Time Out’s 2025 snapshot of 18,500 residents puts happiness under the spotlight — and Spain has plenty to smile about. A Spanish city takes the crown, three others join it near the top, and Iberia’s neighbours and the UK make a solid showing. There’s also a notable absentee from the top 10.
Spain’s four happiest cities in the European top 10
Seville (no. 1 in Europe and top 10 globally)
Seville heads the European list on the strength of everyday satisfaction reported by locals. In Time Out’s survey, more than 9 in 10 respondents said their city makes them happy, the vast majority said they find joy in day‑to‑day life, and 74% agreed the feeling of happiness has increased. Seville’s result also aligns with its inclusion in the worldwide top ten this year.
Valencia (no. 4)
Valencia joins the top five, reflecting strong scores for day‑to‑day contentment and social life. The city’s combination of compact neighbourhoods, accessible public spaces and a sustained cultural calendar supports the kind of routine experiences residents associate with happiness.
Bilbao (no. 7)
Bilbao delivers one of the survey’s most striking figures: 100% of respondents said they are happier in Bilbao than anywhere else they have lived. That unanimity underlines the pull of a mid‑sized, walkable urban fabric and a solid sense of community.
Madrid (no. 10)
Madrid rounds out Spain’s quartet. The capital’s appearance in the top ten suggests the drivers of urban happiness identified by respondents are not confined to smaller or coastal locations, but extend across Spain’s largest metropolitan area as well.
What drives Spain’s outperformance
The survey’s happiness lens is rooted in the ordinary routines that shape city life. Spanish cities scoring highly share several traits that residents value:
- Everyday joy: a strong emphasis on simple, social daily rituals that make the week feel rewarding.
- Walkability and human‑scale streets: compact districts and short distances keep daily tasks within easy reach.
- Plaza and street life: regular, informal encounters in squares and along the street help build social ties.
- Accessible food culture: an abundance of casual, affordable places to eat and meet supports social connection.
How did Time Out rank the cities: methodology
Time Out gathered responses from 18,500 city dwellers worldwide for its 2025 index. Participants assessed the quality of transport, green spaces, culture and nightlife, and their city’s sense of community and inclusivity.
They also indicated their agreement with five statements tied directly to happiness: whether they feel happier in their city than elsewhere they have lived; whether people in their city seem positive; whether they find joy in everyday experiences; whether happiness has grown recently; and whether, overall, their city makes them happy.
Wider European context on the happy scale
Portugal’s two entries, Porto and Lisbon, reinforce Iberia’s strong performance on everyday contentment, with the country often ranking high for quality of life.
The UK claims four places: Brighton, Glasgow, London and Edinburgh. London’s position is buoyed by high satisfaction with public transport and green spaces, alongside a well‑rated food scene and nightlife. However, costs remain a pain point for value‑for‑money perceptions.
The absence of Italy in this year’s European top 10 is noteworthy, highlighting how current resident sentiment has concentrated recognition in Spain, Portugal and the UK.
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