Copenhagen is known for its Michelin starred food, colorful canal homes, and easy art and design scenes for the eyes. But what really defines a city is that all of these things are woven into everyday life.
Given that, it should be hardly surprising that Copenhagen is the happiest city in the world, according to the London-based Institute of Life.
Why are Copenhagen, Denmark, the happiest city in the world?
The Institute for Quality of Life recognizes that in its methodology there is no all-size approach to happiness and that cities are constantly changing, but the report notes that it is possible to see different indicators that affect citizens and their overall well-being.
With that in mind, the organization identified six categories that it considers to have the most direct impact on well-being, including citizens, governance, the environment, economics, health, and mobility. These themes include 26 subcategories that assess areas such as green space availability, education systems, comprehensive policies, and access to culture, including libraries. Through open data and interviews with residents, the agency combined qualitative and quantitative information to rank cities in a point system.
What it discovers is that the happiest cities in the world are committed to fostering and growing happiness, where education, inclusive policy, economy, mobility, environmental protection, access to green spaces, and innovation are not only important elements of formal policy, but also evident in the solutions implemented.
Based on these factors, Copenhagen, Denmark, achieved the highest score, particularly in the citizen and environment category.
Only cities with reliable, measurable, and comparable data were considered. “We are undoubtedly aware that there are many beautiful places around the world and cities worthy of part of the analysis. However, in some cases we were unable to find enough information about their results and performance.” Of the cities considered, only the top 200 are recognized and divided into three groups: gold (top 31), silver (city 31-100), and bronze (city 101-200).
Here’s how the happiest cities in the world were ranked:
The happiest city in the world
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Singapore
- Denmark, Alfs
- Antwerp, Belgium
- Seoul, Korea
- Stockholm, Sweden,
- Taiwan, Taiwan
- Munich, Germany
- Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Vancouver, Canada
- Vienna, Austria
- Paris, France
- Helsinki, Finland
- Aarborg, Denmark
- Berlin, Germany
- New York City, USA
- Dresden, Germany
- Brussels, Belgium
- Geneva, Switzerland
The only state cities to have a “gold” rating were New York City and Minneapolis, Minnesota (the latter ranked 30th, but was the highest US city on the Happy City Index in 2024). However, recognized cities of silver were Baltimore, Columbus (Ohio), the District of Columbia, Los Angeles, Nashville, San Antonio, San Diego, Salt Lake City and Seattle. Bronze US includes Boston, Houston, Indianapolis (Indiana), Orlando (Florida) and Phoenix (Arizona). Portland (Oregon) and San Jose (California).
Why is it time to visit Copenhagen?
The findings further highlight many things we already knew about the Danish capital, including the fact that Copenhagen is bursting with its charm, culture and thriving culinary scene. Last year, American Airlines launched a brand new flight from Philadelphia International Airport to the Denmark capital, with both the Delta and SAS launching new routes from Minneapolis and Seattle, respectively.
The Copenhagen waterfront is located on the coast (technically spreads across two islands and Zealand and Amager), and has become a fascinating in itself. Here, visitors will find photogenic canal homes, bustling port cafes, outdoor swimming spots and quiet stretches. Perfect for a sunset cruise (go boats offer the opportunity to pilot themselves, while the Hay Captain is a guided tour that encourages socialization between guests). Visitors can also paddle the Green Kayak canal. You can use it freely as long as you promise to pick up trash in the water along the way.
It’s easy to spend all day exploring the city’s countless museums. The National Museum of Danish traces the country’s history from the Viking era to modern life. Just north of Copenhagen, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art features an extraordinary collection of contemporary and contemporary art, including Picasso’s works. Small venues such as the Danish Design Museum and the Workers’ Museum reveal how design, craftsmanship and everyday life formed Danish identity.
To truly feel like a local, consider renting a bike. The city has an extensive web of bike lanes, allowing you to easily pedal from lush neighbourhoods to lively squares (including Copenhagen Cycling and Bike Chefs, which also offer tours). Surrounded by Rosenborg Castle, the King’s Garden and the vast Fredericksburg Garden are popular for leisurely summer strolls, leisurely picnics and outdoor concerts. The second oldest amusement park in the world and the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Disneyland theme park in California, Tivoli Gardens is another fun stop filled with antique rides.
To preempt your hunger, book a table at a Michelin-starred eatery. There are 15 homes in Copenhagen. The famous Noma restaurant has mapped the Copenhagen culinary scene, but other restaurants like Joldner and Geranium are also worth checking out (often booking a few months in advance if you can grab a table). For a more casual setting, check out one of Copenhagen’s many incredible bakeries, including Reel Bakery, Heart Baggeli, Junoza Bakery (Get a Cardamom Bread), or Andersen & Maillard (formerly Nomachef Helmet). Alternatively, the Reffen Street Food Market is a lively space on the water packed with food stalls selling a wide range of global cuisines, from tacos to traditional Danish. Sandwich bread (Open face sandwich). Copenhagen has many incredible breweries, ranging from Carlsberg, founded in 1847 to new heavy hitters like Mikkeller and Walpig, known for their innovative and experimental craft beers.
For places to stay while in town, consider Villa Canada, a former Canadian embassy that has been reconsidered as a luxury villa rental with seven Maximealist suites. Another option in the heart of the city is the Hotel Vera Grande, one of the newest and most hip hotels in town. The decorations are straight from Wes Anderson’s films, and the onsite Donna Restaurant is a place to watch and watch while refueling delicious Italian dinner dishes. For something quiet, book the Kaj Hotel. Guests will be served two kayaking in one room in the hotel floating on the canal.
This story was originally published in September 2024 and updated on April 29, 2025 to include current information.
