Kraków Outshines Sharjah, Singapore, Riyadh, Doha, Prague, Abu Dhabi, and Other Global Cities as the Cleanest Metropolis, New Research Shows

Published on November 29, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Kraków outshines Sharjah, Singapore, Riyadh, Doha, Prague, Abu Dhabi, and other global cities as the cleanest metropolis, new research shows. This exciting new study reveals that Kraków has set a remarkable standard in urban cleanliness, surpassing major global cities known for their meticulous attention to maintaining spotless streets. Sharjah, Singapore, Riyadh, Doha, Prague, and Abu Dhabi have long been praised for their cleanliness, but Kraków’s commitment to sustainability and waste management now makes it the leading metropolis in terms of cleanliness. Travel And Tour World urges readers to explore the full story and discover why Kraków is now the world’s cleanest city.

The world’s cleanest cities are leading the charge in urban cleanliness, and Kraków, Poland, is setting the bar with an impressive 98.5% positive cleanliness reviews. Cities like Sharjah, UAE, and Singapore are not far behind, each with their own impressive commitment to cleanliness. These cities prioritise waste management, green infrastructure, and civic pride, ensuring their streets stay spotless year-round. With the world increasingly focused on sustainable urban development, these destinations offer valuable insights into how cities can maintain cleanliness, enhance quality of life, and attract both residents and tourists alike.

Kraków: The Cleanest City in the World

Kraków, Poland, tops the list of the world’s cleanest cities, achieving a remarkable 98.5% positive reviews regarding cleanliness. This pristine reputation isn’t just a fluke but a result of years of investment in waste management and public space maintenance. The city’s commitment to cleanliness is backed by both local pride and national efforts, including the development of advanced recycling systems. Kraków’s compact, walkable layout makes it easy for visitors to experience the city’s cleanliness firsthand, from cobbled streets to scenic riverside walks. Residents also play a crucial role, with over 80% expressing satisfaction with the city’s public spaces, as highlighted in the European Commission’s 2023 report.

Kraków’s dedication to sustainability is a core reason for its spot at the top. With local authorities prioritising green infrastructure and maintaining public spaces, Kraków has become a model for urban cleanliness. This effort is further demonstrated by residents’ growing involvement in community clean-up events, such as the city-wide “Czysta Warszawa” programme. By focusing on both clean streets and environmental responsibility, Kraków continues to offer a cleaner, healthier environment for locals and tourists alike, leading the charge in urban cleanliness.

Sharjah: A Clean and Culturally Rich Destination

Sharjah, the cultural capital of the UAE, secures the second position among the world’s cleanest cities, with 98% of cleanliness-related reviews using positive language. This spotless reputation is the result of sustained efforts by the Sharjah Municipality, which has invested heavily in waste collection and street cleaning. In the past few years alone, the city has allocated over Dh75 million to upgrade its infrastructure for a cleaner urban environment. The city’s cultural appeal, combined with its exceptional cleanliness, ensures that Sharjah remains an attractive destination for both residents and visitors.

Sharjah’s emphasis on cleanliness is not new. For over a decade, the city has imposed fines for littering and other unsanitary behaviours, which has fostered a culture of cleanliness among residents and businesses. These measures are complemented by public education campaigns that promote hygiene and sustainability. Sharjah’s commitment to clean streets and green spaces enhances the overall quality of life and makes it a standout city in the region for both cleanliness and cultural heritage.

Singapore: Setting the Global Standard for Cleanliness

Singapore is globally recognised for its pristine streets and efficient waste management systems. Consistently praised for its cleanliness, Singapore achieves nearly 98% positive reviews in cleanliness-related feedback. The city-state’s success in maintaining immaculate public spaces can be attributed to strict laws and regulations against littering, spitting, and even chewing gum. The government’s approach includes both enforcement and education, with cleanliness being ingrained in the local culture from schools to workplaces.

Singapore’s focus on green infrastructure, such as vertical gardens and eco-friendly architecture, further enhances the city’s reputation. The efficiency of its waste management system and recycling programmes ensures that rubbish is handled promptly and responsibly, contributing to the city’s overall cleanliness. The government also invests in innovative solutions, such as AI-powered waste collection systems, ensuring that the city stays ahead of global trends in urban cleanliness. For anyone visiting Singapore, the spotless streets are an unmistakable highlight, setting the standard for cities worldwide.

Warsaw: Poland’s Second Cleanest City

Warsaw, the capital of Poland, is not far behind Kraków in terms of cleanliness, with 97.8% of reviews mentioning the city’s high standards of tidiness. Warsaw combines modern infrastructure with ample green spaces to create a clean and welcoming environment for both locals and visitors. Like Kraków, Warsaw’s success is rooted in a culture of cleanliness fostered by local government initiatives and community engagement. The “Czysta Warszawa” programme, which encourages residents to participate in regular clean-up efforts, has seen an impressive 30% increase in participation over the past few years.

Warsaw’s public spaces, from parks to pedestrian zones, are maintained to a high standard, and the city has made significant strides in improving waste management systems. These efforts are reflected in the satisfaction levels of residents, many of whom express pride in their city’s cleanliness. Warsaw’s green spaces, efficient public transportation systems, and clean streets contribute to an exceptional quality of life and have earned the city its place among the world’s cleanest cities.

Doha: A Clean, Modern City in the Middle East

Doha, Qatar’s capital, is renowned for its impressive cleanliness, with 97.4% of reviews praising its pristine streets. Despite being a major tourist destination and welcoming millions of visitors each year, Doha manages to maintain a spotless environment through strategic investments in urban infrastructure and public health. Qatar Tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, launched the ‘Qatar Clean’ programme, which focuses on maintaining cleanliness in hotels and public spaces, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The city’s commitment to cleanliness is not just about street cleaning but also includes waste management solutions, green spaces, and recycling initiatives. Doha’s government continues to prioritise hygiene and sustainability, ensuring that the city remains both a safe and beautiful destination for its residents and visitors. Doha’s high cleanliness ratings reflect the effectiveness of these programmes and the ongoing commitment to urban excellence.

Conclusion: The World’s Cleanest Cities Lead by Example

The world’s cleanest cities are setting high standards for urban cleanliness, with Kraków, Sharjah, Singapore, and others leading the charge. These cities understand the importance of clean streets in enhancing residents’ quality of life and attracting tourists. From advanced waste management systems to civic pride and government initiatives, these cities are investing in cleanliness as a cornerstone of their urban development. As global awareness of environmental sustainability increases, these cities offer valuable lessons in maintaining clean, livable urban spaces.

Credit: Radicalstorage