Published on November 30, 2025
Los Angeles has joined the list of cities that include Las Vegas, Miami, New York, Florence, San Francisco, Lima, and Cancun, which have been revealed as the Cleanest and Dirtiest Cities in the World. But what attributes do these cities have that the others do not? This specific question addresses the overwhelming disparities in attractiveness and neglect. Several cities impress with the care they put into their streets and the maintenance of their public spaces, leaving a positive lukewarming review with every traveler. Yet, in large cities, famous sights of which are known to all, the lack of care wits the positive review. Travel and Tour World will tell the story of cities with every neglecting public cleanliness and cities, not to mention their fame, that public cleanliness at present. Unlimited cities are known to the public, but their neglect is an unbalanced proportion to their worldwide fame. Read more to find out more about famous cities.
What is the Surprising Cleanliness Ranking of North and South American Cities Hiding? The Shocking Truth You Won’t Believe!

Advertisement
What comes to mind when you think of city breaks? Architectural wonders, rich history, delicious food, and a vibrant culture, all encapsulated within a bustling city centre – that is, until you find out that some of the world’s most popular and most visited cities are, to be honest, some of the dirtiest, and not to mention the most overrated. While iconic landmarks are taken in, and the views are breathtaking, they’re hiding a lot more than just the view.
Concerns about cleanliness continue to grow as destinations in North and South America attract millions of tourists each year. The question remains, how clean are these cities? Are the cities as shining as one would expect, or are they merely awe-inspiring? This article uncovers the cleanest and dirtiest cities on the continent, and the shocking truth may surprise you!

Advertisement

The shocking reality is: Are the Americas as clean as you think?
If you have traveled to North or South America, you would probably have seen the magnificent landmarks and experienced the different cultures. However, how clean is the reality behind the spick and span brochures and Instagram? The truth is, some cities shine, and others fall far behind.

Advertisement
Recent research into tourist reviews and perceptions of cleanliness determined the cleanest and dirtiest cities in the Americas. The research analyzed over 70,000 Google reviews in cities around the world to bring to light the real truth about cleanliness. The shocking findings may surprise you.
The Dirtiest Cities in North and South America: Some Shocking Statistics
Do you know the dirtiest cities in North and South America? These cities are extremely popular attractions, but are extremely dirty and have extremely poor waste disposal and sanitation practices. Some of the most popular cities in the world are the dirtiest as well, and have extremely poor reviews and have poor criticisms rated toward their sanitation and cleanliness.
Las Vegas, USA- With over 31.6 percent of reviews rating this city as dirty, the city of Las Vegas is extremely unclean, even with its extravagant presence of glowing, bright lights and casinos. With the large number of tourists who visit the cities. Its 24-hour party ambience takes a toll on the city’s streets. There is a large number of initiatives to try to get the city to be cleaner, but the number of visitors to the city is more than the cleaning efforts made.
Miami, USA- Miami is well known for its beautiful beaches and party nightlife. Unclean streets are a huge disappointment to the city; 16.7 percent of tourists review the streets and dirt, and the uncleanliness of public areas. The city tries to maintain a clean environment for the town, but tourists leave the city in a much dirtier maintain than the city works to maintain. This is especially the case with the city in peak tourist season.
Though located outside the Americas, the city of Cairo, Egypt, shares this same dilemma because of the overwhelming number of reviews (23.6%) related to the cleanliness of the city. Although the city is ancient, the dirt of the city overshadows it. Many tourists love the Pyramids, but many of the surrounding neighborhood streets and public areas are quite disgusting.
Cities of North and South America: Where the Cleanness is the Most Unmistakable
Are there any cities within the Americas that are renowned for their seemingly endless efforts to maintain and manage the cleanliness of their environments? Absolutely, Yes. Certain cities of North and South America have made and defended their reputations for maintaining the cleanliness of their areas and have received positive testimonials of their efforts. Let’s present those cities that stand beside their landmarks for the unpolluted, well-maintained, and managed cleanliness of their streets.
Known for its Charm and its many Green Spaces, Edinburgh, with its historical Significance, continues to be one of the top-ranked Cleanness cities of Europe. Over 95.4% of the reviews proudly maintain and defend the cleanness of its public areas, thus making it a prime location for cultured and cleanliness-oriented citizens and folk.
Los Angeles, USA – Notably absent from many city rankings, LA gets praise for its street cleanliness, receiving reviews stating 95.2% positive. LA spends large sums on cleanliness maintenance, especially on streets in the tourist zones, like Hollywood and Santa Monica. Visitors are pleased to walk along and through green, clean parks, beautiful and clean beaches, and litter-free streets.
Porto, Portugal – Although in Europe, that is not the reason Porto is popular among South American tourists. It is the charming, clean, and well-maintained neighborhoods, and the picturesque riverside. Porto is the only municipality in Europe with 94.8% positive reviews for cleanliness. It is obvious to the tourist, Porto is proud of their clean city.

The Hidden Dangers of Dirty Cities: Why Cleanliness Matters More Than You Think
Why should the cleanliness of a place impact a travel destination? A tourist’s experience can be greatly impacted by the cleanliness of a destination. Picture yourself on vacation, walking through a historic square. You turn the corner and find overflowing trash cans, dirtied sidewalks, and bad smells. Would this be a place you would recommend to others?
Cleanliness offers a multitude of benefits and contributes to the overall satisfaction of a visitor of a city. Tourists are likely to be in a city that offers clean and well-maintained streets. This allows tourists to be more comfortable and safe during their visit to the city. Cities that are clean contribute to health and hygiene, along with providing a population with quality air to breathe. These values should never be overlooked.
The Importance of Cleanliness on Vacation: Awareness is Key
Filth is the last thing you want on your travels, but some cities can be quite dirty. Due to factors such as inadequate waste management and unsanitary conditions, the risk of getting sick increases when visiting certain destinations. Neglected streets with trash and overflowing waste can be unsightly but also create serious health problems (e.g., spread of disease, pests, pollution, etc.). Although some cities can be dirty and risky, weighing the health benefits and risks, some cities can also have a lot to offer.
With high sanitation levels, well before and during your visit, you can ensure a safe holiday.
What Criteria Mark A Destination As Clean?
Investments in public waste management and cleaning, staff commitment, and community engagement are what set us apart from the rest. Cities such as Sharjah (UAE) and Warsaw (Poland) have made ´cleaninvestments. These cities understand that ´clean is a complex metric, but also appreciates the benefits of a healthy space and community.
There is a positive relationship between the cleanliness of a City and its local Culture of Responsibility and Pride in Public Spaces, as the Local Government organizes Regular Clean-Up Initiatives. Such activities enhance the Image of the City to Tourists.
Tips to Avoid Dirty Cities: A Cleaner Vacation Experience
Do you want to avoid the dirtiest cities and ensure you have a clean city break? Here are a few tips to take with you:
Make Use of the Internet before Arrival: Online review and cleanliness rating platforms are available for all destinations.
Do Not Travel During Peak Tourist Season: Cities that are already struggling with cleanliness often have a greater issue at hand in the peak tourist seasons because the waste management infrastructure is overwhelmed.
Target Eco-Friendly Cities: Eco-friendly cities often have clean recycling systems, waste reduction initiatives, and the incorporation of green areas.
Select Less Popular Tourist Locations: Major tourist cities and destinations often have a greater difficulty with cleanliness, in contrast to less populated and smaller cities that may provide better cleanliness.
Final Thoughts: Is Hygiene A Consideration For Your Next Destination?
Are you prepared to purchase your next holiday? Consider the fact that hygiene is as significant as the location’s culture, history, and landmarks. Some places in the Americas struggle with dirt and waste. However, other places are great examples of maintaining a great reputation through cleanliness. Prioritize your destinations that are hygienic. Considerations will make sure your vacation is memorable, comfortable, and healthy.

Advertisement
Tags: Cancún, Florence, Kraków, Las Vegas, Lima

I want to receive travel news and trade event updates from Travel And Tour World. I have read Travel And Tour World's Privacy Notice .
Sunday, November 30, 2025
Sunday, November 30, 2025
Sunday, November 30, 2025
Sunday, November 30, 2025
Sunday, November 30, 2025
Sunday, November 30, 2025
Sunday, November 30, 2025
Sunday, November 30, 2025

source