Aroma is a powerful sense, capable of transporting us to another place and time with just one whiff. And as we explore the world, it’s no surprise that certain places stand out for their overwhelmingly fragrant aromas. An online discussion among world travelers reveals some of the best-smelling places in the world, and here are their top responses.
1. Ottawa, Canada
If you love how tulips smell, there’s no better time and place to visit than the Tulip Festival in Ottawa! Even if it rains, the air’s moisture increases the flowers’ intensity. Imagine walking down canal paths lined with blooming lilac trees and cherry blossoms. Is there any smell that can top that?
2. Provence, France
If the thought of walking through lavender fields in France makes you smile, you’re in luck. Provence, France, is home to some of the best-smelling scents in the world! “The lavender fields in Provence, which bloom in July and August, is a must-visit,” confesses one woman. “The scent of lavender was calming and relaxing. Pair that smell with good wine and have an unforgettable vacation.”
3. Durham, North Carolina
Speaking of lavender, you don’t necessarily have to travel overseas to smell that particular scent! Durham, North Carolina, has an abundance of amounts of lavender fields. Many people confess that even though they haven’t visited in years, they still occasionally think of the heavenly scents of Durham when they encounter lavender.
4. Seville, Spain
Sometimes beautiful scents can hit you when you least expect it. One woman describes being blindsided by the smell of Seville, Spain. “I arrived in Seville after a few frigid, very rainy weeks in Madrid,” explains one traveler. “I remember sitting on a bench and literally crying over how beautiful and sweet-smelling it was. As I cried, a group of doves flew out of an orange tree. I was so happy!”
5. Sequoia National Park, California
When visiting Sequoia National Park, many travelers report being blown away by the overwhelmingly-powerful sequoia smell. Not only is the park home to some of the largest trees in the United States, but as a bonus, your nose will tingle with the scent of decadent wood and fresh mountain air.
6. Paris, France
While Paris is not known for smelling very good, what is found inside the city captivates visitors through their nostrils. “On more than one occasion, I have been walking home from a night out, and all I could smell was baguettes and croissants from the boulangeries,” admits one man. “I bought half a baguette on my way home and smothered the whole thing in honey and goat cheese when I got home. I devoured it with a black coffee, and it’s up there as one of the best-smelling meals I’ve ever had.”
7. Hershey, Pennsylvania
The rumors are true: Hersey, the largest chocolate manufacturer in the world, is headquartered in this quiet Pennsylvania town, and yes, the smell of chocolate is everywhere! Hersey, Pennsylvania, is heaven on Earth for chocolate lovers.
8. Waikiki, Hawaii
While nearly every place in Hawaii smells (and looks!) heavenly, Waikiki holds a special place in many travelers’ hearts. “It’s like a sweet, earthy, slightly salty from the ocean smell everywhere you go,” reports one woman. I will never forget being on Waikiki beach and being like, ‘Why does it smell so good in this city?” As if people need even more reason to visit Hawaii, right?
9. Jacksonville, Florida
Coffee lovers rejoice: residents are delighted to report that most areas of town smell like freshly-roasted coffee! Of course, this is all thanks to Maxwell Coffee stationing its headquarters in Jacksonville. While not everybody loves coffee, the scent is unique to this North Florida metropolis, and I’m jealous.
10. Izmir, Turkey
Interestingly enough, Izmir, Turkey, is home to some of the most delectable smells you can find! Check out this mouth-watering description: “At night, there are smells of honeysuckle and jasmine everywhere,” says one man. “And fig trees. God, the fig trees. And the sweet, dry grass. It all blends together to be the most perfect fragrance ever.”
11. Congaree National Park, South Carolina
Sometimes the best smell is the smell of something being incredibly fresh and clean. Many people report being shocked at the aromas found at Congaree National Park, as people confess they never knew what “clean air” smelled like until they visited!
12. Piemonte, Italy
And of course, among the list of places that smell good is Italy. Europeans (Italians in particular) love the smell of Nutella. Well, as it turns out, the Piemonte region of Italy smells like Nutella! In fact, hiking through hazelnut orchards found in the area is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that many people swear by. (Great, now I’m hungry.)
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