Seville Crowned Europe’s Happiest City — Here’s What Makes It So Special

Seville — Europe’s happiest city, where every sunset, song, and smile adds to its irresistible charm.

What makes a city truly great to live in? Is it the public transport, green spaces, nightlife, or simply the warmth of its people? For Seville, the answer seems to be all of the above — and then some.

According to Time Out’s 2025 survey of 18,500 residents worldwide, the Andalusian capital has been named Europe’s happiest city and ranks ninth globally. A remarkable 91 percent of locals said Seville makes them happy, while 86 percent said they find joy in everyday life and 74% believe the city’s sense of happiness has grown recently. Clearly, there’s something special about life under Seville’s endless blue skies.

A City That Knows How to Live

Seville isn’t just beautiful; it’s deeply alive. The city moves to its own rhythm — a graceful blend of historic elegance and laid-back charm. From orange blossom-scented streets and Moorish courtyards to late-night flamenco rhythms and laughter echoing across sunlit plazas, Seville offers an atmosphere that’s impossible not to fall for.

Here, life is slow, social, and savored — the kind of place where people actually take time to enjoy a coffee, a conversation, or a sunset.

The Must-See Landmarks of Seville

Seville’s landmarks capture its rich blend of history and modern charm. From Moorish palaces and grand cathedrals to vibrant plazas and striking architecture, each site tells a story of art, culture, and timeless Andalusian beauty.

1. The Real Alcázar: One of Spain’s most breathtaking royal palaces, the Alcázar is a wonder of Moorish craftsmanship and Renaissance detail. Its tiled courtyards and tranquil gardens have witnessed centuries of history and even served as a filming location for Game of Thrones.

2. Seville Cathedral and La Giralda: The world’s largest Gothic cathedral commands attention, both for its scale and its story. Climb the Giralda Tower for sweeping views of Seville’s terracotta rooftops — a sight that perfectly captures the city’s timeless beauty.

3. Plaza de España: Grand, cinematic, and utterly unique, Plaza de España is Seville’s most photographed landmark. Built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, its mosaic bridges, canals, and colorful tiles pay tribute to Spain’s provinces in the most spectacular way.

4. Metropol Parasol: Nicknamed “Las Setas” (The Mushrooms), this futuristic wooden structure is a symbol of modern Seville. From its rooftop walkway, the entire city unfolds beneath you, glowing gold in the evening light.

Things to Do in Seville

Seville is a city best experienced through its rhythm, flavors, and charm. From soulful flamenco and tapas hopping to scenic river cruises and historic walks, every moment here celebrates life and culture.

1. Watch Flamenco Where It Was Born: Seville is the cradle of flamenco — a dance of emotion, pride, and fire. Catch an intimate performance at Casa de la Memoria or La Carbonería to feel its raw power up close.

2. Eat Like a Local: Food is central to Seville’s happiness. Wander through tapas bars in Triana or Santa Cruz, sampling jamón ibérico, patatas bravas, and chilled salmorejo. The joy of eating here isn’t in fine dining — it’s in sharing small plates, big laughs, and local wine.

3. Get Lost in Barrio Santa Cruz: The old Jewish Quarter is a maze of narrow streets, bright facades, and flower-draped balconies. Each turn reveals another charming square, another story, another reason to linger.

4. Cruise the Guadalquivir River: Drift along the river that shaped Seville’s history. From the Torre del Oro to the Triana Bridge, every bend offers a fresh perspective on the city’s golden glow.

A City That Celebrates Happiness

Seville lives and breathes celebration. During Semana Santa, its Holy Week processions fill the streets with solemn beauty; during Feria de Abril, the city bursts into color with traditional dresses, music, and horse parades. Even on an ordinary evening, it feels as if Seville finds a reason to gather, dance, and smile.

This spirit of community — of joy shared openly and often — is perhaps what makes Seville truly stand out. It’s not just about sunshine and stunning architecture; it’s about how the city makes you feel.

Why Seville Tops the Happiness Charts

In Seville, happiness isn’t a pursuit — it’s a way of life. It’s in the warmth of a morning greeting, the taste of a perfectly poured coffee, and the hum of guitar strings drifting through the night air. The people here live with heart, and that’s what turns Seville from just another beautiful city into Europe’s happiest one.