World's happiest holiday destinations revealed: Tiny European capital takes the crown while only one UK city makes top 10

You wouldn't be the only person to associate holidays with happiness, but it turns out your destination of choice could be contributing to just how content you feel.The world's happiest holiday spots have been revealed for 2026 – and the list includes plenty of European destinations.One UK spot even makes the top five, according to the Holiday Happiness Index study from BookRetreats.'When we talk about feeling good, we're really talking about the release of happy hormones like serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin,' says Harvard-affiliated clinical psychologist and holistic happiness expert, Dr Natalie Dattilo-Ryan.'These chemicals influence everything from mood and sleep to energy and digestion. 'And many of the things that trigger them, like sunlight, movement, food, and quality rest, are often part of a good holiday, if you choose the right destination.'Here's a rundown of the best places – does your favourite holiday destination make the cut? 1. Lisbon, Portugal In the number one winning spot for happy destinations is Lisbon in PortugalLisbon has emerged as the world's happiest holiday hotspot, scoring highly across various feel-good factors, with its food offerings standing out in particular.Nearly 10 per cent of its restaurants are rated healthy, while its walkable streets make navigating on foot easy and rewarding. The city boasts over 2,800 hours of sunshine throughout the year, with quick access to green spaces and beaches, merging lifestyle and nature in a way that promotes overall wellbeing. 2. Helsinki, Finland In second place, taking the silver medal, is Helsinki in FinlandUp next is Helsinki, the capital of Finland, which has often racked up awards as the world's happiest country.The main appeal here? Nature. With plenty of parks and trees built into the cityscape, there's an average of around 126 m² of green space per person – more than double that of Austria, for example.It leads the index for sleep quality, too, and is very walkable. Plus, the calm ambience, safe streets and efficient transport contribute to its high position. 3. Orlando, US Theme park paradise Orlando takes the third place bronze medalOrlando is the theme park capital of the world – so it's hardly a surprise it ranks highly for happiness.It's also among the greenest destinations in the US, with 258 m² of green space per person – the highest figure in the index.With 2,930 hours of sunshine a year, it's also glorious weather-wise, with major attractions for visitors to enjoy in the sun – such as Universal Studios Florida, Universal Volcano Bay, and Lake Eola Park.4. Athens, Greece Athens, the capital of Greece, scoops up the fourth place award in the Happiness IndexIn fourth place, Athens boasts 2,773 hours of sunshine and plenty of history and culture for visitors to soak up.It's ranked as the most walkable destination in the study, with key attractions all accessible on foot, such as the Acropolis of Athens, Temple of Olympian Zeus and Panathenaic Stadium.Food is top too, with nearly 10 per cent of restaurants serving healthy options, and an excellent cafe culture on hand.5. Edinburgh, Scotland Rounding out the top five - and the only UK spot in the top 10 - is EdinburghThe only UK spot making the top ten is Edinburgh, Scotland's pretty capital.The city emerged as one of the best mood-boosting destinations, scoring highly across various feel-good factors, with its food offering and greenery standing out in particular. It has 144 parks and green spaces, placing it among the UK's greenest cities, and many spots to visit, including the Royal Botanic Garden and the trails of Pentland Hills Regional Park.6. Madrid, Spain Madrid, in Spain, takes the sixth place award in this year's Happiness IndexUp next is Madrid, where the city enjoys 2,712 sunshine hours per year – and an almost unrivalled food scene.The Spanish capital has many of its main attractions in close proximity, such as the Plaza Mayor, San Miguel Market and Royal Palace.With the famous El Retiro park nearby, visitors can also immerse themselves in nature while exploring the bustling city – a serious pull factor which not all European hubs can provide.7. Vienna, Austria Coming in position number seven is Austria's capital city, ViennaIn seventh place is Vienna, a culture hub and gorgeous holiday destination. Vienna, crowned the world’s most liveable city in 2024, is also one of the world's best to navigate while walking.Flights from the UK take around two and a half hours, and the City Airport Train connects travellers to the centre in roughly 16 minutes – making it easily accessible.8. Budapest, Hungary Number eight on the happiest holiday destinations list is Budapest, HungaryIn Budapest, pretty streets welcome visitors in, and popular tourist attractions in central areas add to the city's appeal.Széchenyi Thermal Bath, for instance, is one of Budapest's biggest attractions, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each month who flock to bathe in its steaming 38C (100F) waters.The city also ranks highly for quality sleep, outperforming every other destination in the top ten.9. Oslo, Norway Oslo, Norway comes in ninth place on the full rankingTaking ninth place on the list is Oslo, known for its excellent quality of life.Nature is at its best here, too, with a score of 114.7, beating other European destinations such as Lisbon, Athens and Edinburgh. Residents here also live for a long time: a study revealed Norwegian life expectancy is 83.31 years – above the 80.5 years average in Europe. 10. Vilnius, Lithuania Rounding out the top 10 is Vilnius, Lithuania Happiest holiday destinations 1. Lisbon, Portugal2. Helsinki, Finland3. Orlando, USA4. Athens, Greece5. Edinburgh, Scotland6. Madrid, Spain7. Vienna, Austria8. Budapest, Hungary9. Oslo, Norway10. Vilnius, Lithuania 11. Copenhagen, Denmark12. Rome, Italy13. Zurich, Switzerland 14. Zagreb, Croatia15. Doha, Qatar16. Stockholm, Sweden17. Amsterdam, Netherlands18. Sydney, Australia19. Munich, Germany20. Chicago, USA21. Prague, Czech Republic22. Dubai, UAE23. Dublin, Ireland24. Santiago, Chile 25. Singapore26. Warsaw, Poland27. Buenos Aires, Argentina28. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia29. Bangkok, Thailand30. London, England31. Manchester, England32. Paris, France33. Brussels, Belgium34. Seoul, South Korea35. Cairo, Egypt36. New York, USA37. Istanbul, Turkey38. Los Angeles, USA39. Mexico City, Mexico40. Delhi, India41. São Paulo, Brazil42. Beijing, China43. Toronto, Canada44. Taipei, Taiwan45. Tokyo, Japan46. Hong Kong47. Lima, Peru Rounding out the top ten is a more surprising entry: Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania.With great currency and banking infrastructure and abundant green space, it makes an excellent choice for those seeking a city-break. It's even been ranked as one of Europe's cheapest destinations in the 2026 Post Office City Costs Barometer.Staying in Vilnius costs around £289 for a two-night trip, with great prices including £2.12 for coffee, £11.87 for a 48-hour travel card and many attractions with free entry.