Lisbon has been named the world’s happiest travel destination in a new global survey. The Portuguese capital topped the Holiday Happiness Index after researchers assessed 47 cities using several wellbeing-related factors.
The ranking, produced by BookRetreats, examined sunlight, healthy food, sleep quality, physical activity and access to nature. Researchers also considered how easy it is for visitors to explore each city on foot and how much green space it offers.
The assessment took place under the guidance of Natalie Dattilo-Ryan, an affiliated clinical psychologist at Harvard who specialises in holistic happiness. The study reflects growing interest in wellbeing when travellers choose their holiday destinations.
Why Lisbon Topped the Happiness Ranking
Food played a major role in Lisbon’s strong result. According to the study, almost 10% of restaurants in the city are classified as healthy. That gave Lisbon the second-highest share among the destinations included in the index.
The report also praised the city’s range of food and relatively affordable prices. Visitors can choose from fresh seafood, traditional Portuguese restaurants and a wide variety of international cuisine.
Lisbon also performed well for walkability. Despite its hills and uneven streets, the city remains compact enough to explore on foot. Visitors can walk between historic neighbourhoods while enjoying views across the city.
Green space added another advantage. The study estimates that Lisbon has around 49 square metres of green space per resident. That is almost four times the figure reported for Madrid.
Nature is also close to the city. Beaches around Cascais and Costa da Caparica can be reached in less than an hour by public transport, giving visitors easy access to the Atlantic coastline.
Sunshine Adds to Lisbon’s Appeal
Weather also helped Lisbon secure the top position. The study estimates that the Portuguese capital receives around 2,828 hours of sunshine each year.
The combination of sunny weather, outdoor spaces and access to beaches creates plenty of opportunities for walking and other outdoor activities. Researchers linked these conditions to the city’s overall wellbeing appeal.
António Valle, director-general of the Lisbon Tourism Association, said the city offers different ways for visitors to experience Lisbon while preserving the characteristics that make it distinctive.
European Cities Dominate the Top 10
Helsinki finished second in the global ranking. The Finnish capital earned praise for its parks, tree-lined streets and easy access to nature.
The study estimates that Helsinki provides around 126 square metres of green space per resident. It also highlighted the city’s safe streets, efficient public transport and calm atmosphere.
Orlando took third place. The Florida city is known for major attractions, including Disney and Universal theme parks. However, the ranking also credited its lakes, green spaces and long hours of sunshine.
Orlando receives around 2,930 hours of sunshine each year, according to the study.
Apart from Orlando, the rest of the top 10 consists entirely of European cities. Athens ranked fourth, followed by Edinburgh, Madrid, Vienna, Budapest, Oslo and Vilnius.
The results highlight how factors such as sunlight, healthy food, outdoor activity, green spaces and access to nature can shape the travel experience. For travellers who place wellbeing high on their holiday priorities, Lisbon has emerged as a leading destination in the latest global survey.
