Each year, cities around the world compete to win the title of the happiest city in the world. In 2025, the podium experienced a major change with a new European capital in mind!
And voila, it’s over for Finland! Its capital, Helsinki, no longer holds the happiest city title in the world. In 2024 again, she proudly dominated the classification of the Institute for the Quality of Life, praised for her exceptional environment, her healthy environment and her balance between professional and personal life. But, this year, another European capital steals the star, proof that urban happiness is a fragile and constantly evolving balance.
This classification, the fruit of the work of 150 researchers from around the world, assesses cities according to key criteria related to well-being: air quality, access to nature, security, health, cost of living, balance between professional and personal life, without forgetting culture and education. The index combines objective data and returns of the inhabitants, thus offering a complete and human image of happiness in the city.
And the big winner of this year 2025 is… Copenhagen, in Denmark! The Danish capital visibly checks all the boxes of happiness. Sweet town planning, omnipresent green spaces, cycle paths as far as the eye can see, quality public services, weak crime … The inhabitants of Copenhagen take advantage of a serene and well rhythmic life, where stress seems to have been relegated to the background. Add to that a strong social cohesion and a policy of well-being at work, and you get an almost ideal cocktail to live happy on a daily basis.
But the city of cyclists is not only a place where life is good all year round for its inhabitants. It also appeals to its visitors with its unique charm. Tourists often leave with amazed eyes, in particular thanks to its picturesque and colorful districts like Nyhavn. On the gastronomy side, a feast Copenhagen with specialties like the Smørrebrød, an open tartine garnished with fresh products or the frikadeller, meatballs … The Danish capital is also a cultural high place, welcoming prestigious events such as the Copenhagen Jazz Festival or the Copenhagen Opera Festival, which attract international artists.
What about France? No French city is in the top 10 this year. You have to go down to 13th position to see the only French representative appear: Paris. The French capital has many advantages, such as an effective public transport network and a particularly dynamic economic environment. But several points tarnish this table as its very high cost of living and its urban density.
