For each city, the amount of sunlight, sleep quality, and opportunities for healthy eating were assessed.
Experts conducted an interesting analysis of trips that can provide as many positive emotions as possible – the Portuguese Lisbon took first place.
According to TimeOut, it is precisely “happiness” that forms the basis of the new Holiday Happiness Index by BookRetreats.com, developed in collaboration with psychologist Natalie Dattilo‑Ryan, who works with Harvard. In particular, 47 tourist destinations around the world were analysed based on five factors that, according to scientific data, are associated with the production of so‑called “happiness hormones” in the body.
For each city, the amount of sunlight, sleep quality, opportunities for healthy eating, the time that can be spent outdoors, and the convenience for walking were assessed. All five indicators had equal weight, after which the overall happiness score on a 100‑point scale was calculated for each category.
Lisbon (Portugal) took first place. Almost 10% of the city’s restaurants are classified as “healthy” – this is the second‑highest indicator in the entire ranking. By this criterion, Lisbon outperforms such gastronomic capitals as Paris, Tokyo, and New York.
Furthermore, the Portuguese capital is convenient for walking, despite its well‑known hilly terrain. The city is quite compact, so most of the main attractions, from Praça do Comércio to the Belém Tower, can be reached on foot in a few hours. This is complemented by 49 square metres of green spaces per person — almost four times more than in Madrid. Tourists also have easy access to the beaches of Costa da Caparica and Cascais. Furthermore, Lisbon receives an average of 2,828 hours of sunlight per year.
Helsinki in Finland also made it into the top five. The country has been named the happiest in the world for the eighth year in a row, and the capital itself is notable for its large number of green spaces and low levels of noise pollution.
Orlando (USA) took third place. The city has the highest number of green spaces per capita among all the ranking participants and also receives nearly 2,930 hours of sunlight per year.
Greek Athens came in fourth. It is the most convenient city for walking in the entire ranking. In addition, Athens has one of the highest proportions of restaurants offering healthy food.
Edinburgh, Scotland rounds out the top five – the only British city to make it into the top 10. It was recognized for its parks, sleep quality, and walkability.
The second five happiest tourist destinations are Madrid (Spain), Vienna (Austria), Budapest (Hungary), Oslo (Norway), Vilnius (Lithuania).
Konstantin is an acclaimed travel writer, celebrated for transforming ordinary journeys into extraordinary narratives. With years of experience exploring diverse destinations across the globe, his work blends vivid storytelling, cultural insights, and practical advice to inspire wanderlust and guide readers toward unforgettable adventures.
As a key contributor to enjoythetrip.org website, Konstantin has built a loyal readership through their expertise in uncovering both iconic landmarks and off-the-beaten-path treasures. He specializes in providing travelers with honest, actionable tips, whether it’s finding the best resorts in Maldives, exploring cultural hubs like Paris, or diving into the natural wonders of Croatia.