Athens Ranks as the Best Smelling City Globally, Says Study

Athens, Greece. Photo source: This is Athens-Convention & Visitors Bureau

Athens won the coveted top spot as the nicest-smelling city in the world, according to a new global study from vape company Haypp.

The company’s experts analyzed data on 30 major cities in Europe and beyond, comparing their cleanliness EPI (environmental performance index) score to the number of bakeries, perfume shops, and flower shops in each city to find the world’s nicest-smelling cities.

“Known for its lively street markets and food culture, the aroma of fresh produce, herbs, and traditional Greek cuisine permeates the Athenian air, creating an unforgettable scent experience,” the study says.

Athens boasts 31 bakeries per 10 kilometers squared

The Greek capital ranked first with a smell score of 8.3 out of 10.

According to the study, despite being the smallest city in the top five, Athens boasts 31 bakeries per 10 kilometers squared, selling everything from crispy tiropita (cheese pies) to mouth-watering baklava.

Furthermore, the city’s 31 flower shops and 22 perfumeries per 10 kilometers squared, combined with an EPI cleanliness score of 56.2, help it reach the number one spot, cementing its position as a sensory delight for the keen-nosed traveler.

Anafiotika, Athens.

The city of Paris took second place with a smell score of 8.15 out of 10, since the city is home to renowned perfume houses and boutiques, boasting 11.62 perfume shops per 10 kilometers squared and 11.4 bakeries per 10 kilometers squared.

Zurich claimed third place, while Dublin (4th) and Luxembourg (5th) closed the top five.

Athens is one of the top travel destinations this summer for travelers from the United States, according to Google Flights. The city is also among the 10 most popular European destinations for spring break this year, says data by AirDNA.