Lisbon Is Officially the World’s Happiest Holiday Destination in 2025 – Here’s Why

From sun-soaked streets to breathtaking viewpoints, Lisbon tops the Holiday Happiness Index, making it the ultimate destination for joy in 2025.

Forget chasing bucket-list landmarks or splurging on luxury resorts—travel in 2025 is all about chasing joy. Today’s globetrotters aren’t just after Instagram-worthy views; they’re searching for destinations that calm the mind, recharge the body, and leave them feeling genuinely happier.

That’s exactly what Lisbon delivers. According to the newly released Holiday Happiness Index by yoga travel company BookRetreats, developed with insights from a Harvard happiness expert, Portugal’s capital emerged as the clear winner. The study compared 47 global destinations across five key “feel-good” factors: hours of sunshine, quality of sleep, local diet, time spent in nature, and opportunities to stay active. And the verdict is in: Lisbon is officially the world’s happiest holiday destination in 2025.

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Why Lisbon Tops the Happiness Index

Lisbon checks every box for a truly feel-good holiday. The city basks in 2,800+ hours of sunshine each year, offers nearly four times as many green spaces as Madrid, and boasts a famously healthy Mediterranean-inspired diet, with fresh seafood, olive oil, and farm-fresh produce. Its compact layout, panoramic viewpoints, and charming cobbled streets make it a city designed to boost your mood at every turn.

Food lovers will also find bliss here. Lisbon ranks near the top globally for healthy dining, with vibrant markets and restaurants turning local ingredients into dishes that are both nourishing and unforgettable. And while its rolling hills might leave you catching your breath, the reward is worth it—breathtaking views over terracotta rooftops and the glittering Tagus River.

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8 Stunning Spots That Make Lisbon a Must-Visit City

Lisbon isn’t just about sun-soaked streets and pastel-colored buildings—it’s where history, culture, and breathtaking views collide. Whether you’re wandering cobbled alleys, enjoying riverside vistas, or savoring fresh local cuisine, these are the city’s unmissable spots:

1. Praça do Comércio – This iconic riverside square blends grandeur and history. Once the gateway to Lisbon, its majestic arches and open space buzz with life, street performers, and panoramic river views.

2. Belém Tower – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 16th-century fortress symbolizes Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. Explore towers and battlements while learning about explorers who sailed the world.

3. Alfama & Bairro Alto – Lose yourself in winding streets, hear haunting fado music drifting from intimate taverns, and uncover Lisbon’s soulful heart through hidden cafés, artisanal shops, and vibrant nightlife.

4. Miradouros (viewpoints) – Lisbon’s hills reward every climb with stunning panoramas. From Miradouro da Senhora do Monte to Santa Catarina, these viewpoints offer picture-perfect scenes over rooftops, the Tagus River, and sprawling neighborhoods.

5. Jerónimos Monastery – Marvel at intricate Manueline architecture in this Belém landmark, where history and artistry come alive.

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6. Tram 28 Ride – Hop on the city’s iconic yellow tram to glide through historic districts. A charming and nostalgic way to see Lisbon’s highlights.

7. Oceanário de Lisboa – One of Europe’s largest aquariums, perfect for families and nature lovers. Its impressive marine exhibits showcase the wonders of the ocean.

8. Rossio Square – Often called Lisbon’s heart, this lively square boasts stunning fountains, wave-patterned cobblestones, and a vibrant atmosphere ideal for people-watching and soaking in local life.

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The Secret to Lisbon’s Happiness

What sets Lisbon apart is its perfect balance. Unlike destinations that leave travelers exhausted with endless checklists, this city slows you down. Compact, walkable, and brimming with charm, every stroll becomes a mini adventure, and every meal is a celebration.

No wonder Lisbon topped the Holiday Happiness Index. It isn’t just a city you visit—it’s a city that leaves you lighter, brighter, and genuinely happier.

So if you’re planning a Lisbon vacation in 2025, choose a city that doesn’t just wow you, but changes how you feel. Lisbon might just be the trip your soul needs.