This European Capital Has Just Been Named the World’s ‘Happiest’ Place to Visit

When it comes to holidays, sometimes we don’t want adventure or soul-searching—we just want to feel good. Enter Lisbon. The Portuguese capital has just been crowned the world’s happiest city to visit, according to BookRetreats’ new Holiday Happiness Index. The ranking measures destinations on sunlight, sleep quality, healthy food, time in nature, and exercise opportunities. Out of 47 spots analysed, Lisbon emerged as the ultimate feel-good escape.

Lisbon tops a new Holiday Happiness Index, thanks to sunshine, green spaces, and incredible food

The Portuguese capital has the perfect blend, of history, culture, gastronomy, and beautiful weather!

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Visit Lisbon

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What makes it so joyful? For starters, the food scene. Lisbon is packed with healthy, delicious eateries, landing second in the Index for cuisine. Its compact streets make wandering on foot a breeze (though those famous hills might double as a mini workout).

Lisbon is packed with great places to eat and drink

Add in nearly four times as many green spaces as Madrid, and a generous 2,828 hours of annual sunshine, and it’s no wonder Lisbon scored highly across every category.

Nature and calm elsewhere

Second place went to Helsinki, where lush parks, forest trails, and a serene pace of life make it ideal for a tranquil getaway. Orlando claimed third, offering sun, beaches, and surprisingly peaceful corners alongside its theme park attractions.