The Portuguese capital Lisbon has been crowned the happiest city for tourists in the current Holiday Happiness Index. The platform BookRetreats.com created the ranking in collaboration with Harvard psychologist Natalie Dattilo-Ryan based on five scientifically grounded factors of well-being. For travelers, this means: Lisbon combines numerous hours of sunshine, walkable attractions, plenty of nature, a diverse culinary scene, and a relaxed atmosphere—all factors that measurably enhance well-being while on vacation.

The most important things at a glance.

• Lisbon ranks first in the Holiday Happiness Index 2026.
• The evaluation was based on sunlight hours, walkability, noise and light pollution, healthy dining options, and green spaces.
• Athens, Orlando, Helsinki, and Edinburgh follow in positions 2 to 5.

What makes Lisbon so special

With 2,828 hours of sunshine per year, Lisbon ranks high when it comes to weather forecasts. The city practically lays its sights at travelers' feet: from the famous Bairro Alto to the picturesque Alfama district, everything is easily accessible on foot. The culinary advantages are also convincing; countless restaurants and markets invite you to enjoy fresh fish, seafood, and fruits – all finely tuned to healthy Mediterranean cuisine. For those seeking nature in between, the Tagus River promenade or Parque Eduardo VII offers green oases right in the city.

Lisbon's relaxed atmosphere is also derived from its proximity to dreamy beaches. Just a few minutes by train away, sand and Atlantic waves entice for a day trip. Travelers benefit not only from urban zest for life but also from natural relaxation. The combination of city and sea is an unbeatable argument for the feeling of happiness while on vacation.

The other happy cities

Helsinki, the runner-up, particularly stands out for its safety, tranquility, and abundance of nature. With around 126 square meters of green space per person and a very safe environment, the Finnish capital is considered a prime example of urban well-being. Despite fewer hours of sunshine, it impresses with quiet nights and efficient infrastructure.

Orlando in Florida reached rank three with nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine and huge green parks. The theme park metropolis offers more recreational space per person than many European cities. Athens shines with excellent accessibility to its attractions and Mediterranean lifestyle, while Edinburgh makes even less sunny days an experience with its historical backdrop and over 140 parks.

"The ranking shows: The key to a fulfilling vacation experience are primarily well-being factors that are scientifically measurable and go beyond classic tourist attractions," emphasizes psychologist Natalie Dattilo-Ryan.

How was the Holiday Happiness Index calculated?

For the index, the responsible parties analyzed internationally comparable data on sunshine hours, walkability, green spaces, noise and light pollution, as well as the selection of healthy dining options. Cities could collect points for each criterion, thus placing them in a global ranking. The combination of all these factors is not a subjective snapshot but reflects a vacation experience that scientifically contributes to sustainable well-being.

Important Questions on the Topic

What role do sunshine hours play in the ranking?The number of hours of sunshine has a proven effect on mental well-being and has therefore been considered a central criterion.

Why is healthy gastronomy a factor?Diverse, healthy eating contributes to a better body feeling and long-term well-being, as recent studies show.

Are German cities also represented in the index?Berlin is noted for its many green spaces but does not rank among the top 5 in the global ranking.

Outlook: What does this mean for future city trips?

The Holiday Happiness Ranking highlights that travelers can actively influence their well-being by choosing their travel destinations. Cities like Lisbon, which offer a diverse quality of life and meet many of the key criteria, are likely to become even more central to travel planning in the future. The designated feel-good factors invite travelers to not only experience the sights themselves but also to immerse themselves more fully in the atmosphere and lifestyle of the places.