Discover the Happiest City in the World

If Aarhus, Denmark’s second-largest city, is unfamiliar to you, now is the perfect time to explore it. Situated on the eastern coast of the Jutland peninsula, approximately 120 miles west of Copenhagen, the city offers exceptional dining options (including four Michelin-starred restaurants and a vibrant street food scene), abundant natural beauty, and outstanding museums.

According to the recently published 2024 Happy City Index by the London-based Institute for Quality of Life, Aarhus holds the title of the world’s happiest city.

What contributes to Aarhus, Denmark, being recognized as the happiest city globally?

The Institute for Quality of Life acknowledges in its methodology that happiness cannot be universally defined, as cities are ever-evolving. However, the report emphasizes that various indicators can be assessed that relate to residents' quality of life and their happiness levels.

Considering this, the organization pinpointed five key categories that significantly influence happiness: citizens, governance, environment, economy, and mobility. These categories encompass 24 subcategories, evaluating aspects like green space availability, educational quality, reliable transportation, and cultural access, including libraries. By utilizing open data and conducting resident interviews, the institutions merged qualitative and quantitative data to establish a ranking based on a point system.

The findings reveal that the happiest cities in the world are those where education, inclusive policies, economic growth, mobility, environmental sustainability, access to green spaces, and innovation are not only prioritized in official policies but also manifest in practical solutions that have a tangible impact on residents' quality of life.

Given these considerations, Aarhus, Denmark, achieved the top score, particularly shining in governance and environmental aspects.

The index only included cities with a minimum population of 300,000, reducing the total number of contenders to approximately 1,650 globally. From this pool, the top 250 cities were recognized, categorized into three tiers: gold (the top 37), silver (ranked 38 to 100), and bronze (ranked 101 to 250).

Here’s the ranking of the happiest cities worldwide.

The 20 happiest cities across the globe

1. Aarhus, Denmark
2. Zurich, Switzerland
3. Berlin, Germany
4. Gothenburg, Sweden
5. Amsterdam, Netherlands
6. Helsinki, Finland
7. Bristol, United Kingdom
8. Copenhagen, Denmark
9. Geneva, Switzerland
10. Munich, Germany
11. Stockholm, Sweden
12. Rotterdam, Netherlands
13. Oulu, Finland
14. Vienna, Austria
15. Edinburgh, United Kingdom
16. Reykjavík, Iceland
17. Aalborg, Denmark
18. Minneapolis, Minnesota
19. Basel, Switzerland
20. Alesund, Norway

The only U.S. city to achieve a "gold" rating was Minneapolis, Minnesota. Meanwhile, Boston, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. received silver recognition, while cities like San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Madison, Wisconsin, Pittsburgh, Rochester, Minnesota, and Portland, Oregon earned bronze ratings.

Reasons to visit Aarhus now

While Denmark’s second-largest city might not be as renowned as Copenhagen, it is filled with charm, culture, and a vibrant culinary scene. Aarhus is located on the coast, and its waterfront has become a destination in its own right. Visitors can enjoy a swim at the Bjarke Ingels-designed harbor bath or stroll along the Infinite Bridge, which serves as both a pier and an art installation.

You could easily dedicate an entire day to exploring the city's numerous museums. The ARoS Aarhus Art Museum features an extensive collection of Danish and international contemporary art, along with the rooftop installation Your Rainbow Panorama, a circular 500-foot-long walkway of colorful glass panels offering 360-degree views of the city and bay. Additionally, Den Gamle By is an open-air museum that vividly showcases Danish history, featuring over 75 historical buildings, including shops, homes, and workshops from various eras. The Moesgaard Museum focuses on archaeology, including an intriguing exhibit on the Grauballe Man, a well-preserved body from the third century discovered in a bog in 1952.

For outdoor adventures, visit the Marselisborg Forests, a four-mile wooded area along the water that provides trails for walking, running, and cycling. Also nearby is Tivoli Friheden, a historic amusement park featuring rides, games, and summer concerts and theatrical performances. Close by, you’ll find the Marselisborg Palace, which boasts a lovely rose garden open to the public when the royal family is away.

If you’re looking for a dining experience, consider making a reservation at Gastromé. This Michelin-starred restaurant, housed in a villa from 1911, serves dishes that highlight Danish flavors with a contemporary twist, using many ingredients sourced from its own farm. For a more casual vibe, the Salling Rooftop café atop the Salling department store offers panoramic views of the city and harbor, with a menu featuring light bites, coffee, and pastries. The Aarhus Street Food Market is a vibrant venue in a former bus garage, bustling with stalls offering a wide array of global dishes, from tacos to traditional Danish smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches).

For accommodations during your stay, consider Villa Provence, a boutique hotel located in the city center with cozy suites, some of which open into the hotel’s garden, or Hotel Oasia Aarhus, a minimalist hotel featuring Scandinavian design, just a short walk from many major attractions.