Time Out’s Ranking of 20 Happiest Cities in the World
Determining what makes a city happy goes beyond a single variable. Urban well-being is constructed from structural factors like employment, health, and economic environment, as well as daily elements such as access to public spaces, cultural offerings, mobility, and social coexistence.
The Happiness Index
TimeOut constructed the happiness index based on the proportion of favorable responses regarding residents’ perceptions of their city, including whether it brings them happiness, if they feel better there than in other places they’ve lived or visited, if they perceive well-being in their surroundings, if they enjoy daily life, and if they believe this feeling has increased recently.
Medellín Tops the List
According to TimeOut’s ranking, Medellín is the second happiest city in the world for 2025 and the only Colombian city highlighted for its quality of life, urban environment, and overall well-being.
Approximately 97% of the city’s residents claimed to be happy and emphasized the gastronomic offerings, a wide range of day and night activities, and green spaces. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, leads the ranking with 99% acceptance from its residents; Cape Town, South Africa, follows closely in third place.
CDMX Secures 4th Place
The Mexico City’s position at fourth place solidifies the presence of emerging cities and non-traditional economies in the top spots, supported by diverse cultural offerings and internationally recognized gastronomy, with iconic neighborhoods like Coyoacán, Polanco, and the Historic Center.
Global Representation
The ranking includes cities from Asia, Europe, America, and Oceania, reflecting its global nature. Notable cities include Mumbai, a significant economic and cultural hub in India; Beijing and Shanghai, blending modernity and tradition in China; Chicago, an urban reference in the United States; and Seville, recognized for its historical heritage, cultural life, and Mediterranean identity.
Australia places Melbourne and Sydney in the list, while the United Kingdom features Brighton and Glasgow. Valencia and Seville strengthen Spain’s representation, joined by Porto in Portugal, highlighting the Iberian Peninsula’s prominence among highly-rated destinations by their inhabitants.
These cities stand out for their quality of life, urban scale, and a blend of historical heritage, public spaces, and cultural offerings. Meanwhile, Asia gains prominence with cities like Chiang Mai in Thailand, Hanoi in Vietnam, and Jakarta in Indonesia, reflecting the growing appeal of cities that balance tradition, economic dynamism, and valued urban experiences.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Time Out ranking? It’s a list of 20 happiest cities worldwide, based on an international survey of 18,000 people.
- What factors determine a city’s happiness? It includes structural elements like employment, health, and economy, as well as daily aspects such as public spaces, cultural offerings, mobility, and social coexistence.
- Which city is ranked 1st? Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, leads the list with 99% acceptance from its residents.
- Which city is 4th on the list? The City of Mexico (CDMX) ranks 4th, highlighting its diverse cultural offerings and internationally recognized gastronomy.
- What makes the ranking globally representative? It includes cities from various regions, showcasing a wide range of geographical, cultural, and social diversity.
