A large body of research confirms the restorative benefits of natural environments. However, a growing number of studies also highlight how urban spaces, particularly historical ones, can equally promote recovery from stress and psychological well-being. According to the evidence, places like churches, museums, and monasteries are particularly effective for psychological restoration. This paper outlines the mechanisms that explain environmental restoration in both urban and historical settings. These include physical characteristics of settings, such as biophilic design and protection from common urban stressors like traffic and noise. Other key factors are more intangible, and include the symbolic value of urban (and historical) places. Such a symbolic value can foster a sense of belonging, identification with place, and a sense of community.
Finally, a study is presented on comparative restorative experiences of favourite urban indoor and outdoor places among adults living in five Western countries (n = 945). We examine self-reported restorative experiences and features of restoration (activity affordance and social context) based on a combination of statistical tests and data mining methods. Results show that, in addition to natural environments, places including the home, eating and drinking places, and study places were also reported as restorative environments by participants. Psychological restoration was mostly characterised by cognitive individual activities, such as reading or thinking, and by socialisation - with variation among places.
Overall, identifying characteristics of built places which can support restoration and wellbeing is crucial towards healthy cities for all.