While some people thrive amidst the hustle and bustle of city life, others prefer a more slow-paced lifestyle. However, the specific city you choose to live in could make a world of difference according to the latest World Happiness Report.
Based on factors relating to “how positively inhabitants currently evaluate their lives on average” a stunning city rich in greenery, art and culture took the top spot as the “happiest city in the world” for the 2024 ranking.
And to top it off, if you want to go and experience a slice of the happiness, it’s just a short-haul flight away. Helsinki is the capital of Finland, nestled on the coast overlooking the Gulf of Finland (which was also recently named the Happiest Country in the World).
Helsinki is well-known for its innovative art, culture and architecture, as well as the series of islands, peninsulas and bays which the city expands across. Though this is an urban population, there is plenty of green space well within reach which locals enjoy during the summer months.
In the winter, though the temperature drops dramatically, that doesn’t stop locals from getting outside. Compared to the north of Finland, the winters in Helsinki are warmer, and the snow season is shorter than in other parts of Finland – but that doesn’t mean things aren’t cold.
January and February drop to approximately -4C on average, though it has been known to get as cold as -20C. However, there is still plenty for residents to enjoy, including lots of opportunities to go ice skating.
The hugely popular pastime is a favourite across the country, and it is completely free of charge on all nine artificial ice rinks and other fields across the city – just remember to bring your skates. Even the Baltic Sea freezes over, and it’s not uncommon to see people actually walking on the ice.
Things get a lot warmer when summer arrives, and the city flourishes with life. There are lots of beaches to enjoy and many locals enjoy hopping on a boat and venturing across to some of the nearby islands.
Pihlajasaari is a beautiful island in the Finnish archipelago that’s only a 10-minute boat ride from the mainland and can be accessed by ferry, offering the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle where you can be enveloped by greenery and can watch the city lights from afar.
This colourful city is also one that is perfect simply for walking around, with so many architectural wonders to behold. Helsinki was named the World Design Capital in 2012 and was awarded with City of Design status by UNESCO in 2014 thanks to its unique blend of historic and hyper-modern.
Tourists or architecture enthusiasts can take part in a dedicated architecture tour, exploring the wide range of styles including Gothic Revival, Renaissance and Modernism.
There are also plenty of green spaces within the city to enjoy. Many locals get around the city by bike, both in summer and in winter, and the Vantaa River path is a popular trail leading from the suburbs right down to the shoreline.
Living costs in Helsinki, particularly the cost of housing, are relatively high though remain in line with the EU average. Based on estimations, according to numbeo: “A family of four estimated monthly costs are £3,049.6 (approximately €3,558.9) without rent. A single person’s estimated monthly costs are £829.4 (€967.9) without rent.”
