Mumbai is known as the “City of Dreams,” but it has now also become India’s “happiest city.” According to the Time Out 2025 Survey, Mumbai not only ranked first in India but also fifth among the 20 happiest cities in the world.
Mumbai (formerly called Bombay) is a densely populated city on India’s west coast. A financial center, it’s India’s largest city. On the Mumbai Harbour waterfront stands the iconic Gateway of India stone arch, built by the British Raj in 1924. Offshore, nearby Elephanta Island holds ancient cave temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The city’s also famous as the heart of the Bollywood film industry.
The survey polled over 18,000 people about their happiness, culture, and community experiences. 94% of Mumbaikars said the city makes them happy. 89% said living in Mumbai makes them happier than anywhere else.
Mumbai surpassed all other Asian cities in this ranking. The city’s vibrant nightlife, Bollywood’s glitz, career opportunities, and street food culture like vada pav were cited as major reasons for its happiness.
