Across the globe, major cities are building sustainability into everyday life. From renewable energy grids to car-free streets and circular economies, these places are showing what travel can look like when it’s designed with the future in mind. If Earth Day had a passport, these are the eight cities that would fill it:
1. Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver has long been a benchmark for sustainable urban living, thanks to its integration of nature and city life. With almost all of its electricity generated by renewable sources and a strong focus on protecting green space, this city makes it easy to experience sustainability without sacrificing comfort or culture.
What they’re doing right:
Vancouver’s sustainability strategy focuses on clean energy and liveability. The city runs mostly on hydroelectric power (95%), invests in green building standards and pledges to have no greenhouse gas emissions from all new buildings by 2030, and continues to expand walkable, transit-friendly neighborhoods. Its urban planning prioritizes access to parks and waterfronts, ensuring that nature remains part of residents’ daily lives.
What to do there:
- Bike or walk the Stanley Park Seawall
- Kayak around False Creek
- Explore local, farm-to-table dining in Gastown
Stay sustainably:
- Fairmont Waterfront – known for its rooftop garden and bee apiary, this hotel supplies herbs and produce directly to its restaurant
- Skwachàys Lodge – a socially conscious boutique hotel that supports Indigenous artists and community housing initiatives
2. Oslo, Norway
Oslo has positioned itself as one of the most climate-forward capitals in the world, with a clear goal of becoming carbon neutral. The city blends natural beauty with forward-thinking infrastructure, making sustainability feel like a part of everyday life.
What they’re doing right:
Oslo leads in electric mobility, with one of the highest rates of electric vehicle adoption globally. The city has reduced car traffic in its center, invested in zero-emission public transport, and integrated climate targets across urban development, from construction to energy use.
What to do there:
- Visit the car-free city center
- Enjoy a fjorside sauna session
- Explore eco-focused museums and waterfront spaces
Stay sustainably:
- The Thief Hotel – a luxury hotel with strong environmental certifications and energy-efficient operations
- Hotel Christiania Teater – a centrally located, Nordic Swan Ecolabel-certified hotel focused on reducing energy and water use
3. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam has built its global reputation on cycling, but its sustainability efforts go way beyond bikes. The city is a leader in circular design and forward-thinking urban development.
What they’re doing right:
Amsterdam is actively transitioning to a circular economy, aiming to reuse materials and reduce waste across construction, fashion, and food industries. Its infrastructure prioritizes biking and public transportation, significantly reducing emissions.
What to do there:
- Bike along the canals
- Visit Little Plant Pantry, a plant-based, zero-waste grocery store
- Explore eco-conscious cultural spaces
Stay sustainably:
- Hotel Jakarta – one of the first energy-neutral hotels in the Netherlands, powered by sustainable technologies and designed with natural ventilation
- Conscious Hotel Westerpark – a fully sustainable-focused hotel brand using green energy and eco materials
4. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is considered the gold standard for sustainable cities, with a plan to become the world’s first carbon-neutral capital. Sustainability here is a big part of how the city functions.
What they’re doing right:
The city’s cycling infrastructure allows more than half the residents to commute by bike daily. Copenhagen also relies heavily on wind energy and has implemented a district heating system that recycles waste heat to warm homes. Its approach to sustainability is systematic and touches everything from transportation to energy to waste and beyond.
What to do there:
- Grab a set of two wheels and bike across the city like a local
- Swim in the harbour baths
- Visit Reffen’s sustainable street food market
Stay sustainably:
- Hotel Ottilia – a design-forward hotel powered by 100% renewable energy from Danish wind farms
- Copenhagen Admiral Hotel – a historic property that has implemented low-impact operations and sustainability initiatives, certified with the Nordic Swan Ecolabel
5. San Francisco, USA
San Francisco continues to lead sustainability efforts in the U.S. by combining progressive environmental policies with innovation from its tech ecosystem.
What they’re doing right:
The city has committed to renewable energy expansion and zero-waste goals, while investing in public transit and urban green spaces. Its policies encourage businesses and residents to reduce emissions and adopt sustainable practices.
What to do there:
- Walk or bike the Golden Gate Bridge
- Visit urban farms and local farmers’ markets
- Dine and party at Shuggie’s, a climate-positive restaurant and bar in the Mission District
Stay sustainably:
- 1 Hotel San Francisco – a LEED-certified hotel built with reclaimed materials and designed around sustainability
- Hotel Nikko – a hotel with strong energy efficiency and environmental programs like composting food waste and conserving water
6. Gothenburg, Sweden
Gothenburg has quietly become one of the most sustainable destinations in the world, consistently ranking at the top for eco-friendly travel. Its focus on local systems and renewable energy makes it a standout for conscious travelers.
What they’re doing right:
The city powers most of its public transportation with renewable energy and emphasizes locally sourced food through its dining scene. Gothenburg is also a leader in circular economy initiatives, working to reduce waste and reuse materials across industries.
What to do there:
- Take an electric ferry through the archipelago
- Dine at sustainably-focused restaurants
- Explore eco-forward districts like Frihamnen
Stay sustainably:
- Hotel Pigalle – a Nordic Swan Ecolabel boutique hotel with a strong focus on responsible operations
- Clarion Hotel Post – a sustainable hotel featuring a rooftop garden
7. Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki’s approach to sustainability is rooted in balance. The city combines innovative urban planning with easy access to nature, all while prioritizing community-driven environmental efforts.
What they’re doing right:
Helsinki has embraced circular economy principles, from waste reduction to reusing resources. The city also heavily invests in renewable energy and has one of the highest recycling rates in the world, with 58% of its waste being recycled.
What to do there:
- Experience modern, eco-conscious sauna culture
- Explore sustainable Nordic design shops
- Walk through nearby forests and waterfronts
Stay sustainably:
- Hotel St. George – a wellness-focused hotel that integrates sustainability into its design and operations
- VALO Hotel – a smart hotel concept designed to maximize energy efficiency and minimize waste
8. Munich, Germany
Munich combines traditional European charm with advanced sustainability practices, creating a city that feels both historic and forward-thinking.
What they’re doing right:
The city uses a high percentage of renewable energy and has invested heavily in efficient public transportation. Munich’s bike infrastructure and urban planning make it easy to move around without relying on cars, while local policies encourage sustainable business practices.
What to do there:
- Cycle through the English Garden
- Visit local markets and breweries
- Explore green spaces throughout the city
Stay sustainably:
- Scandic Munich Macherei – part of a Nordic hotel group known for its strong sustainability standards
- 25hours Hotel The Royal Bavarian – a stylish hotel incorporating energy-saving initiatives
How can I travel more sustainably?
Sustainable travel doesn’t have to be complicated and doesn’t have to come with a bunch of moving parts. Small choices make a meaningful impact, such as:
- Choosing public transportation/biking/walking over driving
- Staying in eco-certified accommodations
- Supporting local businesses and food systems
- Reducing waste while traveling
- Being mindful of water and energy use
Where you go matters. How you go matters more.
Choosing more sustainable destinations is a great start in taking better care of the world. Traveling thoughtfully once you’re there is what really makes all the difference. With Faye, you can explore these cities with extra confidence, knowing your trip is protected every step of the way. Because more thoughtful travel deserves more thoughtful care.
