers a life quite unlike any on the mainland. It’s not hard to see why it earned the nickname ‘Green Island’. The landscape is a brilliant patchwork of rolling pastures, volcanic crater lakes and lush forests. Living on São Miguel means a lifestyle tied to the rhythms of nature, where a relaxed pace and a deep connection to the outdoors are part of the daily routine.
Living in Ericeira: Portugal's World Surfing Reserve
Just a short drive up the coast from Lisbon lies Ericeira, a traditional fishing town that has earned its place on the global map. As Europe’s only World Surfing Reserve, it's a spot where cobbled streets and blue-and-white houses meet a deeply ingrained, laid-back surf culture. For anyone considering living in Ericeira, it’s a place that offers a lifestyle dictated by the Atlantic tides, blending old-world Portugal with a modern, international feel.
Traditional food in Lisbon: what to eat in Portugal's capital
Lisbon’s food scene is a fantastic mix of the old and the new. You have tiny, traditional restaurants tucked down side streets, right alongside busy food markets where you can try a bit of everything. A top tip for eating well and saving some money is to look out for the prato do dia, or dish of the day.
Things to do in Madeira: hikes, Funchal sights & local food
Floating in the Atlantic Ocean, closer to Africa than to mainland Portugal, Madeira is an island with a character all its own. It's often called the 'island of eternal spring', and for good reason, as the weather stays mild throughout the year. The landscape is dramatic, a mix of jagged volcanic peaks, incredibly lush valleys, and a rugged coastline where cliffs drop straight into the sea. This natural setting shapes the best things to do in Madeira; activities are less about sandy beaches and m
Traditional Portuguese food: 10 must-try dishes
Planning a holiday or thinking of moving to Portugal in 2025? Then you’re in for a real treat—literally. Portuguese food is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, offering bold flavours, hearty dishes, and rich culinary traditions influenced by Mediterranean and Atlantic cuisines. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for more, no trip is complete without tasting the country’s most iconic dishes.
Portuguese passport ranks 4th globally: visa-free travel & EU benefits
A passport is far more than a simple travel document; it is a measure of global mobility and the key that can unlock opportunities across the world. The strength of the passport you hold directly influences your freedom to explore, work, and live internationally, with some nationalities enjoying far greater access than others.