London is known for many things: iconic architecture, bustling markets and famous cuisine, to name a few. But while the city attracts tourists in their droves, is it also a great place to live for health-conscious residents?
More and more people are considering the health of a city when it comes to choosing where to visit or live, and health can mean different things to different people. While some are concerned with issues like pollution and air quality, others are more interested in the accessibility of sports clubs and healthy eating options.
If it’s the health of the planet you’re concerned with, Vancouver in Canada has made enormous strides to become the most eco-friendly city in the world, with the city becoming increasingly powered by renewable energy. European cities like Valencia and Lisbon are often referred to as healthy cities, with their warm weather lending itself to outdoor living. Similarly, Sydney and Melbourne in Australia are known to have high air quality along with a climate and culture that’s perfect for an active, outdoor lifestyle.
In recent years though, London has seriously upped its health game with the UK’s capital becoming a hub of fitness, mindfulness and clean living. Here are a few reasons why London can claim to be the health capital of the world:
Vegan Friendly
With more and more people choosing to follow meat-free diets and vegan lifestyles, the choice of vegan eateries and shops is fast becoming a crucial consideration when comparing cities across the world. This is one area where London excels, with reports suggesting there are as many as 400 vegan restaurants scattered across London.
Fortunately for vegans, London is also home to some of the best vegan restaurants in the world. The likes of Gauthier in Soho and Plates in Shoreditch are among the best, although they come with a hefty price tag, which is to be expected given both are Michelin star restaurants.
If you are on a tighter budget, you may want to explore London’s iconic food markets, where you’ll be able to pick up meat-free snacks to be enjoyed on the go.
Gym Culture
The UK has a booming gym culture, and as you’d expect, you won’t be short of a gym or two if you find yourself in the capital. In fact, no matter what kind of fitness you are into, you’ll find something in London.
Of course London possesses traditional gyms for all budgets, but you’ll also find padel courts, aquatic centres and any other facility you need to support your fitness journey. There’s also a glamorous array of luxurious health clubs if you want to work out in style.
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City of Mindfulness
When it comes to health in 2025, it’s not all about physical health, but mental health too. And in terms of cities that are great for mindfulness and mental wellness, London is leading the way. There’s an abundance of yoga studios offering you the chance to engage in a morning stretch, whether that’s from a rooftop overlooking the city or surrounded by puppies.
For younger generations, it’s becoming increasingly common to work with therapists in an attempt to take better care of their mental health. Workplaces in London are also becoming more aware of mental health, taking steps to offer therapy and psychological sessions as perks for their workforce.
Famous Green Spaces
When most people think of London, they picture towering skyscrapers and famous buildings like The Gherkin and The Shard. But in contrast, London is also home to a vast array of parks and some of the world’s most iconic green spaces, which provide the perfect backdrop for an autumn walk or summer picnic.
The best parks in London include Hyde Park, St James’s Park and Greenwich Park. Although with around 3000 parks in London, you’ll be able to find a space for every activity and occasion.
Governing Body Initiatives
London’s journey to becoming a health-conscious city has been supported by the NHS which, along with London councils, set out on a mission to make London the world’s healthiest city over 10 years ago. The partnership has seen governing bodies tackle ill health whilst also being committed to making better use of healthcare assets, meaning you’ll have everything you need if you do fall ill whilst visiting or living in London.
Clean Living
As you can probably gather from the points above, London is a great city if you want to embrace clean living. Whether it’s through your diet, your hobbies or your general lifestyle, you’ll never be short of healthy options in London.
London’s clean living culture is emphasised by the current clean girl aesthetic trend, which sees younger females embrace their natural beauty by ditching makeup. Londoners who are turning to surgery to keep their youthful looks are often in favour of minimally invasive surgeries (such as a mini neck lift) over more serious surgical procedures.
