Bath named the world’s happiest city in global 2026 survey

Bath has been crowned the world’s happiest city in a major international survey, beating destinations across Europe, North America, Asia and South America to take the top spot.

The ranking, published by Time Out, is based on responses from more than 24,000 people around the world, who were asked about life in their home cities, including happiness, community spirit, wellbeing and everyday experiences.

Bath came first overall, ahead of cities including Panama City, Guadalajara, Medellín, Chicago and Cape Town.

According to the survey, 93% of Bath residents said they were happy living in the city, while 92% said they felt happier there than elsewhere. A further 91% said they find joy in the city’s everyday experiences, with 90% describing the people around them as positive.

The survey also highlighted Bath’s strong sense of community. More than eight in ten residents (83%) said it is easy to find a sense of community, while 86% said they feel they belong in the city, helping Bath secure the highest global ranking for community spirit.

Time Out also recognised Bath’s abundance of green spaces and access to nature, adding to the city’s growing list of accolades. In recent years, Bath has also featured in rankings celebrating its beauty and food scene.

The recognition reflects what many residents and visitors already know, with Bath combining world famous Georgian architecture, a rich Roman history, independent businesses, green open spaces and a vibrant cultural calendar.

The city’s thriving restaurant scene, festivals, theatres and year round programme of events continue to attract visitors from across the UK and beyond.

The top ten happiest cities in the world for 2026 are:

1. Bath, United Kingdom
2. Panama City, Panama
3. Guadalajara, Mexico
4. Medellín, Colombia
5. Kraków, Poland
6. Jaipur, India
7. Chicago, USA
8. Cape Town, South Africa
9. Shanghai, China
10. Gothenburg, Sweden

For Bath, the latest recognition is another reminder of why it continues to be regarded as one of the UK’s most desirable places to live and visit.