Coping with the cacophony of city living can be challenging, especially as life adjusts back to pre-pandemic rhythms. Things often aren’t any better when we’re on vacation in other cities, and travellers must go out of their way to find respite. As silence becomes an increasingly rare commodity – especially for urbanites – organisations such as Quiet Parks International and Noise Pollution Clearinghouse are stepping in to identify and preserve places of peace and quiet around the world.
Here are 10 places that you can find respite in when everyday construction and crowds get to be too much:
1. Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
Serene night skies for stargazing in silence
Acoustic appeal: Located in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve (a three-hour drive from Christchurch) – the biggest dark sky reserve in the Southern Hemisphere and only one of 11 in the world – Lake Tekapo in New Zealand attracts plenty of visitors during the day, but its megawatt starry nights are what keeps them there when night falls. Here, not only is light pollution strictly controlled, but you and your stargazing crew will most likely be left speechless at the sight of the Milky Way, Southern Lights (aka Aurora Australis) and other celestial phenomena under the serene night sky. Join the Dark Sky Project for a guided tour by astronomy experts that’ll take you to the summit of Mount John – where you’ll spot stars first with the naked eye and then through powerful telescopes.
Stay at: The Chalet, a cosy, lakefront homestay run by owners Zita and Walter, who’ve lived there for more than 40 years.
While you’re there: Get a shot of The Church of the Good Shepherd, a small stone church overlooking the lake and the mountains – and one of the most photographed buildings in New Zealand.
2. Yakushima National Park, Japan
Misty and magical forests straight out of a fairy tale
Acoustic appeal: The enchanted forests of Yakushima Island in Japan – just 90 minutes on the bullet train from Fukuoka – are said to have inspired Studio Ghibli’s animation Princess Mononoke, and it’s no wonder. Declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 1993, this lush and mossy green island just south of the Kyushu is known for its magical, fairy-tale forests (specifically in the Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine), made up of over 1,000 acres of dense and misty forest, babbling streams, gnarly roots and twisty vines. Walking trails will also bring nature lovers up close and personal with the Jomon Sugi, the oldest cedar trees on the planet that can be anywhere between 2,000 to 7,400 years old. A misty and quiet oasis, activities on Yakushima Island include forest bathing, flower viewing and animal spotting – Yaku deer, Japanese macaques and spawning sea turtles are just some of the local wildlife you may encounter.
Stay at: Sankara Hotel & Spa Yakushima for stylish suites and villas with panoramic sea views, plus a spa on-site for post-hike pampering.
While you’re there: Try some Yakushima delicacies at local restaurant Shiosai, like the flying fish karaage, mackerel sushi and prawn tempura.
3. Dender-Mark Quiet Area, Belgium
A natural haven of quiet between two rivers
Acoustic appeal: Dender-Mark Quiet Area in Brussels celebrated 20 years as a landmark of silence in 2021 and was recognised that same year as Belgium’s first Urban Quiet Park by Quiet Parks International. This stiltegebied (quiet area) located between the Dender and Mark rivers is the first of its kind in Flanders and covers approximately 28km2 in total. An easy day trip from Brussels by car (under 30 minutes) or train (to Denderleeuw-Mark station – you can even opt for the “quiet zone” carriages for even less noise), the area is ideal for going on serene nature walks, wildlife observation, mindfulness practices and picnics in the park. The area is also home to De Helix, Flanders’ official knowledge and training centre for nature and the environment, which hosts exhibitions, workshops and guided walks.
Stay at: The Hoxton, Brussels, a chic hotel with skyline views located next to the Botanical Gardens, should you need your urban fix of nature.
While you’re there: Head to the nearby town of Geraardsbergen to try some fresh Belgian waffles and local craft beers at ‘t Groot Kaffee.
4. Seward Park in the USA
A West Coast natural wonderland with waterfront walking paths
Acoustic appeal: Despite being just 20 minutes outside of downtown Seattle, Seward Park – a forested peninsula that juts into Lake Washington – is a true oasis of calm for city dwellers and nature lovers alike. Recognised as the US’s second Urban Quiet Park by Quiet Parks International, the 300-acre retreat includes a 3.9-km paved loop trail for walking, running, biking or rollerblading, multiple shoreline beaches for swimming, kayaking, paddle-boarding and fishing, plus a garden, amphitheatre, playground, tennis courts and pottery studios. To really get away from it all, head to The Magnificent Forest deep within the park to immerse yourself in 120 acres of old-growth forest, where your only company will be local wildlife like bald eagles, owls, raccoons, rabbits, squirrels and coyotes.
Stay at: Nature meets nurture at 1 Hotel Seattle, part of the boutique hotel chain that champions sustainable luxury with natural décor and greenery galore.
While you’re there: Fill up on American fry-up food at Geraldine’s Counter, including crispy French toast, fluffy omelettes and country fried steaks in a historic, century-old building.
5. Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka
One of the last untouched rainforests on the planet
Acoustic appeal: Nature and animal lovers will find the ultimate quiet paradise in Sri Lanka’s Sinharaja Forest Reserve, one of the last places on earth to explore untouched tropical rainforest a three-hour drive from Colombo. Meaning “Kingdom of the Lion”, Sinharaja is one of the most important biodiversity hotspots on the planet where you can spot many endemic species of flora, fauna, animals and insects. Recognised as a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1989, the reserve is bordered by two rivers (the Koskulana Ganga in the north and the Gin Ganga in the south) and lies approximately 130km from Colombo or Galle. Access to the forest is only by foot and visitors must be accompanied by a park ranger or guide, who can help point out the more elusive species like the Sri Lankan leopard, purple-faced langur, toque macaque and birdwing butterfly.
Stay at: Natural Mystic Sanctuary, a rustic bungalow property with breathtaking views of the rainforest and two very inviting pools.
While you’re there: Make a stop at Weligama Beach, a beginner-friendly surf spot and perfect to snap pics of Sri Lanka’s famous stick fishermen.
6. Bergplaas Nature Reserve, South Africa
A place to connect with quiet, nature and ultimately, yourself
Acoustic appeal: A sanctuary for peace and quiet in the heart of the South African Karoo, the 5,000-hectare Bergplaas Nature Reserve was recognised as a Quiet Conservation Area by Quiet Parks International in 2024. While it takes about eight hours to drive to the nature reserve from Johannesburg, the trek is worth it. The area is home to approximately 900 large mammals and 133 bird species including the eland, kudu, red hartebeest, plains zebra, springbuck, black wildebeest, black harrier, lanner falcon and blue crane. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the undisturbed silence and soundscapes of nature whilst connecting to themselves. As owner HRH Princess Irene van Lippe-Biesterfeld of The Netherlands said, “Bergplaas serves as a starting point for many to truly understand the importance of quiet, not just as an absence of noise, but as a pathway to inner peace.”
Stay at: The farm-style guesthouse at the reserve can accommodate up to 12 guests in its six bedrooms and four bathrooms, while the cosy cottage can fit three more.
While you’re there: Enrol in Bergplaas Nature Reserve’s one-week Spirit of the Wild course to gain a deeper understanding of nature and potentially, a renewed sense of purpose.
7. Yangmingshan National Park, Taiwan
The world’s first Urban Quiet Park
Acoustic appeal: Though Yangmingshan National Park isn’t entirely silent, its sounds are almost entirely natural despite it being just 10 kilometres north of Taipei. The Soundscape Association of Taiwan has worked with park authorities to preserve both the low noise levels and so-called bio-acoustics, creating designated Quiet Trails where visitors can enjoy the chorus produced by frogs, birds and cicadas (which rarely exceed 30dB, the equivalent of a low whisper). The park’s quietest spot is perhaps Menghuan Pond, whose lush landscape is as much a sight for sore eyes as it is a balm for the ears. But don’t just take our word for it: Quiet Parks International, which designates Urban Quiet Parks around the world, certified Yangmingshan as the world’s first Urban Quiet Park in 2020.
Stay at: The W Hotel Taipei in Taipei’s Xinyi District. You’ll have easy access to both the city centre and the Hushan Mountain Trail, a short walk from the hotel.
While you’re there: Stop by Cama Coffee Roasters, a gorgeous café with a lovely Japanese-style garden a short drive south from Yangmingshan – the perfect pit stop before heading back to the city.
8. Zurich, Switzerland
The quietest city in the world
Acoustic appeal: When it comes to cities, it doesn’t get quieter than Zurich. That’s according to German company Mimi Hearing Technologies, which compiled statistics from the World Health Organisation as well as data drawn from 200,000 participants in 50 locations worldwide to find the city with the least incidence of noise pollution. Recently, new speed limits were introduced in Zurich’s centre to reduce noise levels, and noise-reducing asphalt and sound barriers can now be found throughout this city, with its mediaeval old town, forested parks and backdrop of snow-capped peaks.
Stay at: Book a room at the Dolder Grand, a five-star hilltop hotel surrounded by forests where you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Swiss Alps.
While you’re there: Pair your peace with a dose of serenity at the city’s beautiful Grossmünster church, which was built in the 1200s and is famous for its stained glass and Romanesque crypt.
9. Hampstead Heath, United Kingdom
Where peace and quiet is enforced by the police
Acoustic appeal: Hampstead Heath became Europe’s first Urban Quiet Park in 2021. This sprawling expanse lies just kilometres from London’s bustling city centre and was once Henry VIII’s hunting grounds. Thanks to the Hampstead Heath Act of 1871, which decreed that “the Board shall forever keep the Heath open, unenclosed and unbuilt on,” it’s an idyllic grazing ground that Londoners have enjoyed for centuries. Its most famous fans have included writer CS Lewis, for whom the park was inspiration for The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Covering 320 hectares of meadows, woodland, hills and ponds, it’s home to several rare species (including the iridescent jewel beetle). It’s also large enough to have its own police force, which is tasked with enforcing various noise-reducing laws, including bans on drones and motorised vehicles.
Stay at: Cosy La Gaffe Hotel, a charming family-run guesthouse mere minutes away from Hampstead Heath that’s also well connected to central London.
While you’re there: Indulge in some quiet reflection at Kenwood House, an English Heritage property in the heart of Hampstead Heath. Head inside to admire masterpieces by big name artists the likes of Vermeer, Rembrandt and Constable.
10. Parc del Montnegre i el Corredor, Spain
The ultimate forest bathing destination
Acoustic appeal: Parc del Montnegre i el Corredor is best described as quiet, with a hint of animal acoustics, courtesy of the wildlife which lives in this 15,000-hectare chunk of greenery wedged between two massifs in the Catalan coastal mountain range. The trees in Spain’s first Urban Quiet Park, 30 kilometres north of Barcelona, can take some of the credit – 95 percent of the park is forested, and these vast swathes of cork oaks and stone pines muffle noise. Not convinced about trees’ sound-smothering qualities? Consider this: researchers at North Carolina State University recently placed a 30-metre-long row of 13-metre-tall trees alongside a highway. The result? Noise levels were reduced by 50 percent.
Stay at: Barcelona’s El Palace Hotel, which features a gorgeous rooftop garden full of secret hiding spots and a solarium from which to take in a stunning view of the city.
While you’re there: Take the time to explore Parc del Montnegre i el Corredor’s hiking trails. For something easy, we recommend the 2.1-kilometre Les Planes del Corredor circular route, which has stunning mountain views. For hardcore hikers, there’s the 9.8-kilometre Can Bosch route, lined with ancient fountains and mediaeval ruins.
For more information on Singapore Airlines’ flights to the above destinations, visit singaporeair.com.
This story was originally written by Tamara Hinson and updated by Erica Fong in July 2025.
