Time Out Index 2025: The World's 10 Happiest Cities

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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The happiness of a city's residents is not measured only by economic and environmental factors. It is also judged by small things such as a sense of togetherness in the neighborhood, the beauty of green spaces, the diversity of arts and culture, and the city's visual charm.

In the annual Time Out Index 2025 survey, over 18,000 residents from various cities worldwide participated in evaluating the quality of life in their places of residence. This survey covers various aspects of urban life, including culture, cuisine, nightlife, accessibility, affordability, and overall happiness.

Indicators of happiness were based on the percentage of positive responses to five main statements, including: whether the city they live in makes them happy, whether they feel happier in that city compared to other places, whether residents appear happy, whether they find happiness in their daily activities in the city, and whether the level of happiness in the city has increased in recent times.

Top 10 World's Happiest Cities

The results of this survey then became the basis for Time Out's ranking of the happiest cities in the world in 2025. Jakarta is ranked 18th in the survey. Here are the top 10 happiest cities in the world in 2025, according to Time Out Index.

10. Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne is known as a lively and creative art city. It ranks tenth and has a growing community of artists in every corner, from graffiti alleys to Federation Square. Residents praise the city's cultural vibe and sense of community, as well as its various events, such as the Moomba Festival and the renowned National Gallery of Victoria. According to Time Out Melbourne, the city is a fertile ground for artists from various fields, with many festivals and cultural centers providing space for expression and inspiring the community.

9. Seville, Andalusia

Seville, the capital of Andalusia, is known for its traditions and lively celebrations. According to Britannica, Holy Week, or Semana Santa, is the largest festival, featuring religious processions to the Cathedral of Santa Maria. Meanwhile, the Feria de Abril celebrates Andalusian rural culture. The city is also renowned as a center of flamenco art, with the Biennial of Flamenco Art festival and regular performances at various tablaos. Not far from Seville is the historic site of Italica, an ancient Roman city where the emperors Trajan and Hadrian were born.

8. Chicago, United States

Chicago is known for combining a dynamic cultural life and entertainment scene with natural beauty. Its official motto since 1837, "Urbs in Horto" or "City in a Garden," reflects the city's commitment to green spaces and environmental education.

According to Britannica, the city has an extensive network of parks, rooftop gardens, and public institutions focused on nature preservation, such as the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the United States that remains free to the public. In the suburbs, there are other natural destinations such as Brookfield Zoo, Morton Arboretum, and Chicago Botanic Garden.

7. Shanghai, China

According to George Washington University, Shanghai is known as a city that has successfully blended Eastern and Western cultures, making it one of the most influential metropolises in China. Starting as a treaty port after the Opium Wars, the city rapidly grew as a center for trade, culture, and modernization. Despite its strong Western influences, Shanghai maintains its Chinese identity through haipai culture, which blends local traditions with modern elements.

6. Beijing, China

Still in China, Beijing is known as the center of Chinese arts and culture. However, its golden age dimmed due to political turmoil, especially during the Cultural Revolution, which destroyed many works of art and suppressed intellectuals. Following the end of that era, the government sought to restore cultural heritage and revive traditional arts. Now, Beijing is reaffirming its position as a center for the revival of Chinese culture and a symbol of modern Chinese art heritage.

5. Mumbai, India

The cultural life of Mumbai reflects the ethnic diversity of its residents through various museums, art galleries, and lively art festivals throughout the year. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya and Jehangir Art Gallery are the cultural hubs of the city. Additionally, Mumbai is also known as the largest film industry center in India, Bollywood, making it a modern and creative cultural icon in the world, according to Britannica.

4. Mexico City, Mexico

According to Texas Monthly, Mexico City is not only known as a densely populated metropolitan city but also as a symbol of cultural resilience that has withstood modernization and technological advancements. Behind the rows of concrete buildings and urban hustle, lies the unique spirit of its people, rooted in indigenous culture, full of resilience, dignity, and humor, that keeps the city vibrant and captivating.

The city offers an inspiring experience for visitors, from the unique scent of street food to the sounds of music echoing through the streets. This sensation sets it apart strongly from the atmosphere of other modern cities, which tend to be quiet and uniform.

3. Cape Town, South Africa

This achievement secures South Africa's third position, strengthening its international image and positioning Cape Town as a beautiful coastal city and a symbol of the nation's diversity and resilience. According to Africa Business Insider, the city, known as the "Mother City," is located in the Western Cape province, near the Cape of Good Hope. The city combines stunning natural beauty, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Table Mountain range, with a dynamic social life. This uniqueness makes the city a mirror of cosmopolitan spirit and rich culture, as well as a major attraction for tourists from around the world.

2. Medellin, Colombia

Medellin is known as one of the most charming cities in Colombia, not only because of its cool climate with an average temperature of 19 degrees Celsius throughout the year, but also because of the hospitality of its residents, its culinary delights, and the distinctive paisa culture.

The life of the people of Medellin reflects a unique blend of rural cheerfulness and modern city dynamics. The city's identity is reflected in the people's humor, which is captured in traditional trovas and dances, as well as in the warm paisa culture. Despite being surrounded by mountains and rivers, the spirit of its residents remains unshaken, making Medellin one of the most prosperous regions in Colombia with rapid growth in various sectors.

1. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

In 2025, Abu Dhabi was named the happiest city in the world. It is known not only for its magnificent architecture and economic progress, but also for its ability to balance Islamic values, tradition, and modernity. As the cultural heart of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), this city has become a world-class tourist destination thanks to significant investments in the tourism sector, ranging from large parks, modern recreational facilities to grand architectural icons such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Emirates Palace Hotel. Despite its advancements and multiculturalism, the people of Abu Dhabi continue to uphold high standards of manners, social harmony, and local cultural values.