October 31, 2024 | Jacki Andre

The Happiest Cities In The World


Is It Time To Redefine Your Happy Place?

Are you happy? If you could use a little more happiness in your life, you might consider moving to—or at least traveling to—one of the happiest cities in the world.

Zurich, Switzerland

With nine of its cities ranked within the top 200 happiest places to live in the world, Switzerland is clearly getting something right! Zurich is the happiest of them all—clinching second place on the global list (we've saved the happiest for last). Its residents enjoy an excellent quality of life with high incomes, world-class education, a strong feeling of safety and security, and strong familial and social ties.

Watch of the Saint Peter reformed churchSamira, Pexels

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Berlin, Germany

Berlin is the capital of Germany and the country’s largest city, with almost 4 million residents. It’s known for its rich history and vibrant arts and culture scene. Its high quality of life, low cost of living, and open and tolerant attitude contribute significantly to its overall happiness. 

Brandenburger Tor - famous landmark in Berlin Germanydetait, Pexels

Gothenburg, Sweden

Several cities within Scandinavia consistently top the list of the happiest cities in the world. The region is noted for its high quality of life—and Gothenburg is no exception. The stunning city, located on the coast of Sweden, has a rich history and cultural life. It provides its residents with exceptional health care, education, and social welfare systems.

Architecture in the city of GothenburgMaria Eklind, Flickr

Amsterdam, Netherlands

With almost 1 million residents, Amsterdam is the largest—and happiest—city in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is noted for its beauty, including picturesque canals and historic architecture. Its high quality of life, affordable housing, diversity, and progressive policies contribute to the happiness of its population.

Canal and Waterfront HousesAbraham Ruiz, Pexels

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Helsinki, Finland

Located on the Gulf of Finland, Helsinki is known for its rich culture, natural beauty, and green spaces. The happiness of its residents can be attributed to a very high standard of living, with excellent health care, education, and social services. As well, the city has a low crime rate, providing a sense of safety and security.

Helsinki cathedral and Market squareNinara, Flickr

Bristol, United Kingdom

Rich in history and culture, Bristol is known for its friendly citizens. The city boasts a highly collaborative and supportive arts and culture scene, allowing everyone from chefs to artists to musicians to flourish—and create joy for others.

Clifton Suspension Bridge And The ObservatoryChris Lathom-Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen’s status as one of the world’s happiest cities is reflected in its fun, colorful architecture. The city boasts a high standard of living, an abundance of natural beauty (including beaches), and a vibrant food and drink scene.

Restaurants and cafes in the old colorful houses2benny, Flickr

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Geneva, Switzerland

The location of Geneva—with its stunning views of Lake Geneva and the nearby Jura Mountains and Alps—provides its residents with a daily dose of beauty and joy. Further boosting the happiness of its citizens, the international organizations and businesses located in its environs provide well-paying jobs and contribute to a high standard of living.

View of the Fountain Je-Deau and the blue skyJames Cridland, Flickr

Munich, Germany

Famous for its Oktoberfest festival, Munich is a hub of German culture, rich in history, architecture, and nightlife. The happiness of its citizens is further bolstered by its strong social welfare system and high quality of life.

The old town with Town Hall at the Marienplatz SquareProkrust 007, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Stockholm, Sweden

Beautifully situated on 14 interconnected islands, Stockholm’s stunning setting creates joy. Its high quality of life, efficient public services, low crime rate, thriving economy, and low unemployment give its citizens many more reasons to embrace happiness. 

Scenic view of Old Town during sunsetLet Ideas Compete, Flickr

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Rotterdam, Netherlands

Rotterdam’s welcoming and joyful spirit is reflected in the way it celebrates diversity. Home to a thriving and harmonious global community of more than 170 cultures, the city offers a rich cultural stew for residents and visitors. 

Skyline on the river MaasGiorgio Tomassetti, Flickr

Oulu, Finland

With eight of its cities ranked among the happiest in the world, it’s no surprise that Finland is the happiest country of all. Oulu, its fifth largest city, is surrounded by natural beauty. It's known for its friendly residents, who are innovative, creative—and often have a quirky sense of humor.

Sunset panorama view with purple skytrabantos, Shutterstock

Vienna, Austria

Ranked as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Vienna is filled with awe-inspiring historic architecture, spectacular gardens, and legendary coffeehouses. Surrounded by all that urban beauty, is it any surprise that its residents are among the happiest in the world?

Stephansplatz and Graben street in the eveningTupungato, CC BY 2.5, Wikimedia Commons

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Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Rich in culture, Edinburgh offers endless things to do, with its historic monuments, vibrant arts scene, and numerous festivals. While the strong community spirit has a big impact on the happiness of its residents, the city also boasts a high standard of living, good health care and education systems, and abundant green spaces.

Princes Street in EdinburghJorge Franganillo, Flickr

Reykjavik, Iceland

Located on Iceland’s coast, Reykjavik is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Despite the cold, dark winters, its citizens are among the happiest in the world. They enjoy the city’s vibrant cultural scene, an abundance of outdoor activities, and a strong sense of community. 

Hallgrimskirkja Lutheran parish churchDavid Bill, Flickr

Aalborg, Denmark

Aalborg, a smaller city in northern Denmark, is noted for its beautiful architecture and vibrant waterfront. Locals take pride in the city’s change from a crime-ridden industrial town to a cultural hub—no doubt contributing to the happiness they feel living there.

Nytorv Square with blue skyTomasz Sienicki (tsca), CC BY 2.5, Wikimedia Commons

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Minneapolis, United States

Ranked the happiest of all American cities, Minneapolis boasts abundant green spaces, a rich cultural scene, and engaged citizenry. It also offers a high standard of living, with ample opportunities for career advancement at the many international companies that have established headquarters there. 

View of the Minneapolis SkylineBpA9543, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Basel, Switzerland

Located on the Rhine River, Basel is a stunning city filled with historic architecture and public art installations. While the beautiful surroundings no doubt contribute to the happiness of its residents, the city also boasts a strong social services network and community-focused initiatives to increase everyone’s sense of belonging.

Swiss Riverside Architecture on the river RhineHarvey Barrison, Flickr

Alesund, Norway

Although it’s a small city with a population of less than 50,000, Alesund has a big heart. As a university town and a port, its citizenry is diverse and known for being friendly and welcoming to all. Adding to this happy vibe, the city is surrounded by stunning scenery, including the nearby Geirangerfjord UNESCO World Heritage site.

View of Alesund port townSergey Ashmarin, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Brisbane, Australia

Locals in Australia’s third largest city have plenty to be happy about—including a great climate, rich cultural life, and abundant beaches and green spaces. The city has a diverse economy, lending to a high standard of living as well. 

Brisbane skyline by Brisbane river at nightJorge Láscar, Flickr

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is a beautiful city, featuring canals lined with stunning medieval architecture. As if living in such a scenic locale isn’t enough to be happy about, the city is also rich in culture and history, deepening the sense of pride and community among its residents.

Canals lined with medieval architectureDaniel Mennerich, Flickr

Luxembourg, Luxembourg

The capital city of Luxembourg is a terrific place to live. The happiness of its residents is elevated by high levels of personal freedom, excellent quality of life, abundant career opportunities, and a long life expectancy

View of the Old Town with historic yellow housesdjedj, Wikimedia Commons

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Bordeaux, France

The hub of France’s wine-growing region, Bordeaux is a stunning small city with historic architecture, beautiful riverfront views, and—of course—world-class wine. Citizens enjoy a high quality of life and access to ample cultural and recreational activities.

Fountain of the Three GracesFernando, Flickr

Cork, Ireland

With a mix of modernity and history, Cork is both cosmopolitan and charming. Its friendly, happy citizens enjoy Cork’s vibrant cultural and social scenes, ample green spaces, and high quality of life.

Colorful row houses with towering St. Colman's Cathedralchumlee10, Flickr

Cologne, Germany

Cologne has something to offer everyone, wherever they may find happiness and joy. The city has a liberal, tolerant, and relaxed vibe—and is noted for its friendly people. It has a vibrant cultural and social scene amidst its historic architecture and abundant green spaces.

Rhine river skyline, medieval gothic dome and Hohenzollern bridgeSathish J, Flickr

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Eskilstuna, Sweden

Formerly an industrial city, Eskilstuna is struggling with a high unemployment rate—but that doesn’t stop its citizens from being happy. They take tremendous pride in their efforts to make Eskilstuna the greenest city in the world, reinforcing community ties and creating connections while they do so.

Old city of Eskilstuna and blue skyEdmond Audran, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Utrecht, Netherlands

For a city of its size, Utrecht feels compact, friendly, and welcoming—projecting the happiness of its citizens. It’s a beautiful city with medieval buildings and historic architecture lining canals

Traditional houses on the OudegrachtCarlos Perez, Flickr

Innsbruck, Austria

Innsbruck is one of Austria’s oldest cities and its quaint charm exudes happiness. Set in a valley, with the Alps towering above, the city combines the joys of urban living with easy access to natural beauty and recreational activities. 

Colored house fronts of the Mariahilf districtJames Cridland, Flickr

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Espoo, Finland

While Espoo has a lot to offer as a city, much of its citizens’ joy comes from the natural beauty of its surrounding area, which is marked by a national park, 165 Baltic Sea islands, and dozens of lakes. And, of course, being Finnish, the residents of Espoo are happy for the same reason as other Finns—excellent public and social services and a high quality of living. 

Aerial view to Espoo city and clear blue skyyari2000, Shutterstock

Osaka, Japan

Even with over 19 million residents, Osaka is one of the happiest cities in the world. That’s a lot of happiness! Its citizens enjoy a very high standard of living, with excellent public and social services and a strong economy. Its vibrant culture and nightlife scenes further contribute to happiness levels.

Night shopping street along canalTrey Ratcliff, Flickr

Christchurch, New Zealand

Christchurch may be the only city in New Zealand to land on the list of the happiest cities in the world, but it has good reason to be there. Affordable housing, a diverse and resilient economy, and excellent health care contribute to its citizens’ overall quality of life and happiness level. 

New Regent St in Spanish Mission styleBernard Spragg., Wikimedia Commons

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London, United Kingdom

It can’t be denied that London is one of the world’s greatest cultural centers. With its easy access to a wide variety of art exhibitions, theater performances, live music, museums and historic monuments, and sporting events, London can provide an instant happiness boost to just about anyone. 

Iconic Tower Bridge on the Thames RiverGiuseppe Milo, Flickr

Singapore, Singapore

As a small city-state, Singapore is one of the world’s most prosperous countries—and its citizens reap the benefits of that prosperity. They enjoy a high standard of living, a world-class public transportation system, and well-maintained green spaces. Its vibrant arts and culture scene further bolsters the happiness of Singapore’s citizens.

View of the Merlion skyscrapersUnwicked, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Jonkoping, Sweden

Picturesquely set on the edge of Lake Vättern, Jönköping is a smaller city known for its happy, friendly citizens and strong sense of community. As in other Swedish cities on the list of the happiest in the world, the residents of Jönköping find joy in their liberal values, personal freedom, and trust in each other and their government.

Aerial view of Jonkoping set on the edge of Lake VätternKontrastfoto Ljungby, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Seoul, South Korea

Seoul is a vibrant, lively, happy city with a rich culture and history. Its citizens enjoy a high quality of living with a strong job market, stable housing, and an extensive public transportation system

Night view of downtown SeoulDomenico Convertini, Flickr

Ottawa, Canada

As the happiest city in Canada, Ottawa has a stable economy with ample opportunities for career growth and a high standard of living. Its residents are friendly, it has a vibrant arts and culture scene, and it provides easy access to Canada’s gorgeous natural beauty.

Canadian parliament buildingOnasill - Bill Badzo, Flickr

Boston, United States

Despite high housing costs, residents of Boston are among the happiest people in the United States. They reap the benefits of the city’s strong economy and enjoy its vibrant cultural scene and green spaces.

Boston harbor at nightweesam2010, Flickr

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Odense, Denmark

Odense is a beautiful little city featuring colorful homes, cobblestone paths, and historic buildings. While the setting evokes joy, its residents find extra happiness in its affordable housing, ample cultural activities, and numerous green spaces.

Colored traditional houses in old town of OdenseNigel Swales, Flickr

Oslo, Norway

Oslo is nestled in a beautiful area of Norway, making it easy for residents to enjoy nature in the surrounding fjords and forests. The city itself has a rich cultural heritage and lots of green spaces to explore and find joy in. And, as for all Norwegians, they have access to excellent social welfare and education systems and an overall high quality of life.

Modern buildings and the Munch MuseumJoe Ross, Flickr

Aarhus, Denmark

Ranked the happiest city in the world in 2024, Aarhus beautifully blends its historic roots with Danish modernism. Despite having a population of over 300,000, the city feels remarkably cozy and welcoming. Its vibrant arts, culture, and culinary scenes, and beautiful setting are part of what makes its residents so happy. This marks the third year in a row that Aarhus has taken the top spot on the list of the world's happiest cities. 

Cafes and bicycles in AarhusStan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons


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