Let us ask you one question: what makes you happy? Some people may say spending their time with their loved ones never fail to make them content. Others may say buying the things they want with their hard-earned money. But one thing that we think will always put a smile on everyone’s face, regardless of who they are, is traveling. Now, have you ever thought of exploring the happiest cities in the world? Yes, you read that right! People rank cities according to their happiness level. That’s why we’re here to show you the top 10. Visiting these cities will be one of your life’s most memorable moments. So, if you’ve been looking for a city break to put a smile on your face, keep reading and decide which city you should visit.
Table of contents
Bangkok, Thailand
10
The first city on this list is Bangkok. The capital of Thailand, Bangkok, is widely known and loved for its vibrant street life and endless cultural landmarks. As the world’s happiest city, it perfectly balances shopping, culture, food, and nightlife. Even better, everything here is pretty much affordable. It’s also seen by many as one of the friendliest cities in Southeast Asia. That explains why it’s a popular travel destination among travelers.
Among all of its famous attractions, the Grand Palace is a can’t-miss. This building complex is one of the most prominent and oldest ones in the city. Built in 1782, this place is often used to hold royal ceremonies. Visitors will have to pay an entry fee to enter the palace. But perhaps what you should really note is the dress code. Here, men have to wear long pants, and women have to cover their legs to just above the knee. No revealing and sleeveless clothes are allowed. Another way to have a happy day is to explore the top things to do in Bangkok, which include visiting Bangkok’s floating markets.
Istanbul, Turkey
9
Istanbul is one of Turkey’s main cities. It’s an LGBTQ-friendly city, so you’ll find many amazing gay-friendly hotels in Istanbul. Additionally, it also has a diverse culture. Istanbul is one unique city standing on two different continents, Asia and Europe. Its culture is a mix of East and West. In addition to that, we’re sure you’ll agree when we say food is the source of happiness. And as one of the world’s happiest places, Istanbul is also fancied by many because of its street food. It’s diverse and insanely delicious. If you plan to visit Istanbul, make sure to try its Lahmacun, Kofte, and Sis Kebab.
Istanbul also brims with plenty of attractions. One of them includes the Blue Mosque. Most travelers come here to admire the architectural beauty, but many also come to have a prayer. It’s set in the Sultanahmet district, which is seen by many as one of the prettiest parts of the city. Also, don’t forget to check out the Hagia Sophia Museum, visit the Spice Bazaar, take pictures of the Galata Bridge, and explore other top things to do in Istanbul.
San José, Costa Rica
8
For you who didn’t know, San José isn’t only the capital of but also the biggest city in Costa Rica. As one of the world’s happiest cities, the locals here are extremely friendly. Don’t be shocked to find people smiling at you on the streets. In addition to that, it’s also home to some of the most magnificent museums, entertaining theaters, and lush parks. Don’t forget to bring your camera, as chances are you’ll want to take pictures of many of the city’s majestic, historic buildings as well.
If you want to visit San José, don’t forget to spend your day in Avenida Central. It’s one of the most exciting things to do in San Jose. Avenida Central is a one-mile street that’s super popular among locals and travelers. It’s pedestrian-friendly, and you’ll find tons of artists, dancers, and singers to keep the street lively. Of course, you’ll also find many shopping centers, eateries, and supermarkets around.
Toronto, Canada
7
Now, we’re moving to Canada, and its most populous city, Toronto, which is also the happiest city in the world. Many know Canada for its iconic landmarks; you can find plenty of them in Toronto. There are so many things to do in Toronto that you may want to spend at least a week there. It’s a nice travel destination for those who want to enjoy metropolitan cities. Some of its most famous attractions include Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada as well as the CN Tower. Additionally, the nightlife here is fun, and there are plenty of shopping malls.
Furthermore, Toronto is one of the most pedestrian-friendly cities in Canada. Plenty of places are easily accessible on foot. Plus, this allows you to explore the hidden gems more easily. Even better, the people are generally friendly. In fact, Toronto is named one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world. Also, we highly recommend visiting Toronto in spring, summer, or fall. You can go there during winter, but you should be prepared for the harsh weather.
Madrid, Spain
6
Madrid is Spain’s capital and most populous city. With everything it offers, you shouldn’t be surprised to find this expansive and elegant city on our list. Here, you can expect picturesque, historic buildings and fun food markets. Some of the most popular historic landmarks include the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Temple of Debod, and Cybele Palace. And among the many food markets, one of the most prominent ones is the Mercado de San Miguel. With more than 20 stands, it’s a paradise for food lovers.
In addition to that, we also highly recommend strolling around the streets. Don’t worry; it’s pretty much pedestrian-friendly. Take your time and admire the elegant boulevards, stunning architecture, and popular museums. Finally, while you’re in Madrid, make sure to sample as much food as possible. The Spanish omelets and squid sandwiches are among the most popular among travelers. After trying out the top things to do in Madrid, retreat to the top hotel with a rooftop pool in Madrid and pamper yourself.
Sydney, Australia
5
Sydney is one of the world’s happiest places and also one of Australia’s most famous destinations. As one of the country’s biggest cosmopolitan cities, Sydney is worth visiting regardless of when. During the summer, Sydney is warm and sunny, allowing you to explore everything it offers without wearing a raincoat. While the winter can be quite unforgiving, visiting Sydney when it’s snowing certainly isn’t a bad idea. Plus, it doesn’t snow in Sydney, so you can also expect sunny days.
Depending on your schedule, spending a few days in Sydney should be more than enough. However, the longer you stay, the more you’ll fall in love with this big metropolitan city. Have fun exploring its harbor, sandy beaches, and the globally loved Opera House. In addition to that, the bars and cafes in the city are worth visiting as well. And since this stunning city boasts plenty of picturesque sceneries, you’ll want to spend your time outdoors. Another fun fact: did you know that Sydney is one of the safest cities in the world? Yes!
Rome, Italy
4
Have you ever been to Italy? If you answer no, you should start saving and planning a trip to Italy. That said, Rome is definitely the best starting point for your trip, even if you’ve been to Italy before. When talking about Rome, most people will probably think about its religious culture. However, it has so much more to offer, which makes it one of the world’s happiest places. As an ancient city, you can expect breathtaking, historic buildings throughout the city. Even the hotels in Rome also look amazing. We’re not surprised if you often stop and marvel at the palazzi and piazze.
If visiting the museums and churches doesn’t sound too exciting to you, maybe trying out Rome’s delectable food will. Influenced by ancient Greek culture, the food in Rome will never disappoint. There are over 10,000 restaurants in the city, ranging from down-to-earth eateries to fancy ones. Better yet, you’ll always spot a gelateria no matter where you go. Plus, there are so many unique flavors to explore, from pistachio to ricotta. But if you prefer to have fun and drink, you should head to Trastevere, Rome’s nightlife hub. Are you looking for hidden gems instead? Take a look at these must-have local experiences in Rome.
Athens, Greece
3
Athens is, without a doubt, worth visiting. Back then, Athens isn’t that desirable. Many saw the city as just a stopping point if they wanted to visit Greece. Thankfully, that’s all in the past. Today, Athens is one of the most visited cities in Europe. Apart from the hip bars and cute cafes, travelers now have plenty of modern and fabulous accommodation options to choose from. The best hotels in Athens are far from disappointing. On top of that, the museums are worth visiting, too. And when it comes to attractions, Athens sure doesn’t lack any.
One of its most popular landmarks is the Acropolis, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s where you’ll find Greece’s most iconic temple, the Parthenon. Psstt, make sure not to wear high heels at historic sites, as it’s against the law. In addition to that, you should also take in the beautiful views of the sunsets from one of the city’s many rooftop bars or restaurants. And if you have a loved one, that’ll probably be the most romantic experience ever.
Barcelona, Spain
2
It seems like Spain is super greedy! Besides Madrid, Barcelona is also named one of the happiest cities in the world. If Madrid is the biggest city in Spain, Barcelona is the second biggest. However, it doesn’t stop it from being a happier city than Madrid. The city of Barcelona is widely known for its beautiful architecture, art, and cuisine. If you’re the type that loves to spend the day outdoors, you’ll be thrilled to know that Barcelona is home to beautiful parks and hills.
Meanwhile, those who enjoy art will have a blast visiting the gorgeous museums and galleries Barcelona has to offer. And if you’re a hedonist, we’re sure you’ll understand why Barcelona is on this list. It offers first-rate wine and food at its many Michelin-rated restaurants. Since Barcelona isn’t a budget travel destination, you might as well go out and try all the fancy restaurants. For a luxurious experience, you should also book a room at a hotel with a rooftop pool in Barcelona. And in case you’re wondering, there are plenty of awesome gay-friendly hotels in Barcelona as well.
Lisbon, Portugal
1
Finally, we know what the happiest city in the world is. It’s none other than Lisbon! There are so many reasons why Lisbon is happier than other cities. For one, it’s one of the prettiest cities in Europe. Just simply admiring the fantastic architecture and beautiful museums is enough to put you in a good mood. In fact, visiting museums is one of the top things to do in Lisbon. In addition to that, this historic city also knows how to please food lovers. The food here is great, the wine collections are exquisite, and there are endless restaurants to explore.
Additionally, everyone can explore Lisbon on foot conveniently. Most of the streets in the city are safe, and getting around on foot allows you to explore some neighborhoods and hidden gems more conveniently. Oh, don’t forget to have a stroll along the riverfront right before the sun sets, and thank us later. Furthermore, the city can also cater to shoppers. Many high-end stores and local boutiques offer a wide range of products, from clothing to souvenirs. Shop as much as you want before you head back to one of the best hotels in Lisbon.
How did we select the cities?
Our list of the world’s happiest cities is based on a report that was released by iVisa in 2022. For the report, five factors were used to measure a city’s happiness: cost of living, sunshine, working hours, friendly locals, and life expectancy. The data for each factor was sourced from Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index, Weather and Climate, OECD, InterNations, and Worldometer.