Bath, England Crowned World’s Happiest City for 2026

Bath Takes the Title of Happiest City Globally

According to УНІАН — Туризм: In 2026, the English city of Bath has been named the happiest city in the world, according to a ranking by Time Out magazine. This classification was built on a survey involving over 24,000 residents from cities around the globe. The final shortlist featured only one city per country, highlighting the study’s international scope. An impressive 93% of Bath’s inhabitants stated that their city makes them feel happy.

Situated about 150 kilometers west of London, Bath has a population exceeding 80,000. The city is renowned for its ancient Roman baths and its well-preserved 18th-century architecture. Its name, 'Bath,' literally means 'bathing place,' reflecting the historical importance of its thermal waters.

Global Ranking of the Happiest Cities

In the Time Out ranking, Bath secured the top spot, followed by Panama City (Panama) in second place and Guadalajara (Mexico) in third. Additionally, the list of the world’s happiest cities includes:

• Medellín (Colombia)
• Kraków (Poland)
• Jaipur (India)
• Chicago (USA)
• Cape Town (South Africa)
• Shanghai (China)
• Gothenburg (Sweden)
• Montreal (Canada)
• São Paulo (Brazil)
• Valencia (Spain)
• Prague (Czech Republic)
• Melbourne (Australia)
• Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
• Hamburg (Germany)
• Porto (Portugal)
• Amsterdam (Netherlands)
• Chiang Mai (Thailand)

As a result, Bath has not only demonstrated a high quality of life but has also become a symbol of happiness for its residents, underscoring the importance of social and cultural factors in shaping urban well-being.

The outcomes of this ranking may point to a growing focus on city living standards, as well as the role of cultural and social environments in fostering well-being.

With its historical heritage and vibrant community life, Bath can serve as a model for other cities aiming to enhance living conditions for their residents. Furthermore, such a ranking could boost tourist interest in Bath, which in turn may positively impact the local economy.