Party All Night! Top 10 Travel Hotspots That Make Sleeping Impossible

BRISBANE, Australia — Who doesn’t love going to a fun-filled city with plenty to see and do on vacation? While that might be fun during the day, a new study finds it’s a lot less exciting when you finally try to get some rest! From the neon-lit streets of Hong Kong to the pulsating nightlife of Las Vegas, travelers seeking peaceful slumber may want to pack some extra earplugs before visiting several cities around the world.

The study, conducted by Onebed, evaluated popular tourist destinations based on five key factors: average noise levels, negative hotel reviews focused on sleep quality, air quality, tourist numbers, and how long local nightclubs stay open at night. The results paint a vivid picture of cities where the phrase “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” might feel way too literal.

Topping the list is Hong Kong, earning the dubious honor of being the most sleep-disruptive destination worldwide. The city’s cacophony of sounds reaches an average of 91.4 decibels, rivaling the noise level of a lawnmower! Have you ever tried to sleep while listening to a lawnmower all night?

Perhaps more telling is that a staggering 73% of local hotel reviews complain about poor sleep quality. With nightclubs pumping until 5 a.m., it’s clear why Hong Kong might leave tourists more bleary-eyed than bright-eyed.

Hot on Hong Kong’s heels is Cancun, Mexico. This popular beach destination cranks up the volume to an ear-splitting 103 decibels on average – louder than a rock concert. It’s no wonder that 66% of hotel reviews note that vacationers had trouble sleeping. The city’s reputation for wild nightlife, with clubs closing at 4 a.m., cements its position as a challenging spot for those seeking restful nights.

Rounding out the top three is none other than Las Vegas, Nevada. True to its reputation as a city that never sleeps, Vegas boasts noise levels of 94 decibels and welcomes over 40 million tourists annually — the highest total in the top 10. With 57% of reviews noting sleep issues and a nightlife that rages until 4 a.m., it’s clear that what happens in Vegas might just be a lot of tossing and turning.

The study doesn’t just focus on North America and Asia. European cities like Istanbul (5th), Amsterdam (8th), Paris (9th), and Rome (10th) all make appearances in the top 10. Istanbul, in particular, stands out, with 71% of hotel reviews in 4-star establishments complaining about sleep quality issues despite relatively moderate noise levels of 59 decibels.

Even cities known for their cultural richness aren’t exempt from making it hard for travelers trying to sleep. Cairo, ranking 7th, grapples not just with noise but also with the worst air quality among the top destinations. Meanwhile, Marrakech (6th) combines high noise levels of 90 decibels with 60% of hotel reviews mentioning noise and sleep issues, proving that even exotic locales can be tough on tired travelers.

“Quality sleep is essential, yet it’s often overlooked when planning a trip. It’s surprising to see just how much noise and nightlife can impact sleep quality in popular destinations. Places like Hong Kong and Cancun may be on many bucket lists, but the reality of trying to sleep in these lively cities can be quite different. What stands out is how even a city’s charm and energy can sometimes mean compromising on a good night’s rest – something travelers might not anticipate when booking their stay,” says Dylan Tollemache, co-founder & CEO at Onebed, in a statement to StudyFinds.

In the end, while these cities offer unforgettable experiences, they might also leave you with some unforgettable nights – just not in the way you expected. So pack those sleep masks, invest in some quality earplugs, and prepare for adventures that might just keep you up all night.