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Time Out 2025: Mumbai Named Asia’s Happiest City, 5th Globally

An annual poll of over 18,000 urban residents links the result to a vibrant social scene, celebrated street food, Bollywood roots, career opportunity.

Overview

  • Mumbai leads Asia in Time Out’s 2025 happiness rankings and places fifth worldwide, according to newly published results.
  • Abu Dhabi tops the global list, with Medellín, Cape Town and Mexico City also in the top five alongside Mumbai.
  • Roughly 94% of surveyed Mumbai residents said the city makes them happy, with nearly nine in ten expressing positive views on living there and community mood.
  • The survey asked about nightlife, food, culture, walkability, accessibility and quality of life, reflecting residents’ perceptions rather than objective measures.
  • Coverage notes that major Asian hubs such as Tokyo, Singapore and Seoul ranked lower, as reports highlight Mumbai’s social life, street food and entertainment industry as perceived drivers.