World’s Dirtiest Cities Revealed: Budapest Tops the List

Recent analysis by global luggage storage firm Radical Storage has revealed the world’s dirtiest cities, with Budapest, Hungary, claiming the top spot. The report highlights significant cleanliness issues in several popular travel destinations, prompting travelers to reconsider their next vacation spot.

Budapest’s cleanliness rating plummeted due to over 37.9% of reviews concerning dirt and poor upkeep. The firm attributes this decline to the city’s waste management system struggling to cope with a surge in tourism. In September 2024, Hungary experienced an 8.3% increase in tourism, with Budapest alone seeing a 12% rise compared to the same month the previous year.

Notable Cities on the List

Italy’s reputation for scenic beauty is somewhat tarnished as it boasts four cities among the top ten dirtiest: Rome, Florence, Milan, and Verona. In Rome, 35.7% of cleanliness-related reviews mentioned dirt, sparking frustration among visitors. One traveler expressed dismay over the city’s litter problem, stating, “Rome is a truly beautiful city, but the rubbish problem is utterly disgusting.”

The growing waste issue has even attracted wild boars into the city, searching for food among the refuse. This phenomenon has led to increased discussions on platforms like Reddit, where users share their experiences and concerns regarding the capital’s cleanliness.

Las Vegas, known for its vibrant nightlife, ranks as the third dirtiest city, with 31% of reviews indicating negative cleanliness perceptions. The high volume of tourist activity complicates the city’s ability to maintain clean streets. Despite initiatives such as Pick It Up Las Vegas, aimed at improving the urban environment, issues persist. One TripAdvisor reviewer described the city as a “dangerous dump” filled with debris and unsightly conditions.

Other cities ranking in the top ten include Paris and Florence, which continue to face challenges in maintaining cleanliness amid heavy tourist traffic.

Methodology of the Study

To compile the rankings, Radical Storage analyzed 100 cities from the Euromonitor Top 100 City Destinations Index. They examined more than 70,000 online reviews from the past year, focusing on mentions of “clean” and “dirty” to assess public perceptions of hygiene. The study excluded cities with fewer than 100 reviews and filtered out ambiguous terms to ensure accurate findings.

While travelers may face challenges in these bustling urban centers, Radical Storage also identified the cleanest cities in the world, offering hopeful alternatives for tourists seeking pristine environments.

As concerns about urban cleanliness persist, the findings serve as a reminder for cities to enhance their waste management strategies and maintain the appeal that draws millions of visitors each year.