A new study has identified the world’s happiest travel destinations for 2025, ranking 47 cities according to factors that influence traveler well-being.
The Holiday Happiness Index, created by BookRetreats in partnership with Harvard psychologist Natalie Dattilo-Ryan, highlights destinations where visitors are most likely to feel happier during and after their trips.
The index is based on five equally weighted elements: sunlight, sleep quality, healthy food, green spaces and walkability. Each city received a score out of 100, measuring conditions that contribute to the release of “happiness hormones” such as serotonin, dopamine, endorphins and oxytocin.
Top destinations for happiness
Lisbon topped the 2025 ranking, praised for its abundance of sunshine, coastal accessibility, walkable neighborhoods and healthy dining options. Helsinki followed in second place with extensive green space and a balance between urban life and nature. Orlando secured third place, noted for its numerous parks, outdoor activities and year-round sunshine.
Athens ranked fourth, with cultural landmarks and favorable weather conditions contributing to its score. Edinburgh completed the top five, earning recognition for its parks, walkability and mix of history with natural landscapes. Other European capitals in the top 15 included Madrid, Vienna, Budapest and Oslo, while global entries such as Sydney, Doha and Chicago also featured prominently.
| Rank | City | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lisbon | Portugal |
| 2 | Helsinki | Finland |
| 3 | Orlando | USA |
| 4 | Athens | Greece |
| 5 | Edinburgh | Scotland |
| 6 | Madrid | Spain |
| 7 | Vienna | Austria |
| 8 | Budapest | Hungary |
| 9 | Oslo | Norway |
| 10 | Vilnius | Lithuania |
| 11 | Copenhagen | Denmark |
| 12 | Rome | Italy |
| 13 | Zurich | Switzerland |
| 14 | Zagreb | Croatia |
| 15 | Doha | Qatar |
| 16 | Stockholm | Sweden |
| 17 | Amsterdam | Netherlands |
| 18 | Sydney | Australia |
| 19 | Munich | Germany |
| 20 | Chicago | USA |
Insights from the study
“When we talk about feeling good, we actually refer to the release of happiness hormones like serotonin, dopamine, endorphins and oxytocin,” said Natalie Dattilo-Ryan, Clinical Psychologist at Harvard. “Many of the factors that trigger them, such as sunlight, movement, food and quality rest, are often part of a good vacation if you choose the right destination.”
The study emphasizes that happiness in travel is increasingly linked to experiences beyond sightseeing. Walkable cities, access to nature, and healthy dining options were identified as major contributors to well-being, alongside cultural and social experiences.
Global perspectives
The index found strong representation from European destinations, with Lisbon, Helsinki and Edinburgh in the top five. North America was represented by Orlando and Chicago, while Sydney, Doha and Tokyo highlighted the appeal of non-European destinations. Rome placed 12th overall, recognized for its sunlight, walkability and balance of heritage with vibrant city life.
Researchers observed that travel motivations in 2025 increasingly focus on emotional benefits such as relaxation, disconnection from routine and opportunities for rejuvenation. The index suggests that destinations offering both cultural richness and well-being factors are best positioned to attract international visitors.
The Holiday Happiness Index 2025 underscores a shift in how destinations are evaluated. While iconic attractions remain important, the study indicates that traveler satisfaction is also shaped by everyday elements of city life — from food markets and parks to ease of walking and access to green space. As a result, cities that invest in livability and sustainability may find themselves rising in future rankings.
Photo Credit: Sven Hansche / Shutterstock.com
