If you’ve ever driven in any of Europe’s capitals, you might have felt your heart race a bit faster than usual. According to a recent study by Discover Cars, Oslo is the most stressful city in Europe for drivers. Lisbon, where I live, came in second!

This study, which measured drivers’ heart rates, found that navigating both Oslo and Lisbon’s narrow, twisty roads can be nerve racking to say the least. I was particularly interested in understanding why laid back Lisbon would cause so much stress to drivers, so I looked at the study more closely

Cars speeding at night past the Munich Victory Gate. Munich is one of the most stressful cities for drivers in Europe.

What Makes Lisbon So Stressful for Drivers?

Lisbon’s unique road structure is one of the main factors contributing to driver stress. The city’s historic center is filled with narrow one way streets that twist and turn unexpectedly. This, combined with heavy traffic and the frequent need to find parking in crowded areas, makes driving in Lisbon a high-stress experience for anyone.

The study used heart rate data from drivers to determine stress levels. Drivers in Lisbon experienced a significant increase in heart rate, with some reaching up to 132 beats per minute (bpm) while at rest, which is above the normal range. This elevated heart rate suggests that drivers are often stressed even before they start navigating the busy roads or might have been suffering from anxiety. It might also suggest that the Portuguese drink more coffee which also affects heart rate.

Cars speeding at twilight on the highway in Oslo. Oslo is one of the most stressful cities for drivers in Europe.

Comparisons with Other Cities

While Lisbon ranks high on the stress scale, it isn’t the only European city where driving can be an anxiety inducing experience. The study by Discover Cars placed Oslo, Norway, at the top of the list with the highest stress rating of 37.5. Drivers in Oslo face similar challenges, with narrow roads and heavy traffic contributing to their stress levels.

In contrast, cities like Krakow in Poland are much less stressful for drivers. Krakow was found to be the least stressful city, with a stress rating of just 9.5. This lower stress level is attributed to Poland’s recent investments in road infrastructure, making driving smoother and less congested.

Other Stressful Cities in Europe

Several other European cities were highlighted in the study for their high driver stress levels:

Milan, Italy: With a stress rating of 30, Milan’s busy streets and the prevalence of motorbikes and mopeds add to the chaos, making it a stressful city for drivers .
London, UK: London scored a stress rating of 29.5. Despite its extensive public transport system, the city’s roads are often congested, contributing to higher stress levels among drivers. This is why many Londoners don’t drive!
Budapest, Hungary: With a stress rating of 25.5, Budapest’s drivers experience moderate stress, often due to parking difficulties and heavy traffic in the city center (dailynewshungary.com).
Munich: The stress rating here was 21.5, and could be caused by the densely packed Autobahn at rush hour. Frankly, the high speeds people drive at on the highway doesnt help to reduce stress levels either, but it seems drivers in Munich deal with it rather well.
Prague: Just under Munich with a rating of 20, it seems that Prague is a better place to drive. This may be due to the fact that driving in the old town after 10 pm was banned in 2023 to increase quality of life for the residents.
Barcelona: This was one of the lowest ratings at 16 and indicates that the streets here are easy to navigate even though narrow and often pedestrianized one-way streets are very common here. The low heart rate here also suggests the driver might have been an athlete.

How to Reduce Stress While Driving

Driving in stressful conditions can take a toll on your health and well-being. Here are some tips to help reduce stress while driving:

Plan Your Route: Before you set off, plan your route to avoid heavy traffic and road closures. Using GPS apps can help you find the best routes.
Leave Early: Giving yourself plenty of time to reach your destination can reduce the stress of worrying about being late.
Take Breaks: If you’re on a long journey, take regular breaks to rest and stretch. This can help reduce fatigue and maintain focus.
Listen to Music: Calming music can help reduce stress levels. Just make sure it’s not too distracting.
Stay Calm: Practice deep breathing exercises and stay calm, even in heavy traffic. Stressing out will only make the situation worse.

Although driving in Lisbon and other busy European cities can be a stressful experience due to various factors like narrow roads, heavy traffic, and parking difficulties, it’s still unfortunately something many of us have to deal with on a daily basis.

So the question remains do we drink too much coffee because of the stressful road conditions in Lisbon, or are we stressed out while driving because we drink too much coffee? With the quantity of coffee enjoyed by the Portuguese, I guess we’ll never know.