{
  "id": 9086496,
  "title": "Lisbon voted the world's happiest travel destination in new global survey",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/lisbon-voted-the-worlds-happiest-travel-destination-in-new-global",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-22T05:00:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Euronews",
    "slug": "euronews",
    "url": "https://www.euronews.com/travel/2026/09/22/tourism-lisbon-named-the-happiest-destination-in-the-world"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A new global survey has crowned Lisbon as the world's happiest travel destination. The Portuguese capital topped the Holiday Happiness Index ranking from BookRetreats. BookRetreats assessed 47 destinations, examining elements like amount of sunlight, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, green spaces, healthy food availability, and sleep quality. These factors, known to boost happiness, were crucial in determining Lisbon's top spot.\n\nLisbon's appeal lies in its abundant green spaces, offering 49 square meters per resident - nearly four times Madrid's average. The city's cuisine also played a key role, with almost 10% of restaurants classified as healthy. This made Lisbon the second-happiest city in terms of food, outpacing global food capitals like Paris, Tokyo, and New York.\n\nEase of navigation on foot, despite the city's uneven terrain, was another standout feature. Lisbon's compact size allows for leisurely exploration while offering breathtaking views. The city also enjoys a sunny disposition, with 2,828 hours of sunshine annually. This, combined with its diverse culinary scene, affordable prices, and proximity to nature, particularly its coastal beaches, creates an environment that naturally elevates mood and promotes wellbeing.\n\nThe study, guided by Natalie Dattilo-Ryan, a Harvard-affiliated clinical psychologist specializing in holistic happiness, underscores how these factors collectively contribute to a heightened sense of happiness in visitors. Lisbon's unique offerings, from its varied food options to its compact, walkable layout and abundant greenery, distinguish it from other destinations. This holistic approach to city planning and visitor experience, as highlighted by António Valle, Director-General of the Lisbon Tourism Association, is what sets Lisbon apart and drives its reputation as a global hub of happiness.",
  "summary": "Sunlight, healthy food, sleep quality, physical exercise and access to nature were the five factors that put Portugal's capital at the top of a ranking of 47 cities.",
  "key_points": [
    "Lisbon named world's happiest travel destination in Holiday Happiness Index",
    "Portuguese capital boasts 49 square meters of green space per resident",
    "City offers 2,828 hours of annual sunshine and diverse, affordable cuisine"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Lisbon's top ranking in the Holiday Happiness Index cements its reputation as a premier destination, highlighting the city's unique blend of green spaces, healthy food, and walkability that fosters visitor wellbeing.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}